RE: Introduction and AMA (Ask Me Anything) about Living and Working on an Ayahuacsa Retreat Centre in the Amazon Jungle
Thank you :) Yes, my experiences were very rewarding. you could say that they came at just the right time!
In regards to mental illness, we had a lot of people suffering from depression, anxiety, and a few with PTSD. I would say that it was extremely beneficial for them. Ayahuasca will surface a lot of traumatic experiences from the past which that person needs to deal with. I believe these past experiences, often going as far back as childhood, are what cause a lot of mental illnesses, certainly depression in my evaluations.
As a far as people with severe cases of more serious mental illnesses, such as psychosis and schizophrenia, the center I was at did not except them. Ayahuasca can definitely help them however the seriousness of their condition can and does detract from the overall experience of other guests. The volunteers also don't necessarily have the required skills to deal with these conditions. I believe a retreat center that focused on these specific cases would be the the best thing got these individuals, and I'm sure they exist.
Thanks for your question
Liam