September Innerbloom Newsletter
Sep 17, 2024 12:00 pm
Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy
September 2024
This month, we must take the time to highlight the significance of Suicide Awareness Month. Suicide rates in America continue to rise, with a life lost every eleven minutes. Over the past two decades, we witnessed a staggering 36% increase in suicide cases. The ripple effects of suicide touch everyone—most of us know someone who has taken their own life and the devastation it leaves behind.
Clinical studies have shown that a single ketamine infusion can reduce suicidal thoughts within just one hour. In fact, 63% of participants achieved full remission of suicidal ideation by day three, and by six weeks, 70% remained in remission after receiving a total of two ketamine infusions.
So, how can we address this crisis? The key lies in fostering a culture of support. By eliminating the stigma around mental health struggles, we can create an environment where individuals feel safe reaching out for help when they need it most.
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🗞️ NEWS
Matthew's Passing - Understanding The Facts
Now that the dust has settled and more details have come to light regarding the tragic passing of Matthew Perry, it’s critical to address the misinformation surrounding ketamine therapy. The field of ketamine and psychedelic treatments is already clouded by stigma, so let’s set the record straight with what we now know about this upsetting story:
FACTS:
➡️ The amount of ketamine found in Perry’s system was consistent with anesthesia-level doses, not the much lower doses—8 to 10 times less—used for depression treatment.
➡️ Perry’s case centers on addiction and misuse, not the responsible, medically supervised use of ketamine seen in clinical settings.
➡️ Ketamine is not intended for daily use. The frequency of his usage was far beyond what’s prescribed in clinical therapy.
➡️ Recreational ketamine use can lead to harm, addiction, and worsening of depression.
➡️ Ketamine has been safely used for over 50 years, and in 2019, the FDA approved a nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression.
➡️ For those who haven’t found relief with traditional antidepressants, ketamine therapy can be life-saving.
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⚗️ SCIENCE
For decades, the cause of depression was seen as a simple chemical imbalance of molecules like serotonin and dopamine. However, new research suggests that depression might be better understood as a condition where the brain’s connections and structure start to break down, particularly in areas like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus—key players in mood and cognition.
💉 How Ketamine Helps: Repairing, Not Just Balancing
Ketamine does more than just affect neurotransmitters. It boosts brain activity and growth factors such as BDNF, leading to the actual repair and strengthening of damaged brain connections.
🌱 Ketamine Beyond Symptom Alleviation
By promoting repair, rewiring, and overall better communication and function, ketamine can offer lasting relief—shifting the focus from symptom management to real recovery.
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⭐️ WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY
"...Make no mistake; Innerbloom does not offer a magic bullet. Simply a major boost forward, akin to years of therapy and meditation practice. At one point, I felt as if I was cheating, seeing and feeling the world, and my places in it as it is seen only by those who have spent decades calming the chatter of the mind and reaching out with the heart....
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📖 ON THE BLOG
Ketamine Therapy for End-of-Life and Palliative Care: Facilitating a Compassionate Transition: We’re seeing a growing number of patients in the later stages of life seeking care as they confront their mortality. For many, the challenges of aging, chronic pain, and terminal illness bring depression, anxiety, and fear of the unknown. After IV ketamine therapy, many report a deep sense of peace, connection, and clarity as they reflect on their lives. This therapy not only treats depression but also eases the fear of death, allowing individuals to approach their remaining time with purpose and dignity.
10 Things You Notice After a Ketamine Infusion: After more than two years treating hundreds of individuals in our community, we've identified the ten most commonly reported changes following ketamine infusion therapy. While each session is unique, we've seen some common themes emerge!
IV Ketamine Therapy for Depression Treatment: A Comprehensive Guide: Discover how IV ketamine provides a safe, fast-acting, and effective treatment for depression. Learn how it works, how it differs from traditional antidepressants such as SSRIs, and key safety considerations.
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🎧 MEDIA
The Wild West of Ketamine Treatment
CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, interviews Dr. David Feifel, a pioneering clinician in the use of ketamine for treating depression. Together, they discuss Matthew Perry’s story, the critical role of finding a trusted ketamine provider and clinic, the importance of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and the risks associated with telehealth and at-home ketamine treatments.
Heart rate variability(HRV) refers to the variation in time between each heartbeat, offering insights into the state of your autonomic nervous system. A higher HRV is generally associated with better cardiovascular health, increased stress resilience, and overall well-being. Incorporating breathwork practices, such as slow, deep breathing, can help increase HRV by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation, and improving your ability to manage stress. If you have an Apple Watch, try tracking your HRV in the Health app. I've been practicing daily for two weeks now, and I definitely feel calmer and more resilient to stress!
In other news, Eli (our beloved clinic therapy dog who comforts patients during their infusions) just turned three this month! Here's a throwback to when we first brought home our sweet girl.
Thank You
...for your continued support and for taking the time to read! If you have any questions, or topics you'd like to see explored or introduced in future discussions, please feel free to reply to this email.
🌟 To stay up-to-date on news, research, and blog posts related to ketamine and Innerbloom, be sure to check the Blog tab on our Website and follow us on Instagram to get a glimpse into our daily practice of safe and effective practice of ketamine therapy. Thank you for reading!
Sincerely,
Ray Rivas, MD
Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy, PC
San Luis Obispo, CA
(805) 321-8471
