Jasper James/Getty, Christopher Laszlo Bonis/500px/Getty, Tyler Le/BI A tech worker uses microdosing to manage PTSD and improve her job performance.

Microdosing helps her focus and reduces panic attacks, enhancing work efficiency.

Despite the benefits, she remains cautious due to the potential risks of high-level mushroom use.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with a 46-year-old tech worker from Atlanta who wanted to remain anonymous for privacy and professional reasons. Business Insider verified her identity and employment, and her words have been edited for length and clarity.

I work in tech for a notable Fortune 40 company. I began working for this company in 2004 when I was 26 years old. In 2012, my company placed me in Atlanta to open a new hub, so I moved there with my husband and daughter.

One day at work, I was told to speak to an employee who was deemed combative. On the way to speak to this person, I felt like I couldn’t catch my breath. I went to the bathroom to try to calm down, but I still felt out of breath. I continued through my workday with this feeling.

Later that day, I gave a presentation. As I began presenting, my voice and entire body began shaking. I didn’t realize it was a panic attack .

A couple of years later, in 2014, I began microdosing to battle those intense feelings. I realized it made me better at my job — even though I do have to be careful. I started microdosing to help with my complex PTSD

I had a traumatic life as a child, which included abuse and abandonment. This caused me to develop complex PTSD , and I was diagnosed with dissociative personality disorder as an adult.When I moved to Atlanta, it was the most stressful job I ever had. I was in charge of hundreds of employees who directly reported to me.During this time, my ex-husband from my previous marriage began a court case to gain custody of our daughter. It was the most stressful time of my life. My colleague suggested I […]

I started microdosing after a panic attack at my tech job. It’s made me a better employee, but I’ve taken it too far before.