Treating end of life anxiety with psilocybin. End of life psilocybin therapies, refer to medical treatment and care provided to patients who are in the advanced stages of a serious illness or at the end of their lives. These therapies aim to alleviate symptoms such as pain, nausea, and end of life anxiety, and to improve the patient’s quality of life, during their remaining time. These therapies may also involve counselling and support for the patient’s family members and caregivers.
Below I explore a promising new treatment for end of life anxiety and spiritual distress: psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms. While psilocybin is still illegal in Canada, there is growing interest in its potential therapeutic benefits, particularly for end of life patients. A
petition is going on right now to legalize psilocybin in Canada.
What is end of life anxiety
End of life anxiety is a form of anxiety that occurs when someone is facing the end of their life or the loss of a loved one. It is a common and natural response to the uncertainty and fear that can accompany the end of life.
People who are facing end of life anxiety may experience a range of symptoms, including restlessness, irritability, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, and feelings of hopelessness or helplessness. They may also experience physical symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations.
End of life anxiety can be triggered by a variety of factors, including the fear of death, the loss of control over one’s life, and the impact of physical symptoms and pain. It can be particularly challenging for individuals who have unresolved issues or regrets, or who are facing the end of life alone.
Withdrawal of other treatments
In some cases, end of life therapies may include the withdrawal of certain treatments, such as chemotherapy or dialysis, when they are no longer effective or are causing the patient undue suffering. In such cases, the focus shifts to providing comfort and ensuring that the patient’s needs and wishes are met.
Managing end of life with Psilocybin
End of life anxiety can be managed through a variety of psilocybin treatments and interventions, including micro-dosing magic mushrooms, counselling, and supportive therapies such as meditation, massage, or art therapy. It is important for individuals facing end of life anxiety to have access to a support network that can provide emotional and practical support, and to have open and honest communication with their healthcare providers and loved ones.
Treating End of Life Patients with Psilocybin to Reduce Anxiety
I’ve been helping people in pain in Canada for decades. I have seen firsthand the challenges that end of life patients face. Particularly when it comes to anxiety and spiritual distress. While we have many effective treatments for physical symptoms, such as pain and nausea, these are often only part of the picture. For many patients, the fear of dying, the loss of control, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead can be overwhelming.
Top 5 Problems Causing Canadians to Die:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Chronic respiratory disease
- Diabetes
Cancer: Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada. In 2020, an estimated 220,400 Canadians were diagnosed with cancer, and 82,100 died from the disease. The physical and emotional toll of cancer and its treatments can be immense, and anxiety is a common symptom among patients facing the end of their lives.
Heart disease: Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada, accounting for over 27,000 deaths per year. As with cancer, anxiety is a common symptom among patients facing the end of life with heart disease.
Stroke: Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Canada, with over 13,000 deaths per year. Stroke survivors may experience physical and cognitive impairments that can be distressing and anxiety-provoking.
Chronic respiratory disease: Chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are the fourth leading cause of death in Canada, accounting for over 10,000 deaths per year. Patients with advanced COPD may experience significant anxiety as their breathing becomes more difficult.
Diabetes: Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death in Canada, with over 4,000 deaths per year. Patients with advanced diabetes may experience anxiety related to complications such as neuropathy, vision loss, and kidney failure.
Benefits of treating end of life anxiety with psilocybin
Research suggests that psilocybin may be a promising new therapy for end of life anxiety. Studies have found that psilocybin can induce profound spiritual experiences. It help patients come to terms with their mortality and reduce anxiety. Psilocybin has also been found to have a low risk of addiction and few negative side effects.
American dying from pancreatic cancer
One patient who has benefited from psilocybin therapy is Julie, a 65-year-old woman from California who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Julie was struggling with anxiety and depression related to her diagnosis and was having difficulty accepting her prognosis. After participating in a psilocybin-assisted therapy session, Julie reported feeling more at peace. Moreover she felt more connected to a sense of spiritual meaning.
Best mushrooms for treating end of life anxiety
The most commonly used species of psilocybin mushroom for therapeutic purposes is
Psilocybe cubensis. This species is known for its strong psychedelic effects and its ability to induce profound spiritual experiences. Psilocybe cubensis is also relatively easy to cultivate, making it accessible for use in clinical settings.
Improve your quality of life no matter how short
I’m a person always helping those in pain. Constantly seeking new and innovative therapies to help my customers manage their symptoms. I really want to help everyone improve their quality of life. Psilocybin is not yet widely available as a therapy for end of life anxiety. But emerging research in this area is promising. I believe that as more research is conducted, we’ll see greater acceptance of psilocybin. It’s certainly a valuable tool for improving end of life care.
P.S. Are you or a loved one are facing the end of life? Are struggling with anxiety or other emotional symptoms? I encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider about all available treatment options for you.