Chad McLean’s Journey: PTSD, Ketamine & Mental Joe

In today's fast-paced world, mental health issues have become increasingly prevalent. It's estimated that at least one in four Americans suffers from some form of mental illness. Unfortunately, traditional therapies don't work for everyone, leaving individuals searching for alternative treatments. One such treatment that has gained attention is ketamine therapy. At The District House, Chad McLean, founder of Mental Joe, shared his remarkable story of personal healing and how ketamine therapy (as well as psilocybin and MDMA) became the catalyst for his purpose-driven business.

Chad’s Story: Chad McLean's path to mental health recovery began with traumatic experiences during his time in the US military. After sustaining an injury parachuting down on a mission, Chad found himself relying on painkillers and alcohol to cope with the pain. The culture within the military discouraged addressing underlying physical and mental issues, promoting the notion of "taking pills and soldiering on." As a result, Chad became addicted to pain medication and was eventually prescribed an SSRI for depression and anxiety. This unhealthy cycle mirrored that of his alcoholic and abusive father.

The Turning Point: Chad's struggles with addiction and mental health came to a breaking point when he nearly took his own life. After a heated argument with his wife, he reached a moment of despair and found himself contemplating suicide. Thankfully, his wife intervened and immediately sought help from the authorities. It was during his subsequent journey to recovery that Chad discovered the transformative power of psychedelic therapy, starting with ketamine therapy.

The Power of Ketamine Therapy: Chad's firsthand experience with ketamine therapy transformed his life, offering him a fresh perspective and providing relief from his mental health struggles. During a ketamine treatment, Chad had a powerful vision: to launch an apparel company that would raise awareness about mental health and destigmatize the healing abilities of psychedelics. Thus, Mental Joe was born.

The Mission of Mental Joe: Mental Joe is a Veteran-Owned nonprofit organization founded by Chad and his wife, Cari, who have both personally experienced the impact of mental health challenges. Their mission is to ensure that no one suffers alone and that everyone has access to non-traditional mental health treatments. Through the sale of apparel, Mental Joe raises funds to support mental wellness initiatives and spark meaningful conversations about mental health.

Apparel with a Purpose: When you wear Mental Joe Apparel, you become part of a community that actively contributes to mental wellness. The organization offers American-made athletic apparel and products, with the proceeds going towards funding non-traditional mental health modalities. By embracing Mental Joe's mission, individuals can help those who need it most on their journey to conquer the battle within.

Exploring Alternative Treatments: Chad's journey didn't stop with ketamine therapy. He sat with psilocybin and MDMA with the help of his guide Troy Madsen, founder of Arizona’s Psychedelic Society. He also discovered Tension Release Exercises (TRE), a technique that combines aspects of yoga and meditation to release tension within the body. After experiencing the profound benefits of TRE, Chad became a certified TRE provider and incorporated it into Mental Joe's offerings. This holistic approach recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for mental health and encourages a combination of therapies to achieve optimal results.

Breaking the Stigma: One of Mental Joe’s primary goals is to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health. By openly sharing their own experiences and stories, Chad and Cari aim to create a supportive community where individuals feel safe discussing their mental health challenges. Mental Joe encourages people from all walks of life, including the traditionally masculine, to embrace their vulnerability and seek help without fear.

Troy Madsen, Chad McLean, Cole Lupoli, Jacob Tell