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For much of her life, Lila’s mental health journey felt like a revolving door. “I’ve been dealing with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety for a long, long time,” she shared. From childhood into her teenage years and now into adulthood, the weight of depression became a constant companion.
“I think I must have been 14 or 15 when I got my first antidepressant. Since then, it was antidepressant after antidepressant, antipsychotic after antipsychotic — just whatever they could find for me.” But nothing seemed to help. “Either I’d feel nothing at all, or I’d feel completely numb instead of feeling happy. I wasn’t making any progress.”
Eventually, Lila reached a breaking point. “I had been in and out of hospitals. This was my last straw. I wasn’t going to try any more antipsychotics. I was done with antidepressants. This was kind of my last resort before I said I’m done with medications in general.”
Ketamine Therapy: A New Option, A New Kind of Hope
That’s when her psychiatrist mentioned ketamine therapy — specifically Spravato (esketamine). At first, Lila approached it the same way she did every new treatment: she Googled it. But this time, something shifted. “I was shocked with the success results that I found online.”
Her curiosity quickly turned into a quiet optimism. “I came in really, really excited for my first session. It wasn’t instant, but after a few sessions, I noticed a difference. Small stuff at first, like waking up feeling a little more energized, or colors feeling more vibrant. Food even tasted better. And from there, it just got better.”
What Makes Ketamine Treatment Different, Especially for Young Adults?
For Lila, the difference wasn’t just in the outcomes — but in the experience of treatment itself. “Instead of having to remember to take a pill every day, one that makes me feel robotic or numb, this is so different. As soon as I leave Lumin Health, I don’t feel side effects. That’s amazing. I never expected that.”
Ketamine’s rapid onset was also a game-changer. “Typical antidepressants take weeks, sometimes months to work. But with ketamine, after just 3-4 weeks, I started seeing results. It’s so quick-acting that it’s worth a try. You know early on if it’s going to help.”
How Does Ketamine Therapy Feel?
For those curious — or even nervous, understandably — about what ketamine treatment feels like, Lila offers a look into the experience. “It does kind of feel like a very heavy meditation session with some hallucinations,” she explains. “But it’s not scary by any means. It’s something that you very quickly sink into and start to enjoy.”
While the idea of ketamine nasal sprays or infusions might initially sound intimidating, Lila emphasizes that the experience is less sterile-feeling and more introspective than people might expect. “You don’t feel out of control. You’re present — but in a way that gives your mind space to wander differently.”
Her candid reflection helps demystify a process that is often misunderstood. For Lila, the treatment sessions became moments of calm focus — spaces where she could engage with her thoughts without being overwhelmed by them. This is often cited by patients as a huge benefit of ketamine treatment; to be able to process emotions and memories from a new perspective.
The Lumin Health Difference: “They Just Get It”
Throughout her journey, Lila emphasized how essential the Lumin Health team has been. “The staff, without exception, have been just absolutely amazing and so easy to talk to. Even when I feel dissociated or all over the place, they understand that. They’re not judgmental at all.”
This environment of compassionate care created a space where Lila could feel safe — especially when things felt overwhelming. “Even if I’m not opening up about my feelings, they make the space feel okay. They really see you, even when you’re struggling to see yourself.”
School, Life, and Reclaiming Motivation Through Ketamine Treatment
Beyond mood shifts, ketamine therapy has reshaped how Lila approaches everyday life. “In high school, it wasn’t that the work was too hard — it was that I couldn’t find the motivation to even open my folder.” But as treatment progressed, her mindset evolved. “Now, I get stuff done because I want to, not because I’m scared of failing. I think about my future more.”
She’s noticed tangible changes: improved grades, more joy in learning, and a greater sense of purpose. “Because I have so much more hope for the future, I feel more motivated. That’s been really different.”
Redefining Recovery with Spravato: “It’s Not a Cure, But It Makes Life Easier”
Lila is candid about what ketamine treatment is — and what it isn’t. “It hasn’t magically fixed who I am. I still have bad days, but they’re easier to get through. Ketamine didn’t cure me overnight, but it makes it easier to get back up.”
Her journey with Lumin Health has also reshaped her beliefs about mental health. “It changed how I looked at my depression. It showed me how non-permanent it can be, how much it’s subject to change.”
Lila’s Advice on Ketamine Therapy and Treatment Options for Others Who Feel Stuck
For other young adults feeling trapped in their mental health struggles, Lila has a simple message: “There are more options than you think.” She encourages others to explore ketamine therapy with an open mind. “It’s worth just a try. It works so differently than anything else. You’ll know early on if it’s right for you.”
She also urges compassion — for yourself and for the process. “Things do get better. Nothing is permanent. The treatment makes it easier to build yourself back up.”
Lila’s story is one of quiet resilience, honest reflection, and hope. Through Lumin Health’s thoughtful care and the power of ketamine therapy, she’s found tools to navigate life with more lightness and purpose.
Her words echo a sentiment shared by many patients who’ve walked similar paths: “This isn’t about becoming someone else — it’s about rediscovering your ability to move forward.”
