A Different Approach to Grief: ChatGPT's Psychedelic Mushroom Recommendation

Published On Fri Feb 21 2025
A Different Approach to Grief: ChatGPT's Psychedelic Mushroom Recommendation

Man Asks ChatGPT For Grief Advice, Gets The Reply Of 'Try Mushrooms'

With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), people are incorporating it into nearly every aspect of their daily lives, from handling basic tasks and making complex decisions to writing articles and seeking advice. Recently, a man turned to ChatGPT for help coping with grief, but the AI chatbot’s response took him by surprise.

The Unexpected Advice

Initially, the chatbot offered words of comfort and encouragement, explaining that grief is like a fire that eventually cools, leaving behind memories instead of pain. It advises the user to stay grounded through work, hobbies, music, books, or any activity that provides solace.

Psychedelic drug - Wikipedia

What left the user stunned was the AI’s unexpected suggestion. After offering traditional advice, ChatGPT proposed an unconventional method to find peace, stating, “And if all else fails? Maybe try mushrooms. Not even kidding. Psychedelics have been studied for their ability to bring people a sense of meaning and peace about life and death."

The chatbot added a humorous note, saying, “Worst-case scenario, you have a weird trip and end up convinced your couch is God. Best case? You gain some perspective that helps take the edge off existential dread."

Reactions and Validation

As the post gained traction, Reddit users flooded the comments section with their reactions. Many found the remark correct and they shared how consuming mushrooms helped them get through their mental health struggles.

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“ChatGPT is 100 per cent correct in this instance," read a comment.

Another added, “Bro you are asking how to resolve trauma and it told you a way to do it."

“We will all have to make our peace with death sooner than we think..." an account stated.

A user shared, “Don’t knock it. Mushrooms saved my life. If nothing else is working for you, then you should look into it for sure."

Understanding Psychedelics

Psychedelics, also known as hallucinogens, are a type of psychoactive substance that alters mental state, perception, mood, and cognitive functions. They influence a person’s senses, thoughts, sense of time, and emotions as well. In addition to this, psychedelics can induce hallucinations, causing individuals to hear, feel, or see things that aren’t there. Some hallucinogens are human-made and some come from naturally occurring compounds found in certain plants and fungi.

Psychedelics and Mental Health Treatment - National Alliance on ...

With the growing interest and research in the field of psychedelics, more people are exploring these substances as potential aids for mental health issues.