If you take the time to visit my profile, you'll notice there are pages of odd poems and nonsensical selections from my notebook. These were all posted when I was recovering in the hospital from my first, and hopefully only manic episode. Most of them make no sense to me looking back, but I know the headspace I was in when writing them was that of a driven artist trying to convey some sort of message and longing to find peace in his mind. See, before it happened to me, I couldn't define the words "manic" or "mania". Though sometimes used as a generic descriptor for an over-excited mood, mania is a symptom of certain mental health issues. In my case it's Bipolar disorder. The following is a description of what I went through (and still am dealing with residually) mentally, physically, and spiritually during my manic episode.
There are substances found in nature that have been used in many spiritual traditions and various healing ceremonies as medicine for thousands of years that are known widely as “psychedelics”. This term was coined by one of the first researchers to study Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), Humphry Osmond in 1957. The word derives from the two Greek words “psyche” (mind) and “dele” (manifesting) in reference to how the substances literally manifest in the mind. In the mid-1900’s psychedelic compounds were deemed by many governments around the globe as having no use in society, and therefore made illegal. However, studies done before they had been associated with politics and a cultural movement, showed tremendous power in enhancing human life. Specifically in the treatment of mental illnesses such as addiction and depression. As a cultural shift is taking place more people have opened their eyes to the benefits that psychedelics have, previous research is starting to be accepted, and new research is being done to validate it and find out precisely how these substances can be used to benefit humanity. Psychedelic substances have allowed researchers to find breakthroughs in PTSD treatment, anxiety relief and depression in those with life-threatening illnesses, and new ways to treat addiction. Psychedelic substances have the power to treat and eliminate mental illnesses when combined with education and psychotherapy, and can even replace currently prescribed medications.
I don't know what it is but I do know what it ain't said I don't know what it is but I won't sit around and wait Sitting all alone
I'm in love with no one else you're the sweetest thing I've ever felt let me hold your hand, let me understand how you make this boy feel like a man
It wasn't in my blood then came the flood I found the one again I wish I let her in I am so different my chances came and went
Wandering down a road not a clue where it goes trying hard to keep myself right up on my toes who knows if I'll turn out as good as my dream but
You can't but wait I think I can write... You can't spend your life performing you can't be scared of conforming life is now a clear picture
Well that went well and I could tell she couldn't see I was just me no one can write my history What does it all even mean