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Ketamine

The Story

A psychedelic could treat depression. 

Go on.

Yesterday, a newly-published study found that ketamine was effective at reducing symptoms of suicidal thoughts, depression, and anxiety. During a year-long period involving over 400 patients, about three-quarters saw their moods improve. And nearly 40% say they were symptom-free after 10 infusions of ketamine. 

It sounds…familiar?

That’s because ketamine (aka Special K) is used by some to get a psychedelic high. But it’s also used medically — and legally — as an FDA-approved anesthetic. And it's increasingly used as an off-label mental health treatment. ketamine is also proven effective in treating psychiatric conditions like eating disorders. Now, the real-world data from the study is giving experts a better understanding of the drug. And it couldn’t come at a better time…

Why’s that?

Last month, the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline saw a 45% uptick in calls, chats, and text messages compared to the year before. And it comes as Americans have seen reported increases in rates of anxiety and depression since the pandemic began. If you’re struggling with symptoms of depression, you’re not alone. 

PS: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

What's been busy...

The Justice Dept. Since last week, the DOJ has reportedly subpoenaed around 40 of former President Trump's associates. It’s considered a significant escalation in the DOJ’s investigation into the Jan 6 Capitol riot and other attempts to overturn the 2020 election. The subpoenas were sent to everyone from low-level aides to senior advisers. The DOJ also seized two cell phones that were apparently in connection with the fake elector plan. Aka the alleged plot to overturn the 2020 election by submitting fake electors in seven swing states like Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Arizona...the ones President Biden won by thiiiis much. It comes as the Jan 6 House committee is nearing the end of its investigation. They could decide whether to request testimony from Trump and former VP Mike Pence as early as today.

...Oh and in other Trump news, the DOJ's signaling it's open to one of Trump's picks for a special master. Judge Raymond Dearie could serve as the third party person to review the docs taken from Mar-a-Lago last month. But a federal judge overseeing the case needs to sign off.

Who’s saying ‘not today’...

Nurses. Yesterday, about 15,000 nurses in Minnesota walked out on their jobs across several hospitals to protest understaffing and work conditions. It’s reportedly the largest protest in US history involving private sector nurses. They claim some units operate without a lead nurse on duty. And that inexperienced nurses are saddled with tasks more senior figures usually handle. Now, the protest is expected to last three days. The nurses are asking to have a say in staffing plans and pay bumps over 30%. And the president of the Minnesota Nurses Association says meeting their wage demands will help resolve retention problems. But hospitals say they can’t afford the wage demands and say the nurses have refused to meet at the mediating table.

Who’s paying up…

Johnson & Johnson. Over the weekend, the company reached a settlement in Australia over allegedly selling defective pelvic mesh. The material is often used in women who are suffering from urinary incontinence (which can be common after childbirth and menopause) or to help hold pelvic organs in place. J&J’s been in trouble for this mesh before. Earlier this year, a California court ordered them to pay $302 million for not being upfront about the risks. But thousands of women filed complaints against J&J, alleging the company’s pelvic mesh led to chronic pain, urinary problems, and painful sex. Now, Johnson & Johnson will be paying $300 million in two class action suits.

What had us adding to our streaming queue…

The Emmy Awards.

While Leo may or may not be editing his age preferences...

iMessage is letting people hit the edit button.

Standing at your front door every second of every day would be exhausting. But if you’ve ever missed a package delivery, you’ve probably wished you could. Enter: smart cameras. They can help you keep an eye on your home — even when you aren’t there. Day or night. Rain or shine. And if you opt for Google Nest Cams,† you can use the two-way talk feature to communicate with anyone in view of your cams from virtually anywhere. Plus set alerts based on what’s important to you. 

Psst…the pros at ADT can install Google Nest Cams for you. Peace of mind, coming right up. 

Raise your hand if you’ve looked in your closet recently and are utterly confused about what to wear these days. Welcome to Relatable Fashion Week. Where we’re helping you solve everyday fashion dilemmas, sans paparazzi. Check out our recs for problems like… 

• How to once again dress for the office

• What to wear if you’re going out but your closet says "stay in"

• Your clothes (from jeans to dresses) never seem to fit right…

• You’re having (or had) a baby — and need a maternity wardrobe that works

• How to update your closet in a way that’s good for the planet

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. How to find a career you’re passionate about. Without sacrificing a thing. As a Northwestern Mutual financial rep, you’ll help clients set and achieve their goals. Plus, you’ll be your own boss and have a ton of growth opportunities. Get the deets.*

2. Brow gel worth b(r)owing down to. (See what we did there?) This set’s got all the chops to tame, tint, aaand volumize your eyebrows. Plus it’s water-resistant. And comes in eight different shades. Stock up.*

3. A portable wireless fence that’ll help your pup live life unleashed. This GPS containment system lets you set boundaries of any shape and size. So your dog can run free without running into trouble. PS: Use code SKIMM250 by 9/30 to get 15% off.*

4. Something delicious you (and your skin) will wanna drink up. This berry-flavored beauty electrolyte is packed with clinically-proven ceramides. It can help hydrate and rejuvenate skin on a cellular level. And give ya visible results in less than 30 days. Plus Skimm’rs get 15% off.*

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.

Taylor’d to you…Taylor J (CA). Her comfy, versatile, sustainable looks are just what you need to elevate your wardrobe this fall. And make you feel your very best. See what styles made Stitch Fix fall in love.*

(Some) Birthdays…Skimm Baby Gabriel Ashe Heller (NY), Casey Labbancz (NY), Michael Melnitzky (NY), Sriram Krishnan (CA), Colin Greebel (NY), Joe Yiu (NJ), Charlotte Keleske (SC), Jessica Gallagher (NY), Wanda Vollmer (CA), Jessica Kawski (NC), Kate Hohenstatt (IL), Jessica Annibale Downes (NY), KJ Schmidt (MI), Christie Stunkel (CA), Stephany Musino (FL)

PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

Maybe you’re nostalgic for stationery shopping, or maybe you or your kiddo are heading back to class. Either way, we’ve pulled together some exclusive discounts of our fave back-to-school supplies that you’ll want even if you’re not going back to school. Not a member yet? Join now to get access.