What is ego death? Magic Mushrooms & Ego Death

Ego death is an experience that can occur with the use of certain psychedelic drugs, particularly magic mushrooms (psilocybin), LSD, and DMT. While ego death may sound scary if you’re new to psychedelics, it doesn’t have to be. Many began ego dissolution because of the connotation associated with death. Yet both refer to the same experience.

Before we delve into the experience of ego death and how it can be an integral part of the therapeutic experience, let’s define what the ego is.

description of the ego

The word ego originally comes from a Latin word for “I”. From an etymological point of view, it is an integral part of who we are, but unfortunately it is not easy to define.

The ego encompasses many parts of our consciousness that describe who we are. These include our self-image (how we see ourselves), our self-esteem (the value we place on ourselves), and our self-identity (beliefs and ideologies we hold).

Why is the ego important?

The ego acts as a gatekeeper when interacting with the world, to help us filter a barrage of daily information. Our ego can even help protect us. However, problems arise when we build the ego on false beliefs. Breaking down the ego can help us look at ourselves more objectively as we interact with the world.

What is ego death

One interpretation of ego death is a disruption of the boundaries that define our ego, blurring the lines between us and the world around us (Federn, 1952; Savage, 1955; Fischman, 1983).

What Causes Ego Death?

We’re still learning about the processes that go on in the brain that make this experience possible. New research suggests that a network in the brain called the Default Mode Network (DMN) that dampens during a psychedelic experience may contribute to ego death.

Another 2020 study found that the claustrum area of ​​the brain was less active while affected by psilocybin. Francis Crick believes that the claustrum (a thin layer of neurons within the cerebral cortex that reaches many areas of the brain) is the seat of consciousness responsible for consciousness and the sense of self. More research is needed to understand this area of ​​the brain, but there is a possibility that the claustrum is part of the DMN.

How does ego death feel?

While defining ego death can help us understand what is happening psychologically, it does not necessarily help us understand what a person may experience when consuming psychedelics.

It is a shift in our brain or consciousness from a self-centered view to a totally unbiased view. Many people describe this as a mystical experience where they feel one with their surroundings.

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Benefits of Ego Death

For those new to psychedelics, the thought of experiencing ego death can be frightening. It can be helpful to prepare for the experience before taking it. Embracing the experience of specific therapeutic and healing goals can be beneficial.

Despite the possibility of initial fear, there are many potential benefits of experiencing ego death.
The experience of ego death is one of the reasons many people experience long-term psychological benefits after their dose. It makes people feel more open and connected, which can be a catalyst for improving our psychological well-being.

This connection comes about because of an experience of “zooming out”. It allows us to think less of ourselves as individuals and become one with the greater whole of nature.

What to do after the experience

The experience of ego death can also be overwhelming during healing. People can uncover things they didn’t expect and may not be prepared to deal with. For this reason, most, if not all, clinical trials of psychedelics use are overseen by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional.

It can be helpful to have an integration plan after your psychedelic experience. Integration is a process of thinking about and taking care of yourself after the trip and is the most important aspect of the psychedelic experience. This process can vary from person to person. Some people like to schedule specific self-care activities like yoga or journaling. Others make an appointment with their regular mental health support. To paraphrase Charles Bukowski, you have to die a few times before you can really live.