As a psychiatrist, I often discuss medications that can help manage various conditions, especially those related to substance use disorders. One such medication is naltrexone, an opioid blocker that is widely used for treating alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD). It can also play a role in chronic pain management and weight loss when combined with bupropion.

In this post, I'll explain how naltrexone works, its benefits, and important considerations for anyone taking it, especially in emergency situations.

Disordered eating encompasses a range of unhealthy eating habits, such as skipping meals, obsessing over “clean” foods, following restrictive diets, overeating, and feeling anxious about eating in social situations. These behaviors can often progress into more serious eating disorders. In fact, studies show that 18.75% of female college students are at risk for developing an eating disorder, with many engaging in behaviors like binge eating or self-induced vomiting. A staggering 91% of college women have dieted at some point to control their weight.

It’s easy to feel like we need significant changes or interventions to improve our mental well-being, but recent research suggests that a simple, natural solution may be within reach for everyone: spending just ten minutes a day outside.

The founder of osteopathic medicine, Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO, said, "It is the object of a physician to find health; anyone can find disease." This philosophy resonates throughout Motherhood Survival Manual, which addresses mental health prevention even before pregnancy, emphasizing living a healthy life to prevent and mitigate the impact of postpartum mental health disorders.

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most profound and challenging experiences. Yet, in our fast-paced society, there’s often an unspoken expectation to “get over it” quickly, leaving those who are grieving feeling misunderstood or isolated. Grief is a deeply personal and unique experience—no two people grieve the same way, and that’s okay.

Often there is a need or want for a patient to stop an antidepressant. For some antidepressants, like fluoxetine, this is easy. For other antidepressants, such as venlafaxine, this is notoriously difficult and uncomfortable with symptoms such as malaise, fatigue, nausea, achiness, and more. When discontinuing antidepressants, many people search for ways to minimize potential withdrawal symptoms, referred to as “discontinuation syndrome.” Two supplements recently began appearing on social media claiming to minimize these symptoms: high-dose omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium. Both have been studied for their potential benefits in treating depressive symptoms, but is there any evidence to support their use specifically for minimizing discontinuation syndrome?

Sleep plays a vital role in our physical and mental health, and no one is more aware of that role than those who struggle with sleep. The thought of insomnia can even become anxiety-provoking. Everyone experiences insomnia from time to time, but if this persists for more than one month, we call this “chronic insomnia.”

Fatigue is more than just feeling tired; it’s a pervasive sense of exhaustion that can significantly impact your daily life. I often see patients who struggle with chronic tiredness, and identifying the root cause is crucial for effective management. This guide explores various factors contributing to fatigue and offers insights into how you can address them. Let’s dive into some common—and perhaps surprising—causes of fatigue.

Becoming a mother is a life-changing experience filled with joy, challenges, and exhaustion. Navigating the postpartum period can feel overwhelming, especially when you're recovering from childbirth, learning to care for a newborn, and adjusting to a new normal. Below are practical, expert-backed tips from seasoned moms and healthcare professionals to help you through this precious yet challenging stage.

Most people would probably prefer not to take any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The concern every parent has when deciding to use medication or not during pregnancy is whether their actions could harm their unborn child. Many also assume giving medication to the birthing parent will harm the fetus. This idea is false and harmful because during pregnancy, mother and fetus are inseparable, otherwise known as a dyad.

The biggest harm with an all-or-nothing approach is this: when medications are stopped, changed, or not started during pregnancy, this can cause mental health issues that result in pregnancy complications.

The National Depression Hotline (nationaldepressionhotline.org) stands as a beacon of hope for those navigating the fog of depression. This free, confidential service offers a supportive ear, professional advice, and the first step towards recovery, 24/7.

In the serene, tree-filled setting of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Sweetgrass Psychiatry is pioneering a transformative approach to mental health care that is both innovative and accessible. We're proud to introduce FDA-cleared Apollo Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a groundbreaking treatment modality that offers hope and healing to individuals battling with psychiatric disorders, particularly depression. This state-of-the-art therapy is not just effective; it's also covered by most major insurance companies, making it accessible to those in need.

Spravato (esketamine) is a magical and mysterious medication, highly effective for treating stubborn depression. These patient administered nasal devices have not only saved countless of my patients’ lives from suicide, but Spravato has rescued so many of them from being trapped in their negative perspectives. That being said, this medication is a powerful force and requires careful and thoughtful compassion and intentionality poured into each individual who opens themselves up to the healing properties this medication can provide.

Ketamine, originally known as a powerful anesthetic, has gained attention for its rapid antidepressant effects by acting on the NMDA receptor and modulating glutamate in the brain. In controlled clinical settings, ketamine has proven efficacy in treating severe and treatment-resistant depression. However, the growing trend of using ketamine at home, often without medical supervision, raises significant concerns.

Cannabis products are found everywhere and are commonly advertised as helping individuals with mental health conditions. Do they really work though?

In most cases, patients respond to esketamine and continue with regular dosing usually every 2-3 weeks. Infrequently, they will require redosing weekly or monthly. Stopping the medication after a response is uncommon and usual among those who have consistently mild depression.

If you have treatment resistant major depression, live in the Charleston SC or Mount Pleasant, SC area and are interested in scheduling a Spravato consultation, please call Sweetgrass Psychiatry at (843) 800-1303.

Depression that does not respond to 2 or more antidepressant medications of therapeutic dose for at least 6 weeks is what I call “sticky depression” or more formally, treatment resistant depression. Luckily it does not have to be treatment resistant anymore because I have 2 major weapons against “sticky depression” - Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Spravato (esketamine nasal spray). Luckily, both are very safe, FDA approved/cleared, and are covered by most major insurance plans. Often, the biggest challenge is deciding which treatment is best for my individual patient because most patients are great candidates for both treatments.

We encourage you to have a different and more mindful perspective, a different approach to how you respond to stress. You are free to choose how you react to the stimulus instead of being a victim and simply just reacting to your environment. You are free to question assumptions, analyze resources, problem solve, and strategize. Your life can and should be dictated by you. You can choose to react differently to stress. You don’t have to be a victim anymore. We want to teach you about proactive coping, stress reduction, and living a principle-centered life.