“A Really Good Day” is a book written by Ayelet Waldman and published in 2017. The book is a memoir that chronicles the author’s experience of using microdoses of LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) to treat her mood disorder.

In the book, Waldman recounts her struggles with mood disorders and the different medications she has tried to alleviate her symptoms. She then describes her decision to experiment with microdosing LSD, a practice that involves taking very small doses of the drug over an extended period of time. Waldman details the effects that the microdosing had on her mental health, relationships, and daily life.

The book also delves into the history and science of LSD, as well as its potential therapeutic benefits. Throughout the book, Waldman provides a personal and insightful account of her experience with microdosing, while also exploring the broader societal attitudes and legal restrictions surrounding psychedelic drug use.

The book is divided into three parts. In the first part, Waldman provides background on her life and her struggle with mood disorders, including depression and anxiety. She describes the various medications she has tried over the years and the mixed results she has experienced with them. She also discusses her skepticism towards alternative treatments and her decision to explore microdosing LSD.

The second part of the book details Waldman’s experience with microdosing. She begins by explaining the process of obtaining the drug and preparing the doses. She then describes the effects that the microdoses had on her mood, energy levels, creativity, and productivity. She also discusses the challenges she faced in trying to balance the benefits of microdosing with the potential risks, such as the legal and social consequences of using an illegal drug.

In the final part of the book, Waldman reflects on the broader societal attitudes towards psychedelic drug use and the potential therapeutic benefits of these drugs. She explores the history of LSD and other psychedelics, including their use in clinical trials for treating mental health disorders. She also discusses the legal and political obstacles to research and the potential for a shift in attitudes towards these drugs.

“A Really Good Day” offers a personal and thought-provoking account of one woman’s experience with microdosing LSD and the broader implications of psychedelic drug use in contemporary society.

The first part of “A Really Good Day” provides readers with an introduction to the author, Ayelet Waldman, and her experience with mood disorders. Waldman begins by describing her background, including her childhood, education, and professional career as a writer. She then delves into her struggles with mood disorders, including depression and anxiety, which have plagued her for much of her life.

Waldman details her experiences with various medications over the years, including antidepressants and mood stabilizers, and the mixed results she has experienced with them. She describes the side effects she has endured, such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and emotional numbness, and the frustration she has felt with the limitations of traditional treatments.

Waldman also explores the impact that her mood disorders have had on her personal and professional life. She discusses the strain that her depression and anxiety have put on her marriage and her relationship with her children. She also shares her struggles with her writing, including her difficulty in concentrating and her fear of failure.

Throughout this section of the book, Waldman provides a candid and intimate look at her experience with mood disorders. She emphasizes the challenges of living with a mental health condition and the importance of finding effective treatments. She also acknowledges the stigma that often accompanies mental illness and the difficulty of seeking help in a society that sometimes views these conditions as a weakness.

Overall, the first part of “A Really Good Day” sets the stage for the rest of the book, providing readers with a personal and relatable account of the author’s journey with mental health. It offers insight into the challenges of living with a mood disorder and the search for effective treatment, which sets the foundation for Waldman’s exploration of alternative therapies such as microdosing LSD.

The second part of “A Really Good Day” details Ayelet Waldman’s experience with microdosing LSD, a practice that involves taking very small doses of the drug over an extended period of time.

Waldman begins by explaining the process of obtaining the drug and preparing the doses, which she does with the help of a chemist friend. She then describes the effects that the microdoses had on her mood, energy levels, creativity, and productivity over the course of several weeks.

Waldman’s account of her experience with microdosing is vivid and detailed. She describes the subtle changes she noticed in her mood, such as increased feelings of contentment and decreased anxiety. She also notes improvements in her creativity and productivity, as well as her ability to focus on her writing. Waldman also shares her experiences with the “afterglow” effect that she experienced after taking the microdose, which she describes as a feeling of heightened awareness and connection to the world around her.

Throughout this section of the book, Waldman provides insights into the challenges of microdosing, including the difficulty of finding the right dose and the potential risks of using an illegal drug. She also shares her thoughts on the legal and social consequences of using LSD, as well as the potential benefits of using psychedelics for therapeutic purposes.

Overall, the second part of “A Really Good Day” offers a firsthand account of the effects of microdosing LSD on a person’s mood and cognitive function. It sheds light on the potential benefits and risks of this practice, and invites readers to consider the potential therapeutic applications of psychedelics in treating mental health disorders.

The third part of “A Really Good Day” is focused on the broader societal attitudes towards psychedelic drug use and the potential therapeutic benefits of these drugs. In this section, Ayelet Waldman explores the history of LSD and other psychedelics, including their use in clinical trials for treating mental health disorders.

Waldman begins by providing a brief history of LSD and its use in the 1950s and 1960s. She describes the cultural fascination with psychedelics during this period and the subsequent crackdown on these drugs by the government. She also explores the impact of the War on Drugs and the vilification of LSD in popular culture.

Waldman then turns to the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, including their use in clinical trials for treating depression, anxiety, and addiction. She describes her own experiences with therapy using MDMA, another psychedelic drug, and the profound impact it had on her mental health.

Throughout this section of the book, Waldman provides a critical analysis of the legal and political obstacles to research on psychedelics, and the potential for a shift in attitudes towards these drugs. She discusses the role of stigma in preventing people from seeking treatment with these drugs, as well as the importance of education and public discourse in shaping public opinion.

Overall, the third part of “A Really Good Day” offers a thought-provoking exploration of the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, as well as the societal attitudes and legal restrictions that have limited research into these drugs. It encourages readers to consider the broader implications of drug policy and to think critically about the potential benefits of alternative therapies for mental health.

Several important lessons can be derived from “A Really Good Day” by Ayelet Waldman:

Mental health is complex and challenging, and finding effective treatments can be a difficult and ongoing process. Waldman’s memoir highlights the importance of seeking help and being open to alternative therapies, even when traditional treatments may not be sufficient.

Alternative therapies, such as microdosing LSD, can offer potential benefits for mental health disorders, but they also come with potential risks and legal consequences. Waldman’s book encourages readers to be informed and thoughtful when considering these types of treatments.

The societal stigma around mental health and drug use can prevent people from seeking treatment and limit research into alternative therapies. Waldman’s book highlights the importance of education and public discourse in changing attitudes towards mental health and alternative therapies.

The potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics for mental health disorders are a promising area of research that deserves further exploration. Waldman’s book encourages readers to consider the potential for these drugs to transform the field of mental health treatment.

Overall, “A Really Good Day” offers insights into the challenges and opportunities of mental health treatment, and encourages readers to be open to new ideas and alternative therapies for improving mental well-being.