4 ms·

While it's encouraging to see a relaxation of attitudes toward drugs in general, and some degree of acceptance by medical professionals, I take exception to the

While it's encouraging to see a relaxation of attitudes toward drugs in general, and some degree of acceptance by medical professionals, I take exception to the idea that professional head-shrinking is required for benefit. Some people are helped by clinical psychology and psychiatry. Many people would do well to avoid all psychoactive drugs without oversight and guidance from a trained professional. But many of us have been self-medicating for decades and we're well aware of the benefit of burning a joint after work or going on a canoe trip with some mushrooms. Such an approach is still stigmatized by many mental health professionals. It takes a huge ego to think you've got a monopoly on managing my mental state for me.

vokep 6y ago
It seems like a stepping stone. The idea of accepting that sort of full freedom is frightening to people not familiar with it. If a someone trained to evaluate mental health can be standing by saying "yes its worked, they've benefited" then its an easier pill to swallow for people who haven't been educated out of "this is your brain on drugs!"
phkahler 6y ago
>> It takes a huge ego to think you've got a monopoly on managing my mental state for me. Funny because I though destruction of the ego was one of the requirements to achieve good mental health ;-) Someone described their drug experience to me and said it was very important to have their trusted friend there to help ground them as needed and guide them through it. That guy is now ready to take on that role. Apparently going it alone at first is a really bad idea. Do you need a psychologist? Doubt it. They have their own issues.
slfnflctd 6y ago
The phrase 'get a second opinion' applies tenfold to anything mental health related. Far too many practitioners are enamored of pseudoscience, have massive biases or are just trying to coast along the easiest possible path. A good therapist can make a big difference, but I personally had to go through at least 5 before I found that one for me, and in discussions with others I've learned that my experience is not at all uncommon. Part of the problem is that by the time a lot of people break through the perceived stigma of seeking help, they're so desperate and depleted of energy that they're willing to take the first thing offered without question rather than have to run the gauntlet. For anyone in a precarious position with regard to spare time & money, I would currently recommend against seeking professional help except in outlier situations. I hope to be able to change this position in the future-- there are at least some signs of positive change (such as the increasing acceptance of psychedelics and self-treatment).

vokep 6y ago

It seems like a stepping stone. The idea of accepting that sort of full freedom is frightening to people not familiar with it. If a someone trained to evaluate mental health can be standing by saying "yes its worked, they've benefited" then its an easier pill to swallow for people who haven't been educated out of "this is your brain on drugs!"

phkahler 6y ago

>> It takes a huge ego to think you've got a monopoly on managing my mental state for me. Funny because I though destruction of the ego was one of the requirements to achieve good mental health ;-) Someone described their drug experience to me and said it was very important to have their trusted friend there to help ground them as needed and guide them through it. That guy is now ready to take on that role. Apparently going it alone at first is a really bad idea. Do you need a psychologist? Doubt it. They have their own issues.

slfnflctd 6y ago

The phrase 'get a second opinion' applies tenfold to anything mental health related. Far too many practitioners are enamored of pseudoscience, have massive biases or are just trying to coast along the easiest possible path. A good therapist can make a big difference, but I personally had to go through at least 5 before I found that one for me, and in discussions with others I've learned that my experience is not at all uncommon. Part of the problem is that by the time a lot of people break through the perceived stigma of seeking help, they're so desperate and depleted of energy that they're willing to take the first thing offered without question rather than have to run the gauntlet. For anyone in a precarious position with regard to spare time & money, I would currently recommend against seeking professional help except in outlier situations. I hope to be able to change this position in the future-- there are at least some signs of positive change (such as the increasing acceptance of psychedelics and self-treatment).