It was about 2 weeks ago as the vote passed in the state of Colorado decriminalizing Psilocybin mushrooms. The Governor of the state was on a recent talk show with Bill Maher to discuss many things including the decision to pass this bill. Bill Maher asks “how are you involved with mushrooms” and the Governors reply was “no, not me personally”. He quickly moved to thank U.S. Veterans for their service and began talking about the benefits of psilocybin therapy.
Though he didn’t mention any details of any specific benefits, he did say that it has a lot of potential to be used for medicine or therapy. I myself am aware of the benefits as I’ve been using mushrooms for year. I have read too much to remember and have experienced similar results as others who have been vocal about theirs. We can see it’s helping people when the conditions are just right for healing.
The Stats On Depression
An estimated 21.0 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 8.4% of all U.S. adults.
The prevalence of major depressive episode was higher among adult females (10.5%) compared to males (6.2%).
The prevalence of adults with a major depressive episode was highest among individuals aged 18-25 (17.0%).
These figures are reported by the NIH, National Institute of Health here in the U.S. – Stats on Mental Illness 2020
This is just one out of many mental illnesses people are suffering from, there individuals who suffer from one or more of these symptoms creating conditions that are debilitating and only make it that much more difficult to recover from. Just from these numbers alone it’s clear we have work to do, Colorado is just one state, in order to reach more people to help them we need a national movement.
My Experiences
Though my experiences can be said are unique to me and everyone’s purpose is different, the outcome is virtually the same. We all want to feel better, as times get tougher all we can do is focus on survival. When survival is all you can do day in and day out how are you to ever recover from the painful struggles you face in your life. In essence the mushrooms can provide a way to sort your life out in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace.
I’ve used mushrooms for years now, the stories you hear about, the touted benefits, the medical research that supports it, well I am that story. There many others who became the test group voluntarily years before mushrooms became more accepted in the medical and science community.
All in all this is good news, accessibility and affordability are the most important variables for legalizing it. No patents needed here, the wonders of psilocybin has it all already.
What is psilocybin, and how does it work for mental health treatment?
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms, known as “magic mushrooms.” In the realm of mental health, psilocybin has gained attention for its potential to treat various conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. When ingested, psilocybin is converted into psilocin, which stimulates serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered perception, mood, and thought patterns. For mental health treatment, psilocybin seems to “reset” or “defragment” the brain’s patterns of activity, allowing patients to break free from rigid, negative thought cycles. Clinical trials have shown promising results, with many participants experiencing significant improvements in their symptoms after just one or two sessions.
What mental health conditions can psilocybin treatment help with?
Psilocybin treatment has been primarily researched for its effectiveness in treating major depressive disorder, end-of-life anxiety, and treatment-resistant depressive disorder. There’s also growing evidence supporting its use in addressing anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders. The common thread in these conditions is the presence of entrenched, maladaptive thought patterns or emotional responses that psilocybin therapy can disrupt. Patients report increased emotional openness and cognitive flexibility following treatment, which can lead to improved mood, behavior changes, and even long-term remission of symptoms in some cases.
Is psilocybin treatment safe? What are the risks?
Psilocybin treatment, when administered under controlled, clinical settings by trained professionals, has been shown to be relatively safe for most individuals. However, like any treatment, it carries risks and potential side effects, including nausea, headache, increased heart rate, and psychological effects such as intense emotional experiences and visual hallucinations. The most significant concerns arise around the potential for triggering or exacerbating psychiatric conditions in susceptible individuals, such as psychosis or bipolar disorder. Therefore, thorough screening for family history and personal mental health is crucial before undergoing treatment. Importantly, the controlled environment and presence of a healthcare provider during treatment sessions help manage these risks effectively.
How is psilocybin administered in a clinical setting for mental health treatment?
In a clinical setting, psilocybin treatment involves a carefully planned and supervised process. Initially, patients undergo a thorough assessment to determine their suitability for the therapy. On the day of treatment, psilocybin is administered in a comfortable, controlled environment, often with elements designed to promote a calming atmosphere, such as music and soothing visuals. Patients are usually given eye masks and headphones to encourage introspection. Throughout the experience, trained therapists or medical professionals remain present to provide support and ensure safety. The dosage of psilocybin is carefully calculated based on the individual’s needs and the treatment goals. Post-session, there are follow-up sessions where patients can process their experiences with a therapist, integrating insights gained during the treatment into their daily lives.
How does psilocybin therapy compare to traditional mental health treatments?
Psilocybin therapy represents a significant departure from traditional mental health treatments, such as pharmaceutical medications and talk therapy. One of the most notable differences is the potential for rapid and sustained improvement in symptoms after just one or two sessions, compared to the ongoing nature of conventional treatments. Psilocybin therapy also directly targets the brain’s perception and thought processes, offering a unique pathway to healing by fostering a profound, often spiritual, experience that can alter one’s outlook on life and mental health issues. However, it’s important to note that psilocybin therapy is not a universal solution and may not be suitable for everyone. It’s best viewed as part of a broader treatment plan that may include traditional therapies, lifestyle changes, and ongoing mental health support.
Every week I cover stories I care about from cannabis to kratom and all kinds of plant medicines, hopefully you find them of value as well.
The Info
All the info and articles are pulled from various sources all linked above for you to your own research.
The Goal
It’s to educate and to inform, when we are equipped with the correct info we can then make better informed decisions.
Meet The Author
Mike Korlin
I have been studying and applying functional medicine in my personal life for nearly a decade. As a student, a retailer and a human being my knowledge is drawn from my own and thousands of other peoples experiences that I have spoken to or aided in discovering the wonderful world of plant medicines.
