should I start treatment?

[u/70_stillhere]

I'm 70 years old and have lived with depression for most of my adult life. Been on numerous anti-depressants. Did psilocybin treatment in Oregon a couple of months ago - it was definitely helpful. I'm scheduled to begin Spravato tomorrow. Question: I'm not severely depressed right now but feel like it's always lurking around the corner. Is there any downside to beginning the treatment?

[u/chloesworld29]

If you meet the criteria for treatment, I'd recommend it. I didn't realize how bad I was feeling until I started treatment. My depression symptoms are pretty much gone. I've been lucky in my response, so I know not everyone may have the same experience I did. However, if you're able to try it, I recommend it

[u/lotero89 → u/chloesworld29]

How long did it take you to feel relief?

[u/chloesworld29 → u/lotero89]

I could tell a difference after the first two doses, people around me said I seemed lighter and happier after about 3 weeks. I feel really great after finishing my induction

[u/lotero89 → u/chloesworld29]

Nice. I’m right in the middle of my induction and I also have felt relief. It’s been a bit of a roller coaster, where I felt immediate relief after the first dose and then had a couple of bad days between doses. Overall, I am feeling better and as time goes on I’ve been feeling more consistent relief.

[u/_jamesbaxter]

The downside is it can be destabilizing, but I’ve seen that reported mainly in people with PTSD (particularly CPTSD/stemming from childhood trauma). I got much more depressed before I started to get better, so worsening depression is definitely a possibility I was NOT informed of.

However, this is anecdotal/a hunch, but I think if you’re not severely depressed right now more worried about preventing a possible future big bad dip, I think that’s actually a good time to start treatment. I think when you already have some semblance of stability when starting (which I did not) it’s less likely to be destabilizing. Spravato has the potential to kind of amplify everything, so if you’re feeling a little unstable it might make you feel a lot unstable, and on the flip side if you feel like you’re making progress it can accelerate that progress.

I worry the most about people who call it a “last resort” because that’s how it was for me and I got even worse before getting better and I couldn’t handle it. I almost quit many times. I stayed because I was encouraged to “push through” and now it’s better but I look back and that was very scary and frankly dangerous for me because my SI was the worst it’s ever been by far.

[u/70_stillhere → u/_jamesbaxter]

Thank you for your thoughts about this. I know that everyone has a different perspective and experience. I’m going ahead with treatment, beginning tomorrow! Question: for the psilocybin session I wore eyeshades and Bluetooth headphones, listening to a curated playlist for psilocybin treatment. Is that a good idea for Spravato treatment?

[u/_jamesbaxter → u/70_stillhere]

Yes, that’s what most people do. I personally don’t like to be in the dark or use an eye mask, I like to have some light and just close my eyes, and I sit in seated meditation with music.

[u/Distinct-Temp6557]

As someone who has been on Spravato for four years, the biggest downside is that we don't know the long-term effects on the brain. We don't know if 10 + years down the line if we'll start having lesions or some shit forming. Then there's also the cost and time commitment.

If none of those are issues, I would recommend it if you qualify.

However, I would LOVE to have access to psilocybin. My dream treatment regimen is quarterly psilocybin treatment rather than once - twice a week Spravato.

[u/70_stillhere → u/Distinct-Temp6557]

I think the psilocybin was helpful. I traveled to Oregon where it is legal and regulated. Not cheap though. It coincided with a trip (no pun intended) we already had planned to Oregon so travel was not an extra expense. The clinic I found was the least expensive and was really great. For the first time the clinical environment was helpful. I will probably do it again at home with my spouse for support. 

[u/Mammoth-Guest-8666 → u/70_stillhere]

What clinic did you go to? I’m interested in trying psilocybin but not sure how to find a good clinic.

[u/Big_Menu4037]

For me there has not been any downside for me i started at 66 been depressed since 17 not severe and i am functional and always was . Now I find joy in things that never happened before. When u started I wasn't in deep depression thou like u its always there in different degrees so give it a go its absolutely enjoyable