Psychedelics, such as mushrooms, have moved beyond their ties to the hippie culture of the 1970s. Psychedelics, such as mushrooms, have moved beyond their ties to the hippie culture of the 1970s. Today, individuals from diverse backgrounds are turning to mushrooms not just for recreation but also for their potential cognitive benefits, including enhanced focus and creativity as well as treating more serious ailments like depression and anxiety.
Interestingly, you don’t need to take large doses that induce a high to experience these benefits. Microdosing involves using minimal amounts of psilocybin to tap into the mental health advantages of psychedelics while avoiding the intense effects associated with higher doses.
What is Microdosing?
Microdosing refers to the practice of consuming a small amount of a psychedelic substance, like LSD or psilocybin, to enhance mood, alertness, creativity, and overall well-being. For example, if a typical dose needed to feel the psychedelic effect is around 1 gram of dried mushrooms, a microdose would be approximately 0.1 grams. The primary aim of microdosing is to improve well-being without inducing a full psychedelic experience. Many people use mushrooms in this way to help manage anxiety and depression while also enhancing creativity.
However, to harness the full potential of microdosing, there must be some sort of a consistent schedule that will ensure you are taking the doses regularly while also providing break periods to avoid tolerance buildup. Some of the most well-known microdosing regiments are Fadminas and Paul Stamets microdosing protocols each offering different dosing schedules for addressing distinct ailments.
Understanding Depression and Anxiety
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that depression is the primary cause of disability globally. It affects how individuals think, feel, and behave. Unlike typical mood changes or brief emotional reactions to life’s challenges, depression can be a serious health condition, particularly when it persists at a moderate or severe level. It can significantly impair one’s ability to function at work, school, or within the family, and in severe cases, it may lead to suicide.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that 60% of people with anxiety also experience depression. Research published in JAMA Psychiatry shows that both conditions are linked to similarly low activity in brain regions responsible for regulating emotions and cognitive control.
While depression and anxiety share some symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue, the two are distinct. People with depression tend to move slowly and appear emotionally flattened, while those with anxiety are more likely to feel on edge, overwhelmed by racing thoughts. Depressed individuals without anxiety are less likely to worry about the future, often believing that things will remain as bad as they feel in the present moment.
Microdosing Mushrooms for Depression and Anxiety
Research on psilocybin has revealed its potential for treating mental health conditions like Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and related issues such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, phobias, and addiction. This effect is linked to its influence on brain regions responsible for how we evaluate outcomes as positive or negative.
One key area under study is the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which often shows heightened activity in individuals dealing with these mood disorders. The PFC governs important cognitive functions, with dopamine playing a role in managing attention, impulses, memory, and adaptability.
Research on Microdosing Mushrooms for Depression and Anxiety
One study discovered that psilocybin consistently reduces overactivity in the PFC, restoring balance in neural activity. This finding may hold great promise for treating depression and anxiety.
The PFC, together with the posterior cingulate, forms part of the Default Mode Network (DMN), a web of interconnected brain regions. The DMN is active during periods of mind-wandering, such as when you’re on autopilot during routine tasks.
Research has shown that psilocybin helps normalize neural activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) while significantly reducing activity in the Default Mode Network (DMN). This shift holds great therapeutic potential, as it creates the mental space for individuals to break free from negative thought patterns and improve emotional regulation. With this change, users can slow down and better process their emotions, allowing them to observe rather than be consumed by overwhelming thoughts or impulsive reactions. This ability to pause and reflect is crucial for integrating mindfulness practices and fostering a more positive mindset.
Another study found that people who microdosed experienced lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress compared to those who didn’t engage in microdosing. Additionally, a smaller 2019 study indicated that participants who microdosed psychedelics saw reductions in depression, stress, and distractibility, although it didn’t include a non-microdoser comparison group. However, it’s important to note that the most recent studies are observational rather than a randomized controlled trial.
Full Dose vs Microdose
While we believe microdosing is a great introduction to psychedelics and can even help reduce reliance on antidepressants or other medications, it is likely a short-term solution. Research suggests that larger doses of psychedelics tend to offer more profound healing benefits. To fully address underlying issues, a more immersive psychedelic experience may be necessary.
After completing a microdosing regimen, you might feel more open to the idea of a full psychedelic journey. Having already experienced the subtle effects of psychedelics, you’ll be more prepared for a deeper exploration. It may be helpful to try a slightly higher dose at home in a comfortable environment to become familiar with the sensations and introspection that come with a larger dose.
How To Start Microdosing Mushrooms for Depression and Anxiety
One of the simplest ways to take the dose is in pill form. You can purchase empty gel capsules and fill them with the accurately measured dose, making the measuring process only necessary once per batch. However, there are pre-made microdosing blends with carefully measured natural ingredients created to have anti-anxiety properties. Alternatively, some people prefer taking dry magic mushrooms or brewing tea, as the earthy flavor can be unpleasant on its own.