I’m a 72-year-old man who, after a successful business career, began to feel an overwhelming sense of burnout about four years ago. I thought it was business related but soon discovered that a lethargy or malaise had infected every area of my life. I found sitting in a chair for most of the day was more alluring to me than working out in my home gym, doing some landscaping work, or even reading important books. Depressed during the day, I became anxious about the future at night, impacting my sleep. It took a while for me to accept that I needed help, but I finally took a few steps including working with a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with “Major Recurrent Depression.” I worked with him for about a year and began taking Lexapro (Escitalopram) for my anxiety and depression. Two years later, I believe the medication helped with my anxiety, but not with my depression. Previously a serious athlete, I still spent most of my day in a chair watching sports, instead of participating in them. Feeling like something had to give, I started doing research and eventually landed on Ketamine therapy. The Internet is chock-full of information but of course be careful of your sources. I was impressed by how ketamine appears to work on two levels — a pharmacological level, where it influences neurotransmitter activity and may help ‘reset’ certain brain pathways, and an experiential level, where the treatment itself can evoke powerful, sometimes transformative insights or visions of a new self. I decided to make the commitment but then was faced with the all-important decision of which Ketamine clinic to choose. Living near Austin, I had more than a few to choose from and I contacted and spoke with most of them. I’m sure they all would have been highly professional, but I chose Austin Ketamine Clinic for a variety of reasons. For example, they had more information online than I could find on the others, and they offered a six-treatment regimen over three weeks. This has been the gold standard for years, but other clinics seemed to have backed off that lately. I was not interested in half measures. In for a penny, in for a pound. I also found communications with Austin Ketamine Clinic to be the best by far. One clinic warned that they don’t really answer their phone much but will text you back within a day or so. Jon, the co-founder and CEO of AKC, was quick to respond to my every question and was willing to take as much time as necessary. You might think my first visit to the clinic would have been filled with anxiety, but the professionals there, and the extremely comfortable environment, gave me instant confidence and peace of mind. My six infusions are behind me now, and I am undergoing a home treatment plan to extend and solidify the benefits. A Ketamine experience is going to be different for everyone. In fact, despite all the YouTube videos I watched in advance, none were remotely like my own first experience. I’ll let you have your own experience, but I will tell you that while mine didn’t feel like being struck by a “lightning bolt,” I am beginning to realize that it did shove that stuck rock downhill, where it is now picking up steam. I’m working out again, back to business (and enjoying it) and have virtually silenced that damn monkey in my mind! (Constant ruminations.) I wish the best for you if you decide to embark on this amazing journey, and I cannot recommend a professional and caring team any higher than I do the one at Austin Ketamine Clinic.
David Shepherd · October 21st, 2025