
Suicidality Q & A
What is suicidality?
Suicidality is a general term that encompasses having thoughts of suicide, having a plan, and thoughts about or behaviors of self-harm. If you’re experiencing severe depression that has caused thoughts of suicide, the team at Boston MindCare, PC, can help.
When you experience suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors, your options for immediate help can be limited by the number of beds available in a hospital or access to a medical facility without the capabilities of treating suicidality. At Boston MindCare, PC, the team has extensive training in handling difficult cases of depression and suicidality that haven’t responded to other treatments, such as antidepressants or therapy.
The team comes alongside you to support you through treatment with ketamine. After a thorough depression and suicidality screening, the team identifies which type of ketamine therapy is most likely to work for you based on your current mental health and medical history.
How does ketamine help to treat suicidality?
Ketamine is an NMDA-receptor antagonist and works by blocking the chemicals in your brain responsible for depression. Ketamine begins working within a few hours to provide relief from suicidal thoughts. Ketamine can provide long-lasting relief from your depression symptoms, though the team can advise you on follow-up care based on your unique situation and symptoms.
Ketamine is routinely used in emergency rooms for people who are having thoughts of suicide, have developed a plan, or attempted suicide. Ketamine immediately lessens most major depression symptoms, which can be lifesaving.
The team at Boston MindCare, PC, uses the best available research and treatment protocols for ketamine use so you can get treatment in a comfortable, supportive environment outside the hospital.
What should I expect when getting ketamine therapy for suicidality?
After your initial medical evaluation, the team explains what type of ketamine therapy is recommended for you and how it’s administered. Once you’re comfortable in the treatment room, your doctor administers the proper dosage and monitors you over several hours.
Since ketamine can have anesthetic effects, the team regularly checks in with you to determine your mental state and whether you’re experiencing side effects like dizziness or nausea.
After your first treatment, the team explains what to expect over the following days and weeks. In many cases, multiple treatments are needed to see the best results.
To discuss ketamine therapy for suicidality, call Boston MindCare, PC, today or schedule a consultation online.