Engage in the Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINT) protocol, which involves five times the normal TMS dose over five days, using spaced learning theory to optimize brain stimulation. This approach aims to reorganize brain activity, specifically re-timing the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex over the anterior cingulate, leading to rapid and durable remission from severe depression.
Under strict medical supervision in a clinical trial, consider MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. One to a few sessions have shown significant anti-PTSD effects, with about two-thirds of participants experiencing clinically significant improvement that can last for years.
In a medically supervised setting, utilize Ibogaine to re-experience and re-evaluate past life memories, including moral injuries, from a detached, empathetic perspective. This process, often described as a ’life review’ or ‘10 years of psychotherapy in a night,’ appears to facilitate reconsolidation of memories and forgiveness, leading to dramatic improvements in life aspects for individuals with PTSD.
In a clinical setting, consider psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression, which appears to downregulate and unpair the over-connected subgenual anterior cingulate and default mode network. During the session, ’letting go’ of control and allowing the system to assume a new state is crucial for therapeutic effect.
Utilize transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to excite the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex or inhibit the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, as both approaches have antidepressant effects. This directly targets the brain’s mood regulatory regions, restoring the governance of the prefrontal cortex over deeper emotional areas.
Dissolve one packet of Element electrolyte mix in 16 to 32 ounces of water first thing in the morning and during physical exercise. This ensures adequate hydration and proper electrolyte balance (sodium, magnesium, potassium) for optimal brain and body function.
Engage in regular meditation, Yoga Nidra, or Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) protocols, using apps like Waking Up, for various durations. These practices help place the brain and body into different states and can greatly restore cognitive and physical energy.
Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, as it appears to be an effective treatment for mild depression. Exercise may work by influencing heart rate and potentially brain-heart connections, contributing to improved mood.
For conditions like OCD, engage in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy by intentionally exposing oneself to triggers that elicit obsessions, then preventing the compulsive response. This helps the individual learn that the feared outcome does not occur, fostering a ’letting go’ of the compulsion.
For overall mood regulation and mental health, prioritize establishing and maintaining a regular light-dark cycle and consistent sleep rhythm. This helps re-regulate the circadian system, which is often dysregulated in depression.
Parents should avoid exposing children and teenagers (up to age 25, before prefrontal maturation is complete) to high-potency THC cannabis. Early use of potent cannabis can potentially lead to an exacerbation of psychosis later in life, with at least a four-fold increase in psychotic episodes.
Recognize that alcohol carries the highest combined personal and societal risk among commonly used drugs, surpassing heroin and cocaine. Despite its cultural ubiquity, it is associated with significant health issues and societal harms.
Engage in open conversations about mental health challenges, as many people experience similar internal struggles. Talking about these issues helps reduce stigma and fosters a sense of shared experience, which can be beneficial for individual well-being.
If experiencing depression or other mood disorders, consider applying for clinical trials at research institutions like Stanford’s Brain Stimulation Laboratory (bsl.stanford.edu). These trials offer access to cutting-edge experimental treatments and contribute to scientific understanding.
Be aware that cannabis contains various cannabinoids, with THC being pro-psychotic and pro-epileptic, while CBD is anti-psychotic and anti-epileptic. The effects of cannabis on mental health, particularly psychosis, appear to be related to the proportion of CBD to THC.
Understand that ketamine’s antidepressant effects are significantly linked to its opioid properties, not solely its dissociative effects. While dissociation may be necessary, blocking opioid receptors with naltrexone dramatically reduces ketamine’s antidepressant impact.
For certain forms of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be effective. Their therapeutic action is likely due to brain plasticity effects rather than a direct correction of a ‘chemical imbalance.’
Under strict medical supervision, triple therapy involves sleep deprivation, a calculated phase shift, and simultaneous bright light exposure to re-entrain a dysregulated circadian system, which can produce a profound and durable antidepressant effect. This is not for home use due to complexity and potential for increased anxiety.