I’m Scared to Death to Take Shrooms. Help Me to Not Be Afraid.

Let me tell you, you’re not alone. In fact, just the other day, a friend came to me with a familiar concern: “I’m scared to death to take shrooms. Help me to not be afraid.” That fear? I get it. I really do. And I can’t count how many times I’ve heard that same sentence from people who are curious but terrified to dip their toes into the world of magic mushrooms. It’s a completely valid feeling. After all, you’re considering taking something that could potentially shift the way you see the world. It’s no small thing.

But here’s the good news—you’re not jumping into this blindly, and the fact that you’re even here, thinking about it, means you’re already on the right track. As someone who’s taken the plunge more times than I can count, I’ve been in your shoes. I’ve had my own moments of hesitation and, honestly, a little fear. But that’s why I’m writing this—to help you (and anyone else who’s afraid) understand that, with the right preparation and mindset, taking magic mushrooms can be a safe, enlightening, and even life-changing experience.

Why Are We So Scared of Shrooms?

Let’s start with the root of the fear. My friend, like many others, was worried about losing control, about having a bad trip. It’s a pretty common fear—most of us have heard stories about wild hallucinations or intense emotional experiences. And those “bad trip” stories? Yeah, they stick with you. But here’s the thing, and I told my friend this too: the key to having a positive experience with shrooms lies in how you approach it.

Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin, have been used for centuries as a tool for healing, insight, and expanding consciousness. But society has often painted them in a more dangerous light, which is where a lot of that fear comes from. The truth is, when used responsibly, shrooms can help you break free from the mental loops of anxiety, depression, and stress. Psilocybin has been shown to help rewire our thought patterns, with promising research from reputable institutions like Johns Hopkins Psilocybin Research backing its potential. And yes, I know that sounds like a big claim, but trust me when I say there are countless studies—and even more personal stories—that back this up .

So, if you’re sitting there thinking, “I’m not ready. I’m too scared,” take a deep breath. The fact that you’re considering this, and reading up on how to handle it, shows you’re already putting yourself in the right frame of mind.

Step 1: Preparation Is Key (And Why It’s Not As Scary As You Think)

I told my friend that fear of the unknown is completely normal, especially when it comes to psychedelics. But here’s the good news: by preparing properly, you can significantly reduce the chance of having a bad experience. I can’t emphasize this enough—preparation is everything. And it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

First things first: set your intention. Why are you considering this journey? Are you looking for healing? Insight? Even just curiosity? Having a clear intention helps guide the experience and makes it less overwhelming. When you know why you’re doing something, it’s easier to stay grounded during the trip.

Then, there’s the classic advice: set and setting. This is crucial. Your mindset and your physical surroundings can make or break your experience. I told my friend, “Think about where you’ll be most comfortable. Is it at home, in a familiar space? Somewhere calm and cozy?” The last thing you want is a chaotic environment. You want to feel safe, secure, and in control.

Lastly, it never hurts to have a trip sitter—someone who’s either experienced with shrooms or just there to keep an eye on you. They don’t need to be tripping themselves, but they should be someone you trust, someone who can talk you through any nervous moments if they arise.

Step 2: The Big Moment (You’ve Got This)

After we went over the prep, my friend was feeling more confident but still had the big question: “What’s going to happen when I actually take them?” The answer? It’s going to be okay. Really.

Here’s how I broke it down for him and how I’d tell anyone who’s nervous: you’re in control, and that’s the part people often forget. Taking shrooms isn’t like flipping a switch where you’re suddenly blasted into another universe (though, if you want to feel that, we can talk about higher doses). It’s a gradual, gentle shift that takes time—usually around 30 minutes to an hour before you start feeling anything. You’ll first notice subtle changes: colors might get a little brighter, your thoughts may start to feel more fluid, and textures might seem more interesting. It’s not an “in-your-face” experience—at least not at the beginning.

And if things start to feel intense? Breathe. That’s the advice I gave my friend and something I can’t stress enough. Just breathe. Focusing on your breath can help you stay grounded. If you start to feel uneasy, remember that this is temporary. Like all trips, it will come to an end, and you’re in the driver’s seat.

Step 3: Reflect and Grow (The Trip Isn’t Over Just Yet)

So, you’ve done it. You took the leap, you had your experience, and you’ve come out the other side—maybe with a few new perspectives or insights. But here’s the secret I shared with my friend: the real magic often happens after the trip. It’s in the integration—the days, weeks, or even months after, when you can process what happened and what it meant for you.

I always recommend journaling your thoughts. What did you feel during the trip? Did anything surprise you? Was there something you learned or confronted? The trip itself is only part of the journey; reflecting on it afterward is how you make the most of it.

I’ve found that shrooms can open doors in your mind, but it’s up to you to walk through them. Sometimes that means gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, or even confronting emotions you didn’t know you had. But that’s where the growth happens. Trust me, once you begin to integrate those experiences into your daily life, you’ll start seeing things from a much broader perspective.

Conclusion: Overcoming the Fear, One Step at a Time

My friend said to me at the end of our chat, “I think I’m ready now.” And if you’re reading this, feeling nervous but curious, I believe you’re ready too. Fear is a natural part of trying something new, especially something as potentially mind-expanding as magic mushrooms. But here’s the truth: with proper preparation, setting the right intentions, and creating a safe space, you’re giving yourself the best chance at a positive and meaningful experience.

Magic mushrooms are powerful, yes. But they can also be incredibly healing, insightful, and, dare I say, fun. So, if you’re afraid, that’s okay. The important thing is that you’re considering it, and that you’re thinking about how to approach it responsibly. Remember, you’re not alone in this—so many people have walked this path before you, and with the right mindset, you can turn that fear into a life-changing experience. Countless studies—and even more personal stories—back this up .

You’ve got this. Trust yourself, trust the process, and when the time feels right, take that leap.