Altered States The Longest Trip
Aug 28, 2024
Heather shares her journey after participating in a clinical trial for treatment-resistant depression involving psilocybin. She reveals the strange visual distortions she's experienced since, including ‘visual snow’ and shimmering walls. The discussion delves into hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder and its impact on daily life. Heather also explores the challenges of coping with these persistent symptoms and the need for medical awareness regarding the long-term effects of psychedelics. Her story sheds light on both the therapeutic potential and risks associated with psychedelic use.
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Life Changing Visual Distortions
- Heather describes sudden, persistent visual distortions after psilocybin, including shimmering walls and visual snow.
- An optometrist told her the issue was neurological, not ocular, leading to an eventual HPPD diagnosis.
Joining A Psilocybin Trial
- Heather enrolled in a Health Canada psilocybin trial for treatment-resistant depression and stopped antidepressants.
- She received three lab-made psilocybin doses between Dec 2021 and May 2022 as part of the study.
Symptoms Worsened After Doses
- After the second and third doses Heather developed anxiety, derealization, and worsening vision that never fully resolved.
- Her life became severely impaired: she couldn't work, almost lost relationships, and saw static constantly.