Read our latest magazine

13 September 2024

Exposed Magazine

If you’ve been feeling extra gloomy lately or have been diagnosed with depression, you’re not alone. Depression can really drag us down and make everything feel harder. The good news is there are some promising new treatments being studied that might help lighten the emotional load. One of them is magic mushrooms, yep, the trippy kind.

Now before you start imagining wild psychedelic raves, hear me out. When taken in a controlled, therapeutic way, ingredients in magic mushrooms from products like SERO Microdosing Mushrooms, may actually improve depression symptoms. Let’s dig into the mushroom magic and see how it works.

What Are Magic Mushrooms?

First things first – magic mushrooms aren’t just your average ‘shrooms. They contain a compound called psilocybin that causes hallucinogenic effects, also known as “tripping.” In large doses, magic mushrooms can lead to colorful visuals, feelings of euphoria, and major perception changes that last for several hours.

But when taken in very small, measured doses under medical supervision, psilocybin seems to impact the brain differently. Instead of crazy hallucinations, people report feeling more optimistic, peaceful, and open.

How Could Mushrooms Help Depression?

Researchers are still trying to understand exactly how magic mushrooms influence the brain to ease depression. But they have some clues so far. Brain imaging scans show psilocybin causes activity changes in areas of the brain connected to emotion and memory. It also connects different regions that normally don’t link up. This might break some of the repetitive negative thought patterns that fuel depression.

How Are Magic Mushrooms Used For Depression?

Psilocybin therapy for depression is very different from recreational mushroom use. It happens in clinics under the guidance of mental health professionals.

Patients are screened beforehand to make sure mushrooms are suitable for them. On treatment days, they receive doses of synthesized psilocybin in pill or capsule form. They relax on a comfy couch and listen to music with an eye mask on as the psilocybin takes effect.

Therapists provide guidance and support throughout the 6-8 hour session. At the end, patients discuss and reflect on their experiences with the therapists to make sense of any insights gained. Follow-up integration sessions help apply those insights to daily life.

Magic Mushrooms Don’t Work Magic Alone

Although the latest research makes mushrooms seem like a neat potential depression aid, they don’t work magic all by themselves. Psilocybin seems most effective along with therapy before and after.

This prep and integration helps patients get the most out of the experience. It also provides medical oversight of a powerful substance. Things can go sideways if magic mushrooms are used incorrectly or for the wrong reasons.

So if you’re tempted to hunt down shrooms after reading this, stop right there. Self-treating with psilocybin outside of supervised studies can be harmful. Doing mushrooms alone or with others recreationally is also risky business.

But if you’re over 18 and struggling with depression, you may qualify to participate in a clinical trial. Joining a study lets you try psilocybin therapy safely under medical guidance. Talk to your doctor if you’re interested in learning more about enrolling.

Magic Mushrooms in the Right Context

Magic mushrooms offer intriguing hope as a rapid-acting depression treatment. Small studies show ingredients like psilocybin can impact the brain in ways that quell sadness when used properly.

But mushrooms aren’t a magical quick fix. They may work best as a tool integrated thoughtfully into therapeutic processes. Combining psilocybin sessions with prep and integration seems most effective.

This research is still evolving. For now, magic mushrooms for depression are only appropriate in controlled clinical trials. But they may become a mainstream option in the future. We’ll have to see where science takes us.

Conclusion

If you’re feeling down, reach out to your loved ones and healthcare providers. And if you qualify for a study someday, expanding your consciousness in a safe, supervised way just may expand your wellbeing too.