Feeling like life has no way forward can be terrifying and deeply lonely. If you or someone you care about is living with major depressive disorder, these thoughts are not a sign of weakness or failure. They are part of a serious health condition that deserves care, understanding, and support.
It’s normal to feel unsure of what to do, whether you are the one struggling or a loved one trying to help. The most important thing to remember is that help is available, and reaching out for support is a brave, life-saving step.
One treatment that has helped many adults is Spravato® (esketamine nasal spray). It works differently from typical antidepressants and can provide fast relief when it matters most.
At Montana Psychiatry, our team is here to walk with you every step of the way. Patients can receive Spravato at our certified treatment centers in Billings and Bozeman, where trained staff provide guidance and support in a safe, caring environment. Insurance often helps cover the cost of treatment, so getting the care you need can be more manageable. Taking that first step might feel scary, but it can also be the beginning of a path toward healing, hope, and reconnecting with yourself.
A Closer Look At Suicidal Thoughts
Suicidal thoughts are not a sign of weakness or laziness. They happen because of real changes in the brain. Areas like the prefrontal cortex, which helps with decision-making and managing emotions, can become less active. At the same time, emotional centers such as the amygdala can become overactive, making stress, fear, and hopelessness feel stronger. Circuits in the brain that handle rewards and stress can also get disrupted, making it harder to feel joy or imagine a positive future.
When these systems are out of balance, emotions can feel overwhelming and inescapable. Life can feel hopeless, and it may seem impossible to see a way forward. Understanding that suicidal thoughts have a biological basis can reduce shame and stigma. It also highlights why seeking professional help and support is so important.
How Spravato Can Help
Spravato works differently from traditional antidepressants by targeting the glutamate system in the brain, which plays a key role in mood, memory, and learning. By helping the brain form new connections and balance its chemical signals, Spravato can relieve depressive symptoms quickly. Some patients begin to feel better in as little as four hours, and most notice meaningful improvement within 24 hours.
This rapid effect is especially important for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts. While standard antidepressants can take weeks to work, Spravato offers a faster option for relief. It is always used alongside an oral antidepressant for adults with major depressive disorder who experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors. For treatment-resistant depression, Spravato is also approved to be used on its own.
Reducing Stigma and Encouraging Support
Breaking the stigma around depression and suicidal thoughts is crucial. Many people hesitate to ask for help because they feel ashamed or worry about being judged. Asking for support shows strength, not weakness. Therapy, medications, and treatments like Spravato all play a role in healing.
Everyone can make a difference when someone is struggling emotionally. Small gestures can add up in big ways. Checking in on someone and listening without judgment can help. Encourage professional support and remember that healing happens best when people feel seen, safe, and supported.
Insurance Coverage and Access
Spravato is covered by many insurance plans. At Montana Psychiatry, staff help patients understand their coverage and navigate the process. This makes it easier for patients to focus on recovery instead of worrying about logistics.
Take the First Step. Book An Appointment Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24/7. You can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or text TALK to 741741 to connect with a trained counselor through the Crisis Text Line. In an emergency, call 911. Reaching out is a brave step. Montana Psychiatry can also help by offering innovative treatments like Spravato, which can provide fast relief for depression and suicidal thoughts.
No one has to face these challenges alone. With compassionate care, proven treatments, and understanding support, recovery is possible. Montana Psychiatry provides guidance, safety, and hope to anyone taking the first step.
TMS
by Deb (age 64)
Category: generalThe hoops I jumped through in order to be evaluated were straightforward and efficient. I met with PA Kaitlin for about an hour to discuss my history and previous medications. Then Dr. Amato joined us to further discuss my history, the TMS treatment, and answer any questions. Myrna gathered all of the information and submitted it to my health insurance company to request coverage for TMS. Fortunately, insurance approved the treatment and I was able to begin the next week. I’m sure most people have anxiety about starting a treatment like TMS. No matter how many times it’s described to you, there are many unknowns. How will I feel during treatment? Is it painful? What if this doesn’t work? What if it works for a while but then stops? In all honesty, I was very uncomfortable during the first couple of weeks of treatment. The alternating two seconds of tapping sensation caused some pain during treatment, and at the end of the first week I thought about quitting. But I had sworn to myself that TMS was a last resort and I HAD TO complete the treatment and give it a chance to work. My technician, Heather, told me that some people don’t feel the tapping at all, they only hear it. Guess I wasn’t one of those people! But as the days went by, it became easier to tolerate the treatments. During this time I also saw Lauren weekly for CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). This is highly recommended for people undergoing TMS treatment, and it was a positive complement to my total of 100 minutes each week “under the helmet”. The weekend between weeks three and four, I started to notice subtle improvements in my mood, increased belief in my self-worth, and enthusiasm for simple things like going for walks, meeting friends for lunch, and taking on volunteer work in the community. I hesitated at first to believe that TMS was helping me. I was afraid that I was convincing myself it was working because I so desperately wanted it to! But now that I am past the treatment I can say with cert
TMS
by Barbie (age 68)
Category: generalI feel so blessed to participate in the TMS protocol at MT Psychiatry. After struggling so many years with depression and not getting significant results from medication, particularly of late, I noticed positive results in the first two weeks of treatment. TMS can literally give you back the beauty & joy in living as well as the courage to make positive life changes and improvements in your daily living situation. I heartily encourage anyone to put yourself into the hands of the amazing TMS team who so gently and graciously make this journey with you out of the black hole that is depression. It is my honor and privilege to give the TMS treatment the highest recommendation.
TMS
by Shayne (age 66)
Category: generalI am grateful for the support and caring I have received from Dr. Amato (and Heidi, Heather and Myrna) in my quest for mental health and a fuller more productive life. While the TMS results have been subtle, I feel more positive about my future and I would recommend this team absolutely. Thank you!
TMS
by Carrie (age 65)
Category: generalNot realizing how fuzzy my head was, I thought I was only going through severe anxiety and depression. Through the insight of Pat, I was able to go through TMS treatments which brought down the anxiety and depression immensely and has cleared up the fuzzy, far off substantially. All the personnel treated me with kindness and I’m sure their attitudes helped in my recovery.
TMS
by Bridget (age 47)
Category: generalThe first outcome of TMS I noted happened early in my treatment, at about the beginning of week two. I felt as though my “brain fog” had been chipped away. I wish I could report that I feel my mental health issues are in “remission”, but I can’t do so yet. My hope is that I will see improvement in the weeks to come, now that my TMS cycle has ended. I can say that my brain feels – in some way – different; I can’t explain exactly how. I continue to struggle at this point in time but sill have hope for more improvement.
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