Moms on Mushrooms, Surveys and a Quiet Women's Revolution

Are we in the 60s again?

I oftentimes feel like I exist in a reimagined story from America in the 1960s - international conflict, psychedelics, a women’s movement….haven’t we been here before? While I don’t wear bell bottoms or floral patterns often, I do spend plenty of time in nature, and hug trees on occasion.

I wasn’t around in the 60s, but I could likely figure out how to blend in with the counterculture of those times. It all reminds me of a bigger story, a larger theme that plays out when the stakes are too high - people begin to work with one another, build community, and collaborate to get things done.

Just like the 60s, community and advocacy are pillars of the psychedelic scene and people are coming together in droves to create change, and usher in the next psychedelic renaissance with grace.

Social change is made possible when we connect with like-minded people, and organize around a specific goal. We hope to do just that through this digital newsletter, and our efforts at the Dysphoric Project.

Communication, collaboration and community feel good to me, especially after many years of struggling with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. I’m tired of being alone and angry, and witnessing the advocacy stories unfold is inspiring and uplifting.

In the midst of the chaos, there are so many examples of groups working together in the psychedelic space to solve problems, and advocate for others. We hope to share that positivity with all of you in hopes of lifting spirits, especially when things seem so divisive in the world.

Moms on Mushrooms (M.O.M), founded by Tracey Tee, is an excellent example of what can happen when a group of women come together. They are a large and growing community in psychedelics, and have recently partnered with quantified citizen to launch a survey on premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and microdosing. Maastricht University is also seeking to better understand the effects of microdosing on menstrual symptoms.

Hystelica, a research organization focused on psychedelics and women’s health has launched an Open Letter to Maps, and a survey on psychedelics and the menstrual cycle.

Results from these surveys will further fuel research advocacy efforts, in addition to informing harm reduction information - these are major wins for women interested in psychedelic therapies.

You can learn more about Dr. Grace Blest Hopley from Hystelica here, or check out this podcast episode:

Some may believe it’s dangerous when women start talking to each other, but I’m finding it very enlightening - we can often support and educate one another.

I could have used survey results and research on PMDD when I first started my journey with psychedelics, but nothing was available at the time. Now, I’m hopeful that more information and support will be made available for women in the future.

The women’s movements of the 60s had to start somewhere, and I believe we’re witnessing a similar era that is ripe for rebalancing power, and ensuring equality. I’m grateful to see both men and women working together to bring in this change, and ensure women’s health is not left behind in the psychedelic renaissance.

Do you know of any other groups you’d like for us to highlight? If so, drop them in the comments, we want to showcase their work and get the word out.

Until next time, BIG HUGS and keep it groovy?