What's New on The Forefront of Mental Health by Dr. Tom Ingegno, DACM, LAC, MSOM

With the amount of global stress we are all experiencing, mental health is on everyone’s mind. We are seeing a psychedelic revolution again. This time it isn’t hippies tuning in, turning on and, dropping out. It is healthcare professionals, neuroscientists, and patients with everything from addiction to PTSD.

It has become apparent that humanity is at a crossroads. If we continue on the current path, global destruction through war, depletion of resources, and widespread economic inequality will certainly lead to the end of our own species. A radical shift of consciousness may be the only way for human beings to alter the current course, repair the planet, and help all of society.

What would be necessary to effect this shift in consciousness? What would be the best approach? How can we achieve these goals as quickly as possible?

• Educate Children
As of now, the current generation is being trained to run on the treadmill, to keep up with the increasing speed of life. This is not what is needed now. If humanity is to succeed in enacting a radical shift of consciousness, we need people who are aware and motivated to make this happen. The next generation can provide this foundation for change by creating a new educational system that focuses more on increasing creativity than on measures of performance (i.e., grades). The current educational system is designed to "weed out" some people and to promote the status quo. A new system must have the freedom to support and foster imagination; it must support and foster a love of learning. It must be based on cooperation rather than competition. It must teach students that they are part of a larger society and a larger Earth, not simply their own little piece of land. If we want peaceful change, this shift in thinking must begin with our young children.

• Encourage Human Potential for Consciousness Expansion
Psychedelics and other consciousness-expanding drugs have been used since ancient times in cultures around the world. These substances have proven capable of increasing a person's level of awareness about themselves, others, and the world at large. However, these substances are not as widely known or accepted as they could be. This fact can be attributed in part to governmental restrictions on research, personal restrictions (i.e., fear or misuse), and religious associations with "satanic" practices.

Present-day society tends to be biased against any substance perceived to alter the mind. We can no longer afford to overlook this powerful tool for expanding human consciousness. This awareness must be brought to the mainstream, and this can be done by releasing information on psychedelics and other consciousness-expanding drugs. People need to know how valuable these substances are, and they need to know about their potential for expanding human consciousness.

• Remove Existing Restrictions on Psychedelic Research and Education
Current restrictions on psychedelic research will continue to hinder the advancement of human potential for consciousness expansion. These restrictions have existed for an extended period of time; therefore, it is time to remove them in order to give people a chance to learn more about these tools for consciousness expansion.

Dr. Tom Ingegno, DAC, LACM, MSOM
www.charmcityintegrative.com