Ketamine therapy has gained recognition for its ability to treat mood disorders and trauma through personalized approaches that cater to each patient’s unique needs. Whether through IV infusions or microdosing, ketamine offers a spectrum of treatment options that fit into different lifestyles and address varying levels of mental health challenges. The stories of Mrs. Physicist Dreamer, a widow coping with PTSD and profound grief, and Mrs. Anesthesiologist Momma, a healthcare provider navigating postpartum depression, illustrate how this versatile therapy can foster healing in deeply personal ways.
A special thank you to Jason Chang, medical director and founder at AVYIA, a Seattle-based ketamine clinic that specializes in IV ketamine and microdosing ketamine to treat mood disorders like treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, OCD, migraines, and suicidal ideation.
Dr. Chang shared the stories of two AVYIA patients who experienced the transformative effects of ketamine therapy. While their experiences are intensely personal, millions of people just like them who are struggling with debilitating mental health challenges find the same type of relief from ketamine therapy.
If you’re in the Seattle area, consider scheduling a free consultation with the team at AVYIA.
The Transformative Power of IV Ketamine Therapy
For Mrs. Physicist Dreamer, the death of her husband in 2023 after 30 years of marriage was both heartbreaking and traumatic. She vividly recalls the harrowing experience of his final days, which took place at home: “There were blood stains everywhere in our bedroom. It was like something you would only see on TV.” Diagnosed with PTSD, she sought EMDR therapy but found her intense grief and trauma lingering. Encouraged by her son and daughter-in-law—both of whom had experienced relief from depression through ketamine therapy—she decided to give ketamine a try.
From her very first IV treatment, Mrs. Dreamer felt a sense of immediate relief. The therapy brought about psychedelic experiences that were both vivid and healing. “In my very first treatment, my husband appeared to me in my trip, and we both broke up into tiny little particles and started to swirl into each other, like it was our wedding dance,” she recalled. On subsequent treatments, she revisited treasured memories, such as their trips to Singapore and the African safari they took before his passing.
“With each dose, I felt a deeper sense of healing and being grounded,” she shared. By the midpoint of her treatment, her mood and resilience had improved significantly. A booster session during the holiday season helped her manage the stress of family gatherings, allowing her to enjoy meaningful moments with her loved ones.
For Mrs. Dreamer, IV ketamine provided more than relief—it helped her process profound grief, reconnect with cherished memories, and rediscover her emotional equilibrium.
Microdosing Ketamine for Everyday Resilience
Mrs. Anesthesiologist Momma had a different journey. After the birth of her daughter in 2020, she struggled with postpartum depression that persisted despite trials of antidepressants like Zoloft and Wellbutrin. Zoloft caused undesirable side effects, including weight gain and sexual dysfunction, while Wellbutrin offered only partial relief. She described herself as having “an addictive personality” and admitted to drinking two to three alcoholic beverages most nights. As a busy mother and anesthesia professional, she needed a solution that could fit seamlessly into her life.
Intrigued by ketamine’s potential, she turned to microdosing after consulting with AVYIA. From the start, the therapy made a noticeable difference. “The ketamine has been wonderful… truly I think it’s making a difference,” she wrote in an email. She explained how it reduced her cravings for alcohol: “I’ve noticed specifically that my craving for alcohol/wine at the end of the night has gone down significantly (I’m drinking way less despite the stress in my life and my family coming to town LOL).”
She also felt a shift in her emotional state, saying, “When I wake up in the mornings, I feel more hopeful and less overwhelmed.” The mild dissociative effects of microdosing felt relaxing rather than disruptive. “Very few dissociative effects… nothing scary… just relaxing and helps at bedtime. So much better for my liver than booze lol!”
In addition to the benefits of microdosing, she made other lifestyle changes, such as improving her diet and practicing yoga regularly. “It’s amazing the difference it makes when you get on track with healthy habits,” she noted.
Microdosing provided Mrs. Momma with a gentle yet effective path to regain control over her mental health, reduce unhealthy habits, and integrate wellness into her daily life.
Comparing and Contrasting the Two Approaches
These two stories highlight the versatility of ketamine therapy and its ability to meet patients where they are. IV therapy, with its intense psychedelic effects, is often suited for those dealing with severe trauma or in need of rapid relief. For Mrs. Dreamer, the immersive experiences facilitated by IV ketamine allowed her to process grief and trauma in a transformative way.
In contrast, microdosing offers a more gradual approach, ideal for those seeking subtle improvements while maintaining their daily routines. For Mrs. Momma, it provided steady relief from depression while helping her build healthier habits and reduce alcohol cravings.
The Broader Implications of Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine therapy is breaking barriers for individuals who don’t respond to traditional medications, offering new hope to those with mood disorders and trauma. Beyond symptom relief, it can help patients reconnect with themselves, reduce unhealthy behaviors, and improve their overall quality of life. As seen in these two cases, the therapy’s flexibility allows for personalized treatment plans that align with each patient’s unique challenges and goals.
Conclusion
The stories of Mrs. Physicist Dreamer and Mrs. Anesthesiologist Momma demonstrate the profound potential of ketamine therapy to transform lives. Whether through the intense healing experiences of IV therapy or the gentle, sustained benefits of microdosing, ketamine provides a pathway to recovery tailored to individual needs. For those seeking relief from trauma or depression, ketamine therapy offers a beacon of hope and a reminder that healing is possible in many forms.
