If you're in a good state mentally and suffer from depression (I know - seems like a bit of a contradiction), you should consider finding yourself a source for mushrooms and experimenting with microdosing.
The effects of mushrooms on depression are great. You can research the probable mechanism of action (possibly neuro-plasticity or neurogenesis), but the feeling of being "less affected" by the world after you recover is freeing.
Be careful, be smart, do it in a safe setting. Consult your doctor before you start. If you have a history of severe mental illness, consult a specialist.
Re "safe setting": As with any psychedelics, always experiment with a sober friend.
You'll talk utter nonsense at them for a few hours, but they can walk you around, talk you out of anything stupid and calm you down if you see anything that scares you.
A microdose should not need a sober friend and should not cause you to talk utter nonsense. The colloquial definition of microdose here is "that which has sub-cognitive effects". Its generally between 0.05 and 0.1 grams for cubensis strains of mushrooms.
Beware of experimenting with psychedelics. I spent my youth in a time and place where magic mushrooms, when fresh, were legal and sold over the counter. These things can screw you up in a way that you don't even understand at the time, and only becomes clear to you decades later.
Anything that changes your state of mind through a low-effort action can be habit-forming. Anything that effects your perception can create a feedback loop where you change your usage behaviour based on that change in perception, particularly when your tolerance increases.
Whether it's escapism you seek, or the heightened sense of perception. Whether you think you're in control because you're microdosing or because you've got a great job and everything is going well.
I am interested in the long term effects you describe. It's quite commonly known that there are consequences such as HPPD etc, however this is usually quite immediate. Any specific examples you can provide?
Only personal experiences and anecdotes. Recurring nightmares, anxiety disorders, drug dependency and mild PTSD are all common stories among my friend group of that era. Whether it was causal or not, who knows. We didn't have the foresight to separate ourselves into control groups.
Would love to read more about the methods/rituals/treatments they will offer to the public in those treatment centers.
I've had magnificent full-dose experiences, that helped me improve enormously, and microdosing has been really beneficial for my anxiety, mood, productivity and general well being.
I feel that's imperative for us to study the effects of this substances more, and a controlled set-&-setting in treatment centers are a good and safe idea to bring this to the mainstream.
Does anyone know what conclusions (if any) could be drawn from the psychedelic studies of the 60's? The wikipedia page on the harvard study [0] is pretty light on details. Though it looks like the study only lasted 2 or 3 years before being shut down.
"Lawmakers in Hawaii voted to advance two marijuana bills on Tuesday, one to legalize and regulate cannabis for adults 21 and older and another to increase the amount that is covered under the state’s existing decriminalization law."
The effects of mushrooms on depression are great. You can research the probable mechanism of action (possibly neuro-plasticity or neurogenesis), but the feeling of being "less affected" by the world after you recover is freeing.
Be careful, be smart, do it in a safe setting. Consult your doctor before you start. If you have a history of severe mental illness, consult a specialist.