Navigating Setbacks in Spravato Therapy
Navigating Setbacks in Spravato Therapy: How to Stay on Course
Spravato (esketamine) offers a powerful new approach for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression. This treatment is FDA-approved and is administered as a nasal spray. While it has provided life-changing results for many patients, the journey isn’t always smooth. Setbacks can happen, even after experiencing initial improvement. But facing these challenges doesn’t mean that the treatment has failed. At our clinics throughout Southern California, we’re here to remind you that setbacks are a part of recovery, and we’ll be with you every step of the way, helping you stay on course.
Why Setbacks Happen in Spravato Treatment
Depression is complex, and its treatment often requires flexibility and time. It’s not uncommon for patients who start Spravato (esketamine) to notice significant improvement, only to experience a dip in their mood later. This fluctuation doesn’t mean the treatment has stopped working; it’s part of the brain’s adjustment to the new medication. For those with treatment-resistant depression, symptoms can ebb and flow, and setbacks may be a sign that further adjustments are needed in your treatment plan.
It’s crucial for patients to recognize that recovery is not always linear. Depression can be impacted by numerous factors, including life stressors, physical health, and environmental changes. What’s important is that you keep going, stay in communication with your healthcare provider, and trust that with ongoing care, you can continue to see improvement over time.
How to Stay on Course During Setbacks
When setbacks occur, it’s easy to feel discouraged, but there are practical ways to stay on track with your treatment and maintain your progress.
- Communicate with Your Provider Regularly One of the key components of effective Spravato is maintaining regular communication with your healthcare team. When depressive symptoms return, don’t wait—reach out to us so we can assess your treatment plan and make any necessary adjustments.
- Track Your Progress Keep track of what you are experiencing in the journal we provided during your first treatment . Writing down your mood, symptoms, and triggers can offer valuable insight into how your treatment is working. Don’t edit or worry about what you write. This method called brain dumpinp allows you to clear away things that may be cluttering your brain. By tracking both the highs and the lows, you may start to notice patterns that can inform your care plan. Even during setbacks, it’s helpful to recognize the smaller moments of progress—these can provide hope and motivation to keep moving forward.
- Adjust Expectations Setbacks don’t erase the progress you’ve made. It’s important to understand that healing takes time, and sometimes the brain’s adjustment to Spravato may lead to temporary fluctuations in mood. Rather than viewing setbacks as a failure, try to see them as part of a longer, ongoing journey. Adjusting your expectations can ease the emotional burden of these difficult times.
- Focus on Self-Care External factors like sleep, diet, and physical activity play a major role in how we feel. Make sure you’re taking care of your body in ways that support your mental health. Getting enough rest, eating nourishing foods, and incorporating physical activity into your routine can help manage depression symptoms and keep you feeling more balanced.
Dealing with the Emotional Impact of Setbacks
Experiencing a setback in your Spravato can be emotionally tough. It’s natural to feel frustrated or worried, but it’s important to remind yourself that setbacks are temporary. Being kind to yourself is crucial. Instead of focusing on what hasn’t gone right, try to reflect on the progress you’ve made so far, no matter how small. Engaging in mindful practices, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help you stay grounded when your emotions feel overwhelming.
Stay Connected and Committed
One of the most important steps in overcoming setbacks is staying connected with your care team. Our clinics throughout Southern California are here to provide the support and guidance you need to keep progressing. Depression may try to push you off course, but with regular check-ins and a flexible treatment plan, we’ll help you find the right adjustments to stay on the path toward recovery.
Whether it’s through adjusting your Spravato dosage, incorporating other forms of therapy, or simply offering encouragement, we’re committed to being by your side as you navigate this journey. Setbacks are not the end of your progress—they are an opportunity to refine your care and continue forward.
Your Team is With You Every Step of the Way
At A Better Way, we believe that the best mental health care comes from working as a team. We’re not just here to provide a treatment; we’re here to offer ongoing, compassionate support. We’ll be by your side through every step, adjusting your care plan when necessary and helping you find the strategies that work best for you.
We understand that depression can feel isolating, but you are not alone in this process. With our team behind you, setbacks don’t have to define your journey—they can be stepping stones toward lasting recovery.
Ready to Learn More About Spravato in Southern California?
If you’re ready to explore FDA-approved Spravato treatments or need support through a setback, our team is here to help. Call us at 800-383-8180 to schedule a free consultation, and let’s continue this journey together. At A Better Way, we’re committed to walking with you every step of the way toward improved mental health.
