I recently lost my father. It was unexpected, but I knew he wanted to die as the quality of his life had deteriorated. He was diagnozed with Alzheimers in his early sixties and he was terrified of what lay ahead. Initially he explored euthanasia, but this went against his religious beliefs so he decided against it. I witnessed some of his suffering as he struggled with his fears. Oh how I wished I could share my experiences with him of working with plant medicine and IFS parts work as I imagined this might have offered some relief!
End-of-life anxiety is a common experience for people facing serious illness or approaching the end of their lives. It can manifest as a range of symptoms, including fear, sadness, depression, and existential distress. While there are many approaches to managing end-of-life anxiety, recent research has suggested that psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, may be a promising tool for supporting people facing the end of their lives.
Psilocybin has been used for centuries by indigenous cultures for spiritual and medicinal purposes. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in psilocybin as a potential treatment for a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and addiction. Studies have shown that psilocybin can produce a range of effects, including alterations in perception, mood, and consciousness.
One area of particular interest has been the potential of psilocybin to alleviate anxiety and depression in people facing the end of their lives. Several recent studies have explored the use of psilocybin as a therapeutic tool for people with terminal illness, and the results have been promising. In a 2016 study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, researchers found that a single dose of psilocybin produced significant reductions in anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer. Participants in the study reported feeling more connected to their sense of self and to others, and experienced a greater sense of peace and acceptance in the face of their illness.
Other studies have similarly reported positive results. In a 2018 study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, researchers found that psilocybin produced significant reductions in anxiety and depression in patients with advanced-stage cancer. Participants in the study also reported a greater sense of meaning and purpose in their lives, and an increased sense of connection to others and to the world around them.
My personal explorations with psychedelic substances has significantly shifted how I relate to death, but more importantly how I experience life. I have come to realise that there is much more than the three-dimensional plane I navigate daily and I am now curious to discover what happens once I die. My own experiences with psychedelic substances have transformed my understanding of death and given me a greater sense of peace. I now feel a deep sense of connection to the universe and an understanding that there is something greater than myself that holds me. While naturally my survival instincts kick in where parts of me perceive danger, I am no longer phased by my mortality.
So how does psilocybin work to alleviate end-of-life anxiety? While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, researchers believe that psilocybin works by altering brain activity in ways that promote a greater sense of connection, openness, and acceptance. Specifically, psilocybin appears to activate certain brain networks that are involved in processing emotions and in regulating self-awareness and sense of self. By altering these networks, psilocybin may promote a greater sense of connection to one's self and to others, and may help individuals to confront and accept the reality of their illness and their mortality.
It is important to note that psilocybin is a powerful compound that should only be used under the guidance of trained professionals. In addition, psilocybin is still illegal in many jurisdictions, and access to the compound may be limited. Nonetheless, the growing body of research on psilocybin suggests that it may be a promising tool for supporting people facing the end of their lives, and for promoting greater acceptance, peace, and connection in the face of serious illness.
In conclusion, end-of-life anxiety is a common experience for people facing serious illness or approaching the end of their lives. While there are many approaches to managing this anxiety, recent research suggests that psilocybin may be a promising tool for supporting people in this difficult time. By promoting a greater sense of connection, openness, and acceptance, psilocybin may help individuals to confront and accept the reality of their illness and to find greater peace and meaning in their lives. If you or a loved one are facing end-of-life anxiety, consider exploring the potential benefits of psilocybin under the guidance of a trained professional.
You can find out more about our therapeutic work with psilocybin here.
You may also be interested in watching Dosed 2