What is Ketamine Used for in Mental Health?

woman in doctor's office asking: what is ketamine used for in mental health?

Medically reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, MD Ketamine is used in mental health primarily to treat depression, notably treatment-resistant depression. It’s also being explored for treating other conditions like PTSD, anxiety disorders, and certain chronic pain conditions. Its rapid-acting, antidepressant effects offer a lifeline to those who have found limited relief from conventional treatments. Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and others, are debilitating conditions that impact millions worldwide. For many of these individuals, conventional treatments like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive behavioral therapy provide relief. However, for a significant number, these standard therapies fall short, leaving them trapped in a cycle of unyielding symptoms. This predicament, known as treatment-resistant mental health disorders, can create a profound sense of hopelessness for affected individuals. The longer the symptoms persist, the greater the risk of harmful consequences, including personal and professional life disruption, strained relationships, and in severe cases, …

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What Are the 8 Dimensions of Wellness?

woman enjoying sunlight in room with plants while wondering ... what are the 8 dimensions of wellness?

Medically reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, MD What are the 8 dimensions of wellness? Wellness is often mistaken for not being physically sick. Some think being unwell means having the flu, headaches, diabetes, cancer, or other conditions. However, the physical aspects are just one element of overall wellness. The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as the “active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to holistic health.  In total, there are eight dimensions of wellness, sometimes referred to as the circle of wellness. Below are details of each dimension and how to improve them. You don’t need to try for complete balance in each area. Life doesn’t work that way. Focus on the areas needing the most attention. 1. Physical Wellness Since this is the first area that most think of when it comes to wellness, starting with physical wellness makes sense. It refers to how you care for your …

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How to Support a Family Member with Depression and Anxiety

How to Support a Family Member with Depression and Anxiety

Data shows that 9.5% of American adults have some form of depressive disorder, and 18% have an anxiety disorder. Most of those millions have family members, like you, who wonder how to support their loved ones. You can take many actions to support someone with mental illness. One thing to avoid doing is ignoring the issue. Symptoms will not go away and will likely worsen if not treated. You may wonder how to start a conversation about mental health with a loved one without offending them. The key is to express empathy and caring in whatever you say.  The more you know about depression and anxiety, the easier it will be to find the right words of support. Learn More About Depression and Anxiety No one chooses to have a mental health disorder; it doesn’t go away without specific treatments and lifestyle changes. Depression and anxiety are mood disorders involving …

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9 Symptoms of Childhood Trauma in Adulthood

Symptoms of Childhood Trauma in Adulthood

Ignoring childhood trauma can lead to mental health conditions in adulthood related to childhood trauma in adulthood. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), one in seven children experiences abuse annually. Also, one in five high school students report being bullied, and at least 1,000 kids are treated in emergency rooms after being assaulted. SAMSHA says that two-thirds of children experience at least one trauma by age 16. Only a tiny percentage of children receive trauma-related treatments to learn how to cope, confront, and move forward. Instead, they take the trauma into adulthood, which can cause significant distress. In this article, you will learn more about the most common symptoms of childhood trauma in adulthood as well as the treatment options available. What is Trauma? Trauma can be both a noun and a verb. Trauma is an event or situation that negatively impacts your life. Examples …

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Parenting a Child with Mental Health Issues

Illustration of mom and dad comforting child on couch - Parenting a Child with Mental Health Issues

Are you parenting a child with mental health issues? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of parents across the globe face similar challenges daily. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 6 million American children between 3 and 17 have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), 5.8 million have anxiety, and nearly 3 million have depression. If you are parenting a child with mental illness, there are many things you can do to improve the outcomes for your child, yourself, and the whole family. Keep reading to discover helpful tips when parenting a child with mental health issues. Love Your Child If a child has a mental health disorder, it means their brain and nervous system are not functioning correctly. The communication parts of the brain malfunction, sending out incorrect messages to the rest of the body. Mental illness is not your child’s fault or …

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