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