The Mind-Body Connection

While preventing and minimizing chronic disease is the key to increasing our health span, we also believe one of the greatest threats to modern society lies in the state of our individual and collective mental health. The dastardly effects of anxiety, depression, and suicide are disturbingly weaved into each of our lives in one way or another. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, depression is the number one cause of ill health and disability worldwide, with 300 million people suffering from depression and 260 million suffering from anxiety. This report was published in 2018, before the globally reaching COVID-19 pandemic descended upon us, so one can only speculate as to the current statistics.

It is well accepted that chronic mental stress is correlated with obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and an increased risk of some cancers, among many other negative physical effects. Our mental health undeniably affects our physical health and vice versa.

It is also evident that the current standard for mental health treatment is vastly inadequate. The prevailing theory of depression being caused by an improper amount of the brain chemical serotonin has led to the creation of a pharmaceutical market worth almost 12 billion USD. Even so, many patients experience a delayed onset for improvement of symptoms, and many are resistant to conventional treatment altogether. The statistics above speak for themselves: if current approaches treated depression effectively, its prevalence would be in decline. The opposite is true. For this reason, some experts are reconsidering this prevailing theory and looking at promising alternatives, such as the neuroplasticity observed with psychedelic agents.

Mental well-being is important in its own accord but self-control, mental energy, and a curated mental framework are necessary parts of the mental health constellation. You need all aspects of the constellation to successfully implement the behaviors and practices you decide are necessary to increase your flowspan. For this reason, a mental health inventory is one of the first tasks that must be accomplished.

Your mental health can be improved and strengthened through a number of the interventions and practices we'll present to you at The Phoenix Project, but we do realize that our mind can sometimes be our greatest opponent and saboteur. For those who need to get unstuck, we offer Ketamine Infusion Therapy. Our physician founder has over a decade of experience treating depression and anxiety with ketamine. But our approach is different. Unlike most centers administering ketamine, we don't agree that a successful protocol has to consist of a specific number of treatments. In line with our mantra that only YOU can change, We don't believe ketamine or any other medication is the cure for depression or anxiety. Still, ketamine can open a door and give you space so that you may take the actions necessary to change your psyche.