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What is Ketamine Used for in Mental Health?

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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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The Polyvagal Theory: How to Calm the Body

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polyvagal theory

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. AMFT What is Polyvagal Theory? Polyvagal Theory explains the impact that our nervous system has on our experience of threat and safety. Shifts in our autonomic nervous system (which regulates involuntary physiological processes like heart rate, respiration, digestion, etc.) produces key states of being: rest-and-digest (safe), fight-or-flight (unsafe, mobilization), or shutdown (unsafe, freeze). The autonomic nervous system is composed of three divisions, two of which are the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.  If we have unresolved trauma in our past, struggle with chronic stress, or experience anxiety and depression, we may live in a version of perpetual fight-or-flight. This is hard on the body and can lead to many adverse health outcomes, both physical and mental. What is the Vagus Nerve? Central to Polyvagal Theory is the vagus nerve, “is the longest cranial nerve in the body, containing both motor and sensory functions in both the …

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Anger Management Therapy

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polyvagal theory

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. What is anger? Anger is, at its core, a very normal and human emotion. It is important to distinguish that we all experience anger and that it is okay. Anger can serve as data that something is making us uncomfortable, crossing our boundaries, or impeding on our sense of wellbeing.  Anger can be warranted, but sometimes it clouds our judgment. When we get angry, our nervous system is sent into fight mode as a result of perceived threat. Perceived threat could be an insult thrown our way or a wrongdoing directed towards us. When our nervous system is in fight mode, our amygdala is activated more than our prefrontal cortex; the prefrontal cortex is responsible for calculated decision making, understanding of long term consequences, and judgment (American Addiction Centers, 2022).  When angry, you may “see red” or get “tunnel vision.” You may experience rapid heart rate …

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Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month 2023

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polyvagal theory

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. Why Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month? Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States during the month of May, recognizing the incredible ways that Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans have contributed and influenced the culture, history, and achievements of the United States.  May was chosen because of its historical significance for the AAPI community, commemorating the immigration of the first Japanese people to the United States, as well as Golden Spike Day (May 10, 1869), which marked the completion of the transcontinental railroad, largely built by Chinese laborers. President Jimmy Carter signed Asian American Week into law in 1978, designating a week to celebrate the AAPI community. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed a bill that extended the week into a full month; further, it was President Barack Obama who changed the name to …

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What Are the 8 Dimensions of Wellness?

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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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