A recent article in High Times presents an insightful yet poignant account of an individual’s experience with treatment-resistant depression, severe anxiety, rage, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), rumination, and an eating disorder. Fortunately, this narrative concludes with a positive outcome.
Sophie Thomas recounts a sexual assault that precipitated her depression and anxiety. “I don’t want to die, but I can’t shake these suicidal thoughts and imagery,” she expresses.
Rationale for Seeking Treatment
Thomas elaborates: “For some individuals, receiving a mental health diagnosis can be a relief. It signifies that the issue has been identified, thus enabling appropriate treatment. I experienced significant relief upon learning about PTSD; however, prior to that, during my search for a suitable psychiatrist many years ago, I felt as though I was misinterpreted.” One physician proposed she had generalized anxiety disorder. Her ruminating thoughts? Another concluded they stemmed from OCD. Difficulties in initiating daily activities and maintaining focus? This was presumed to be attention-deficit disorder (ADD). While she recognized her depression, it became evident that the other symptoms were manifestations under the umbrella of PTSD.
Thomas underwent an initial regimen of six treatments over a two-week duration. Remarkably, her suicidal thoughts and imagery ceased to persist. “It was as though they were eradicated from my cognitive processes. I found it challenging to remember the experience of having those thoughts. Prior to commencing ketamine IV therapy, I could mentally regress to a distressing state devoid of worth, hopelessness, and jarring visions; however, it felt as if an elevator ascended, elevating my “low” state to a more structured and positively curated cognitive level.”