Bipolar depression is a complex condition in which people fluctuate between extreme moods, such as manic highs and severe depression. Bipolar depression can be especially challenging to treat. Many patients with bipolar disorder, particularly those with bipolar II depression, struggle with persistent low moods, lack of energy, and feelings of hopelessness. Traditional drugs do not …
Bipolar depression is a complex condition in which people fluctuate between extreme moods, such as manic highs and severe depression. Bipolar depression can be especially challenging to treat. Many patients with bipolar disorder, particularly those with bipolar II depression, struggle with persistent low moods, lack of energy, and feelings of hopelessness. Traditional drugs do not work for everyone, and many patients seek alternatives. Psilocybin, the active ingredient in ‘magic mushrooms’, is now proven as a possible therapy. Here we explain how this natural remedy could help as psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy.
How does psilocybin work in bipolar depression?
Psilocybin affects the human brain in a unique way:
- Neuroplasticity: Psilocybin stimulates the growth of new nerve connections, which helps break stuck thinking patterns.
- Serotonin receptors: Psilocybin activates the same receptors as antidepressants, but temporarily and more intensely. This can provide a ‘reset’ for a more stable mood.
- Emotional processing: During a guided psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy session, patients can process traumatic experiences or emotions that contribute to depressive episodes.
Read also: Psilocybin Offers New Options for Mental Health Treatments.
Advantages over traditional treatments
- Fewer side effects: No weight gain or emotional flattening, as with some mood stabilisers.
- Long-lasting effect: Various scientific studies show that just 1-2 sessions can have an effect for months.
- Combination with therapy: Works especially well as part of a psychological coaching program, such as Dr Sara Ahmadi’s therapies at Conscious Pharmacist.
Read also: The Benefits of Psilocybin in Treating Depression.
Key risks and conditions
Psilocybin is not a panacea, especially in bipolar disorder:
- Mania risk: A high dose of psilocybin can trigger a manic episode in some people. Therefore, our medical supervision is crucial.
- No self-experimentation: Always use under the supervision of a professional, such as during a psychedelic retreat or therapy program at Conscious Pharmacist.
- Personal plan: Dr Ahmadi stresses that a tailor-made psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy progam is needed, including medical intake, preparation, aftercare and possibly microdosing.
Read also: Interview with Dr. Sara Ahmadi: The Power of Psychedelic Retreats.
Microdosing as a gentler option
For those reluctant to go on a full psilocybin marcodosing trip, microdosing (0.1-0.3 grams of our dried magic mushrooms) can help you to:
- Reduce daily mood swings.
- Improve creativity and focus without hallucinations.
- Phase out medication such as lithium or quetiapine (always in consultation with a doctor and pharmacist).
Read also: Microdosing with Psilocybin: How Small Doses and Coaching Therapy Work Best.
Why Conscious Pharmacist?
Our psilocybin therapy offers new possibilities for people with bipolar depression, but it requires careful counselling. At Conscious Pharmacist, we combine scientific knowledge with personal attention, certified therapies and medical support to create a safe path.
At Conscious Pharmacist, we understand that bipolar depression is complicated, therefor our psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy is designed with safety and holistic healing in mind. Here’s why our approach stands out:
- Luxurious retreats: We organize and host luxurious all-inclusive psilocybin retreats for small groups or private groups in pristine nature in the sunny Algarve (South of Portugal), including Psilocybin Medicine Ceremony, beautiful accommodations with private rooms, spa & wellness facilities, delicious vegetarian meals, integration workshops, breath-work sessions, private consultations, yoga, meditation, stress-release massage, group integration & sharing, coaching, mentorship, plenty of rest and reflection time, and guidance for integration post-retreat.
- Thorough screening: We carefully assess each patient’s medical and psychiatric history. This helps ensure that only individuals who are good candidates for psilocybin therapy receive treatment, reducing the risk of adverse effects.
- Expert guidance: Our team of certified pharmacists and trained psychedelic therapists guides you every step of the way—from preparation to integration. We help you understand your experience and work to embed the insights into everyday life.
- Integrated support: Beyond the psilocybin session, we offer dedicated integration sessions. These sessions are crucial to help you process your experience and develop new coping strategies to maintain long-term improvements.
- Controlled and safe environment: Our psilocybin therapy is administered in a safe, calm, supportive setting where every precaution is taken and where you feel at ease. This controlled environment minimizes risks and maximizes therapeutic benefits.
- Experienced therapists: Our certified therapists are specially trained in psilocybin therapy and have a lot of experience with bipolar disorder. They know how to guide you safely and properly.
- Personalised counselling: We look at you as a person and create a therapy plan that suits you.
- Combined approach: We combine psilocybin with other therapies, such as talk therapy, mindfullness and emotional stress release therapy. This way, you get the best support.
- Preparation and aftercare: We prepare you well, so you know what to expect. Even after the therapy session(s), we continue to support you.
Read also: What is the Positive Impact of Conscious Pharmacist?
Important to know:
- Psilocybin therapy is not suitable for everyone. We look carefully to see if it suits you.
- It is important to be honest about your medication and other treatments.
- Psilocybin can sometimes trigger mania. That is why it is important that you receive proper guidance.
- We always work together with your doctor to make sure our psilocybin-assisted therapy is safe.
Want to know more?
Explore how our psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy can help you reclaim a brighter, more balanced life. Please contact Dr Sara Ahmadi and her team for a no-obligation FREE consultation on psychedelic therapy, medication withdrawal or our psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy retreats. You can book your consultation videocall HERE.
Conscious Pharmacist: Your path to a more stable mood.
Note: Psilocybin is still illegal in many countries. Our services are only permitted in Portugal where we offer certified therapy under medical supervision in a safe and controlled environment.
Read also: Psilocybin Retreats: Key Differences Between the Netherlands and Portugal.
Feel free to read more:
- Psilocybin: As Effective Against Depression As Antidepressants.
- How Psilocybin Can Help Cure Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
- Psilocybin and Anxiety: An Evidence-Based Approach to Healing.
- How Can Psychedelics Help with Tapering off Medication?
- Psychedelic Therapy & Retreats: These Are The Most Asked Questions.
Author: Editor
Sources: Conscious Pharmacist, Medscape, Cell.com, JAMA Psychiatry, Springer Nature Link, John Hopkins Medicine, Sheppard Pratt, Taylor & Francis
