The National Depression Hotline (nationaldepressionhotline.org) stands as a beacon of hope for those navigating the fog of depression. This free, confidential service offers a supportive ear, professional advice, and the first step towards recovery, 24/7.
Read MoreIn the serene, tree-filled setting of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Sweetgrass Psychiatry is pioneering a transformative approach to mental health care that is both innovative and accessible. We're proud to introduce FDA-cleared Apollo Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a groundbreaking treatment modality that offers hope and healing to individuals battling with psychiatric disorders, particularly depression. This state-of-the-art therapy is not just effective; it's also covered by most major insurance companies, making it accessible to those in need.
Read MoreSpravato (esketamine) is a magical and mysterious medication, highly effective for treating stubborn depression. These patient administered nasal devices have not only saved countless of my patients’ lives from suicide, but Spravato has rescued so many of them from being trapped in their negative perspectives. That being said, this medication is a powerful force and requires careful and thoughtful compassion and intentionality poured into each individual who opens themselves up to the healing properties this medication can provide.
Read MoreKetamine, originally known as a powerful anesthetic, has gained attention for its rapid antidepressant effects by acting on the NMDA receptor and modulating glutamate in the brain. In controlled clinical settings, ketamine has proven efficacy in treating severe and treatment-resistant depression. However, the growing trend of using ketamine at home, often without medical supervision, raises significant concerns.
Read MoreCannabis products are found everywhere and are commonly advertised as helping individuals with mental health conditions. Do they really work though?
Read MoreIn most cases, patients respond to esketamine and continue with regular dosing usually every 2-3 weeks. Infrequently, they will require redosing weekly or monthly. Stopping the medication after a response is uncommon and usual among those who have consistently mild depression.
Read MoreIf you have treatment resistant major depression, live in the Charleston SC or Mount Pleasant, SC area and are interested in scheduling a Spravato consultation, please call Sweetgrass Psychiatry at (843) 800-1303.
Read MoreDepression that does not respond to 2 or more antidepressant medications of therapeutic dose for at least 6 weeks is what I call “sticky depression” or more formally, treatment resistant depression. Luckily it does not have to be treatment resistant anymore because I have 2 major weapons against “sticky depression” - Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Spravato (esketamine nasal spray). Luckily, both are very safe, FDA approved/cleared, and are covered by most major insurance plans. Often, the biggest challenge is deciding which treatment is best for my individual patient because most patients are great candidates for both treatments.
Read MoreWe encourage you to have a different and more mindful perspective, a different approach to how you respond to stress. You are free to choose how you react to the stimulus instead of being a victim and simply just reacting to your environment. You are free to question assumptions, analyze resources, problem solve, and strategize. Your life can and should be dictated by you. You can choose to react differently to stress. You don’t have to be a victim anymore. We want to teach you about proactive coping, stress reduction, and living a principle-centered life.
Read MoreYou are not alone. The majority of our clinicians at Sweetgrass Psychiatry are mothers, and we know it is tough right after having a baby. There is nothing like it and no one can quite prepare you for what to expect. It can be very challenging to determine what is normal after pregnancy vs. postpartum blues vs. postpartum depression. That is what we are here for.
Read MoreIn recent years, the use of animals in therapeutic and support capacities has gained significant traction. Whether it's a dog helping someone navigate a busy street or a cat providing comfort during tough times, animals have proven to be indispensable allies for many individuals. However, there's often confusion surrounding the terms "therapy dog", "service animal", and "emotional support animal." Let's delve into the differences.
Read MoreRecognizing the potential pitfalls of excessive tech use is the first step towards a healthier relationship with technology. In the end, the challenge of finding balance with technology is an ongoing journey, and one's attachment to their devices can be deeply rooted. It is essential to explore these feelings and motivations and understand why we feel so attached to our screens and notifications. By doing so, individuals can take meaningful steps toward regaining control over their digital lives, fostering a healthier and more fulfilling existence in this tech-integrated world.
Read MoreIn today's digital era, technology has become an inseparable part of our lives. It connects us with the world, makes tasks more convenient, and keeps us entertained. Yet, amidst the constant stream of notifications and social media, many find themselves feeling increasingly miserable and disconnected. How did we reach this point, and more importantly, how do we strike a balance?
Read MoreSeriously! Quitting smoking is the most challenging habit to stop - we get it. Tobacco cessation is also one of the best decisions you can make for your health, your wallet, your relationships, and your vanity. Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone. I have had many success stories among my patients over the years thanks to their will power, a little encouragement, a little medications for some, and psychotherapy for some. There is no one size fits all. With the right plan, tools, and support, we believe you can do this!
Read MoreSleep can be challenging and elusive yet necessary for your best mental health. It is often the first symptom / warning sign of mental health problems and can trigger and/or exacerbate underlying mental health problems. First, you need to characterize your sleep problems and sleep patterns. For example – is it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or are you waking up too early? If you wake up at night, is it difficult to fall back asleep. We recommend keeping a sleep log next to your bed or on an app on your phone.
To best address your issues with sleep, is essential that you and your healthcare provider identify the cause of your sleep problems, which may involve a physical examination, laboratory studies, and additional testing. It is essential to develop and implement behavioral, psychological, and social solutions to improve your sleep. Lastly, you may require interventions such as a Cpap machine and/or medications to improve your sleep quality.
Read MoreCouples counseling is a type of psychotherapy that can help couples with a variety of concerns or areas of stress in their relationship and life. Many areas of a romantic relationship can be confusing or stressful to manage, such as communication, finances, roles, beliefs, emotional and physical intimacy, chronic illness, relationships with family, child rearing, and more. Therapists can help couples build healthy habits and skills with one another, increasing relationship satisfaction and functionality of the relationship and family.
Read MoreNeuropharmagen® enables providers to identify the safest psychotropic medication protocol for patients based on their genetic markers and other relevant factors. Finding the right medication for mental health conditions can often be challenging for patients and providers. Being able to quickly discern specific treatments and dosage amounts for antidepressants and other psychoactive drugs may increase a patient’s adherence and chance for a positive outcome.
Read MoreSweetgrass Psychiatry is proud to offer an educational mindfulness course about how teens and parents of teens can manage anxiety using evidence based mindfulness techniques. This educational group is specifically for teens and their parents to help foster improved communication and a positive, healthy relationship. Using an evidence-based combination of intentional focusing, nervous system regulation and self compassion, participants will be equipped with realistic skills to more effectively handle the stress in their lives.
Read MoreWhen other traditional treatments for depression are not working, such as psychotherapy, medications (SSRIs, SNRIs), exercise, and healthy eating, there are other great treatment options. At Sweetgrass Psychiatry in Mount Pleasant, SC, we are pleased to provide our patients with treatment resistant depression HOPE. One evidence based, safe treatment option is Intramuscular (IM) ketamine.
Read MoreAt Sweetgrass Psychiatry in Mount Pleasant, SC, we are passionate about helping individuals that are struggling with ADHD. We believe it is a brain based illness that can negatively impact one’s functioning and prevent people from achieving their full potential if left untreated. We also believe that ADHD can be over diagnosed, therefore, we carefully evaluate patients’ symptoms and history, review past records, and obtain definitive neuropsychological testing when indicated.
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