“My brain was being reworked”
I was interested to read your cover story on the use of psychedelic drugs in treating anxiety and depression in the terminally ill [February 24]. I grew up in the religious sect known as “The Family” in the 1970s and ’80s, where psilocybin was used in a common ritual used to elicit mystical experiences in “initiates” or followers. When I was 15, I was administered a psychedelic and spent the next 24 hours under its effects. The article does acknowledge “risks” and I imagine that the medical community are no doubt aware of them. Nonetheless, I also feel a responsibility to remind people that such treatments could potentially lead to abuse. Many thanks for publishing this article to encourage more awareness and understanding of this new form of therapeutic treatment.
Name withheld
Fryerstown, Vic
I read your story about the trial involving terminally ill patients. I have had experience of three terminally ill members of my family – my father, my mother and now me. I have so much to do. I started writing after I retired, and I have children who see me as their grandfather figure. I have church and service club duties to fulfil, work to do for neighbours and friends to visit. It may sound peculiar, but I don’t have the time to wallow in self-pity, despair or depression. Hopefully, when my chemo ceases in May, I will be able to resume my normal life. Unfortunately, I will be on very expensive (but not to me, thanks PBS) medication for the rest of my life. My standing joke is that my oncologist will retire when I expire, so if he wants to save for a big retirement party, he’d better keep getting consultation fees from me for all that time. My biggest gripe is that friends and others who see me compliment me on looking so well – I feel they are cheated because they can’t sympathise with obviously visible symptoms.
Doug Mullett
Werribee, Vic
Losing Lisa
Rosie Waterland’s story [February 24] was a devastating read. In a life filled with emotional rejection and pain, there have been moments of love. Rosie’s mother’s emotional life-long distress and self-destructive patterns have taken a heavy toll on the family; one that none of them could change or help to protect from the shocking final outcome. When her mother Lisa finally ended her life, she left behind a broken family, those members whose memories are so damaged, yet refuse to let guilt or their tragic past define their lives. I know someone just like Rosie’s mum, and the hurt goes on for those concerned – and they wait.
Judith Caine
Donvale, Vic
Kitchen Sink Drama
What a superb wordsmith is Paul Connolly! His brief, yet so descriptive, stories always say so much more than you’d think possible with so few sentences. They are evocative, thought-provoking and, often, highly amusing. In less than 100 words, you have characterisation and plot worthy of a prize-winning novel. “What Causes the Fog” [February 24] is the author at his best. It left this misty-eyed grandpa in delighted thought for some time. If Paul ever compiles his weekly contributions into a book, he must ensure that Jim Pavlidis’ illustrations are included. Paul and Jim … you brighten my Saturdays!
Keith Davies
Valentine, NSW
As I lose my parents, and my children their grandparents, to dementia, Paul Connolly’s “Fog” captured their and our experiences gracefully, beautifully. I had to put the paper down for a bit.
Ryan Atkins
Balmain, NSW
Letters
Like many things in life, it appears readers’ letters have gone digital-only; a simple QR code now marks its place. Forgive me if I’m late to the party, but this reader only now clocked its absence ... perhaps it was canvassed in the new online letters section (he says wryly)? I must acknowledge the conceivable boons to this transition. The greater space for feature articles we all love. Too, more letters and opinions. And of course, less cost; something ubiquitously relatable in this status quo. But I must lament the convenience and pleasure of flipping to the back and rounding off the magazine with the reflections of our peers. The community it engenders; available to all, not just those digitally inclined. And the egos boosted, there on paper to behold. Lend your ears to the people GW, and your paper. Bring back the letters.
Jarryd Scutts
Coffs Harbour, NSW
Power up
I enjoyed your story on the revival of the White Bay power station for the Biennale of Sydney [February 24]. Your opening photo of Biennale CEO Barbara Moore and Placemaking NSW’s Anita Mitchell in the control room of the power station is terrific! It’s wonderful that these old workhorse buildings of the industrial era are being revived in this manner.
Chris Brown
Erskineville, NSW
ONLINE COMMENTS
Shannon is terminally ill. In a trailblazing trial, she took a white pill
This was such a bittersweet read. I had the pleasure to take part in a webinar hosted by Mind Medicine Australia and the experiences of the participants with psychedelics were absolutely mind-blowing (pun intended). My hope for the future is that these treatments will be much more affordable to the people who need it most. My heart goes out to Shannon, Simone and Michael and their families. I take some comfort in knowing that this treatment could make your situation that little bit better. balanceiskey
Excellent article. It seems both caring providers and brave participants were involved. The Simone Felix hand-holding description was an emotional read for me. As was Michael Quinn’s case showing psilocybin can immediately open many layers of complex memories. I do hope we expand affordable psychedelic treatment options for those suffering from pain, depression and PTSD. Crystal B
Much respect to the doctors pioneering this research and treatment in Australia, and to the brave patients undergoing trials. The results and experiences mentioned here give hope that the suffering of people with long-term depression and trauma may find relief, release and hope. I have a close family member who is locked into a life of mental pain, trapped into a way of thinking, feeling and behaving that is excruciating to witness, let alone live. My hope is that this treatment becomes available Australia-wide. mumbojumbo
This is a brilliant article. Sincere thanks to Shannon, Simone and Michael – your insights are very helpful and calming and will bring hope for so many people facing truncated lives. Quite a life-changing read, honestly. How wonderful that treatment enabled Michael to resolve this awful subconscious fear about his little brother’s possible childhood abuse and that after treatment, the ladies have faith that their partners and the universe will take care of the children. The huge effort from the dedicated clinicians must be acknowledged. Lois Cooke
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