Psychedelics are becoming more mainstream as research on the compounds expands and communities continue to enact policy reform. More people than ever are sharing their stories of healing with drugs like LSD and psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and now, another voice has been added to the chorus. R&B singer Keri Hilson revealed on the Angie Martinez IRL podcast that psychedelics helped heal her depression—and perhaps, revived her career.
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Hilson, who had a string of hits in the late 2000s, opened up about her mental health struggles—and how mushrooms brought her relief.
“I isolated really badly. I could sleep for days. Not literally, but I would get up, shower, and go right back to the bed,” Hilson admitted.
The Knock You Down singer shared that she met a doctor who administered psychedelic therapy. He encouraged her to research psilocybin prior to trying it for herself.
Hilson admitted she was “very, very nervous” about taking ‘shrooms. However, after engaging in two “macro doses” at home with the doctor by her side, the star was transformed.
“It worked for me,” Hilson proclaimed.
A pivotal moment during her journey? A look in the mirror.
Hilson recalled that she noticed a smile on her face during her trip, something that had been missing for some time.
“I was just happy. I hadn’t seen that in a while, either.”
The joy Hilson felt reverberated, emanating beyond her two experiences. A renewed sense of hope followed, and the strength to face her demons through therapy and connecting with her community.
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After a 14-year hiatus, Hilson is back in the limelight. Her single Bae was released in March to critical acclaim. Did ‘shrooms give the star the strength to return to her R&B career? Maybe, maybe not—but Hilson is confident it gave her something equally important.
“I have never been in a dark place for long or as dark since then… I can confidently say that cured my depression,” the singer said.
Hilson’s story is a powerful testimony for psychedelic therapy. While drugs like psilocybin remain a Schedule I substance, anecdotal evidence such as Hilson’s tale is more inspiration for advocates, researchers, and policymakers alike.
