Episode 13 | Standing in the Circle with Anxiety Week 1: ACER Members Sin and Indira

Stand in the Circle, Episode 13

In this week’s episode I talk to ACER members, Sin and Indira about their personal experiences with anxiety, and how, in different contexts, psychedelics can either ease or amplify it.

Indira has lived with IBS-D for thirty years. She now believes that, for her, the condition was rooted in years of pushing anxiety down rather than feeling it and listening to it. After trying many treatments, it was psychedelics and learning to communicate with her gut that finally worked.

My second guest, Sin, began experiencing anxiety and panic attacks after taking part in a psychedelic clinical trial of 5-MeO-DMT for depression. Her depression lifted but the anxiety arrived afterwards, leading her to seek her own care, communities and support network.

Together, these stories show how psychedelics can interact with anxiety in very different ways, depending on context, preparation and support. Next week we will hear from two clinicians to explore this from a clinical and research perspective.

Apply to join ACER: https://acerintegration.com/apply-now
The next cohort of applications close on the 26th of September.

What you hear on this podcast is first-hand experience. Stories, not advice. Not medical advice, not any kind of advice. In our ACER sharing circles, the ethos is that we share our stories and others listen, and nobody gives advice, because what's right for one person is wrong for another. Sometimes in this podcast I'll tell you what research says, or what  guidelines say, and this might be a starting point for deeper reflections and conversations with people who know you and can help you find your own path.  A word on psychedelics: they are absolutely not for everyone. They can cause real harm when they aren't handled safely.

Books/media mentioned: Michael Pollan - How to Change Your Mind; Netflix Documentary - How to Change Your Mind

5-MeO-DMT support:
James W. Sanders and Dr. Bianca Sebben are seeking to connect with those interested in joining a participant network for individuals who were administered 5-MeO-DMT as part of a research study. The group has been developed in response to participants contacting us seeking additional support with integration following their studies, however they also welcome participants who may not be seeking support but still wish to share with others about their experience of the study. The group will provide avenues to share your perspectives, find support if needed, and may create opportunities for participant perspectives to play a greater role in shaping standards of preparation, dosing, and integration in future research and clinical practice. To connect with them and have your say about the potential group format and activities, please complete the form below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-94GZsY0nK15uHHglsCTQE9XF1ZN1E9qAUG0T_jHycvvKaA/viewform?usp=dialog
You can also contact james.sanders.25@ucl.ac.uk with any questions.

Submit a question for a future episode: https://forms.gle/JgJaAjDRbowAcyWZ9