There has perhaps never been a greater need for new approaches to mental health in light of how the world at large has changed in the past few years. Social isolation and draconian government policies after the pandemic have worsened poverty and community support mechanisms for the most vulnerable worldwide. The current flawed system that relies far too heavily on chemical interventions that come with unacceptable side-effects is reaching a critical mass. So many people worldwide are coming to question the foundations of our current model based on their lived experiences and the evidence that continues to pile up. The current disease model of health care diagnoses people with labels that serve as the basis for inappropriate treatments, physical harm, & social stigma. Only in mental health is there a ‘survivor movement’ – survivors not only of distress but specifically of the services supposedly established to help them, as Kinderman notes in ‘A Prescription for Psychiatry- Why We Need a Whole New Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing.’ We are in urgent and unavoidable need of total health care reform in most areas. A more holistic system that is easier on nature (and ourselves) is sorely needed.
Much has been written over the years on the potential benefits of psychedelic substances for addressing mental health challenges and as time goes on, things are becoming more clear. In microdoses (psilocybin & LSD in particular), the risk-benefit profile is very attractive for allowing people a safe way to modulate their consciousness. This can stimulate and catalyze more positive shifts in supporting optimal cognitive function. They allow for subtle shifts that empower people to be more active in directing their own evolution. Rather than being passive recipients of medications (that are sometimes enforced by the state under duress), we can work with a therapist or on our own with wisdom to get to heart of our issues. Sometimes a mental rut is blocking us from having a breakthrough that is needed for healing. Psychedelics’ ego stripping qualities are particularly well suited for breaking apart these mental ruts and stimulating new ways of thinking. Heroic doses also have their place and many well intentioned and diligent researchers have laid the groundwork so that we can reclaim and re-imagine how we take care of ourselves and each other. Psychiatric wards may become seen of as barbarous relics as we find better ways of truly helping those who have been made into 2nd class citizens with no hope of reform.
This may seem utopian, overly ambitious or delusional, but all revolutionary ideas go through these phases. Using our growing knowledge of psychology to help people improve their psychological and emotional well-being and to solve difficult problems in their lives should always remain the focus. Psychedelics are not silver bullets, but tools in the toolbox to help us along the way. The primary role of health professionals is not to treat disease but to support and understand people who have encountered social and traumatic barriers to health and well-being. Generally speaking there is a great need for the reduction of the use of pharmaceutical agents as their collateral damage has become much too great.
Herbal medicine has a role to play as do psychedelics as well as new ways of relating to each other to help understand and transform stored trauma. The cultivation of supportive community is one of the greatest determinants of mental health. Those who think they can go it alone indefinitely may want to to rethink their position. That being said it’s great when we are empowered to have more agency in healing ourselves and directing our destiny.
MDMA, mescaline, ketamine, LSD (aka light medicine), psilocybin, and ayahuasca are the main substances useful in the psychedelic realm. This article is meant to highlight their inclusion into a new model of healthcare that is emerging. You may also find some help in our previous articles General Guidelines for Preparing for a Psychedelic Journey & Breaking Addictions-Psychedelic & Herbal Allies