Our Blog - Southern Ketamine and Wellness in Birmingham

March 2, 2023
Southern Ketamine
Depression

Depression Coping Techniques

Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and a lack of energy.

Living with depression can be challenging, but there are several techniques that you can use to manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being. They include:

1. Proper Stress Management

Stress is often a contributing factor for those who suffer from depression. It’s important to take the time to recognize signs of stress and develop strategies to reduce it. Stress management techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness meditation, and biofeedback have been found to be helpful in managing stress levels which can help reduce depression symptoms.

2. Exercising Regularly

Exercise is one of the most effective coping techniques for depression. Regular physical activity releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that can improve mood and reduce stress. Exercise can also help improve sleep, boost self-esteem, and increase energy levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, at least five days a week.

3. Maintaining Social Connections

Having meaningful interactions with family members or friends has been shown to improve moods by helping us feel loved and understood. Most people find groups such as support groups, book clubs, or hobby groups helpful in providing that much-needed social connection when going through a rough patch in life.

Support groups for people with depression can also be a great option as they offer a safe place to talk about your struggles, learn new coping strategies, and build supportive relationships with others who are going through similar experiences.

4. Practicing Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and focusing on your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Mindfulness can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase self-awareness. There are several mindfulness techniques that you can try, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

5. Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential for overall well-being, and it is especially crucial for those with depression. Insomnia is a common symptom of depression, and it can make symptoms worse. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night and try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, try avoiding alcohol and caffeine late in the day and limit your exposure to screens before bed. Other techniques, such as relaxation exercises, a warm bath, or listening to relaxing music before bed, can also make it easier to fall asleep or improve sleep quality.

6. Challenging Negative Thinking

Depression can lead to negative thinking patterns, which can worsen depression symptoms. It’s key to take the time to recognize and challenge negative thoughts. Look for the positive in every situation, focus on your accomplishments, and try to reframe negative thoughts into more positive ones.

7. Seeking Professional Help

While self-care techniques can prove to be instrumental in managing depression symptoms, seeking professional help is vital. A qualified therapist or psychiatrist can help you develop an effective treatment plan to effectively manage your depression and address the underlying cause(s).

The Bottom Line

Living with depression can be overwhelming, but it is possible to manage your symptoms and move toward a healthier mental and emotional state. Remember, depression is treatable, and there is no shame in seeking help. And don’t forget to be kind and patient with yourself as you work your way towards recovery.

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What Causes Ocular Migraines?

At Southern Ketamine & Wellness, we understand the debilitating effects of ocular migraines on an individual’s daily life. Our goal is to educate and provide the highest quality of care to our patients, including helping them to understand the causes of ocular migraines and providing effective treatment options.

What Are Ocular Migraines?

Ocular migraines, also known as visual migraines, are a type of migraine that causes temporary vision loss or visual disturbances in one eye. These visual disturbances can include blind spots, zigzag lines, or flashing lights. Ocular migraines can also cause other symptoms, such as a headache, nausea, or sensitivity to light.

What Causes Ocular Migraines?

The exact cause of ocular migraines is not well understood, but several factors are thought to contribute to their development. These include:

Genetics: Some people may be more prone to developing ocular migraines due to a genetic predisposition.
Hormonal changes: Ocular migraines are more common in women, and they may be linked to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.
Trigeminal nerve dysfunction: The trigeminal nerve is involved in transmitting pain signals, and it is thought that dysfunction of this nerve may play a role in the development of ocular migraines.
Environmental factors: Certain environmental factors, such as bright lights, stress, and lack of sleep, can trigger ocular migraines.

Finding Relief For Ocular Migraines

At Southern Ketamine & Wellness, we offer ketamine therapy as a treatment option for ocular migraines. Recent studies have shown that ketamine may be effective in treating migraines by reducing the frequency, duration, and severity of symptoms and also improving overall well-being.

Ketamine therapy at Southern Ketamine & Wellness is administered in a safe and controlled clinical setting by our trained medical professionals. Additionally, ketamine therapy can provide rapid relief from ocular migraine symptoms, which can make a huge difference in the daily lives of our patients.

Take The Next Step

If you or someone you know is experiencing ocular migraines, know that there are treatment options available, including ketamine therapy. At Southern Ketamine & Wellness, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to our patients. Contact us today to learn more about ketamine therapy for ocular migraines and how it may be able to help reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of symptoms and improve overall well-being. Together, we can work towards finding the right treatment plan that best fits your needs.

At Southern Ketamine & Wellness, we understand the debilitating effects of ocular migraines on an individual’s daily life. If you or someone you know is experiencing ocular migraines, we invite you to contact us to learn more about ketamine therapy and how it can provide rapid relief from ocular migraine symptoms. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to our patients, and we can help you find the right treatment plan that best fits your needs.

Seasonal Affective Disorder & Daylight Savings Time

As the days get shorter and colder during winter months, some people start to feel a deep sense of gloom that they can’t quite shake. This could be a sign of something more than just feeling “off-tune” due to the changing seasons – it could be a sign of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – a form of depression that typically occurs in the fall and winter months.

While it’s not entirely clear what causes this form of depression, many experts believe there is a link between SAD and daylight savings time. Let’s explore this connection further.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression caused by changes in seasons. It’s estimated that up to 10 million people in the United States experience SAD every year – with women being up to four times more likely to develop this seemingly mysterious disorder than their male counterparts.

Individuals with seasonal affective disorder often feel depressed, have difficulty sleeping, have low energy levels, and have difficulty concentrating. While its exact cause is not well known, some experts believe that disruptions to our circadian rhythms caused by changing daylight hours are responsible for triggering SAD symptoms.

What is Daylight Savings Time?

Daylight saving time (DST) is the practice of setting the clock ahead by one hour during the warm months to make better use of natural daylight and “falling back” an hour during the cold season.

This practice was originally implemented in the United States as a way to save energy by making use of extended daylight hours but has since been adopted in many countries around the world.

Typically, daylight saving time begins in March and ends in November (in the U.S.), with clocks being set back an hour in the fall and forward an hour in the spring. The jury is still out on the benefits of DST, with an increasing body of research suggesting it could lead to some health complications – one of which is seasonal affective disorder.

The Link Between SAD and Daylight Savings Time

The connection between SAD and DST is not fully understood, but experts believe it has something to do with the disruption in our circadian rhythms caused by changing daylight hours. As mentioned earlier, SAD typically occurs during the fall and winter months when days are shorter and there is less sunlight.

This is when Daylight Savings Time ends – and clocks “fall back” by one hour – resulting in even shorter days and less daylight. Experts believe this abrupt change in daylight hours can trigger SAD symptoms in some people in several ways:

Disruption of the Circadian Rhythm

Research shows that reduced daylight hours or reduced exposure to natural sunlight can disrupt the circadian rhythm or the body’s biological clock by interfering with the production of melatonin – a hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles – directly impacting mood and energy levels.

Reduced Vitamin D Levels

Another potential link between SAD and daylight saving time is the decrease in vitamin D production due to reduced natural sunlight exposure. Natural sunlight helps our bodies produce vitamin D, which plays a critical role in mood regulation. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to an increased risk for depression, so it’s possible that decreased sunlight exposure could lead to SAD symptoms.

Reduced Serotonin Production

Finally, experts believe that reduced exposure to natural sunlight could also interfere with the production of serotonin – a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. A decrease in serotonin levels in the brain has been implicated in the development of depression and other mental health conditions.

The Bottom Line

While the connection between daylight saving time and seasonal affective disorder is not fully understood, experts believe that disruptions to our circadian rhythm caused by changing daylight hours and reduced exposure to natural sunlight are the main culprits in the development of SAD symptoms.

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, speak to your doctor or a mental health professional as soon as possible. They can conduct a conclusive diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment to manage symptoms and prevent your condition from progressing into full-blown clinical depression.

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Can Fibromyalgia Cause Neuropathic Pain?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain disorder that affects an estimated 4 million American adults every year. If left untreated, fibromyalgia can lead to severe physical impairment, psychological distress, and reduced quality of life.

But did you know that fibromyalgia can also cause neuropathic pain? In this blog post, we’ll explore the link between fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a complex condition that affects multiple parts of the body. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive issues (also known as “fibro fog”), headaches, and other symptoms.

While there is no single cause of fibromyalgia, genetics, as well as physical and psychological stress, are some of the leading culprits. Although the exact mechanism behind the development of fibromyalgia is still not fully understood, research suggests that it may be caused by changes in the way the brain processes pain signals from the body.

What is Neuropathic Pain?

Neuropathic pain is a type of chronic pain caused by nerve damage or dysfunction. It can result from disease, injury, infection, or physical trauma. The most common symptoms of neuropathic pain include burning sensations (often described as “pins and needles”), numbness or tingling sensations in the affected area, shooting pains or sharp jabs in extremities (such as legs or arms), and pain that comes from non-painful stimuli.

Does Fibromyalgia Cause Nerve Pain?

Previously, fibromyalgia was considered a form of chronic pain. However, in 2011, the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) excluded the condition from being a chronic pain diagnosis.

But still, fibromyalgia is often accompanied by neuropathy or pain with neuropathic characteristics. This is because fibromyalgia is associated with changes in the way the central nervous system processes pain signals from the body, leading to a heightened perception of pain. This can also result in pain with neuropathic characteristics.

Some experts also believe that psychological factors could contribute to neuropathic pain in fibromyalgia; the emotional distress that comes from living with chronic pain can interfere with brain chemistry and lead to over-sensitization of the nervous system to pain (central sensitization).

How is Fibromyalgia Treated?

There is no cure for fibromyalgia. However, there are some proven treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment plans are typically tailored to the needs of each individual patient and may include medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs and antidepressants; exercise; physical therapy; psychological therapy; and stress reduction techniques.

Ketamine IV therapy is another promising alternative treatment for fibromyalgia, as well as neuropathic pain. This novel treatment involves the administration of low-dose ketamine infusions using an IV line and can help rapidly reduce pain and improve mood in fibromyalgia patients.

The Bottom Line

Fibromyalgia causes changes in the way the brain processes and perceives pain, which may result in neuropathic pain. While this can significantly worsen the symptoms of fibromyalgia, there are some effective treatment options available to help manage the pain and improve quality of life.

If you think you may be suffering from fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain, it’s important to seek professional help for proper diagnosis and treatment. With the right treatment and care, you can regain control of your life and find relief from your pain.

[Please Contact Us For Any Help!]

November 8, 2022
Southern Ketamine
RLS

What Does RLS Feel Like ?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder that causes an overwhelming urge to move one’s legs. While the sensation can occur at any time, it tends to get worse in the evening when you’re trying to rest or sleep and can get in the way of a good night’s sleep.

Do I Have RLS?

The first thing to understand about RLS is that it is not simply a feeling of tiredness or fatigue in the legs. People with RLS often describe the sensation as feeling like bugs are crawling under your skin, or like your legs are being mildly electrocuted.

RLS can also manifest as:

Tingling or prickling sensations in the legs
Aching or cramping sensations in the legs
Burning or painful sensations in the legs
Muscle spasms and twitching in the legs

RLS can cause significant distress and disrupt a person’s sleep patterns, leading to insomnia, daytime fatigue, and poor concentration. Moving around, stretching, or walking can temporarily relieve the discomfort, but the symptoms will always come back.

Who Is At Risk of Developing RLS?

RLS affects both men and women of all ages. However, the condition is more common in women and generally begins around middle age. While the exact cause of RLS is unknown, several factors may contribute to the development of the condition, including:

Pregnancy
Diabetes
Iron deficiency
Renal failure
Varicose veins
Fibromyalgia
Venous insufficiency
Parkinson’s disease
Certain treatment procedures like dialysis
Hypothyroidism
Peripheral neuropathy

Diagnosis

There is no one test used to diagnose RLS. Instead, diagnosis is based on self-reported symptoms and a physical examination. A doctor may ask questions about your symptom history and perform a physical exam of your legs.

In some cases, additional testing may be necessary to identify the underlying cause of RLS. This may include blood tests, nerve conduction studies, or MRIs.

How Is RLS Treated?

There is no cure for RLS; however, proven treatments can help alleviate the symptoms, including lifestyle changes, medications, and medical devices such as massagers or compression stockings.

Medications used to treat moderate to severe forms of RLS include dopaminergic medications such as levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet), dopamine agonists such as ropinirole (Requip), and anticonvulsants such as gabapentin (Neurontin).

Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and avoiding caffeine and alcohol may help ease symptoms of RLS. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat any underlying condition contributing to your symptoms, such as venous insufficiency or varicose veins.

The Takeaway

If you experience an irresistible urge to move your legs accompanied by a creepy-crawly sensation, you may have restless legs syndrome (RLS). While there is no cure for RLS, there are treatments available that can help lessen the symptoms, including lifestyle changes, medical therapies, and surgery.

The best treatment for you will depend on the underlying cause of your symptoms. If you think you may have RLS, talk to your doctor specializing in RLS treatment. They can help you find the best treatment plan to help you get the relief you need.

November 8, 2022
Southern Ketamine
Fibromyalgia

Work Stress and Fibromyalgia

The workplace is often a source of stress. For some people, this stress is manageable, and may even be what’s known as eustress – a positive health-promoting form of stress.

However, when the work environment is toxic or the demands exceed someone’s bandwidth, the added stress can be too much and lead to a persistent overabundance of cortisol in the body. This consistent stress can lead to nerve damage which can lead to chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia.

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects the muscles and tissues.

The main symptoms of fibromyalgia are widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness in the muscles.

According to CDC research, fibromyalgia affects over 4 million U.S. adults or 2% of Americans.

Fibromyalgia amplifies pain signals due to changes in the way that the brain processes pain.

It is not clear what causes fibromyalgia, but it is believed that the body’s pain threshold changes after physical trauma, emotional stress, or infection.

For some people, fibromyalgia is triggered by a single event, while others experience a gradual onset of symptoms.

Researchers have observed that it often coexists with other conditions like:

Irritable bowel syndrome
Anxiety
Depression
Migraine
Temporomandibular joint disorders
Chronic fatigue syndrome

There is no known cure for fibromyalgia, but there are a number of treatments that can help manage the symptoms.

How Work Stress Can Inflame Fibromyalgia Symptoms

There is a significant link between work stress and fibromyalgia symptoms.

Job-related stress is one of the most common triggers for fibromyalgia flare-ups.

The combination of physical and emotional stress can become too debilitating to handle, leading to increased pain, fatigue, and other symptoms.

Work stress can come from a number of different factors, such as:

Demanding deadlines
Unreasonable workloads
Having little control over your work tasks or environment
Conflict with co-workers or supervisors
Bullying or harassment at work
Financial concerns related to work
The pressure to maintain a certain image or persona at work

All of these factors can contribute to emotional stress and tension. When this tension is left unchecked, it can lead to physical symptoms like fibromyalgia.

How to Manage Work-related Stress

If you are struggling with work-related stress and it is affecting your fibromyalgia symptoms, there are a number of things that you can do to manage the situation.

Here are a few tips:

Talk to Your Supervisor

Dealing with fibromyalgia is hard enough, but if your work doesn’t know you suffer from it, you can’t make positive changes to help. Talk to your supervisor about your condition and ask for accommodations that might help you to manage your work stress.

Some common accommodations for fibromyalgia include flexible hours, working from home, and taking breaks throughout the day.

If you are open and honest with your supervisor, they are more likely to be understanding and helpful.

Set Boundaries

When dealing with fibromyalgia, it is crucial to set boundaries for yourself. This includes setting limits on how much work you handle and saying no to requests when your day’s workload is already at capacity.

It is also important to make time for yourself outside of work! Make sure that you schedule time for rest, relaxation, and fun. This is essential for maintaining your mental and physical health.

Practice Self-care

One of the best ways to manage work stress is to practice self-care. This means taking care of yourself both physically and emotionally.

Some tips for practicing self-care include:

Getting enough sleep
Eating healthy foods
Exercising regularly
Spending time with friends and family
Practicing meditation or yoga
Taking breaks during the day

All of these things can help to reduce stress and tension. When you take care of yourself, you can better manage stress in your life.

Manage Your Fibromyalgia Symptoms With Ketamine Infusions

If you are struggling to manage your fibromyalgia symptoms, Southern Ketamine & Wellness can help.

While most fibromyalgia-related issues are treated with oral medication, many patients find that it doesn’t relieve them of pain fast enough or long-term and provides unsatisfactory results.

We offer ketamine infusions that can help to reduce pain and improve your quality of life in as little as one session.

Ketamine is a powerful medication that has been shown to be effective in treating fibromyalgia.

Low-dose IV infusions administer ketamine over a period of weeks directly into the bloodstream. These infusions help by blocking access to the pain receptors to reduce the effects of fibromyalgia.

While research on the long term effects and the effectiveness of ketamine infusion is still ongoing, it has shown huge benefits for helping those suffering from fibromyalgia, including:

Reduced pain
Less fatigue
Better sleep
Improved mood
Decreased anxiety

Southern Ketamine & Wellness Can Create a Plan That Works for You

At Southern Ketamine & Wellness, we want you to be able to manage your fibromyalgia

symptoms and live a full, happy life. We offer ketamine infusions and many other treatments that can help many physical and mental health issues often overlooked by other health professionals. Contact us today, if you want to learn more about how we can help you or a loved one.

October 9, 2022
Southern Ketamine
CRPS

How Does CRPS Change Your Brain?

One of the more common scientific myths is that the brain stops changing when you turn twenty-five. The truth is, however, that the brain is always undergoing changes. This is the basis for learning, memory, and treatment for mood and pain disorders. Every experience shapes your brain, ideally to optimize your thinking so that you adapt well to your environment. Unfortunately, when chronic pain is involved, the brain can undergo some rather stressful changes. Chronic regional pain syndrome is one such pain condition that can have negative effects on the brain’s ongoing changes.

What is CRPS?

“Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a form of chronic pain that usually affects an arm or a leg. CRPS typically develops after an injury, surgery, a stroke, or a heart attack. The pain is out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury.”

CRPS is rare, and its reason for being isn’t clearly understood. Treatment, like ketamine, is most effective with early application.

Are There Different Types of CRPS?

Yes, there are two:

Type 1 happens from tissue injury besides nerve tissue, like when bone and soft tissues get squashed in an accident. It may also occur following amputation, stroke, a heart attack, or cancer. Type 1 CRPS commonly happens once an injured limb is cared for with a splint or cast to restrain it.
Type 2, which results from injury to nerves. Medication can effectively treat symptoms of both.

Know the Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

Nonstop burning or throbbing pain, generally in the arm, leg, foot, or hand
Sensitivity to cold or touch
Swelling in the affected area
Changes in skin temperature
Changes in skin color
Changes in skin texture, which may become thin, shiny, or tender in the affected area
Changes in nail and hair growth
Joint stiffness, damage, and swelling
Muscle weakness and loss, spasms and tremors
Less success with moving affected body parts

What Causes CRPS?

Some of the most widespread causes of complex regional pain syndrome include:

Fractures, particularly wrist fractures.
Surgical incisions, positioning, sutures, retractors, or post-operative scarring can cause nerve injury.
Various sprains or strains.
Less severe injuries like burns or cuts.
A limb that has been immobilized. In some cases, a cast restricts blood flow when it presses on a nerve, but it also means the limb can’t be used for a time, depriving it of sensory input.

How Does CRPS Change Your Brain?

Complex regional pain syndrome can affect the brain in many ways, including distortions in body representation, shortages in lateralized spatial cognition, and non-spatially lateralized higher cognitive purposes.

“Some of these cognitive changes are reminiscent of other neuropsychological syndromes that can follow brain lesions, and some might be associated with chronic pain.”

Pain is a complex warning system protecting us from harm. If you hurt your toe, the peripheral nervous system transmits signals to your brain, and your brain is left with deciding how much danger exists. If your brain determines the signals are legitimate and worthy of further attention, the pain sensation is torqued up until the threat is resolved; if not, pain is muted.

Our natural warning system works reasonably well for localized pain, like an injured toe. But for chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, where there’s no easy solution, like, for example, decreased cartilage in the knee, the regions of your brain that send and transmit danger signals evolve and are more sensitive as we age. As the brain continually processes pain, it gets more observant until it’s an always-on warning system. All of this depends on your emotions, beliefs, and outlook, meaning your brain will likely continually register a mysteriously sore knee day after day.

This is how someone with chronic pain gets roped into self-perpetuating pain, but there may be a way to ratchet down an excessively sensitive brain and mediate chronic pain messages.

What’s ketamine’s role in all of this? As an anesthetic, it acts against pain receptors in the brain – NMDA antagonists – and stops them from firing and deadens the pain.

Diagnosis & Treatment

To get diagnosed with CRPS, you need to see a healthcare provider for a medical examination. This will include discussing pain details like when it happens and how often, as well as documenting your personal and family medical history. Some procedures may help identify the source of the pain:

Bone scan to locate bone changes.
Sweat production tests.
X-rays.
Magnetic resonance imaging as the condition progresses.

Once you’ve been diagnosed, you and your healthcare provider can talk about treatment options. Popular methods include pain relievers, prescription medicine, and ketamine to alleviate pain symptoms.

Final Thoughts

CRPS may not be well known, but to those who suffer from it or know someone who does, it is a real challenge to everyday life. Despite how little is known about it, people with CRPS can still find relief from their symptoms. Southern Ketamine & Wellness offers a place where those suffering from debilitating mental and physical pain can come to relax, recharge, and receive treatment that will ultimately bring them the relief they deserve. Contact us to learn more about getting relief from chronic pain!

October 9, 2022
Southern Ketamine
PTSD

How Can I Tell If A Loved One Has PTSD?

Most, if not all, people will experience trauma at some point in their life. And depending upon the severity of the trauma, a person’s history, and their genetic predispositions, a traumatic event may lead to the onset of PTSD. PTSD doesn’t necessarily last the rest of a person’s lifetime. Many people will phase in and then out of PTSD as time separates the person from the traumatic experience. Roughly 12 million people in the U.S. experience PTSD within a given year.

Unfortunately, though, there are those who battle PTSD for the remainder of their lives. It is crucial for anyone experience PTSD to surround themselves with support and to take the time they need to heal. If you suspect someone you love has PTSD there are a few things to know to aid them in their healing process.

What Is PTSD?

“Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.”

If you experience a traumatic event, you may have short-term problems adjusting, but these problems typically get better over time. If the symptoms worsen, persist for months or years, and restrict your daily life, you may be experiencing PTSD.

What Are The Risk Factors?

PTSD can happen at any age, regardless of gender, and affect anyone who survived a physical or psychological assault, a disaster, accident, or another serious event. The National Center for PTSD says nearly seven of every 100 people will have PTSD at some point. But some get PTSD without experiencing danger, including those who suffered the loss of a loved one or experienced another incident in their personal lives.

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a type of medicine developed and tested in the early 1960s as a form of anesthesia. In high doses, it can quickly render someone unconscious before surgery or medical treatment; in lower doses, it creates a sense of euphoria and sometimes detachment from reality, making it popular for treating symptoms of mental illness and chronic pain. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a human anesthetic in 1970.

ARE THERE OTHER CONDITIONS RELATED TO PTSD?

Acute stress disorder features symptoms that occur between three to 30 days following the event. You could relive the trauma repeatedly, experience flashbacks, and feel numbness or detachment from yourself.
Adjustment disorder features emotional or behavioral symptoms which are more serious than what could be fairly expected in relation to what happened.
Reactive attachment disorder happens mostly during early childhood when there’s a fundamental absence of comfort, stimulation, and affection, or problems forming stable attachments.

How Can I Tell If A Loved One Has PTSD?

Identifying signs of PTSD in a loved one can be difficult, making it even harder to encourage that person to get diagnosed and arrange follow-up care. But it’s not impossible. To tell if a loved one has posttraumatic stress disorder, watch for the following.

Re-experiencing symptoms:

Flashbacks and bad dreams, with symptoms like a racing heart or sweating
Disturbing thoughts

Avoidance symptoms:

Circumventing events, objects, or places that serve as reminders of what happened
Avoiding thoughts or emotions related to what happened

Arousal and reactivity symptoms:

Being easily frightened
Tension or “on edge” sensations
Problems sleeping
Anger-fueled outbursts

Cognition and mood symptoms:

Memory issues with key features of what happened
Bad thoughts about oneself or humanity
Twisted feelings like blame or guilt
Lack of interest in enjoyable pursuits

Many of these symptoms can often be treated with medicine like ketamine, which may allow you to regain control of your daily life.

While identifying PTSD symptoms is important, its potential causes should also be considered. Doctors and researchers haven’t identified the exact reason why some people develop PTSD. Like other mental health problems, posttraumatic stress disorder is likely triggered by a complex brew of:

“Stressful experiences, including the amount and severity of trauma you’ve gone through in your life”
Inherited mental health risks, like a family record of anxiety and depression
Your personality or temperament
How your brain regulates the hormones and chemicals your body releases in reaction to stress

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosing PTSD normally involves getting a physical examination, where a medical professional may perform tests to uncover a health problem triggering your symptoms. If a medical issue is identified, your healthcare provider may recommend a specific treatment plan. If there’s no medical reason for your symptoms, you may be referred to a mental health specialist for more diagnosis. In this case, you’ll be asked about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as triggers, or if there’s something in your or your family’s background that may result in PTSD.

Treatment could include a combination of psychotherapy, self-help strategies, or medicine like ketamine.

Final Thoughts

If you suspect someone close to you is suffering from PTSD, be open and supportive. Vocalize that support and encourage them to seek treatment. Do not try to take on the full weight of their recovery. While there are many routes for healing PTSD, professional help is of the utmost importance.

Southern Ketamine and Wellness is leading the way for new and innovative ketamine infusion therapy in Birmingham, AL for mood and pain disorders, as well as Spravato (esketamine) for treatment-resistant depression. Contact us to learn more!

How Do You Manage Chronic Pain?

You got a small paper cut, put on some ointment and a bandage, and never gave it a second thought. Why? Because you knew the cause and that the pain would eventually subside. But what if you experience pain without injury or illness, and it lingers for months or years? How do you manage that pain?

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is discomfort that lingers for more than three months. It can be pervasive, or it may start and stop. Chronic pain can occur anywhere in your body.

“Chronic pain can interfere with your daily activities, such as working, having a social life, and taking care of yourself or others. It can lead to depression, anxiety, and trouble sleeping, making your pain worse. This response creates a cycle that’s difficult to break.”

Types of Chronic Pain

If you suffer from chronic pain symptoms, some of them can be managed with ketamine. They include headaches, post-surgical pain, pain after trauma, low back pain, cancer, arthritis pain, pain resulting from nerve damage, and pain not derived from disease, injury, or nerve impairment.

According to some estimates, more than 1.5 billion people globally experience chronic pain. It’s the most widespread reason for long-term disability in America, harming about 100 million citizens.

How Do You Manage Chronic Pain?

Some people manage chronic pain in various ways, some recognized by science, some not at all. But before you attempt to manage chronic pain, you need to know the symptoms. Common chronic pain symptoms may include moderate to very severe pain that doesn’t go away as you’d expect following an illness or injury. Everyone has a different experience with pain and different thresholds, but chronic pain is often described as:

a dull ache
soreness
rigidity
stinging
squeezing
pulsing
burning
shooting

What Causes Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain may be caused by injury, illness, psychological trauma, or something else not easily identified. There also could be an underlying health issue, such as:

Chronic fatigue syndrome, where you oftentimes experience intense, protracted tiredness that’s often escorted by pain
Endometriosis, which is an excruciating condition that happens if the uterine lining develops outside the uterus
Fibromyalgia, which is pervasive discomfort within your bones and muscles
Inflammatory bowel disease, a set of conditions that results in painful, chronic swelling in a person’s digestive tract
A chronic disorder (interstitial cystitis) characterized by bladder pressure and discomfort
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, where a person suffers from uncomfortable clicking, popping, or jaw locking
Chronic vulva pain happens but as no precise cause

Are There Pain Management Techniques?

Yes, some of which people have used successfully for years to control their chronic pain symptoms. Here are some things to try as needed.

Try whole-body stretches, soothing yoga, or tai chi in 10 to 15 minute stretches each day.
Follow an activity plan recommended by your healthcare provider to strengthen muscles, better your mood, and take your mind off the pain.
Try passive or progressive muscle relaxation, relaxed breathing, or mindfulness.
Engage in regular planning by balancing daily tasks, leisure, and other duties to foster structure and routine. Be sure to take regular breaks.
Find out what else may worsen the pain. It may be beneficial to treat anxiety and depression to minimize pain and boost your quality of life. Talk with a doctor or therapist if you notice signs of anxiety or depression.
Stay positive and do the things you enjoy, which may take some effort. Finding enjoyable activities has been known to reduce the impacts of pain indicators in the body.
Spending time with loved ones and friends in person or remotely can lessen your focus on pain.
Try and get a good night’s sleep.

Final Thoughts

Chronic pain can be confusing and, sometimes, even depressing. By its very nature, but it can also result in other physical and psychological issues that may need treatment. If you suffer from chronic pain symptoms, contact us today to learn more about treatment options for chronic pain.

Other Perinatal/Postpartum Mood Disorders

Postpartum depression is a common complication of childbirth, affecting up to 15 percent of new mothers. Symptoms of postpartum depression can include feeling sad, anxious, or empty; feeling guilty, hopeless, or worthless; having trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating; or experiencing angry outbursts and mood swings.

However, postpartum depression is not the only mood disorder affecting new mothers. Other perinatal/postpartum mood disorders can occur during pregnancy or after childbirth. They are as follows:

Anxiety

Anxiety is a common symptom during pregnancy, and for some people, it can become more severe during pregnancy or postpartum. Anxiety symptoms may include restlessness or “on edge,” fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and sleep disturbances.

Perinatal anxiety could be centered around fear of childbirth, adjusting to motherhood, excessive worry about the health and safety of the baby, or financial stressors, to name a few. Anxiety can make taking care of yourself and your baby difficult and may interfere with mother-child bonding.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is a mental illness characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Perinatal OCD can develop during pregnancy or after childbirth and can be triggered by the stress of caring for a new baby.

Symptoms of OCD can include intrusive thoughts about harm coming to your baby, and compulsive behaviors such as excessive cleaning or checking on your baby. It’s estimated that between 1.7 and 4 percent of women have their OCD onset after childbirth.

Like other perinatal mood disorders, OCD can make caring for yourself and your baby challenging and may interfere with the bonding process.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental illness that can develop after exposure to a traumatic or life-threatening event. For some women, the experience of childbirth can be traumatizing and can lead to the development of PTSD.

Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and avoidance of people or situations that remind you of the trauma. People with postpartum PTSD may avoid or delay getting pregnant again or may choose a different delivery method if they do get pregnant again.

Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious mental illness that can develop a few weeks after childbirth. It is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, manic or depressed mood, and erratic behavior. Postpartum psychosis can lead to suicide or infanticide and requires immediate medical treatment.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by extreme and often erratic mood swings. These mood swings can include periods of mania, where you feel an elevated mood and increased energy, and periods of depression, characterized by low mood and decreased energy levels.

For mothers with mild undiagnosed bipolar II disorder, the stress and drastic changes associated with childbirth can cause symptoms to become more pronounced. This can lead to sleep disturbance, irritability, and reckless behavior.

Risk Factors?

Certain risk factors can make new mothers more susceptible to developing perinatal mood disorders. These include:

A history of depression or anxiety
A family history of depression or anxiety
Stressful experiences or complications during pregnancy or childbirth
Lack of social support
Stressful life events
High-risk pregnancy
Depression or anxiety during pregnancy
Unplanned pregnancy
Sleep deprivation

If you have any of the above risk factors, it does not definitively mean that you will develop a perinatal mood disorder. However, it is crucial to be aware of the risk factors and seek help if you are experiencing any symptoms.

Final Thoughts

While having a baby is an amazing experience for most people, it can also come with various challenges, including mood disorders like postpartum depression and anxiety. It’s essential to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and psychologically and take the necessary steps to get help if you’re struggling to keep up with the challenges of parenthood.