When traditional depression treatments fail, finding an effective alternative can be hard. Many people turn to unconventional sources for depression relief such as magic mushrooms. Looking for effective treatments? Counseling services can be a great way to manage your condition and develop long-term solutions. While magic mushrooms are sometimes touted as a good treatment for depression, they might not be right for you. Other treatments such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy tend to offer safer and more reliable results. Learning more about different alternative treatments can help ensure you find effective treatment for your condition.
The benefits and risks of magic mushrooms for depression
When people talk about magic mushrooms, they are typically referring to fungi that contain psilocybin. Psilocybin is a chemical that converts to psilocin when ingested. This is the chemical that makes magic mushrooms psychedelic. When a substance is called psychedelic, it means you may experience hallucinations and other dramatic changes in your conscious state while under the substance’s influence. There are many fungus types that fall under the term “magic mushroom.” Psilocybe cubensis is one of the most commonly used types. While this mushroom is relatively safe, it is sometimes confused with toxic varieties with a similar appearance. If you consume magic mushrooms to treat your depression without knowing the source, you may risk eating something poisonous.
So, what are the benefits? One common claim is that magic mushrooms enhance brain connectivity, which can be beneficial for treating depression. By letting different parts of the brain communicate with each other in an atypical way, psilocybin can make it easier to change thought patterns. In the world of neuroscience, people often say that neurons that fire together, wire together. This can help explain why people sometimes get stuck in negative thought and behavior patterns. Your brain can get stuck in a rut. Some claim that by increasing neural connectivity, psilocybin can help your brain break from negative cycles. However, the results of psilocybin are still being studied. Unlike other treatment methods, magic mushrooms have not undergone the rigorous testing necessary to be widely offered to patients.
In addition to uncertain benefits and the danger of toxicity, another major risk is legality. In many regions of the world, including most parts of the United States, psilocybin mushrooms are a Schedule 1 substance. This means they are considered to have a high potential for abuse. Substances in this category are also determined to have no widely accepted medical use. Even if the mushrooms you consume have no detrimental effects, you can still risk felony charges for possessing them. With other alternative treatments, you can work toward progress on your mental health journey without the danger of prosecution.
Why TMS is a great alternative treatment
- Noninvasive — TMS is entirely noninvasive. Treatment sessions involve a metal coil that hovers over your scalp and sends pulses of magnetic energy into the brain. The potential side effects of TMS are not significant. Mild headaches and tingling are among the most common side effects, and they tend to be short-lived. Magic mushrooms for depression, on the other hand, can come with major consequences. A high dose can introduce the risk of a “bad trip,” an experience that may intensify your negative thoughts. This kind of experience can worsen your depression rather than treating it. Other side effects can include a heightened heart rate and nausea.
- Safe and legal — Many people look for alternative treatments to avoid the potential risks of medication. If you are seeking a safe alternative, TMS can be an excellent choice. The data backs up the safety and efficacy of TMS, with the majority of patients experiencing major reductions in their symptoms. TMS is also a fully legal treatment cleared by the FDA for depression treatment. This means you can experience relief without worrying about breaking the law.
- Targeted stimulation — TMS is known for its precision. With different stimulation techniques available, a licensed clinician can tailor TMS therapy to your needs. TMS pinpoints certain parts of the brain for stimulation. This allows it to increase activity in the right places without causing other effects. Taking magic mushrooms for depression does not offer the same level of accuracy. Psilocybin mushrooms can have effects on many brain regions. These effects are not necessarily beneficial.
Find an effective alternative to magic mushrooms for depression at Active Path Mental Health
Looking for a strong, reliable depression treatment? You can find a range of proven treatment options at Active Path Mental Health. Our team is committed to providing a high level of patient care, whether it is through our TMS therapy program or our counseling services.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
