Depression Quest – Sean Michael Hayes | Episode 20

Ketamine is a drug largely used in veterinary clinics. Recreationally, it’s used to induce an out of body experience. The oft-sought “K-Hole.” But Sean Michael Hayes was looking to score for a different reason. He was trying to save his life.

One in ten North Americans is diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Many more live in silence, believing that what they’re experiencing is normal, or convincing themselves that medication for the mind is something to be ashamed of. This is the story of Sean’s quest for normalcy.

Depression Quest Ketamine


Sean Michael Hayes
is the author of a trilogy of books about his experience, the first of which, Five Weeks in the Amazon is available here. We just barely graze it in our episode, but the book spans the full breadth of Sean’s time in Peru. Look for his second memoir, I Killed a Black Dog, coming soon. If you’re not familiar with the quote, think Churchill.

Patreon news! Once a month we’ll be debuting extra-special bonus vignettes exclusive to our contributors. These’ll be short pieces under five minutes, either original or bits we love but just couldn’t fit into the program. Wondering what happened on Monica’s final date? How about the mysterious black spots that afflicted Sean in Thailand? You’ll find all that with a donation to our Patreon campaign. I’m trying, folks. I need your support.

Download Depression Quest HERE on iTunes or stream it at the link below.

The Lapse Storytelling Podcast