Awe-Supplementation
- Sativ Steve
- Apr 21, 2019
- 4 min read
Newly released data from a nationwide survey shows an unmistakable rise in mental illness among today’s youth. There is lots of speculation about what’s causing this phenomenon. But one thing is certain. It’s emblematic of collapsing civilization. Facilitated by multitudes of cultures being swallowed and corrupted by a wave of technological progress, too powerful to be contained.
Helping society recover to a healthy state will be difficult. It will require radical upheaval and restructuring. But it is possible. Oregon State will offer an answer to help move people in the right direction for pursuing the necessary changes.
Data was released by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a nationally recognized survey which follows mental health and substance usage in peoples aged 12 years or older. It revealed increases in depression, anxiety, and suicide in young adults between the ages of 18 and 25.
The increase is demonstrated when comparing data between 2009 and 2017. Symptoms of major depression experienced in the last year, and suicidal thoughts, plans, attempts, and deaths have all skyrocketed in this period. Major depression encompasses pressing issues such as anxiety and hopelessness. No signs point to these trends ceasing.
In the approaching Fall 2020 Oregon state elections, the fate of "Petition 12" will be decided. This is the first piece of state legislation to permit the usage of psilocybin. Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as shrooms or magic mushrooms, are federally regulated as a schedule 1 drug.
This charter decriminalizes usage for peoples 21 years old or older. It stipulates that drug usage is under the supervision of a licensed therapist. Growing bodies of data validate the capability of psilocybin-based therapy. It is an avenue for addressing treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse, particularly alcohol, drugs, and nicotine.
There are numerous theories to why mental distress is rising. There are links to the increase of cell phones, social media, and the continual bombardments of information. But the heart of the problem is privation.
Despite the overflow of material goods, most modern humans living in developed urban centers are void. They lack the essential experiences offered by nature. It is increasingly clear that holistic connections to the natural world are necessary for fostering robust mental health. Those in large metropolitan areas are robbed of their most basic daily links to this world. Always encased in concrete and plastic. At night the cosmic masterpieces presented by celestial bodies are stolen by light pollution.
Stargazing is currently devalued as a mundane activity. This is inaccurate. This ritual has been a hallmark of civilization. It has inspired foundations for theology and mythology. This everchanging mosaic painting the sky inspires such profound impacts on imaginations it has been appropriately named the heavens. These nighttime visuals were so awe-inspiring people assumed they were divine. Now we are living in a state where most cannot even see 1/10th the night sky!
In the face of overwhelming natural beauty, people experience awe. This powerful emotion dwarfs one's perspective. In this state individual existence temporarily melts away into the swaddled arms of Mother Nature’s bliss. For a brief time, consciousness subsides, the ego dissipates, and the gates of peace can be seen opening in the distance. For a moment an individual can see past the futile suffering tied into their constant toils.
Awe-inspiring moments are the fuel that feeds the flames of nuanced curiosity. These feelings are profound and life-changing. They cannot be ignored; anyone who attempts dismissing them is disingenuous or disconnected from reality. These feelings of wonder are the muses behind the most beautiful things humans have to offer.
It isn’t clear what's prompting growing psychological distress, but modern culture is moving away from living per nature. With the advent of new technology, civilization is alienating itself from organic existence.
Growing up in the wake of this technological revolution I have experienced toxic lifestyles which produced depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. I spent years looking for solutions able to fit into my urban surroundings. After two years of studying mycology, I believe I have found the answer in psilocybin.
Psilocybin is the tool which can rekindle ties to the natural forces. Taking a moderate dose of this drug and spending one evening in a state of altered consciousness rivals the impactful effects of spending an entire week immersed in the most beautiful places on Earth. People raised without the luxury of natural connections in their daily lives become deprived. Psilocybin is a supplemental source for awe-inspiration and an answer to their depravity.
Toxic routines can breed many problems. Ruts appear impossible to break. They swallow years of people’s lives. The growth of technology has infinitely expanded opportunities to fall into destructive cycles.
The introduction of Organs “Petition 12” is the solution to humanities disconnects from nature. It initiates the usage of psilocybin to target the root of rising mental illness. This treatment can rekindle the relationship between people and nature without removing the person from their familiar urban surroundings.
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