A Heartbreaking Statistic: Roughly 10% of the US Population meets the criteria for Major Depressive Disorder. I heard this statistic while watching a video of the late Roland Griffiths discussing the results of a clinical trial at Johns Hopkins University testing the effectiveness of Psilocybin as a Treatment for Depression.
What exactly is "Major Depression"? It's also known as major depressive disorder (MDD) - defined by Chat GPT as a serious mental health condition characterized by persistent and intense feelings of sadness and a lack of interest in activities.
Other symptoms:
Persistent Depressed Mood
Feelings of Worthlessness or Excessive Guilt
Fatigue or Loss of Energy
Difficulty Concentrating
Recurrent Thoughts of Death or Suicide
Of the results for the entire group of 24 participants:
67% showed a more than 50% reduction in depression symptoms at the one-week follow-up and 71% at the four-week follow-up. Overall, four weeks post-treatment, 54% of participants were considered in remission – meaning they no longer qualified as being depressed.
This means that PSILOCYBIN CAN REDUCE THE DEPRESSION IN A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE POPULATION THAT IS DEPRESSED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE REST OF THE WORLD.
Griffiths said Patients Who Received Psilocybin Treatment Reported Increased Psychological Flexibility after this type of therapy. They feel more empowered to take control of their life, to see their life in a new way and engage with it.
Griffiths was an American psychopharmacologist and a professor of neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University and a revolutionary pioneer that helped revive interest in clinical research into psychedelic drugs as a potential treatment for addiction, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorders.
As someone who has struggled with mental health and received a Bipolar Disorder diagnosis in the summer of 2016, I have my personal life experience to draw from.
I've spent time in psychiatric institutions in both Mexico and USA. Yes, I am an International Mental Health Patient.
I've been prescribed different types of anti-psychotics, SSRI's, and other anti-depressants - deemed ineffective. I've overcome suicidal thoughts several times with the support of family and friends.
Seeking answers has been a key part of the journey, doing proper due diligence as much as possible on the imperative. This perspective has molded my decisions and shaped who I am today.
In my search, I came across respectable sources that were investing significant dollar amounts into the research of the effectiveness of psilocybin as a therapeutic treatment for depression.
I grew up in a conservative household where magical things like psychedelics were taboo, but as time went on, my search for answers intensified.
And then I did my due diligence on Psilocybin.
It took me a while, but I finally made the decision with a balance of logic and intuition, and I tried a microdose from a trusted source.
I won't bore you with the Mini-Trip Details of My Mini-Dose(s) of Psilocybin but there are a few key points on this subject that must be expressed:
During the experience, a weight was lifted from my mind and my heart that I had never experienced with alcohol or other substances, with an uplifting clarity in my spirit.
I felt an authentic and profound joy that seemed to have been uncovered from a deeper level of existence.
I feel bad for every person that hasn't experienced the bliss of magic mushrooms. (I am not a doctor and don't play one on the internet. Always consult with your doctor before taking any natural medicines which are proven to be effective.)
What is a Mini-Dose/Micro-Dose or Microdosing? Microdosing is the act of consuming sub-perceptual (unnoticeable) amounts of a Psychedelic Substance.
What is a Psychedelic? The term "psychedelic" originates from the Greek words "psyche," meaning "mind" or "soul," and "deloun," meaning "to make visible" or "to reveal." Therefore, "psychedelic" essentially means "mind-revealing."
Conclusion: Psilocybin Mushrooms Reduce Depressive Symptoms and Bring Clarity and Joy
I can wholeheartedly say that I believe The Legalization of Psilocybin is the Answer to the Mental Health crisis in the United States and the rest of the World.
Oregon and Colorado are the states that are leading the way in legalization of Psychedelics in the United States of America.
California passed a bill in 2023 that would have legalized adult possession of Psilocybin, DMT, and Mescaline but it was vetoed by the governor and now he's on the wrong side of history.
We need more people to speak up for those who are experiencing crippling depression and don't have access to the solution which is: Psilocybin
Decriminalize? With the given information and relevant PROOF, it would seem that it is criminal NOT to Legalize Psilocybin Immediately for the Sake of Humanity and Every Single Individual who is Suffering from Depressive Symptoms. And yes, Depression has a direct impact on Human Performance, which has a direct impact on The Economy.
Also, in the United States, the daily rate of suicide is alarmingly high. According to the latest data from the CDC, approximately 48,183 people died by suicide in 2021, which equates to about
....
Let that sink in...
...
...132 suicides per day...132 suicides per day...132 suicides per day...132 suicides per day...132 suicides per day...132 suicides per day...132 suicides per day...132 suicides per day...132 suicides per day...132 suicides per day...132 suicides per day...132 suicides per day...132 suicides per day...132 suicides per day...132 suicides per day...132 suicides per day...132 suicides per day...132 suicides per day
This data underscores the severity of the suicide epidemic and highlights the need for comprehensive prevention efforts. (This was 2023's data, which means that it's very likely more than 132 suicides per day now.)
I have been on a painful journey with my mental health, and now I know why.
In the words of Rihanna, "This is What I Came For."
With Love,
Greta Elizabeth
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Questions, comments, rants?
Mental Health Friends Forum - this is an open discussion. We are all in this together and remember, you're never alone. Please Be Kind and Supportive.
My Email: info@elevatehealthspan.com
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