Every 40 seconds, someone in the world dies by suicide.
Sons, daughters, parents, friends, neighbors. All people who believed there was no way out. Each one leaves behind grieving family, friends, and communities asking what more could have been done to save them.
For decades, the best available treatments for depression and suicidal thoughts have been too slow. Ketamine infusions can work within hours.
For a person in a suicidal state, that speed can mean the difference between life and death.
“Suicidal thoughts are urgent and life-threatening,” says Dr. Benjamin Shapiro, psychiatrist at Serenity Mental Health Centers. “For too long, we’ve asked people in crisis to wait for traditional treatments to work. Ketamine changes that and it gives us the ability to act immediately and save lives.”
Behind Ketamine’s Fast Action
Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, has emerged as a rapid-acting treatment for depression and suicidal ideation.
Unlike traditional antidepressants, which target serotonin pathways and can take weeks, ketamine works on the glutamate system to rapidly “reset” brain circuits linked to mood, motivation, and suicidal thinking.
Key facts about ketamine in suicide prevention:
- Many patients report relief within hours of treatment, sometimes the same day.
- With repeated treatment, relief can last weeks to months, providing critical time for longer-term therapy.
- Ketamine encourages the brain to form new connections, helping patients recover patterns of thinking and feeling that support hope and stability.
“We’ve seen patients arrive feeling hopeless and ready to end their lives. Within hours of ketamine, their symptoms subside,” said Dr. Shapiro. “It’s a critical treatment that buys time for necessary recovery.”
At Serenity Mental Health Centers, ketamine is administered in a safe and supervised environment, with close monitoring and individualized treatment plans.
Real Relief: Charles’ Story
“I had difficulty motivating myself to get out of bed most days, and everywhere I went, I encountered conflict with those around me,” said Charles, a Serenity Mental Health Centers patient.
Charles had battled severe Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder, depression, anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for most of his life.
Over the years, he tried countless medications and worked with multiple providers, but nothing seemed to bring real relief. Instead, the side effects piled up while his symptoms stayed the same or got worse. He then attempted to take his own life.
Everything changed when Charles came to Serenity Mental Health Centers and began ketamine infusion therapy. After his second treatment, he noticed a dramatic difference.
It wasn’t just a lift in his mood. For the first time in a long time, Charles could function daily, find motivation, and connect with his loved ones again.
Charles now looks to the future with hope. Ketamine therapy gave him back the ability to live, not just survive.
“When someone like Charles has battled their mental health for years with no relief, it can feel like there’s no way forward,” says Dr. Benjamin Shapiro. “Ketamine gave him a breakthrough, and more people deserve access to this treatment.”
Taking Action
Charles’ story is a powerful reminder that help is possible. Ketamine is a lifeline for those in crisis, offering rapid relief when every second matters.
If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts or severe depression, don’t wait. Immediate help can save a life.
Reach out to a provider trained in ketamine therapy, like those at Serenity Mental Health Centers.
Your life and your future matter. Call 844-310-1667 to take the first step toward recovery today.
