Treatment resistant depression
Depression is awful. Let alone one that responds to no conventional treatment. I have had boughts with depression due to my bipolar disorder since I was 15. About 5 years ago I had my first severe treatment resistant depression. I eventually ended up at my preferred psych hospital after an unfortunate chain of events. Since I had tried a few different depression meds and nothing helped it was time for a last resort option. I had my first round of electro convulsive therapy. I had 14 treatments...which is unusually high. I was terrified the first time but it is NOTHING like you see in movies. It saved my life for sure. I've now had 4 total series of ECT. But this time something new. In June I was inpatient and they were considering ECT when I was told I should try Spravato. It is a ketamine based drug for treatment resistant depression and OCD. I was skeptical a nasal spray would work. IT does work. I can't believe it. I go to the ketamine clinic every week. You get a private room with a recliner. Take you dose and relax for 2 hours. Spravato came out and was called a miracle drug in 2019. Sadly it is only in the US for right now. It needs to spread world wide.
Hey @MindGazer91
I'm truly touched by your journey and the courage you've shown in facing such challenging circumstances. It sounds like you've been through an incredible amount of hardship, but it's heartening to hear that you've found something that works for you with Spravato. It's amazing how treatments evolve and how what seems unlikely at first can become a lifeline.
Your experience is a powerful reminder of the importance of hope and perseverance in the face of mental health challenges. I'm so glad you're finding relief and wish you continued strength and healing ❤️
@MindGazer91. It’s good to hear that there are more treatments becoming available for people who don’t respond to standard treatments. I’m glad to hear that you found something that helps.
@adventurousBranch3786 This treatment has also been a lesson in positive thinking. When you're in your recliner and taken the drug they say to relax and think positive that it's going to work and that will help. So I'm learning the power of positive thinking. Mind over matter. Was surprised by the science backing it up. I haven't mastered the positive thinking at all times but at least I'm up to neutral.