Hello,
in November 2016 I had a very bad impactful trip on psychedelic mushrooms.
My mind was in shambles for many months, I had intense anxiety and depression 24/7. I was not able to drink caffeine, drink alcohol, I had difficulties holding conversations. I was very hypersensitive to everyhing. Minor things like watching videos on my computer in full screen, being in rooms with specific spatial structures, thoughts about topics like the simulation theory, consciousness, life after death sent me into existential dread.
So I was trying to live a healthy life, I exercised, took some supplements like omega 3, magnesium, vitamin D and tried to avoid substances like alcohol and caffeine.
Around two years after my trip I started a new job which initially made me feel worse during the stress.
However during this period I generally noticed a steady improvement in my mental state. However I was always worrying that too much time passes and my mind will never return to the happy, relaxed person I used to be.
But as I spent more time at my job and got my mind more and more occupied I noticed even further improvement.
So I am not saying that medicine cured me, but around one year ago I got put on Amlodipine because I suffer from hypertension. (already before my bad trip)
Amlodipine is a calcium channel inhibitor and on various sites related to DPDR and HPPD I read that this type of medication helps with feelings of dissocation and anxiety.
However when the dosage got increased from 5 to 10 mg I started to suffer very bad depression. I also had some other stress factors in my life during this time so I am not sure if it was because of the medicine.
I went to a psychiatrist and he gave me a prescription for Sertraline, first 25 and now 50 mg.
I can tell you, I feel really good. I do not have debilitating anxiety, depression or dissocation.
I am able to enjoy music, movie, food, conversations. At some times even more than I used to do before. I can consume alcohol and caffeine without problems and I even smoke cannabis without adverse effects. (maybe do not let this inspire you lol)
I do not really think about HPPD and similar issues at all anymore. It is not something relevant anymore to my life.
Maybe in some way I am still different than before my trip, but thats okay. The brain and the mind are changing all the time during the course of your life.
Some people suffer a stroke at the age of 25, develop Multipe Sclerosis, Parkinson, ALS or other types of awful neurological disorders at a young age. The symptoms of these diseases are on average much worse than your typical HPPD symptoms.
Some people ruin their brain during their teenage years with amphetamines, opiates, alcohol or huge amounts of weed.
Its okay to fall down in your life, its okay to make mistakes. Its okay to struggle.
This is especially important for new sufferers: You will get better. I was at the bottom of the world and I am very fine right now. I work full time, make good money and have a girlfriend. The brain has an enormous potential for flexibility. As long as you are patient and try to live healthy, it will be fine. You will be happy.