Why do we fear our emotions — and how can psilocybin help?

Fear is a natural and necessary emotion, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can prevent us from living a full and meaningful life. We often learn to fear our emotions because they feel too big or too painful to handle. However, what if instead of numbing our feelings, we could face them head-on?

The brain's autopilot

For many people, the brain gets stuck in rigid patterns of thinking. This is particularly true for those struggling with depression, anxiety, or PTSD. These conditions are often characterized by an overactive network responsible for our self-reflection and inner monologue.

When this system is in overdrive, it can lock us into negative thought loops, reinforcing feelings of fear, sadness, and worthlessness. We may find ourselves constantly replaying past hurts or worrying about the future, rather than living in the present. This internal “autopilot” can prevent us from seeing new perspectives and keeps us trapped in cycles of rumination.

You might be interested: Can psilocybin therapy interrupt the cycle of self-harm?

Psilocybin: a shift in perspective

Recent research into psilocybin, the active compound in “magic mushrooms,” suggests it could offer a new way to break free from these patterns. Instead of numbing emotions, studies show that psilocybin works by temporarily quieting the brain’s overactive self-reflection system, making the brain more flexible and fluid.

This "reboot" allows for new connections to form between different brain regions, effectively "rewiring" the brain's circuitry.

This neuroplasticity can lead to profound emotional and psychological shifts. Under the guidance of trained therapists, people using psilocybin have reported being able to confront and process painful memories and emotions that they had previously avoided.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed, they often describe a sense of emotional release and a newfound ability to face their feelings with greater clarity and self-compassion.

We offer legal and safe psilocybin retreats in Oregon. Book a free exploration call to learn if this is the right path for you.

Embracing our feelings

While psilocybin-assisted therapy is still an emerging field, the science points to a powerful idea: true healing may not come from avoiding our emotions, but from developing the courage and capacity to face them.

By creating a temporary window of increased brain connectivity, psilocybin may help individuals unlock the wisdom within their own emotions, leading to lasting improvements in mood, well-being, and a deeper sense of connection to themselves and the world.

For more information and to tailor a program that meets your needs schedule a free Exploration Call and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram. We are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and transformative experience.