Kerry’s Journey: From Depression to Psychedelic Healing

For years,Kerry Soorley appeared to have it all together.Outwardly, she was the life of the party, seemingly happy. But behind closed doors, she battled relentless depression, self-hatred, and self-loathing.

The Silent Struggle

Working as a palliative care nurse and later in a chemotherapy ward, Kerry encountered patients who yearned for more time. “I would listen to my patients, who were as young as teenagers, talk about wanting to see out one more Christmas or birthday. Meanwhile I was writing in my diary that I just wanted to die,” recalls kerry, now 67.

The contrast between her patients’ desire to live and her own suicidal thoughts created a profound internal conflict. “I thought to myself, ‘You piece of s***, Kerry. Some of the patients have nothing – no time left.’ I had no reason to be depressed, there was nothing ‘wrong’ in my life,” she explains. Despite appearing strong, Kerry felt trapped by her own mind: “In my mind, I hated myself. There has always been a sense of self-loathing.”

Decades of Searching for Relief

From the age of 20, Kerry embarked on a relentless quest for relief. She tried countless treatments,including “every antidepressant under the sun,” therapy,self-help books,courses,and even a 12-week trip to Peru to explore ancient medicines. reunion and Disappointment

A important source of Kerry’s pain stemmed from giving up a baby for adoption. When her son turned 18,she managed to find him through the electoral roll,and they arranged a meeting. While the reunion provided some closure, Kerry found it “anti-climatic.”

Shortly after the reunion, Kerry’s marriage ended, and “everything kicked up a notch.” The depth of her depression intensified,leading to suicidal thoughts. “The depth of it was so bad I thought the world would be better place without me in it,” she admits.

Her children, by then teenagers, had to become self-sufficient as Kerry spent weeks in bed, battling alcoholism and marijuana use. At her worst, she would drink two bottles of wine a night, waking up with unexplained bruises and no memory of the previous evening. To hide her alcoholism, she avoided going outside during daylight hours, even resorting to walking the dog at 1 a.m.

Desperate Measures

Kerry made three attempts on her own life and was hospitalized in a psychiatric ward for a month. Given her history with antidepressants, she felt hopeless. “Given she had tried pretty much ‘every anti-depressant under the sun’ at this stage,she didn’t see the point in being there.”

Following her release, a friend told her about an “ancient Amazon drink” containing psychedelics, rumored to help with depression. Kerry traveled to Peru, but the experience, although promising for her friend, didn’t alleviate her depression.

A Controversial Solution: DMT

At 58, Kerry’s therapist suggested dimethyltryptamine, or DMT, a strong psychedelic drug that is smoked. “I strongly believe if my therapist didn’t suggest it, I wouldn’t be here today,” says kerry, who had to source the drug through a dealer.

the experience was transformative. “My mind was fully changed forever after the first inhale. I was suicidal on the inhale and on the exhale I was instantly connected to God. I felt love and I couldn’t believe it was possible could feel that way.”

Kerry experienced this state for about six weeks, wich she says completely alleviated her depression and “reset” her mind. A New Life

Today, Kerry, a grandmother of nine, is ten years sober.She now advocates for the legalization of psychedelics as a treatment for depression. “Psychedelics used for medicine is completely political but bringing them into effect would help so many people in so many different ways. Without it, I wouldn’t be here today,” she says.

Dr. Zac Turner, a medical practitioner specializing in preventative health and wellness, explains that “DMT is a powerful psychedelic compound known for producing intense, short-lived hallucinations. Unlike LSD or psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms), which can last for hours, a DMT trip hits within seconds and is over in about 20 minutes – earning it the nickname ‘the businessman’s trip’ becuase you could theoretically blast off to another dimension and still make it back for your lunch meeting.”

He adds,”But this isn’t just a party drug. Some researchers believe it could hold the key to treating conditions like depression, PTSD, and even addiction. While DMT is illegal in australia, researchers in the UK are actively investigating its potential therapeutic benefits.”

Future of Psychedelic Therapy

While DMT remains illegal in Australia, psychedelic-assisted therapy is gaining traction worldwide. “Australia recently became one of the first countries to legalise psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and MDMA for treatment-resistant depression and PTSD,” Dr. Turner notes.

He advises, “If you’re curious about DMT or other psychedelic therapies, speaking with a doctor is always a good idea. While it’s still an emerging field, medical professionals can offer guidance on what research is happening and whether future clinical trials could be an option.”

How to Help a Loved One

• Restlessness and increased agitation
• Emotional outbursts
• Withdrawing from people they would usually connect with
• Withdrawing from regular activities such as work or school
• Describing feeling helpless, hopeless or worthless
• Changes in appetite or eating
• Difficulty in sleeping or sleeping a lot
• Not wanting to do things they usually enjoy
• Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
• Not replying to messages, calls or emails, or being distant
• Talking about not being around any more
• More risk-taking behavior

If you are concerned that someone is struggling or might be thinking about suicide and you aren’t sure how to talk to them, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Sources:
health care. if you are struggling with depression, consult with a healthcare professional to explore all available options and find a path toward healing.
If you’re looking for mental health support, consider reaching out to Mental Health America (MHA) for resources and guidance.

Psychedelic Therapy for Depression: An Interview with Dr. Anya Sharma

We sat down with Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading researcher in psychedelic-assisted therapy, to discuss the potential of DMT and other psychedelics in treating treatment-resistant depression. Her insights shed light on a controversial yet promising area of mental health care.

Understanding Treatment-Resistant Depression

Archyde: Dr. Sharma, thank you for joining us.Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is treatment-resistant depression, and why is it so challenging to address?

Dr. Sharma: treatment-resistant depression,or TRD,refers to cases where individuals don’t respond adequately to multiple antidepressant medications. It’s incredibly challenging because it often involves complex underlying factors, making it difficult to find an effective solution. Many patients, like Kerry Soorley in the recent case study, have tried countless therapies with limited success, highlighting the urgent need for alternative approaches.

The Role of Psychedelics: A Closer Look at DMT

Archyde: DMT, or dimethyltryptamine, is emerging as a potential therapeutic agent. How does it work, and why is its use so controversial?

Dr. Sharma: DMT is a powerful psychedelic compound that produces intense, short-lived altered states of consciousness. Some researchers believe it can definitely help “reset” the mind and provide new perspectives, notably for individuals struggling with deeply entrenched thought patterns related to depression.The controversy stems from its classification as an illegal substance in many regions and the potential for misuse or adverse reactions. However, controlled clinical trials are crucial to understanding its therapeutic potential safely and effectively, as seen with early psilocybin research in Fort Worth, Texas, showing improved well-being.

From Personal Experience to Scientific Research

Archyde: Kerry Soorley’s story is compelling. How can anecdotal evidence, like hers, inform scientific research into psychedelic therapies?

Dr. Sharma: While personal experiences are valuable and provide crucial insights into the lived realities of individuals with depression, they aren’t a substitute for rigorous scientific investigation. Anecdotal evidence can help researchers identify promising avenues of inquiry and formulate hypotheses, but these must be tested through controlled studies with objective measures to determine efficacy and safety. Kerry’s story, for example, underscores the need for further research into DMT as a potential treatment option for treatment-resistant depression.

Navigating the Legal and Ethical Landscape of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

Archyde: With changing regulations and increasing interest, what are the key ethical and legal considerations surrounding psychedelic-assisted therapy?

Dr. Sharma: There are numerous ethical and legal considerations. Informed consent is paramount; patients must fully understand the risks and potential benefits of psychedelic therapies. Proper screening and preparation are essential to ensure patient safety and minimize adverse effects. Access to these therapies must be equitable and not limited to those with financial resources. Moreover, the legal status of psychedelics varies globally, so clinicians and researchers must navigate complex regulatory frameworks.

The Future of Mental Health: Psychedelics as a Tool for Healing?

Archyde: What needs to happen for psychedelic-assisted therapy to become a more widely accepted and accessible treatment option for depression and other mental health conditions?

Dr. Sharma: We need more robust clinical trials to demonstrate efficacy and safety across diverse populations. education and training for healthcare professionals are crucial to ensure they can administer these therapies responsibly. Public awareness campaigns can help reduce stigma and promote informed decision-making. regulatory reform is needed to allow for the responsible use of psychedelics in mental health care.Australia’s recent legalization of psilocybin and MDMA for specific conditions is a step in the right direction.

Archyde: what’s one thought-provoking question you’d like our readers to consider regarding the future of psychedelic therapy?

Dr. Sharma: Given the potential benefits and risks, how do we ensure that psychedelic-assisted therapy is integrated into mental healthcare in a way that is both ethical and accessible to those who could truly benefit?

We encourage our readers to share their thoughts and engage in respectful discussion in the comments below. thank you, Dr. Sharma, for your valuable insights.