7. Ruth

On taking psychedelics to treat depression.

Ruth‘s lying on a hospital bed. There’s calm music, she’s wearing an eye-mask and in her hand - a single white pill. It contains an illegal chemical which some doctors are convinced could revolutionise the way we treat depression. Ruth’s struggled with depression since she was a child. She’s tried everything - and for her, this is her last chance. Ruth swallows the pill, the chemicals flow into her bloodstream and then - her psychedelic trip begins.

In Room 5, Helena Merriman shares stories of real-life medical mysteries, interviewing people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis.

Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman
Composer: Jeremy Warmsley
Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore

Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples
Researcher: Drew Hyndman
Editor: Emma Rippon

#Room5

End song: Miffed by Tom Rosenthal