Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can interfere with a person’s daily life, relationships, and ability to work. Symptoms of PTSD can include fear, irritability, hypervigilance, and flashbacks of the traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can be severe and people with PTSD can experience guilt and shame about their condition. This often leads to them becoming more reclusive and avoiding any situations that they think may trigger a negative reaction.
If you are wondering why people with PTSD are purchasing magic mushroom spores online and growing mushroom crops at home, this post will shed some light on the connection between the condition and the natural psychedelic.
Who can develop PTSD?
PTSD can develop in anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic or life-threatening event. Although veterans are more likely to develop PTSD than civilians, it is estimated that about six percent of adult Americans will develop PTSD at some point. Aside from combat, common examples of events that can lead to PTSD include sexual assault, physical assault, violent accidents, and natural disasters.
Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD and the length and intensity of the event can also affect the chances of PTSD occurring. Some people may be more at risk of developing PTSD than others. For instance, people with a family history of mental health conditions and those with a history of substance abuse are at a greater risk. Likewise, people who experience multiple episodes of trauma or have less access to resources and social support may also be more prone to developing PTSD.
What is the relationship between PTSD and depression?
While PTSD and depression are two separate mental health conditions, individuals with PTSD are three to five times more likely to develop depression than those without the condition. Because the avoidance of triggers can limit a person’s ability to participate in activities, it can lead to a sense of isolation and disconnection which can turn into feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. The experience of trauma can also disrupt the sense of safety and trust in society and contribute to feelings of vulnerability and despair.
Furthermore, PTSD and depression share several common symptoms, such as negative thinking patterns, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite and energy levels. These shared symptoms can exacerbate each other, leading to a downward spiral of negative thoughts and feelings that get increasingly severe over time. Therefore, effective treatment of both conditions is essential to promote lasting recovery.
Can magic mushrooms help?
Several studies have shown that psilocybin—the psychoactive compound found in some species of magic mushrooms—can potentially help people with PTSD. In addition, a recent study found that a combination of psilocybin and psychotherapy consistently resulted in significant reductions in symptoms for people with major depressive disorder for up to a year from the time of treatment.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in mood regulation. Antidepressants work by increasing the levels of serotonin thus helping patients to feel less anxious and more stable. However, aside from acting on serotonin receptors, researchers think that psilocybin also alters the way that neurons in the brain connect, allowing patients to rewire their brains and better manage PTSD.
It is important to note that the use of psilocybin for the treatment of PTSD is still in its early stages, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks. Additionally, the use of magic mushrooms outside of clinical settings can be risky and may lead to negative experiences. For this reason, it is important that you only use magic mushrooms under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Where can I get magic mushrooms?
Despite its many promising effects, it remains illegal to possess, use, or distribute psilocybin and magic mushrooms in the United States. While some states and cities have decriminalized or reduced the penalties for possession of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, it is still illegal under federal law. Therefore, outside of clinical trials, it is extremely difficult for people suffering from PTSD or depression to gain access psilocybin therapy.
This is where magic mushroom spores come in. Because the spores of magic mushrooms do not contain any psilocybin, they are technically not illegal to purchase and possess. This allows many people to grow their own magic mushrooms for medicinal purposes and gain access to therapeutic benefits without having to worry about the potential legal consequences. That said, be sure to research the laws of your state thoroughly before attempting to do the same yourself.
Conclusion
PTSD is a mental health condition that can be very debilitating for sufferers. Although there are many ways to treat PTSD, some of the most promising avenues of current research involve the use of psychedelic substances. If you are considering using magic mushrooms or psilocybin for the treatment of PTSD, speak with a healthcare professional and seek guidance from a trained and experienced provider.
It is also crucial to note that psilocybin remains a Schedule I substance in the US. Thankfully, numerous clinical trials are underway to study the potential use of psilocybin in treating mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. With luck, we will have new medication on the horizon that improves access to this powerful and effective treatment option.