My Boyfriend Is Receiving Ketamine at a Clinic—Is This Good?

I never imagined writing something like this, but here I am, reflecting on my boyfriend’s recent confession. When he told me that he’d been receiving ketamine, I was scared. Our relationship seemed solid, and he always appeared genuinely happy. But as I’ve come to learn, people often wear masks to hide what’s really going on inside.  

A Surprising Confession

I’ll never forget that evening a few weeks ago when he finally opened up. We were having dinner, and he just… said it. “I’ve been going to therapy and receiving ketamine infusions for my depression.” I felt a mix of confusion and worry, realizing that he’d been struggling with this all along. Despite being close, there was an entire layer of his life I’d been unaware of, including therapy sessions and treatment plans. I had no idea he was battling phobias and anxiety, too. It hurt a little that he hadn’t shared sooner, but I also felt proud that he was seeking help.

Why Ketamine?

Like many, I knew of ketamine as a recreational drug and an anesthetic. But ketamine as a treatment for depression? That was new to me. He explained how his therapist had recommended it after conventional medications didn’t help as much as he’d hoped. It turns out ketamine can be administered under careful medical supervision to help rewire neural pathways, potentially creating profound, fast-acting effects in people with severe depression or treatment-resistant mental health conditions.

The Matthew Perry Case: Should I Be Concerned?

I couldn’t help but think about Matthew Perry, who openly shared his struggles with ketamine. Perry’s case highlights how ketamine, like any substance, has its risks and must be carefully managed. In cases like Perry’s, ketamine could complicate existing health issues, especially if someone has a history of addiction or dependency. While my boyfriend’s situation is different, it was enough to make me question whether this treatment could become problematic.

Understanding Ketamine Therapy

From my research, I learned that ketamine, unlike traditional antidepressants, affects the brain quickly. According to Healthline, it works by influencing glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in mood and cognition, and this can lead to almost immediate relief from depressive symptoms. For people with treatment-resistant depression, ketamine infusions are administered under strict medical oversight to ensure safety. It’s not a cure, but it can provide relief in cases where other treatments have failed.

My boyfriend emphasized that he was seeing real improvements in his mood and ability to manage his phobias, and I could tell he was more open and communicative since starting the treatment. Still, the fact that ketamine is typically used in controlled, limited settings reassures me that he’s not self-medicating or overusing it. Instead, he’s working closely with his therapist to determine the right dose and frequency.

Navigating My Concerns

Of course, I worry. Ketamine has its risks, and I don’t want him to rely on something that could potentially be harmful in the long run. Yet, seeing how it has helped him feel more engaged and alive gives me hope that this might be the right approach for him—for now. We’ve discussed setting boundaries and keeping an open line of communication, so I’m aware of any changes in his treatment or mood. This has helped me feel more comfortable with the situation, knowing I’ll be informed if anything shifts.

What I’ve Learned

This experience has taught me that mental health is so much more complex than it seems. My boyfriend appeared happy and carefree, yet he carried hidden burdens. While I’m still learning to navigate my feelings about his treatment, I’m grateful that he trusted me enough to share. I now have a new perspective on how therapy and unconventional treatments like ketamine can offer real hope to those struggling silently.

In the end, ketamine may be a controversial treatment, but if it’s helping him find peace and joy, I’m here to support him. This journey isn’t easy, but we’re facing it together—one honest conversation at a time.