A Difficult Experience
At Vital Reset, we work with people who are looking for relief from depression, anxiety, and trauma. Most of the time, their psilocybin experiences are meaningful, emotional, and healing. But not always easy.
One woman we worked with came in feeling excited and ready. Her session went well—she described a sense of warmth, connection, and release. But in the days after, she began feeling distant from her family and unsure what the experience meant. “It was like I cracked open, but didn’t know how to close back up again,” she said.
She's Not Alone.
A 2024 survey of more than 600 people found that about 35% of those who used psychedelics like psilocybin had at least one challenging effect in the days, weeks, or even months afterward. These effects ranged from mild confusion to distress, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping. And they often came after a journey that seemed positive in the moment.
The most common challenges people reported were feeling emotionally raw, disconnected from others, or confused about how to understand their experience. Some struggled with depression, disturbing thoughts, anxiety or panic attacks. For others, the challenge was physical—tight muscles and muscle spasms, visual distortions, or changes in appetite and sleep.
What’s striking is that many people facing these difficulties weren’t in crisis. They were trying to make meaning from something big. Often, they didn’t need emergency care—they needed integration, support, and someone to walk with them while they figured things out.
So what helped?
Here's What Helps
According to a study by Robinson et al. (2024), the most effective coping strategy overall was self-education. People who faced difficulties often turned to books, podcasts, or videos—trying to learn what was happening and why. This was especially true for emotional and existential challenges like derealization or a sense of spiritual disconnection.
Others turned to therapy, especially if they were experiencing depression or self-esteem struggles. Interestingly, these challenges seem to respond to traditional therapeutic approaches, suggesting that common mental health tools can still be useful—even when the root of distress is a psychedelic journey.
Peer and family support made a big difference, particularly for those experiencing anxiety or panic. Just having someone who listens, validates, and helps you stay grounded is powerful.
And while not everyone had access to community, those who joined peer support groups—online or in person—often found great comfort there.
Ready To Take The Next Step?
We Are Here For You.
At Vital Reset, we make the kind of support that you need part of the journey. We begin with preparation sessions that help clients build emotional safety and clarity around what they hope for. After the journey, we provide integration sessions to help them process and make meaning. And we offer referrals to trusted mental health professionals when needed.
Because when the experience feels hard, you shouldn’t have to figure it out alone.
If you’re struggling after a journey—or worried about what to expect—we’re here to talk. Safe, legal, and supported psilocybin experiences are possible.
Want to learn more?
Contact us here or call 541-645-4485 to schedule a free consultation.
