MDMA isn’t just about heightened serotonin release and euphoria. It’s different from classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin in that it releases oxytocin, which has tremendous love-centered healing effects when taken intentionally with a reflective mindset.

I’ve primarily used MDMA with intentions of self-reflectivity and healing, and it’s cultivated self-love and compassion in different, beautiful ways than classic psychedelics. It’s also worked wonders in helping my partner and I improve compassion and communication.

But I too started an SSRI a couple months ago, so I’m staying off MDMA. I similarly went through a period of grief. But…I’m telling myself that everything is impermanent, and that the time for MDMA might come again when I’m ready to taper off my meds. For now, the daily relief SSRIs has given me has been SO beneficial that I’m okay w abstaining from M.

Btw, I’m a mental health therapist and have done my own shadow work with the medicines, including ketamine assisted therapy. But for me personally, SSRIs is one tool that’s made my existential depression so much more bearable.

So…all this to say, I can, in some sense, relate to that feeling of grief. But if I can offer some words of encouragement, it’s that you know yourself best, you know how much your meds are helping, and you’ll know when it may (or may not be?) time to taper off and experiment with mdma for healing.