Sound mental health is essential to a healthy and fulfilled life, yet studies show that one in every five individuals suffers from a mental health condition at some point in their life. The social, medical and economic costs of this crisis are clear. The global economy loses nearly $1 trillion each year due to depression and anxiety, and those with mental health issues are more susceptible to facing other health challenges such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The lack of access to effective treatment options has compounded this problem, crippling our societies and damaging our communities.

Historically stigmatized drugs such as psychedelics have risen to the forefront of mental illness treatment options, with recent rigorous clinical trials demonstrating their potential to induce robust and long-lasting anti-depressant effects. In addition, regulators' embrace of psychedelics and an increasingly supportive public opinion has now encouraged investors to view this space as the next frontier in medical advances.

In this session, Uma Thurman will interview entrepreneur and investor Christian Angermayer, on the emergence of psychedelics as part of the potential solution to our mental health crisis.