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OUR blog / additional resources and helpful articles
Welcome to this space dedicated to providing helpful information to support you in your health and wellness journey.
The Basics of Apollo Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: A Revolutionary Approach to Mental Health Care
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.
Six Powerful Ways to Maximize Your Spravato / Esketamine Treatment through Integration Therapy
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.
The Risks of Home-Administered Ketamine for Depression: A Psychiatrist’s Perspective
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.
A Psychiatrist's Caution: Rethinking the Role of CBD and THC in Anxiety and Depression
Cannabis products are found everywhere and are commonly advertised as helping individuals with mental health conditions. Do they really work though?
Stubborn Depression? TMS or Spravato treatment may be the solution
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.
Feelings Are Not Facts: A Psychiatrist's Perspective
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.
Are you struggling with postpartum depression? Top tips to get you feeling well
You are not alone. The majority of our clinicians at Sweetgrass Psychiatry are mothers, and we know it is tough right after having a baby. There is nothing like it and no one can quite prepare you for what to expect. It can be very challenging to determine what is normal after pregnancy vs. postpartum blues vs. postpartum depression. That is what we are here for.
What are the Differences Between Therapy Dogs, Service Animals, and Emotional Support Animals?
In recent years, the use of animals in therapeutic and support capacities has gained significant traction. Whether it's a dog helping someone navigate a busy street or a cat providing comfort during tough times, animals have proven to be indispensable allies for many individuals. However, there's often confusion surrounding the terms "therapy dog", "service animal", and "emotional support animal." Let's delve into the differences.
Is Your Phone Making You Miserable? Part 1: The Digital Dilemma: How Phone Use Impacts Mental Health
In today's digital era, technology has become an inseparable part of our lives. It connects us with the world, makes tasks more convenient, and keeps us entertained. Yet, amidst the constant stream of notifications and social media, many find themselves feeling increasingly miserable and disconnected. How did we reach this point, and more importantly, how do we strike a balance?
Quitting is the hardest thing to do: How to stop smoking
Seriously! Quitting smoking is the most challenging habit to stop - we get it. Tobacco cessation is also one of the best decisions you can make for your health, your wallet, your relationships, and your vanity. Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone. I have had many success stories among my patients over the years thanks to their will power, a little encouragement, a little medications for some, and psychotherapy for some. There is no one size fits all. With the right plan, tools, and support, we believe you can do this!
What is it Like to Receive Ketamine for Depression?
When other traditional treatments for depression are not working, such as psychotherapy, medications (SSRIs, SNRIs), exercise, and healthy eating, there are other great treatment options. At Sweetgrass Psychiatry in Mount Pleasant, SC, we are pleased to provide our patients with treatment resistant depression HOPE. One evidence based, safe treatment option is Intramuscular (IM) ketamine.
Tips to Manage and Overcome ADHD
At Sweetgrass Psychiatry in Mount Pleasant, SC, we are passionate about helping individuals that are struggling with ADHD. We believe it is a brain based illness that can negatively impact one’s functioning and prevent people from achieving their full potential if left untreated. We also believe that ADHD can be over diagnosed, therefore, we carefully evaluate patients’ symptoms and history, review past records, and obtain definitive neuropsychological testing when indicated.
How to Handle Uncomfortable Thoughts
Sometimes we may find that our thoughts feel overwhelming, we get wrapped up in them, or that they may tend to dictate how our day goes. We may find that our thoughts change the ways we behave, which may lead to a cycle of negative behavior or feelings. Uncomfortable thoughts may be seen in people experiencing anxiety, depression, and a variety of other mental health concerns. It is possible to find detachment from our thoughts with the practice of cognitive defusion.