Occasionally I read articles that are a little off the wall. And an article about Psilocybin caught my eye the other day. It discussed the benefits of the psychedelic substance found in magic mushrooms.

Benefits? Apparently Psilocybin has the possibility to rewire the brain in treating depression and anxiety. Mycologist Paul Stamets asserts that these mushrooms are non-addictive, life-changing substances. Small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses, given in a therapeutic setting, can make significant changes in people struggling with major depressive disorder when anti-depressants have been unsuccessful in treating this condition.

This comes about twenty years too late for me. Back then I complained to my therapist that all the anti-depressants did was mask my true feelings and prevent me from expressing emotions. I was also concerned with addiction although he reassured me often that I was not addicted. But I’m not entirely convinced of this. Had I been aware of the potential benefits of Psilocybin, I definitely would have volunteered myself as a guinea pig in a clinical trial.

At any rate, I hope that more research will be forthcoming when it comes to the usage of Psilocybin. The way our world is today, we can certainly use more effective medication when treating anxiety and depression. The black cloud of a major depressive disorder is much more than an uncomfortable place to find oneself. It’s also a very dangerous place.