EFR 889: Why SSRIs Are Failing Us, How to Reset the Nervous System and What Actually Works for Mental Health with Dr. John How

This episode is brought to you by FLYKITT , Audible and LMNT. Mental health care is evolving, and in this episode, Dr. John How, MD, Medical Director at Stella, joins us to explore cutting-edge treatments for PTSD, anxiety, and depression. From the powerful effects of stellate ganglion blocks—described as "vacation in a syringe"—to the life-changing impact of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, this conversation dives into the science, safety, and soul behind these transformative modalities. We unpack how trauma is stored in the body, why hope is the first step toward healing, and why we're finally ready as a culture to embrace radical solutions for mental well-being. Follow Stella @stellamentalhealth Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- In this episode we discuss... 00:00 – Intro: The State of Mental Health in America 01:22 – Dr. How's "State of the Union" on mental health 02:56 – Legal, cultural, and insurance challenges 03:50 – Why SSRIs often fall short 04:59 – Blending old modalities with new therapies 06:54 – Hope as the foundation of mental health recovery 08:19 – Are we culturally ready for these treatments? 10:05 – Injuries vs. Disorders: Rethinking PTSD 11:17 – What is a Stellate Ganglion Block? 13:12 – Fight or flight, nerve resets, and emotional regulation 15:04 – Military use and resetting hypervigilance 17:11 – What types of trauma respond well to SGB? 18:36 – Cucumber to pickle: susceptibility after trauma 20:19 – Maintenance frequency and Dr. How's personal use 21:43 – What the SGB experience feels like 23:29 – The science behind emotional release 25:59 – Do you need to do "the work" beforehand? 27:54 – Post-procedure sensitivity and integration tips 30:17 – Ideal recovery settings after the block 31:50 – Using SGB for physical pain 33:28 – How physical and emotional pain connect 35:46 – Treating mental health rooted in physical trauma 38:07 – Long-term effects and maintenance needs 40:36 – Can people become addicted to this treatment? 42:43 – How ketamine therapy fits in 44:56 – Response rates for SGB vs. ketamine 46:54 – Best practices for combining SGB and ketamine 49:10 – Chase's personal journey with ketamine 51:38 – Making health decisions from a place of desperation 53:34 – Safety, risks, and first-line vs. third-line treatments 54:50 – Ketamine therapy: IV, IM, trochies, and Spravato 56:50 – What a ketamine session is really like 58:30 – Aftereffects and integration 59:34 – Darkness, ego death, and healing 01:01:39 – Is ketamine a proactive mental health tool? 01:04:20 – Environment and human connection in healing 01:07:46 – Access, insurance, and affordability 01:12:07 – Constructive suffering and advocating for yourself 01:14:00 – The system, self-responsibility, and asking better questions 01:16:28 – Is society ready for transformative treatments? 01:17:07 – Ever Forward ----- Episode resources: Never get jet lag again and save 15% with code CHASE at https://www.FlyKitt.com Get a free 30-day trial of my favorite audiobook app at https://www.AudibleTrial.com/everforward Get a FREE variety sample pack with any purchase of electrolyte drinks at https://www.DrinkLMNT.com/everforward Watch and subscribe on YouTube Learn more at StellaMentalHealth.com