Microdosing psilocybin for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) was something we had never linked together.
Our community brought it to our attention and since then, we’ve been keeping a keen eye out to see how widespread these benefits might be.
As I write this, it’s January 2024. Europe is experiencing a particularly cold and snowy season. I however write this from the Southern Hemisphere where we are enjoying the height of summer.
From this vantage point, I can see our community and colleagues’ moods change with the drop in temperatures most especially when days are dark and gloomy.
If microdosing can provide a unique and potentially effective approach to managing symptoms, then this would be great news!
Is it remotely possible that by incorporating small, controlled doses of psilocybin into our routine, we can experience a noticeable improvement in mood and overall well-being during the colder months?
We don’t have enough medical data to back this theory yet, but here is what some of our community members said:
Understanding Winter Blues
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) was initially described in 1984 and is classified as an independent disorder.
The clinical picture of SAD is distinct:
“Patients with seasonal affective disorder, predominantly women, become regularly depressed in autumn and winter and experience remission in spring and summer.
They experience characteristic atypical vegetative symptoms during their depressive episodes and have a history of reactivity to environmental light (the more, the better).
Seasonal affective disorder increases in prevalence with increasing distance from the equator and has been described in the southern, as well as the northern, hemisphere.”
As a consequence, we may experience low mood, lack of energy, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns.
As someone who grew up in Montreal, I can attest that by the 5th month of winter, I felt a significant impact on my daily functioning and quality of life during these seasons.
My solution was to move to Cape Town in South Africa, but there are less drastic measures that can be explored.
Introduction to Microdosing
Microdosing involves taking very small, sub-perceptual doses of psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin, for only a few days a week and a maximum number of 6–8 weeks.
In less than a decade, this practice has gained popularity as a potential tool for enhancing creativity, improving mood, and increasing focus.
Because microdosing is not done daily and also doesn’t have any firmly set rules, protocols have been created as potentially beneficial routines.
A microdosing protocol dictates the time and frequency of the doses.
We recommend the Fadiman Protocol as a starting point, but you are likely to change protocols over time and even tailor them to your needs.
Responsible Microdosing Practices
While you are still learning the art of microdosing, the first few doses should be taken on days with low responsibility.
The setting of these first few microdosing experiences will help you get accustomed to the sensation and inform your ability to determine your ideal sweet spot dose.
Start by consulting with a healthcare professional who is knowledgeable about psychedelic therapies and can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.
Keep a detailed journal to track your dosage, effects, and any changes in mood or symptoms.
It is also important to use the protocol that is right for you.
Find your sweet spot, then take a break after 6-8 weeks.
Legal and Health Considerations
Microdosing is becoming more and more mainstream but let’s remember that it is not a silver bullet nor is it legal worldwide, yet.
So as we continue to learn about this practice and this substance, please be sure that it is legal in your geographic location and that you have the ok from your doctor.
We encourage you to discuss your intentions with a healthcare professional, ensuring that microdosing is appropriate for you.
It’s also an opportunity to address any potential health concerns or interactions with existing medications.
Most especially if you are currently taking SSRIs or any kind of anxiety, sleep, or ADHD medication.
Last but not least, it is crucial to prioritize your health and safety by obtaining psychedelic substances from reliable and reputable sources.
Experiencing Awe instead of SAD
Although there isn’t too much scientific literature on microdosing psilocybin and SAD, there is a 2021 study on microdosing psilocybin on awe and wonder.
They studied the effects of psilocybin microdosing on feelings of awe and art perception and concluded that: “participants felt more awe in the microdosing compared to the placebo condition”. 🌈
My point is that perhaps with a little help from microdosing is that we can still have access to moments of awe and winter, during the cold winter months.
If you want to try this out for yourself, you can order our truffles here or take up a really fun hobby by ordering your own grow kit here.
Tell us about your microdosing experience during long cold months here:
- Facebook group (8.000+ members)
- Discord channel (2.000+ members)
- Follow us on Instagram @microdosepro.amsterdam and @humanpro.amsterdam
- Follow me on Instagram @asha_md_coach
As always.
Shine bright. Do good. Flow strong.
Asha ✨
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