Affecting an estimated 21 million U.S. adults each year, depression is becoming a national crisis. Finding the right treatment can be challenging. Just look at the statistics showing that about 30% of people with the mental health condition have what’s called treatment-resistant depression, meaning they haven’t gotten better after trying at least two antidepressants.

With the rise in treatment-resistant depression, it’s no wonder scientists are searching for more effective ways to treat the mental disorder. In recent years, psychedelics have been making waves as potential therapies for a range of mental health disorders.

The hallucinogen ketamine made headline news in 2019 when it earned FDA approval as a new drug therapy for major depressive disorder. Another hallucinogen, psilocybin (the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms), has also been gaining favor as a new approach for treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions.

But is taking a psychedelic trip on magic mushrooms safe for people looking for mental health treatment?

WHAT IS PSILOCYBIN?

Psilocybin is a natural hallucinogen that distorts perception and can cause profound visual and auditory hallucinations. People can have very different experiences form ingesting magic mushrooms.

Psychedelic effects can include:

• Seeing colors more vividly
• Feeling like time has slowed down
• Thinking unusual thoughts
• Seeing objects that appear to be moving
• Feelings of euphoria

Not everybody has such a magical experience. Some people have decidedly unpleasant reactions to the substance, including:

• Nausea
• Numbness
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Panic attacks
• Fear
• Feelings of depression

These positive or negative effects emerge about a half hour after ingesting the substance and can last approximately four to six hours.

HISTORY OF PSILOCYBIN

People have been using psychoactive mushrooms for medicinal and religious purposes for thousands of years. In the 1950s, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann, the man who gained notoriety for discovering LSD, synthesized the substance. This opened the door to clinical research using the drug as a potential therapy for a variety of mental health issues.

In 1970, the U.S. designated it as a Schedule I drug of the Controlled Substances Act, effectively criminalizing it and indicating that it has a high risk of abuse. This put an end to most clinical research until it resurfaced more recently.

The Food and Drug Administration has since given psilocybin a breakthrough therapy designation for both treatment-resistant depression (2018) and major depressive disorder (2019), meaning it has been fast-tracked for review as a potential medication.

PSILOCYBIN AS A MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT

A small but growing body of research suggests psilocybin may be helpful for mental health conditions, such as:

• Treatment-resistant depression
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Substance use disorders
• Cancer-related anxiety and depression
• Anorexia nervosa

For example, a 2024 study compared the effects of psilocybin therapy versus escitalopram (Lexapro) on people with moderate to severe depression. For this trial, the psilocybin group received two 25mg doses of the psychedelic drug along with psychological support. The other group took the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) escitalopram for six weeks while also receiving psychological support.

After six months of treatment, both groups showed improvements in the severity of their depression symptoms. However, the psilocybin depression treatment group experienced greater sustained improvements in psychological connectedness, functioning, and sense of meaning in life.

However, it’s critical to note that the body of scientific literature about psilocybin as a mental health treatment remains very small—involving only about 600 patients total as of 2024.

HOW DOES PSILOCYBIN AFFECT THE BRAIN?

Scientists have long believed that psilocybin works by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain. This prevents the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that’s involved with mood control, shifting attention, and cognitive flexibility. Antidepressant medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work in the same way to enhance serotonin.

A 2012 brain imaging study found that psilocybin also decreases activity in certain brain regions, including the thalamus, which is involved in the transfer of information.

“‘Knocking out’ these key hubs with psilocybin appears to allow information to travel more freely in the brain, probably explaining why people’s imaginations become more vivid and animated and the world is experienced as unusual,” study author Robin Carhart-Harris told LiveScience.

Newer brain-imaging research published Nature in 2024 indicates that the drug desynchronizes the brain. Typical pathways disconnect then reconnect to other pathways in the brain. The brain scans in this study show how the brain becomes more malleable while using the psychedelic, making it possible for people to overcome maladaptive thinking and behavioral patterns.

TAKE CAUTION WITH PSILOCYBIN FOR MENTAL HEALTH

It’s important to understand that treatment with psilocybin typically takes place in a medical setting with the guidance of a trained mental health professional. A psychiatrist or psychotherapist helps lead patients through the experience and helps integrate insights for the psychedelic trip.

Self-medication with the drug is never recommended. However, the media attention on psilocybin may be contributing to an increase in recreational usage of magic mushrooms.

Statistics show that from 2017 to 2022, law enforcement seizures of magic mushrooms more than tripled. And from 2018 to 2022, the National Poison Data System reported a three-fold increase in calls to U.S. poison control centers involving psilocybin use by adolescents and young adults.

The hype surrounding magic mushrooms as a mental health treatment may have outpaced the scientific evidence. In spite of the promising findings, a 2018 review concludes that our understanding of psilocybin’s effects is still in its infancy and suggests caution.

“Progress needs to be made in explicitly understanding the cognitive and neural mechanistic process by which psilocybin works,” the authors say.

In addition, scientists have yet to determine if the use of psilocybin could have detrimental effects in the long run.

On the Change Your Brain Every Day podcast, psychiatrist and brain health expert Dr. Daniel Amen and his wife, bestselling author Tana Amen, discuss the risks associated with psilocybin. After 40-plus years in the field, Dr. Amen says he has seen this happen before in psychiatry where a new drug hits the scene with great promise only to have major consequences emerge later.

“When I was a resident at Walter Reed in 1987 when Xanax came on the market, everybody was so excited about ‘mommy’s little helper,’—another benzo but non-addictive,” he says.  “That was a lie. It increases the risk for addiction and dementia.”

Brain SPECT imaging studies at Amen Clinics have shown that some anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines, have negative impacts on blood flow and activity in the brain. “They’re harmful to the brain,” says Dr. Amen.

He thinks it could be the same with psychedelics. “I feel like the street drugs of the ’60s—marijuana, ketamine, and magic mushrooms—are the big innovations in psychiatry as opposed to get your brain healthy and your mind will follow,” says Dr. Amen on the podcast.

Like many others in the scientific community, Dr. Amen cautions that more research on psilocybin is needed to know the lasting impacts on the brain and to establish whether it is safe on a long-term basis. In the meantime, enhancing brain health can be a powerful step in the healing process.

Reviewed by Amen Clinics Inc. Clinicians

When seeking out mental health support, the goal is to find a trusted therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional who can guide your next steps in personal growth.

Some people make great progress in a one-on-one setting with a therapist but want even more support outside of those sessions. For others, it can be a solitary experience that may feel isolating at times. In either case, group coaching can help.

With the benefits of group coaching for mental health, you can learn to bridge the gap between traditional therapy and self-guided improvement through shared experiences. Let’s explore the benefits of coaching for mental health growth and the advantages of collaborative mental health improvement for you, your loved ones, or your patients.

GROUP THERAPY VS. GROUP COACHING: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

When seeking group-based solutions for mental health, you might wonder: group therapy vs. group coaching—which one is right for me? Both can be effective, but they serve different purposes. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Group therapy, often led by a licensed therapist, focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. Working through issues like trauma, depression, or anxiety in a therapeutic setting can help you create a more collaborative mental health improvement plan focused on empathetic experiences.
• Group coaching, in contrast, emphasizes achieving personal development goals, such as building resilience, improving relationships, or enhancing emotional well-being. Coaching tends to take what you learn in therapeutic sessions and guide you toward more practical and actionable habits that complement your mental health goals.

Research highlights the power of group coaching in promoting mental wellness through group support. According to a 2024 study in BMC Health Services Research, group health and wellness coaching validates individual health goals while fostering collaboration. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to grow in a structured yet supportive environment.

Now that you get the gist of these two types of therapy, here are a few different but complementary ways group coaching can support your mental health and life goals.

5 BENEFITS OF GROUP COACHING FOR MENTAL HEALTH

1. Achieving More Together: Goal-Setting Outcomes

Setting and achieving goals is at the heart of coaching for mental health growth. With group coaching, you get the benefit of shared accountability, encouragement, and inspiration that can help you when times get tough.

This type of group dynamic fosters a sense of accomplishment as you celebrate different stages of your progress with others who are facing some of the same challenges you are.

A report in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that wellness coaching enhances quality of life and positively changes mental health results. This improvement comes from not only setting realistic goals but also learning from the experiences of other people in a group.

Your personal development in group settings bolsters your ability to work towards managing anxiety, depression, and other issues while adopting healthier coping mechanisms for longer-term benefits. The group’s encouragement amplifies the motivation you need to stick to your goals.

 2. The Power Of Peer Support In Mental Wellness

A cornerstone of group coaching is the accessibility of peer support in mental wellness spaces. Connecting with others who face similar challenges fosters empathy and understanding. Research has shown that when people feel heard and validated, their emotional resilience strengthens.

A systematic review on eHealth group interventions highlights the effectiveness of peer-driven support for improving mental and behavioral health.

Group coaching leverages this by creating a safe, non-judgmental environment where people can share their triumphs and shortcomings while encouraging each other to grow.

In these settings, emotional growth isn’t just personal—it’s collective. Shared stories and strategies on how to overcome struggles often spark breakthroughs, offering solutions to you that you may not have discovered alone otherwise.

3. Addressing Chronic Health Conditions Through Group Coaching

Mental health and physical health are deeply connected. That’s why it’s common that when one falters, the other often follows.

This is especially true when you’re managing chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension while also facing increased stress, anxiety, or depression. Group coaching for mental health growth addresses these intertwined challenges.

Research shows that group health coaching for people with chronic conditions leads to better health outcomes. Other benefits include reduced stress and improved emotional well-being, which are particularly significant as chronic illnesses can often amplify feelings of isolation or helplessness.

Through collaborative mental health improvement, group coaching helps participants set realistic health goals while learning strategies to manage both their physical and mental health more effectively.

4. Breaking Behavioral Habits Together

Changing behavioral patterns may be one of the toughest things you can do in your therapy journey. Fortunately, that pivot can become much easier to achieve in a supportive group setting. Group coaching for mental health offers tools to replace unhelpful habits with healthier alternatives like:

• Conquering negative thinking patterns
• Overcoming procrastination
• Improving sleep hygiene
• Managing emotional eating
• Implementing personal fitness goals

A 2020 report in Systematic Reviews found that group intervention programs effectively support mental and behavioral health improvements. Participants in the study reported feeling more motivated and less alone in tackling behavioral challenges.

This is where the benefits of group coaching shine as members inspire each other to stay consistent, share strategies, and celebrate incremental victories. Over time, these small wins can lead to profound transformations that enhance emotional health and physical well-being.

5. Pain Relief and Psychological Resilience

Chronic pain doesn’t just affect the body—it takes a toll on mental health. Stress and anxiety exacerbate pain, creating a vicious cycle. Fortunately, addressing the psychological aspects of pain management is how group coaching boosts mental health.

A Plos One study evaluated the impact of health and wellness coaching on chronic pain sufferers. It found that participants developed better coping mechanisms and enhanced psychological resilience, leading to improved mental health.

Group coaching’s supportive environment can help you reframe your relationship to be more open to holistic ways of managing pain and reduce its impact on your daily lives. By focusing on your emotional growth through group coaching, you may find hope and healing in the support of those who can understand your struggles.

WHY GROUPS AT AMEN CLINICS?

Recognizing the profound benefits of group coaching, Amen Clinics is introducing Groups at Amen Clinics, a dynamic online coaching program. Designed to provide mental wellness through group support, these 12-week courses are led by live coaches who guide participants through structured sessions.

These online group sessions are based on the groundbreaking brain-based methods of psychiatrist and bestselling author Dr. Daniel Amen, the founder of Amen Clinics.

The first course, Overcoming Anxiety and Depression, focuses on coaching for mental health growth. Essentially, you’ll learn practical strategies to manage stress responses to trauma, boost stress resilience, and build a more positive outlook on your life.

Small group sizes keep those meaningful connections and tailored support personal to your goals. If you’re ready for it, it may be an ideal option to embrace authentically collaborative mental health improvements.

GET BETTER TOGETHER

Whether you’re seeking emotional growth, peer support, or practical tools to improve your mental health, group coaching for mental health offers a powerful solution. Backed by research and enriched through shared experiences, this approach empowers participants to achieve your goals as you foster community.

If you’re ready to take the next step, consider joining a group coaching program like Groups at Amen Clinics. You can unlock the potential for lasting change—and you may be surprised at what can happen when change utilizes the power of group effort.

Reviewed by Amen Clinics Inc. Clinicians

Feeling blue? Can’t seem to find the energy to get off the couch? Have trouble focusing on anything? You may assume it’s depression. And if you talk about your concerns with your healthcare provider, you could very likely walk away with a prescription for antidepressants.

But what if it isn’t really clinical depression? What if your symptoms are due to something else—something that antidepressants won’t help? For example, did you know that hormonal imbalances can lead to many symptoms of depression, often referred to as hormonal depression?

The Impact of Hormones on Mental Health

Hormones are chemical messengers that can have a powerful influence on the brain and your mental well-being. When hormone levels are balanced, you tend to have stable moods and feel energetic, motivated, and mentally sharp. When hormone levels are out of whack, however, you may experience symptoms that are associated with psychiatric illnesses, such as depression.

Hormonal imbalance symptoms can include:

• Sadness
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Mood swings
• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Sleep disturbances
• Low libido
• Lack of motivation
• Trouble concentrating

Mood symptoms, such as those seen in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), can be significant enough to disrupt daily life, illustrating the complex relationship between estrogen and mood regulation.

What are Hormonal Imbalances?

Hormonal imbalances occur when there is an excess or deficiency of hormones in the body. These chemical messengers, produced by glands in the endocrine system, regulate various bodily functions such as growth, metabolism, and reproductive processes.

When hormone levels are not in harmony, it can lead to a range of health issues, including mental health problems. Hormonal imbalances can significantly contribute to the development of anxiety and depression disorders, affecting your overall well-being and quality of life.

Common Hormonal Imbalances That Can Cause Depressive Symptoms

Of the hundreds of hormones our bodies produce, here are four that are known to lead to symptoms of depressive disorders when they are out of balance:

• Thyroid: The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that plays a powerful role in keeping your brain and body healthy. It is involved in the production of many neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin, and GABA—all of which are involved in mood regulation.

Problems occur when thyroid dysfunction causes the gland to produce too little hormone (hypothyroidism) or too much hormone (hyperthyroidism).

Thyroid disorders can significantly impact mental health, particularly anxiety and depression. In fact, thyroid dysfunction is directly linked to one-third of all depressions.

• Insufficient production of thyroid hormones can result in symptoms like fatigue and depression.

• Estrogen: Estrogen also influences the production of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. Too much or too little estrogen can alter neurotransmitter levels and lead to feelings of depression.

• A significant drop in estrogen levels postpartum can lead to postpartum depression, with some studies indicating that over 19% of individuals may experience this condition within the first year following childbirth.

• Progesterone: Often called the “relaxation hormone,” progesterone has a calming effect when it is produced in optimal levels.
  When hormones are off-kilter or when the relaxation hormone is in low supply, it can lead to depression, as well as irritability, anxiety, sleepless nights, and brain fog.
• Testosterone: In both men and women, testosterone helps ward off depression, in addition to cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
  Low testosterone levels have been shown to increase symptoms of depression and anxiety, such as trouble concentrating, lack of motivation, and fatigue.

Menstrual Cycle and Mental Health

The menstrual cycle is a complex process involving the interplay of various hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. These hormones can have a profound effect on mood, emotional well-being, and mental health.

Fluctuations in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle can lead to symptoms of anxiety and depression, particularly in women who experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Understanding the connection between your menstrual cycle and mental health can help you better manage these symptoms and seek appropriate treatment.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects 3-9% of women.

Unlike PMS, which may cause mild discomfort, PMDD is characterized by intense symptoms of depression, anxiety, and irritability that occur during the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle. These symptoms can be severe enough to disrupt daily life and relationships.

Hormonal fluctuations, particularly the drop in estrogen levels, are thought to contribute to the development of PMDD, making it crucial to recognize and address this condition.

Thyroid Problems and Depression

Thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can significantly contribute to the development of depression. The thyroid gland, a small but mighty organ located in the neck, produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, and mood.

When the thyroid gland is underactive (hypothyroidism), it can lead to symptoms of depression, fatigue, and anxiety. Conversely, an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) can cause symptoms of anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.

Understanding the role of the thyroid gland in mood regulation is essential for identifying and treating thyroid-related depressive symptoms.

Adrenal Hormones and Depression

Adrenal hormones, such as cortisol, play a crucial role in the body’s response to stress. The adrenal glands produce cortisol in response to stress, helping you cope with challenging situations.

However, chronically elevated cortisol levels can contribute to the development of depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. When stress is unrelenting, the constant flood of cortisol can disrupt the body’s natural hormonal balance, leading to symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Managing stress and maintaining a healthy hormonal balance is key to preventing mood disorders related to adrenal hormone dysfunction.

What Causes Hormone Problems?

Many things can interfere with healthy hormone production, including:

• Eating a diet high in refined sugar: Consuming too much sugar disrupts normal hormone function and can result in excessive levels of estrogen about progesterone, which increases the risk for mood swings, depression, and anxiety.
• Chronic stress: When stress hits, our bodies respond by releasing hormones that put us into fight-or-flight mode. But when stress is unrelenting, the constant flood of these stress hormones disrupts the production of the body’s other important chemical messengers, leading to hormonal dysfunction. This hormonal imbalance can exacerbate symptoms of major depression, particularly during hormonal transitions.
• Exposure to environmental toxins: Many everyday environmental toxins, such as pesticides, are known to interfere with normal hormone production.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Head injuries often cause damage to the pituitary gland, a tiny, pea-sized organ located at the base of the brain. Known as the body’s “master gland,” the pituitary regulates hormone production, but when it is damaged, it can disrupt the entire hormonal system.

Overcoming Depressive Symptoms Related to Hormonal Dysfunction

When hormonal imbalances are behind your feelings of sadness and loss of energy, antidepressants won’t get your mind right. But if no one ever tests your hormone levels, you will never know that hormonal dysfunction could be contributing to your depressive symptoms.

This could leave you going from one antidepressant medication to another in search of relief without success. In some cases, intermittent antidepressant treatment may be necessary to manage mood disorders related to hormonal changes.

It’s also important to investigate whether a past head injury may be contributing to hormonal dysfunction.

Brain imaging studies can reveal signs of a TBI that could be the root cause of the hormonal problems that are contributing to your symptoms. In this case, healing your brain is the key to achieving healthier hormone levels.

Hormonal changes during different life stages, such as perimenopausal depression, can also significantly impact mood and anxiety disorders.

This is why it is so important to make sure you visit a healthcare professional who will check your hormones and scan your brain as part of a comprehensive evaluation. When you get your hormones right, it may improve symptoms of depression by stabilizing your moods, boosting your energy, and clearing away the brain fog.

Reviewed by Amen Clinics Inc. Clinicians