19 Apr POV: How does Ketamine make you feel
POV: How Does Ketamine Make You Feel?
Ketamine therapy is gaining recognition as a transformative treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain—but many first-time patients have the same question: “How does ketamine actually make you feel?”
If you’re considering treatment or just curious, this is your inside look into what it’s really like—from the physical sensations to the emotional journey.
The Science Behind the Feeling
Ketamine interacts with a neurotransmitter called glutamate, which plays a crucial role in learning, memory, and mood regulation. It also triggers neuroplasticity—your brain’s ability to form new neural connections—which is why it can help you break free from stuck patterns and thought loops.
At the same time, ketamine quiets down the brain’s default mode network, the part responsible for self-critical thinking, rumination, and depressive thought patterns. This is often what allows patients to experience a sense of lightness, clarity, or emotional release.
What Does It Feel Like? A Patient’s Perspective
Here’s what patients often report during and after treatment:
✨ During the Experience (The Session Itself):
-
Dissociation: Most people feel a gentle detachment from their body and surroundings—like floating or watching themselves from a distance.
-
Calm and Safe: In a supportive setting, the experience is often peaceful, expansive, and even spiritual.
-
Reduced Fear: The “fear center” of the brain (amygdala) quiets down, helping emotions rise without panic or overwhelm.
-
Visuals or Memories: You may see colors, shapes, or recall meaningful memories—some describe it like a lucid dream or meditative state.
-
Slowed Time: Many report time feels slower or more fluid, allowing for deep introspection without urgency.
“It was like I could finally see my life from the outside—without the fear or guilt attached to it. It gave me space to breathe.”
After the Session:
-
Emotional Relief: Many feel a wave of release—like they’ve laid down a heavy burden they didn’t know they were carrying.
-
Clarity & Insight: Patients often gain fresh perspectives on relationships, purpose, or past trauma.
-
Improved Mood: Ketamine can produce rapid relief from depressive symptoms—sometimes within hours.
-
Physical Effects: Some experience light dizziness or mild fatigue afterward. These are temporary and typically wear off the same day.
⏳ How Long Do the Feelings Last?
While the dissociative effects fade within an hour or two, the therapeutic benefits can last days or even weeks. Many patients begin a treatment series of several sessions, and then continue with maintenance treatments based on their needs and how they respond.
⚠️ Is It Always Comfortable?
Not everyone has a purely “positive” experience—and that’s okay. Sometimes difficult emotions surface. At MY Self Wellness, this is where our trained team steps in. We guide you through it with compassionate care, helping you feel supported and safe during your journey.
Ready to Explore a New Way to Heal?
You don’t have to carry the weight alone. If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or chronic pain, ketamine therapy may offer the breakthrough you’ve been looking for.
