Breaking Free: My Journey from Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Anxiety to Healing with Ibogaine

Avik Chakraborty
Circle — Real Life
2 min readJun 30, 2024

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In my late twenties, I found myself trapped in a relentless cycle of body dysmorphic disorder, complex PTSD, and debilitating anxiety. These conditions not only impacted my daily life but also strained my relationships and professional endeavors. Traditional therapies offered some relief, but I still felt a profound disconnection from myself and an inability to break free from the grip of my mental health struggles.

Desperation led me to explore alternative treatments, and that’s when I discovered ibogaine. Known for its powerful effects in treating addiction, I learned that ibogaine also held promise for addressing deep-seated psychological issues. With cautious optimism, I embarked on an ibogaine journey under the supervision of experienced professionals.

The experience was nothing short of transformative. During the treatment, I encountered vivid, introspective visions that revealed the roots of my disorders. I confronted traumatic memories and long-held beliefs about myself that had perpetuated my body dysmorphic disorder and PTSD. This profound journey allowed me to reframe these experiences, seeing them not as defining aspects of my identity, but as parts of my past that I could heal from and move beyond.

Post-treatment, the incessant anxiety that had once governed my life began to dissipate. I noticed a significant reduction in my obsessive thoughts about my appearance and a newfound sense of peace. Ibogaine didn’t just alleviate my symptoms; it facilitated a deeper understanding and acceptance of myself, which traditional therapies had struggled to achieve.

This journey wasn’t easy, and it required ongoing integration work, including therapy and self-care practices. However, ibogaine acted as a catalyst, propelling me into a new phase of healing and self-awareness. Today, I use my experience to guide others through their own healing journeys, combining my professional expertise with a deeply personal understanding of the transformative power of ibogaine.

Sharing my story, I hope to illuminate the potential of ibogaine therapy for those grappling with similar issues, offering a beacon of hope and a testament to the possibility of profound, holistic healing.

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Avik Chakraborty
Circle — Real Life

I am passionate about using my writing to connect with others and to make a difference in the world. Tune In - www.talklive.org