Ketamine: A Revolutionary Suicidal Ideation Treatment
Ketamine Infusion Therapy is a highly effective suicidal ideation treatment for patients struggling with suicidality, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress (PTS), bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other mood disorders. Many patients suffering from these conditions have recurring, intrusive suicidal thoughts about self-harm that can sometimes, tragically, lead to suicide.
Suicidal thoughts can be reduced and often eliminated with Ketamine Infusion Therapy. Ketamine treatment is the only intervention capable of eliminating suicidal thinking independently of other depression symptoms. After treating thousands of patients since early 2014, we’ve learned that depression and suicidal thoughts are separable. While depression may return months or years after an initial series of infusions, suicidality often does not. Additionally, thoughts of self harm are often the first to go away, with depression systems often following soon after.
Understanding Suicidal Thinking
Suicidal thoughts can take over a person’s life. Fortunately, the majority of people preoccupied with suicidal thoughts do not end up following through on their plans, however, even one suicide is one too many. In the United States, there are 144 suicides completed every single day. Those who don’t take action on these thoughts are still deeply disturbed by them and the individual experiencing them can fixate on different ways they might kill themselves. Many people with suicidal thoughts are suffering from depression or other mood disorders so the recurring thoughts are often accompanied by symptoms of depression, anxiety, panic attacks, impaired concentration, and extreme guilt.
Feeling Overwhelmed & Hopeless
In many cases, this type of thinking is linked to an overwhelming situation that the individual feels they cannot cope with and the future looks hopelessly bleak. This can range from financial problems to relationship issues. Some people are at a higher risk of suicide than others; anyone diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder may experience suicidal thinking more frequently than others. Often, the thoughts don’t go away even if the situation disturbing them improves.
Is Ketamine Right For Me?
What Are Suicidal Ideations?
Suicidal ideations or thoughts range from someone wishing they could disappear to an active plan and time to carry it out. These thoughts, however detailed or not, can take over a person’s life. Fortunately, the majority of people preoccupied with suicidal thoughts do not end up following through on their plans, however, even one suicide is one too many.
In the United States, there are 144 deaths by suicide every single day, over 44,000 a year. Those who don’t take action on these thoughts are still deeply disturbed by them and often fixate on different ways of killing themselves. Many people with suicidal thoughts suffer from depression or other mood disorders so their depressive state is often exacerbated by feelings of anxiety, panic attacks, impaired concentration, intrusive thoughts, and/or extreme guilt.
Suicide Risk Factors
There are a number of risk factors for suicide, including mood or mental health disorders, traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress (PTS), and having a painful and/or chronic illness. Important to note, however, that these are just risk factors, and that people struggling with these issues do not always have suicidal thoughts.
Signs of Suicidal Ideations
While wishing to end one’s life is certainly the primary thought with suicidal ideation, it’s not always apparent to others. Some signs that can be identified include:
- Withdrawing from previously enjoyable activities
- Frequently talking about death or dying
- Increased substance use
- Giving things away and getting affairs in order
- Isolating
- Engaging in risky behaviors
If you or a loved one are engaging in these behaviors, it may be time to seek help.
Suicide Treatment Options
Mental health conditions that trigger suicidal thoughts, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder can be treated with antidepressant medication, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), counseling, positive lifestyle changes and various other conventional treatments. Talk therapy can be a valuable suicide treatment for those who need support dealing with an overwhelming situation. Therapy for suicidal thoughts can also involve a combination of the following:
- Antidepressants, including SSRIs and MAOIs
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Counseling
- Group therapy
- Healthy lifestyle changes
For immediate help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.
Ketamine Treatment for Suicidal Thoughts
Ketamine therapy has been proven to be a very effective treatment for suicidal thoughts. Results of a 2015 study conducted by the British Medical Association and published in the Psychological Medicine journal reveal ketamine is a safe and effective intervention for patients suffering from suicidal ideation and for those at risk for suicidal behavior. There are numerous additional studies with published results and more that are currently underway, as of 2020.
We offer low-dose Ketamine Infusion Therapy at our practice for patients suffering from mood disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress, and others that increase the risk of suicidal behavior.
Get Treatment for Suicidal Ideation Today
If you or a loved one is in need of treatment for suicidal ideation or has been diagnosed with a mood disorder, Ketamine Infusion Therapy can help to reduce intrusive suicidal thoughts and feelings of self-harm. Contact Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles today to learn more about the benefits of ketamine treatment for suicidal ideation and other mood disorders. We serve patients throughout Los Angeles, South Bay, Westchester, Culver City, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Marina Del Rey, Venice, Santa Monica, Malibu, West Los Angeles, Brentwood, Westwood, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, other parts of Southern California, various states throughout the United States, and even abroad.
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OUR LATEST REVIEWS
Mother of PTSD and depression patient
I saw my son once again.
Although all the medical treatment Matt has received was valuable in some way, the only time in 16 years I saw the person who is my son once again quietly emerge, was after the ketamine infusions.
Allen C. 34 year old Male, Engineer
My successes have been phenomenal.
I have cut down on my Effexor to 75 Mg per day. I have eliminated lithium from my regiment and haven’t needed ambien for about month now to sleep. My klonopin I’ve reduced to once every other day. The infusions really helped my depression and chronic pain in my neck. My depression has never been better and I am cutting down on my other medications with great success. Thank you, thank you Dr. Mandel!
37 Year Old Woman, Registered Nurse 
When I found Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles,
When I found Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles, and began to research the treatment, I felt my spirits lift. I felt hope. From the moment I called their office, I knew I was in good hands. As someone who works in healthcare, I couldn’t believe how kind and attentive Dr. Mandel and his entire staff were. I know they really care about me.
Keith W. 60 year old male, Lawyer
My doctor recommended that I try Ketamine
My doctor recommended that I try Ketamine at this time because he considers that there is now enough clinical information to make an informed decision about its effectiveness and side effects, and specifically recommended Dr. Mandel, who even with a glowing recommendation from someone for whom I have tremendous respect vastly exceeded all of my expectations.
A.T.
Dr. Mandel has truly made my unlivable life, livable again.
Dr. Mandel has truly made my unlivable life, livable again. My ability to get out of bed early and or nearly right as I wake up has significantly improved. I’m able to keep up with my incredibly hectic schedule. My overall mood is high and lethargy is low. My social anxiety is at an all time low, and I haven’t had a panic attack since my first infusion.
