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Ask Dr. Mini: On Ketamine Therapy and Why Happiness Often Feels Out of Reach

Writer's picture: Manmeet RattuManmeet Rattu

Got questions about relationships, work stress, or anything in between? Submit your question to Dr. Mini here or on Instagram.


I’m interested in psychedelic-assisted therapy like ketamine but worried about having a bad trip. Can you weigh in?


“I’ve had depression for what feels like my entire life and feel like nothing I’ve tried works. I’ve heard ketamine can help, but I’m worried about having a ‘bad trip.’ What should I do?”


Difficult psychedelic experiences—aka bad trips or spiritual emergencies—are indeed a possibility with ketamine therapy. 


However, the power of psychedelic-assisted therapy lies in its ability to amplify what we are already experiencing and help us connect more deeply with the aspects of ourselves that need healing.


The process of breaking old thought patterns and uncovering new insights can feel destabilizing. That’s why therapy is so essential during this journey. A trusting, safe therapeutic relationship creates the container for you to approach these experiences with curiosity and compassion.


As a trained therapist, I understand the possibility of difficult experiences during psychedelic-assisted therapy, and I am fully prepared to help guide you through them. With the right support, these moments can become opportunities for profound healing.


If you choose to pursue this path, the most important thing is to surrender to the process. Trust that whatever arises—whether joyful or challenging—is an integral part of your healing journey.


If you’d like to learn more, feel free to reach out for a free consultation. I’d be happy to answer any questions about ketamine and other forms of psychedelic-assisted therapy.


How can I break through my anxiety and genuinely connect with other people?


“I want to be able to interact with people and make new connections, but my anxiety feels like an invisible barrier that I can’t break through. What should I do?”


Feeling lonely and disconnected can deeply impact your mental health, especially when it’s been ongoing. We know loneliness is associated with an increased risk of mental health problems like depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and sleep problems.


There are many reasons why people struggle to connect, especially since the pandemic: being estranged from friends and family, being financially strained, shielding from the risk of getting sick, a history of trauma, or just feeling like it’s hard to connect. It’s also worth noting that many people who feel lonely aren’t physically isolated—they’re surrounded by others but still feel a lack of connection. 


If this resonates with you, here are a few tips for managing loneliness:


  • Get comfortable with solitude. Learning to enjoy your own company can help you feel more secure in social situations.

  • Try to open up to people you know. Sharing small, honest moments with people you already know can help ease you into deeper connections.

  • Make new connections. Join groups or try activities where you’re likely to meet like-minded people.

  • Try not to compare yourself to others. Social media can make it easy to feel “less than.” Focus on your unique journey instead.

  • Consider talk therapy. Talking with a therapist can help you develop tools to overcome anxiety and shift your perspective on loneliness.


Remember that different things work for different people and at different times. Only try what you feel comfortable with, and try not to put too much pressure on yourself. If something isn’t working for you (or doesn’t feel possible now), you can try something else or come back to it another time.


Loneliness is often a perspective rather than a permanent state. It can be changed with CBT therapy and support. With small, intentional actions, you can begin to shift that perspective and connect more deeply with others. 


If you need help finding ways to get better at developing these habits, don’t hesitate to reach out—you’re not alone.


Why are people who seem to have it all still so unhappy?


“I always wonder why people, especially in Western countries, seem to have it all but are still so unhappy. Why is that?”


Many of us have our basic needs met, drive good cars, work at decent jobs, and have good people in our lives. So why do we still battle with feeling down so much? How is it possible to be clinically depressed?


It’s a great question—and one that gets to the heart of how we think about happiness. Many of us are conditioned to believe that happiness comes from external achievements like:


  • A good job

  • Lots of money

  • Good grades

  • Awesome stuff

  • True love

  • A perfect body


While it’s true that these things can make us happy, that happiness often lasts only for a few fleeting moments. That’s because our brains are wired for “hedonic adaptation,” meaning we quickly get used to good things and start craving something new. This creates a cycle of chasing happiness through external means.


But research shows that true, lasting happiness comes from within. Here are four evidence-based strategies to cultivate genuine happiness:


  1. Use your “signature strengths.” Focus on what you value and what you’re already good at. This makes us happier than trying to fix flaws and change weak points. You can find out what your strengths are in this free survey from the VIA Institute on Character.

  2. Find flow. Engage in activities where you lose track of time, whether it’s work, hobbies, or exercise. Being in a flow state increases overall life satisfaction, success, relationships, and quality of life.

  3. Adopt a growth mindset. Believe that your abilities and circumstances can improve. This mindset—the opposite of a fixed mindset, where you believe your abilities can’t be changed—helps you stay resilient and motivated, even in the face of challenges.

  4. Be kind. Doing random acts of kindness increases internal rewards linked to happiness and health. So open the door for a stranger, smile, express gratitude, or call or text your granny! Being kind is super easy and an unexpectedly quick hack to happiness.


True happiness isn’t about perfection or having it all. It’s about finding fulfillment in who you are, how you grow, and how you connect with the world around you. If you’re feeling stuck, start small—try one of these evidence-based strategies and see how it transforms your perspective.

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