In this article:
- Suicide Crisis in the US
- How We Got Here
- Ketamine and Suicide Prevention
- How Avesta’s Ketamine Clinics Offer Hope
- The Bottom Line
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to confront one of the most critical mental health issues nationwide. Open conversations about suicide are difficult, but dialogues save lives because they make people feel comfortable asking for help in times of crisis. Access to fast, effective treatment can make all the difference in suicide prevention, and ketamine therapy could be one of modern medicine’s greatest deterrents.
This article delves into the ongoing suicide crisis in America, why breaking the stigma is critical, and how ketamine therapy for suicide prevention works.
Suicide Crisis in the US
The suicide crisis in the US has become an urgent public health issue, with rates steadily rising over the past two decades. In 2021, more than 48,000 Americans died by suicide, increasing 36% since 2000. Certain demographic groups across gender, age, occupation, and ethnicity are at particular risk.
Gender Differences
Men are disproportionately impacted by suicide, with rates nearly four times higher than women. In 2022, males accounted for almost 80% of all suicide deaths, even though women reported higher rates of suicidal thoughts. Some people believe this dipsaratiy is due to men using more lethal methods, like guns. Men also tend to act impulsively in moments of crisis rather than seeking help, partly due to social norms. Substance abuse and financial stress also play significant roles in raising suicide rates among men.
Age Groups
Older adults, adolescents, and young adults all face significant suicide risks.
- Men aged 75 and older have the highest suicide rate among all age groups, potentially due to social isolation, loss of purpose, and diminished physical and cognitive faculties.
- Suicide is also the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 25-34. The Covid pandemic, social media, and societal pressures have contributed to this tragedy.
Occupational Risk
Specific jobs are linked with higher suicide rates, especially those in high-stress, low-control environments. Industries such as mining, construction, farming, and arts/entertainment report elevated rates. Reasons may be due to job insecurity, physical demands, and access to lethal means. Mental health support is also lacking in these sectors.
Military and Veterans
Suicide rates among military personnel and veterans are alarmingly high. In 2020, the suicide rate for veterans was nearly 57% higher than for non-veterans. Post-9/11 servicemembers, particularly those suffering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI), were among the most affected. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for veterans under 45. PTSD, financial stress, TBI, and difficulty transitioning to civilian life play significant roles.
Populations at Highest Risk
Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native populations have the highest suicide rates among all demographic groups, followed by non-Hispanic White populations. LGBTQ youth also experience elevated rates, with adolescents significantly more likely to attempt suicide compared to their heterosexual peers.
Addressing the root causes of suicidal ideation through effective treatments, like ketamine therapy, is critical to reversing this trend across all demographics.

How We Got Here
The growing suicide crisis has roots in mental illness stigma and the limited efficacy of traditional treatments. Stigma discourages people from seeking help, while standard medications often fail to provide relief quickly enough for people in acute crisis.
Stigma Surrounding Depression
Stigma remains one of the most significant barriers preventing people from seeking help for depression. Many people hold personal negative attitudes about mental health treatment, believing that seeking help is a sign of weakness or failure. This internalized shame strongly deters people from accessing care. Additionally, those who hold stigmatizing views toward others with mental illness are less likely to seek help for their own struggles. These beliefs create a harmful cycle where people avoid treatment due to fear of being judged or perceived as weak, both by themselves and others.
Failure of Traditional Treatments
For decades, traditional treatments like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), anti-anxiety medications, and antipsychotics have been the standard for managing depression, anxiety, and related disorders. However, these medications often fall short of their intended outcome.
SSRIs, in particular, can take weeks to show effects and may not work for everyone. This inadequacy leaves patients frustrated and vulnerable to worsening symptoms. Additionally, side effects—ranging from fatigue and weight gain to sexual dysfunction and exacerbated depression—dissuade many from adhering to long-term treatment plans.
As these slow-acting therapies fail, ketamine presents an effective alternative for suicidal ideation.
Ketamine and Suicide Prevention
Ketamine research shows that its rapid mood-boosting action makes it groundbreaking for severe depression and suicidal ideation.
Ketamine primarily influences NMDA receptors in the glutamatergic system. This action contrasts with standard antidepressants that target the central nervous system’s serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine receptors.
By blocking NMDA, ketamine increases the activity of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate at another receptor (AMPA), which leads to the production of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This action restores synaptic connections in the brain, often damaged by prolonged depression and stress. The result is a rapid alleviation of suicidal thoughts within hours, offering a crucial window for people in severe distress.
Dissociative and Psychedelic Effects
Beyond biochemical mechanisms, ketamine has dissociative and psychedelic properties that allow some patients to explore the root causes of their struggles.
Before infusions, patients are encouraged to set intentions. During the session, ketamine’s dissociative properties help patients temporarily separate from their usual rumination and gain new insights into past traumas, unresolved emotions, or negative thought patterns.
Integrating psychotherapy with ketamine can further enhance these outcomes. By working with a therapist during or after ketamine treatment, patients can process the experience and develop long-lasting strategies for well-being. At Avesta we are proponents of the combination of psychotherapy and ketamine, and encourage all of our patients to work with a therapist while receiving ketamine treatments.
Ketamine’s Legal Status and Availability
Ketamine is not the only rapid-acting compound with profound antidepressant effects. But unlike psilocybin or MDMA, which remain banned, ketamine therapy is legal and available in clinical settings. It is currently FDA-approved for anesthesia and is used off-label in treating depression and suicidal ideation. Ketamine clinics, like Avesta Ketamine and Wellness, exist all over the US, providing people with life-saving care.
How Avesta’s Ketamine Clinics Offer Hope
Our Avesta Ketamine and Wellness team offers compassionate and patient-focused care for all patients struggling with suicidal ideation. We serve a wide range of people from ages 14 to older adults, curating personalized protocols for every stage of life. With a deep understanding of mental health challenges, we ensure every patient feels supported and heard.
We also offer a special ketamine therapy program for veterans. We deeply revere servicemembers, so we’ve partnered with the Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide free life-saving medicine to those with an authorized referral. Our IV infusion and Spravato protocols address veterans’ anxiety, PTSD, suicidality, and chronic pain and guide them toward inner peace.
Our clinical team is deeply invested in patient welfare. We offer an open space where everyone can feel comfortable asking for help without judgment. We ensure that no patient feels left behind.
The Bottom Line
Ketamine provides a lifeline for people suffering from severe depression and suicidal thoughts. Its rapid relief offers a crucial opportunity to stabilize and begin long-term recovery. Integrating ketamine therapy with psychotherapy further deepens the healing process, helping patients not just emerge from the darkness but sustain their mental health.
Are you in DC, Bethesda, MD, or McLean, VA? Contact Avesta Ketamine and Wellness today for a free consultation and learn how ketamine therapy for suicidal ideation can transform your life.
