cassie

Treatment resistant depression

I woke up at 6:30 with my three-year-old, and snuggled him on the couch, 30 minutes later my six-year-old woke up and joined her brother on my lap while we watched paw patrol. My little ones can be so very sweet, telling me that they love me multiple times a day, or like my sonContinue reading “Treatment resistant depression”

7th infusion

Yesterday I had another infusion. And the ketamine helped again, SO quickly. A week ago I was desperate to end my life, and now thanks to infusions—I’m able to not only get out of bed, but out of the house.

4th day crash

I had a really great 3 days after my last infusion—feeling simultaneously hopeful and skeptical. I was checking off tasks from my to do list, being social, saying yes to more things.. but yesterday morning I started crashing again and it feels pretty devastating. I had a 90 minute appointment with my new physiatrist fromContinue reading “4th day crash”

self-care

Woke up feeling groggy and low energy which is normal after infusions and will hopefully dissipate tomorrow. I spent the morning filling out intake paperwork for my new doctor which was difficult because my brain isn’t functioning normally because of ECT and I have a long history of mental illness. I took a nap andContinue reading “self-care”

Words from my husband

I don’t have the perspective of either of my partners on what it’s like to love someone with a mental illness. I am always questioning why in the hell they still stay with me when I feel emotionally paralyzed, but I am so grateful they do. Jim is a phenomenal writer and he shared thisContinue reading “Words from my husband”

#6

I think all ketamine clinics differ from how they set up treatments. Danielle schedules 6 infusions within a two week period. Tonight was number 6 and the dissociation was intense— slow motion, puzzle pieces coming together, floating in the room, layers of meta on meta, feeling weightless… I’ll never be able to fully explain myContinue reading “#6”

medication

The past two mornings I’ve woken up with energy instead of dread. I’ve been able to start and complete tasks around the house, run a couple of errands (with another adult, I can’t drive for 2 months). This is huge progress– I think those back to back ketamine infusions really helped me. One of theContinue reading “medication”

eye bra

I felt better after my ketamine infusion last night and this morning Wren came up the stairs and I told her, “mommy is feeling better today,” and she had the biggest smile and it made my heart so happy! I was able to get myself coffee, dress myself (sometimes I need help), and water myContinue reading “eye bra”

foggy brain

My (passive) suicidal ideation is loud today.I’m trying to work on this blog but my brain is foggy and I can’t think clearly.Currently in the waiting room for my 4th ketamine infusion— hoping to leave a little bit lighter.

Through her eyes

I’m overwhelmed with everything I need to keep track of and my memory is working against me ( because of ECT). I tried to sneak into my room to cry but my little Wren followed me and laid next to me and said, “you’re the best mommy ever” and this is the absolute last thingContinue reading “Through her eyes”

ketamine infusion

Tonight I had my first ketamine infusion and it was quite an experience. I remember feeling really emotional and stuck wondering if I was a good person. I threw up during the treatment so they will give me medication at the beginning of my next one. It’s been another exhausting day but I’m feeling aContinue reading “ketamine infusion”

ECT

During my two-week hospitalization I completed 5 (of up to 12 possible) Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatments. This procedure is done under general anesthesia, during which the doctor triggers a seizure by passing electricity through my brain. The goal is to alter the brain chemistry that is responsible for this depressive episode. The plan was toContinue reading “ECT”

hour by hour

What a crazy time we are living in. My depression is continuing to be more severe to the point that I’m barely functioning and yesterday I had to weigh the options of admitting myself to the hospital because of passive suicidal ideation* and risk exposure to COVID for myself and the people I’m close to,Continue reading “hour by hour”

keep going

riots not diets

I’ve been debating posting this journal entry all week and decided to share this because I know some of my friends might find this empowering AND I find it empowering because..I lost over 25lbs in 2 months because of my depression. This triggered my eating disorder and it’s been excruciating trying to love my bodyContinue reading “riots not diets”