Using Psilocybin to Treat PTSD & Trauma
- Kyra Worm
- Apr 7
- 6 min read
In the ever-evolving landscape of mental health treatments, an unconventional contender has emerged– microdosing psilocybin.
This nuanced approach to psychedelic therapy is gaining traction as a potential remedy for various mental health symptoms. In this guide, I explore microdosing psilocybin.
When it comes to holistic, non-conventional treatments for PTSD and trauma / grief processing, [especially in Veterans], I firmly believe in the research supporting the use of Psilocybin Mushrooms & MDMA.
Here's how I figured out microdosing for my own therapeutic uses:
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Exploring the medicinal benefits to psilocybin is to be done so in accordance with your local laws. This is not legal advice- this is the series of events that led to me growing my own magic mushrooms for therapeutic microdosing purposes. It's crucial to acknowledge the legal landscape surrounding psilocybin mushroom consumption in states where it has been decriminalized. This article provides no legal advice, and readers should adhere to the laws relevant to their region prior to initiating any mushroom cultivation project. This article and it's publisher maintains no liability over actions or decisions taken following the contents of this article. I strongly advise you to familiarize yourself with the regulations specific to your region’s jurisdiction, and act in compliance with your local laws. For more information, click HERE.
These posts may contain sponsored or affiliate content. But please note- I never recommend anything unless I believe in it, or I've tried it, or I've used it myself. Use your own discernment, use my work as a guide, and choose what works for your lifestyle!
Psychedelic Mushrooms- Are they really therapeutic?
Research on psilocybin (the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms) has been picking up fast over the last decade.
Studies from places like Johns Hopkins University and MAPS show:
Significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms
Increased emotional processing (people can revisit trauma without the same overwhelming reaction)
Long-lasting shifts in perspective after just 1-3 guided sessions
For Veterans specifically, research shows:
Early trials suggesting improved PTSD symptoms, reduced suicidal ideation, and better emotional regulation
It’s especially promising for people who haven’t responded to traditional therapy or meds
What the Psilocybin Compound Does to our Brains
Disrupts rigid thought patterns: PTSD often traps people in loops. Psilocybin temporarily loosens those loops.
Increases neuralplasticity: Your brain becomes more flexible—like fresh snow instead of frozen ice.
Reduces fear response in the amygdala: People can revisit trauma without being overwhelmed by it.
Creates “big picture” perspective shifts: A lot of people report a sense of meaning, connection, or release.
There’s a lot of misconceptions surrounding the use of psilocybin, or magic mushrooms, to help the symptoms of your mental health.
A quick backstory for context-
My whole life up until the last year or so, I felt like I was constantly struggling. I grew up in a decently volatile household, was bullied a tremendous amount in middle school & high school, and especially struggled in my young adult years / early twenties.
Despite making pretty solid grades in school & college, I always struggled in academic settings as well. Having not been diagnosed with ADHD until age 22, I remember being flooded with feelings of relief (as this provided a level of validation from an external source that my brain really does work neurotypically), but also intense new waves of stress.
What did this diagnosis mean for me?
Numerous doctors and psychiatrists would toss around “Adderall” like it was nothing. I was prescribed SSRI after SSRI, each one having worse and worse reactionary symptoms.
Hemiplegic migraines came on due to the SSRIs were disagreeing with the estrogen in my birth control, insane mood swings where every single thing would bring me to tears some days, panic attacks on panic attacks.
My poor brain, my poor body.
How I wished for an alternative solution to the ways my physical & mental health were impairing my life.
I ended up ordering one of those Reactivity Tests that analyze your body’s reactivity to different medications based off your genetics. Turns out, my body is entirely incompatible with SSRIs.
On top of everything I experienced growing up, I graduated college during the Covid-19 Pandemic, immediately moved across the country, and was thrown into the adult world during a time when absolutely no one was hiring.
I was constantly internally exhausted, on-edge, and every little thing would set me off.
Surely, there had to be something different I could try that wouldn't continue to make everything worse.
And that's when a friend introduced me to the concept of microdosing…
Some points about microdosing:
It is a literal micro dose of something. The whole point in microing is to not feel anything.
The #1 pushback I get when I suggest someone try microdosing is “Well I can’t because I don’t want to feel anything while I xyz or 123.”
Hear me out on this; microdosing will probably not induce euphoria or give you the giggles.
I’ll do it when I’ going to work. I’ll do it before the gym. I’ll even do it before I go to sleep. “How?” you may ask- Because, again, this will not cause you to feel or see anything you wouldn’t normally feel.
Microdosing provides your body with aid from a natural, medicinal source that helps regenerate neural plasticity, aids in the flow of hormones, allows the neuron pathways to communicate with each other more efficiently.
How Much Should Someone Take?
A microdose is 1/10th of the full dose of something, which in this context is psilocybin mushrooms. A typical average dose of shrooms to induce a full trip is 3.5grams, so quick math here.
You take 1/10th of 3.5grams to get 0.35grams- a proper microdose
Different bodies do different things. Two people who are 5'9" can have entirely differing weights, metabolisms, methylations, and ways of processing things. Our genetics cause differing results, so always remember what works for me may not work for you!
Start small, and go up on a different day as necessary.
I grow my own psilocybin mushrooms (which you can read about here), dry them, mortar and pestle them into a fine powder, and load them into microdose Size 2 Capsules. They're the exact size & saves me the guesswork (so I don’t end up accidentally tripping).
Personal Notes & Benefits:
Research studies suggest benefits for non-invasive, non-traditional mental health treatments.
Some individuals report improved mood, increased focus, and enhanced creativity without the perceptual distortions associated with larger doses.
The neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully understood, but researchers are exploring the role of serotonin receptors and neural plasticity.
Some people do it daily, some people barely do it.
I micro before bed, for 3-4 day spurts.
I’ve had coworkers compliment me on my energy the first day after microing the night before, and it’s likely because I sleep significantly better when microing.
You should not have intensified dreams- if you do, you should go down in your dose (unless you don't mind the dreaming).
Cultivating Psilocybin Mushrooms
For those intrigued by the prospect of microdosing their own mushrooms, cultivating psilocybin at home has become an accessible, and relatively inexpensive option.
I wrote an article about my experience growing my own successful crop of magic mushrooms, which you can read about here.
It's essential to approach cultivation responsibly and ethically, respecting the legal implications surrounding the process.
Thoughtful Considerations
To reiterate- everyone’s body is incredibly different.
What’s worked for me, may not be what works for you. Make sure you don't have a baseline mushroom allergy, like one of my best friends has (I swear one day when I’m an actual scientist I *will find a way for her to safely ingest psilocybin).
Nothing about this should feel uncomfortable or scary, and if you’re finding you want guided support, I highly suggest searching on Facebook for local mushroom communities and guidance :)
In Conclusion:
Microdosing is an evolving frontier in mental health treatment.
It offers a more natural, unique approach to alleviating symptoms associated with various mental health conditions.
As societal attitudes evolve, and research advances, the therapeutic potential of microdosing may continue to garner attention. Microdosing is a subtle experience I think you’ll really prefer to pharmaceuticals, as I have :)
Happy microing! Xx
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