Once dismissed as countercultural or dangerous, psychedelics are now making headlines in mainstream science and wellness. Could substances like psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms) and LSD offer a new path forward in mental health treatment? Recent studies (and voices like author Michael Pollan) suggest it’s time to take a closer, more open-minded look.

In his bestselling book How to Change Your Mind, Michael Pollan explores how psychedelics may reset the brain, particularly for people suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, or addiction. He refers to emerging research where a single psychedelic-assisted therapy session has shown potential to unlock deep emotional healing. But Pollan’s work is not about promoting drug use. Rather, it’s a call to understand how these compounds interact with the human psyche when combined with professional guidance.

Swedish researcher Petri Kajonius, along with psychologists David Sjöström and Anneli Claesdotter, have echoed similar findings in a Nordic context. In their work, they’ve studied individuals who’ve used psychedelics in therapeutic or self-exploratory settings, documenting reported long-term effects on personality, emotional resilience, and self-awareness. One interesting result: increased openness and reduced neuroticism in users. Two traits linked to mental well-being.

So, how does it work? Psychedelics appear to reduce activity in what neuroscientists call the “default mode network” (DMN), the part of the brain associated with self-reflection and rumination. For people with depression, the DMN can become overactive, looping negative thought patterns. Psychedelics seem to quiet this internal chatter, allowing for new connections and perspectives to emerge. In some cases, this reset seems to help patients gain clarity, confront past trauma, or even find a sense of meaning.

Of course, there are caveats. Psychedelics aren’t a miracle cure, and they’re not suitable for everyone. Set (mindset) and setting (environment) are crucial. Experts also stress that the substance itself is only one part of the process. It’s the integration, therapy, and support around the experience that create lasting results.

Governments and health organisations are beginning to take notice. Clinical trials in the US, UK, and Europe are gaining momentum. In Sweden, researchers are advocating for further funding and regulation to safely explore these treatments. With mental health challenges on the rise globally, many experts argue that new tools are urgently needed.

So, are psychedelics the future of mental health care? Maybe. What’s clear is that the conversation has shifted. Once taboo, these compounds are now being re-examined through the lens of science, therapy, and even spirituality. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or sceptical, it’s a space worth watching.