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A Marine’s Journey with Psychedelic Therapy
By Clinton Diong, U.S. Marine Corps Combat Veteran, 100% Disabled
As a young Marine, barely 18 years old, I embarked on a life-changing journey filled with challenges, accomplishments, and self-discovery. From being a headstrong recruit spending my first day in boot camp to becoming an unexpected squad leader, my military career was off to an impressive start. Little did I know that this path would take me around the world, testing my emotional fortitude and leaving me grappling with the harsh realities of war.
My overseas ventures took me from Japan to Australia, Spain to Italy, Kosovo to Greece, and the UAE to Bahrain, witnessing both beauty and the darkest side of humanity. The chaos of war stripped away my connection to home and left me emotionally adrift. I returned with a shattered sense of self, struggling to find stability in civilian life and dealing with deep emotional wounds that I didn’t fully comprehend.
Haunted by the horrors of war and unable to cope with my emotions, I spiraled into a world of violent outbursts, affecting relationships with loved ones. But amidst the turmoil, a ray of hope appeared when I learned that I was going to be a father. The responsibility of parenthood forced me to confront my inner demons and strive for a better future. However, the scars of war and the ineffective pharmaceutical treatments I received at the VA Hospital only deepened my mental health challenges. My wife and kids left me out of fear of my violent outbursts, I was homeless for the third time, and I tried to commit suicide 7 different ways in 11 years after getting out of the U.S. Marines. Yeah… no training or help for anything like this at the time.
In search of healing, I turned to psychedelics and began delving into the field of mycology, growing mushrooms for my own personal mental health. Surprisingly, this path brought me the relief I had been desperately seeking. My mind started to function better, and I found solace in the therapeutic properties of psychedelics.
However, the road to recovery wasn’t straightforward. My reliance on pharmaceutical drugs worsened my condition when the VA changed the prescription, leading me to the brink of despair and addiction. My life seemed to be on the verge of collapse when a tragic incident almost cost my stepdaughter her life. The repercussions were devastating, and it felt like I had gone past rock bottom and entered the pits of Hell!
Thankfully, my stepdaughter survived and is doing well. The justice system saw potential for redemption rather than condemnation due to my mental illness and drug induced bipolar schizophrenia. The court offered me a lifeline through veterans’ court. The road to recovery was arduous, and it took years for my mind to heal from the wounds of war and drug addiction. Slowly, I found my way back to my passion for mycology, understanding that these natural substances held transformative potential for mental health and that they did start to help me before.
With newfound purpose, healed mind and an enlightened soul I established MorningStar Myco, a company aimed at providing the best alternative forms of medicine and treatment, particularly for veterans and the men and women of service and their loved ones. Recognizing that psychedelic therapy is not a magic bullet, I emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes, proper medical support, and personal dedication in achieving lasting healing.
Today, I stand as living proof that psychedelics, when used responsibly and in conjunction with proper care can significantly improve mental well-being. My journey from chaos to healing has taught me that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to mental health challenges. It requires a holistic approach, combining the power of nature’s medicine, personal commitment, and professional support.
As I look back on my tumultuous journey, I am filled with gratitude for the chance to rebuild my life and help others do the same. Through MorningStar Myco and The Fruit of Knowledge, I hope to providing only the highest quality resources, courses, and products to those seeking a path to recovery and a brighter future. Remember, the journey to healing is not without challenges, but with the right tools and support it is possible to overcome the darkest of times and find light on the other side.
With the MorningStar comes the Fruit of Knowledge!