Could your depression have a medical cause? Before considering treatment options, it’s worth making sure you’re treating the right problem.
This month, we’ll explore some often-overlooked medical contributors to depression, discuss why ketamine has become an established treatment option in psychiatry, and I’ll share my experience testing some new mental health tech.
As always, I’ll wrap up with a few recommendations that I’ve personally found helpful—and hope you will too.
Could There Be a Medical Cause for Your Depression?
When people experience depression, anxiety, or fatigue, it’s easy to assume medication, whether an antidepressant or even ketamine therapy, is the answer. While medication may be appropriate for many people, it’s also important to recognize that underlying medical conditions can contribute to—or even mimic—the symptoms of mood disorders.
Common examples include thyroid disorders, vitamin D deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, hormonal imbalances, anemia, sleep disorders, and certain medications.
This is why it’s important to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider and consider appropriate blood work when indicated. Identifying and addressing underlying medical contributors may be an important part of improving your mental and physical health.
Far More Than Just an Anesthetic
Most people know ketamine as an anesthetic, but its medical uses extend far beyond the operating room. In fact, in 2019 the FDA approved Spravato® (esketamine)-a derivative of ketamine-for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), making ketamine-based treatments an established option in psychiatry.
While ketamine is used at high doses for anesthesia, depression and anxiety treatments use much lower doses with the goal of promoting neuroplasticity rather than sedation. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to form new neural connections, helping people break out of rigid patterns of thinking and behavior.
For people who haven’t responded to traditional antidepressants, ketamine can be an effective treatment option for TRD, with research showing outcomes comparable to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) while typically being better tolerated and associated with fewer cognitive side effects, particularly memory impairment.
If you’re wondering whether ketamine or Spravato might be appropriate for you, the best place to start is a conversation with your psychiatrist. Together, you can decide whether it’s a reasonable treatment option for your specific situation.
My Review of New Mental Health Tech
While medications can be life-changing, I’m also fascinated by non-drug approaches that may support mental health.
For most of my adult life, I’ve struggled with insomnia and anxiety. As both a physician and someone who has lived with these conditions, I’m always searching for new ways to improve my own symptoms and those of my patients.
Over the past month, I tested two devices: the Nuropod, a vagus nerve stimulation device, and the Lumenate Nova, a meditation light mask. Just to be clear, I wasn’t paid or sponsored by either company! These are simply my honest impressions after testing these devices in the hope of finding tools that might benefit both me and my patients.
The Verdict
Lumenate Nova: The technology behind Lumenate Nova is called Flicker Light Stimulation (FLS). By delivering rhythmic pulses of light through the mask, it creates an altered state of consciousness that shares some qualities with both deep meditation and psychedelic experiences. Many users experience vivid colors, patterns, and imagery that can help quiet racing thoughts and promote relaxation.
I am genuinely surprised by how effective it is. You can’t help but focus entirely on the present moment and the experience unfolding before you. I can definitely see myself using the Nova whenever my anxiety ramps up, or if I have trouble settling my mind before bed.
Nuropod: The Nuropod delivers gentle electrical impulses through the tragus of the left ear to stimulate the vagus nerve. The goal is to activate the body’s parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) response, helping reduce stress and promote relaxation.
I’ve been using the Nuropod for a few weeks now, and although most experts recommend giving devices like this 4-8 weeks before evaluating their full effects, I’m already beginning to notice a subtle calming feeling. The recommendation is to use it for at least two 15-minute sessions each day, and I’ve found it fits easily into my routine. I typically use it after my morning workout and when I get home from the clinic to help my nervous system unwind.
I’ll reassess after a few more weeks, but so far, the Lumenate Nova has produced more immediate and noticeable effects for me. The Nuropod is also a more significant investment, so I’m still waiting to see whether the long-term benefits will justify the cost.
Innerbloom Recommendations
Fluid App
Ever notice that you feel worse after doom scrolling? Instead, try Fluid, a free app that uses mesmerizing, touch-responsive graphics and soothing color therapy to help calm an overstimulated nervous system and distract from distressing thoughts.
New Music
If you’re a current or former patient, you know how much I value the role of music during ketamine therapy. I’ve spent a great deal of time curating playlists to create the right experience and setting for healing.
This month’s recommendation is the album Beautifully Lost Mind by John Hayes. It’s atmospheric, calming, and it helps soothe an anxious mind. I also think it will pair exceptionally well with ketamine therapy. In fact, I’ll soon be introducing it into my patients’ playlists during their upcoming sessions. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Thank You!
I appreciate your continued support and for taking the time to read!
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Warmly,
Ray Rivas, MD
Newy: Bridging the Gap Between Ketamine Treatment and Everyday Wellness
A supplement formulated by Dr. Rivas for enhanced brain and mood support. The formula pairs especially well with ketamine therapy by helping extend and enhance the neuroplasticity effects. That said, the ingredients are equally effective on their own, so it’s a supportive option whether or not someone is undergoing ketamine treatment. Learn more about how Newy supports cognitive function detoxification and cellular repair.
Medical Disclaimer
All content on this website, including but not limited to this article, blog posts, testimonials, and FAQs, is not medical advice and should not be considered as such. This website cannot diagnose or treat any medical condition. Only a licensed medical professional who is familiar with you and your medical history can provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or any mental health condition, please consult with a licensed mental health professional or your primary care physician.
If you are in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy cannot be held responsible or liable for any actions taken by those who access our website or rely on its content. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for more information.
Ready to explore whether ketamine therapy is right for you? Contact Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy at (805) 321-8471 or visit us at 100 Casa Street, Suite D3, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.