• A tech worker uses microdosing to manage PTSD and improve work performance.
• Microdosing helps him focus and improves work efficiency by reducing panic attacks.
• Despite its benefits, caution remains due to the potential risks of high levels of mushroom use.

This article, as described, is based on a conversation with a 46-year-old tech worker from Atlanta who asked to remain anonymous for privacy and professional reasons. Business Insider has confirmed his identity and employment, and his remarks have been edited for length and clarity.

I work in technology at a major Fortune 40 company. I started working for this company in 2004, when I was 26 years old. My company in 2012 placed me in Atlanta I moved there with my wife and daughter because I wanted to open a new center.

One day, I was told to talk to an employee at work who was perceived to be combative. As I went to talk to this person, I felt like I couldn’t catch my breath. I went to the bathroom to calm down, but I still felt out of breath. With this feeling, I continued my work day.

Later that day I gave a presentation. When I started the presentation, my voice and my whole body started shaking. I didn’t realize it was like that. panic attack.

A few years later, in 2014, I started microdosing To combat these intense emotions. Even though I had to be careful, I found that it made me better at my job.

I started microdosing to help with my complicated PTSD

I had a traumatic life that included abuse and abandonment as a child. This caused me to evolve complex PTSDand I was diagnosed with: dissociative personality disorder as an adult.

When I moved to Atlanta it was the most stressful job I had ever had. I was responsible for hundreds of employees who reported directly to me.

During this time, my ex-husband from my previous marriage filed a lawsuit to get custody of our daughter. It was the most stressful time of my life. My colleague suggested I talk to a professional and get help, but I was afraid of meeting one. cognitive behavioral therapist or “talk to a therapist.” Talking to a therapist about my past before moving to Atlanta made me feel like my body was in physical danger because of my CPTSD.

I also tried focus patches, ADHD meds, and all kinds of physical changes to my environment but nothing worked or the side effects were unpleasant. I didn’t want to put myself in this situation this time.

In April 2013, I started attending a nondenominational church where I met a life coach. He suggested the medicinal use of mushrooms to treat trauma. I attended my first meeting in December 2013. medical ceremony.

My performance at work was poor

Even though it helped me relax, I was told my work performance was poor at the time. I was cutting off communication at work due to stress, which was making me uncomfortable. job performance is inconsistent. I was also disconnecting outside of work.

During my dissociations, I felt disconnected from my body and my environment. Sometimes I was driving my car and felt like my car was floating in the air. I decided to give cognitive behavioral therapy another try.

From attending my medical ceremonies, I learned about microdosing. My body is very sensitive to drugs and alcohol, so I was interested in learning more about how microdosing would affect me. But I didn’t know where to find drugs. Through my ceremonial contacts I found someone who sold me 10 microdosing capsules for $40. I used the capsules for two days, then took a day off. This has become expensive as I take them several days a week.

Buying from dealers was difficult and inconsistent so I decided to buy it. I grow my own mushrooms. I tried and learned how to do it myself, growing it in a tub.

The combination of traditional talk therapy and microdosing changed my life

Microdosing creates space I make fewer connections between my mental, emotional and physical states and am less prone to panic attacks. When I have big projects I have a hard time figuring out where to start or what to focus on. Microdosing helps me focus Work on one task at a time to tackle the project in smaller chunks and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Although my job requires coding, research is also an important component of my job. I often have to solve unique problems for which there is not a lot of literature. This makes it difficult to focus because I’m constantly switching back and forth between coding and research, but microdosing helps me get into a flow state.

Even though I’m a little vague about the problems I’m working on, I’m able to stay on track when I switch between research and coding. At the same time helps me remember New information is better.

My therapist warned me against medical ceremonies

I need to be careful. I once accidentally took twice the normal dose, found my hands shaking, and realized I was too drunk to work. I knew I couldn’t handle a meeting with my co-workers in this state. Luckily, I was able to take some time during my lunch break to get back into my normal state and get back to work.

I am open with my therapist about my microdosing. He supports me even though he warns me not to participate in medical ceremonies because taking high doses of mushrooms may cause decomposition. My body is already dissociating from PTSD, so it could make things worse for me.

My performance has improved, I am now an advocate

I don’t need Xanax or antidepressants. I just need some help. Microdosing is helping me bridge the gap between traditional medications and life-long white fingers. My performance at work has increased a lot.

Since I started microdosing, I have become a much better mother, wife, worker, and person. I am an advocate.

Editor’s note: There is no medical consensus on whether these psychedelics have benefits, and they medications may come with risks.

If you have a unique experience with microdosing at work and would like to share your story, please email Manseen Logan at [email protected].