As the owner of a ketamine clinic, I occasionally have people share hesitations about participating in ketamine treatment due to their Christian faith. As someone who has struggled with Major Depressive Disorder, complex-PTSD, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder while in the church, this topic is very near to my heart. I was working as a mental health RN, and attending church regularly, and still struggling daily with feelings of despair and hopelessness. As Christians, we want to embody peace and love and be a light in our world, and yet, sometimes, we find ourselves walking darker paths and struggling with long nights of the soul. There were times I questioned if I even was a Christian if I struggled with depression. Did God hear my prayers? Was something wrong with me? With my faith? During one of the darkest times in my life, I talked to a pastor about suicide. He was non-judgmental, compassionate, and understanding. He told me, "Suicide is losing the battle with depression. It's like someone dying of cancer, but instead, they died of depression." Until that point, I had been trying everything I could to manage my depression with running, diet, therapy, prayer, community, studying my Bible and other faith-based books, anything except medication. Looking back, I'm still sad I waited so long, but the stigma associated with medication and mental health is very real. Trying medication for mental health, and especially as a Christian, felt like a personal failure. My pastor's view helped change how I was looking at depression and thoughts of suicide. It took away the moral and spiritual judgments and the feelings of failure and let me view it more as a medical condition. This shift allowed me to view the idea of medication for treating mental health from a fresh perspective. I was a nurse, and if anyone came in with an infection, we would say use some antibiotics and clear that right up. We wouldn't think the person had failed or wasn't good enough. Why was I viewing medication and mental health any differently? Not long after, I started oral medications for depression. It took four different medication trials and genetic testing before we found one that worked effectively without a lot of side effects. Eventually, I tried ketamine.
Understanding Ketamine
Ketamine is a relatively new medication for the treatment of mental health, though it has been in use as an anesthetic for over 50 years. While not truly a psychedelic, ketamine, at the low doses used for mental health and pain, has psychedelic properties and can cause visuals and an altered state of consciousness. Many people hear "psychedelic" and think of the 1970s and the War on Drugs and the scary stories that have circulated in our culture ever since. In addition, the topic of mental health and using medications to treat mental health has a stigma for many Christians. A significant 91% of Christians believe that mental health issues are stigmatized within the church, which can hinder open discussions and support [7]. And yet, being a Christian doesn’t mean you no longer struggle with mental health concerns. Approximately 23% of pastors acknowledge having personally struggled with mental illness, and among church attendees, 32% have had a close acquaintance or family member die by suicide [7]. These statistics underscore the importance of addressing mental health openly within Christian communities. Reducing stigma, increasing awareness, and providing support are crucial steps toward fostering a compassionate environment where individuals feel safe to seek help.
After using ketamine to treat depression myself, and now working with many others in this space, I found that ketamine brings out what is inside each person. For example, a patient prayed with his wife before his first treatment. During the medicine, he had a beautiful experience where he met Jesus. His PTSD was never the same after that one session. Later, his wife said she believed that happened because he took Jesus with him everywhere he went, and so even during a ketamine experience, Jesus was the focus of his treatment. Another patient felt the love of her mom, who had passed away years before, in an intense way that helped reshape her struggles with depression. Another patient was having questions about her marriage and came to tears during her session, remembering how much she loved her husband and all the beautiful aspects of their relationship. She stopped questioning being in the relationship, and her mind switched to developing strategies to make their situation work for both of them. She made some big life changes, and they’re still happily married today. Some people don’t experience visual changes and instead feel overwhelming peace and love. Others can't remember what they felt or thought but experience changes in how they process stress and social encounters in the following weeks.
What is the Bible's Perspective?
What does the Bible say about ketamine? As you already guessed, nothing. The closest we can get are verses about medicine or verses with the term “pharmakeia," where we get our word for pharmacy today. Several verses refer to medical treatments that were common at the time, for example, using bandages (Isaiah 1:6), oil (James 5:14), oil and wine (Luke 10:34), leaves (Ezekiel 47:12), balm (Jeremiah 8:22), wine for the stomach (I Tim 5:23). Medicines were often viewed as an extension of God’s work, bringing health and healing, such as in Isaiah 38:21 when Isaiah told the king’s servants to make an ointment and apply it to Hezekiah’s boil so that he could recover. The term “pharmakeia” appears several times in the New Testament, specifically in Galatians 5:19-21 and Revelation 18:23. We find the same root word in Revelation 19:21, Revelation 21:8, and Revelation 22:15. This term is more difficult as it has been interpreted in a few different ways ranging from “sorcery” or “witchcraft” to “drug,” “potion,” or “poison.” In these contexts, it is associated with practices condemned by biblical authors and suggests activities that involve the use of drugs, potions, or other substances for occult practices (engaging in spells or rituals to invoke spiritual powers) or deceptive practices (leading others astray through manipulative or harmful means). While there are many interpretations and ways of reading these scriptures, most Christians agree that medicine legally prescribed by a healthcare provider to improve health and healing, particularly in a medical context or clinic, is an approved activity. There are many who believe God gave us the ability to create new medicines, techniques, and tools to heal one another.
The Bible does have verses about being intoxicated or drunk. For example, Ephesians 5:18: "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." A few others include Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 6:10, and Galatians 5:19-21. One could make a case for caution regarding any substance that impairs judgment or leads to moral lapses. There are also verses that talk about using wine in moderation (Titus 2:3 and 1 Tim 5:23) in addition to John 2:1-11 which describes Jesus attending a wedding and turning water into wine. All this to say, substances can be used as medicine in a healthy and healing way or in excess and cause significant harm. A great example of this currently is Fentanyl, a medication used routinely in medical procedures every day across the U.S. but also responsible for the deaths of over a quarter of a million Americans since 2018. [10] As an RN with over a decade working in substance abuse and recovery, there are signs and symptoms we look for to discern if a substance has become problematic and the use is becoming addictive or unhealthy. For example, cravings for the substance, using the substance to avoid emotions or as an escape, developing a tolerance, experiencing withdrawals, compulsive use, loss of control, neglecting responsibilities or hobbies, causing risky behavior, and contributing to relationship problems or financial issues. Ketamine, as prescribed by a healthcare provider in a clinic, is very safe and effective with no risk of addiction. That said, for those who choose to use ketamine on the street or as a way to dissociate from emotions and life, it can become addictive. Those who form a ketamine addiction are typically engaging in frequent or daily use, often as an escape. For example, Matthew Perry was injecting ketamine 6 to 8 times a day and combining ketamine with many other drugs in the days preceding his death [11]. Safety, avoiding addiction, and ensuring a healthy context for use are all valid supports for limiting ketamine use to a clinic setting under the supervision of healthcare professionals.
Ketamine's Physiological Effects
Ketamine affects the brain in several different ways, and this multi-faceted approach is part of what makes this medicine so effective. Ketamine blocks NMDA receptors, which control a chemical called glutamate that helps brain cells communicate. This process improves connections between brain cells and helps fix pathways that may be damaged in conditions like depression, anxiety, trauma, or PTSD. It also reduces inflammation and boosts brain healing chemicals such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a chemical that is found naturally in the brain and is highest when we are young and soaking up the world like sponges. Ketamine affects the calcium and sodium ion channels and is a rapid mood stabilizer. The brain experiences enhanced neuroplasticity for several days after each treatment. This time of enhanced growth and the development of new connections in the brain allows patients to implement new ways of acting and thinking while experiencing an uplifted mood.
Magnifying the Benefits of Ketamine with Integration
One of the most important aspects of ketamine therapy is integration. Integration is unique based on each person's needs and allows one to dig into the root causes of concerns such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. At WholeMind, we administer ketamine via an intramuscular injection in the deltoid, and the effects of the medicine last 45-60 minutes. Patients listen to sound healing music and practice breathing and relaxation techniques. Once the medication has run its course, we move into integration for the next hour. This time allows each person to discuss any thoughts, feelings, memories, or insights that came up during the medication session. Some have described integration as “years of therapy in one session.” Ketamine offers enhanced openness and emotional vulnerability while the person is feeling upbeat, peaceful, and positive overall. Integration is one of the most important aspects of ketamine therapy. It allows one to process issues that have been going on internally while in a positive, stable, and emotionally safe mindset.
Ketamine alone is a powerful medication. Ketamine combined with integration is even more effective, and the results last longer. As with many other things, you get out of it what you put in. Should you choose to participate in ketamine therapy, expect to do more than just passively receive medication. At WholeMind, we strongly encourage you to combine the benefits of ketamine with other important practices such as journaling, meditation or prayer, and day-to-day work on developing healthy thought processes and new ways of thinking. Another healthy step is connecting with others in a weekly group, with supportive family and friends, or at your local church. It's especially important to use your time with ketamine and the enhanced neuroplasticity to develop the behavior and thought patterns you want to have going forward. This is a great opportunity to strengthen your faith and relationships.
What Does the Data Say?
Mental health affects everyone to some degree, but many struggle to complete basic day-to-day activities due to pressing concerns such as depression and anxiety. National surveys reveal that 61% of undergraduate students report experiencing "overwhelming anxiety," and 40% have felt "so depressed it was difficult to function." In addition, in 2018, about 13% of college students seriously considered suicide, indicating a pressing need for mental health support in the U.S.[1]. Many studies and reports highlight the effectiveness of ketamine for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. In a clinical trial of 403 patients, researchers found that 55 percent of those who received ketamine treatment experienced a sustained improvement in depressive symptoms without significant side effects [5]. Many patients report noticeable improvement within 24 hours after their first treatment, compared to traditional antidepressants, which take weeks to work. One study found that ketamine reduced PTSD and depression symptoms, with some patients reporting relief after a single infusion [9]. In another study, older age correlated with greater improvement in depression and anxiety [7]. Two additional studies found ketamine caused a significant and rapid decrease in PTSD symptoms as well as symptomatic improvement in persons with OCD, with effects observed as early as 24 hours post-treatment [2] [8]. Another smaller study showed PTSD symptoms rapidly improved after a single ketamine session, and the benefits were maintained for at least two weeks in many patients. Participants also experienced a reduction in depressive symptoms, but the effect on PTSD was more significant [4]. These results highlight ketamine's potential as a powerful tool in treating otherwise resistant cases of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Final Thoughts
Anyone who has struggled significantly with mental health concerns can tell you that sometimes our minds need more to break through what’s ailing us. For some, a change in diet or exercise or talking to a mental health professional is enough. For others, more is needed. In these situations, a therapy like ketamine can be life-changing and even lifesaving. By participating in treatment under the care of a medical professional, with one-on-one support and integration, ketamine can be an incredibly safe and effective option.
As with most things, there is a lot of debate and differing viewpoints on the particulars. One thing I always keep in mind is Matt 7:16: "By their fruits, you will know them." Those who have participated in ketamine therapy often report feeling a sense of incredible love and compassion for themselves and others. Some can forgive things they previously felt were unforgivable. Many share feelings of connection and unity with God and other people. Couples in treatment report openness and the ability to be vulnerable with each other like they couldn’t previously [6]. Still more find peace, often for the first time in years. If you’re considering ketamine treatment and unsure about it all, I would encourage you to pray about it and talk to others who have participated in this treatment. Most of all, remember you are not alone.
It's been a long journey, but I can say that today, I'm not taking any medications for depression anymore. I had to make some huge life changes; there was a lot of therapy and some psychedelics involved in my healing journey. I can't remember the last time I truly thought about killing myself. I can see the world in color again. All that to say: There is hope! There is no one-size-fits-all. We have a lot of tools, and for each person, the combination of tools that finally works will be unique. But no matter what, there absolutely, positively, is hope. We can embrace the ability God has given us to make and use medications to heal one another, including our mental health. Don't give up if you're walking through those dark nights of the soul. Consider trying something new that may seem a little scary or something you wouldn't have thought of even a year ago. You might find that an option like ketamine not only improves your mood but also enhances your relationships and your faith.
References
[1] Boone Center for the Family. (2019, December 10). 2 statistics that prove anxiety is an issue we can’t ignore in our church community. Retrieved December 31, 2024, from https://boonecenter.pepperdine.edu/blog/posts/2-statistics-that-prove-anxiety-is-an-issue-we-cant-ignore-in-our-church-community.htm
[2] Coyle, C. M., & Laws, K. R. (2015). Ketamine for the treatment of psychiatric disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. CNS Spectrums, 20(3), 241-251. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1092852914002092
[3] Dore, J., Turnipseed, B., Dwyer, S., Turnipseed, A., Andries, J., Ascani, G., Monnette, C., Huidekoper, A., Strauss, N., & Wolfson, P. (2019) Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP): Patient Demographics, Clinical Data and Outcomes in Three Large Practices Administering Ketamine with Psychotherapy, Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 51(2), 189-198.
[4] Feder, A., Parides, M.K., Murrough, J.W., Perez, A.M., Morgan, J.E., Saxena, S., Kirkwood, K., aan het Rot, M., Lapidus, K.A., Wan, L.B., Iosifescu, D., & Charney, D.S. (2014). Efficacy of Intravenous Ketamine for Treatment of Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial, JAMA Psychiatry, 71(6), 681-688.
[5] Harvard Gazette. (2023, May 3). Ketamine found effective in treatment-resistant depression. Retrieved December 31, 2024, from https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/05/ketamine-found-effective-in-treatment-resistant-depression/
[6] Khalifian, C., & Knopp, K. (2024). How ketamine-assisted couple therapy heals relationships. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/expansive-relationships/202407/how-ketamine-assisted-couple-therapy-heals-relationships
[7] Lifeway Research. (2018, May 1). 13 stats on mental health and the church. Retrieved December 31, 2024, from https://research.lifeway.com/2018/05/01/13-stats-on-mental-health-and-the-church/
[8] Psychiatry Advisor. (2019, March 22). Ketamine: A promising novel therapy for anxiety and PTSD. Retrieved December 31, 2024, from https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/features/ketamine-a-promising-novel-therapy-for-anxiety-and-ptsd/
[9] University of Connecticut. (2023, November). Ketamine can rapidly reduce symptoms of PTSD and depression, a new study finds. Retrieved December 31, 2024, from https://today.uconn.edu/2023/11/ketamine-can-rapidly-reduce-symptoms-of-ptsd-and-depression-new-study-finds
[10] USA Facts. (2023, September 27). Are fentanyl overdose deaths rising in the U.S.? Retrieved December 31, 2024, from https://usafacts.org/articles/are-fentanyl-overdose-deaths-rising-in-the-us/
[11] Vargas, R. (2023, October 31). The depths of Matthew Perry's addiction: 6-8 shots a day, $55K a month, ketamine therapy, and a near-death experience. NBC News. Retrieved December 31, 2024, from https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/depths-matthew-perrys-addiction-6-8-shots-day-55k-month-ketamine-rcna166806
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