Psilocybin and Depression: A New Perspective on Wellbeing and Hope?

June 25 2025, by Willy van Knippenberg
6 min reading time

Discover how psilocybin truffles and microdosing can offer a new way to treat depression. Learn more about this alternative approach to well-being and personal growth. Find hope!

When the days seem gray and the path to greater well-being seems invisible, many people seek new perspectives and support. Depression is a life-changing condition that profoundly impacts daily life, and for many, traditional treatments aren't always sufficient. In this quest for enlightenment and personal growth, the term psilocybin is increasingly appearing, often in the context of "microdosing." What does this mean for you, and what role can this natural substance play in finding more light in your life?

What is Psilocybin and How Does It Work?

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychoactive substance found in magic mushrooms and truffles. When you ingest psilocybin, it's converted into psilocin in your body, which produces the actual effects. At high doses, this can lead to an intense "trip" with altered perception, but microdosing doesn't cause this.

In the Netherlands, psilocybin-containing truffles, unlike magic mushrooms, are not regulated by the Opium Act and are therefore legally sold in smartshops. Novus Fumus, for example, offers Microdosing XP Truffles , which are 100% organic and ready to use.

Truffles Microdosing

Psilocybin interacts with our serotonin receptors, often called the "happiness hormone," and influences our memory, self-confidence, sleep, and mood. Research suggests that psilocybin can help break ingrained thought patterns and increase your brain's neuroplasticity. This means your brain can become more flexible, making it easier to learn new behavior patterns and ways of thinking.

Psilocybin and Major Depression: What Does Science Say?

For people struggling with treatment-resistant depression – where conventional treatments such as medication and psychotherapy are insufficiently effective – researchers worldwide are seeking new options.

Scientific studies are investigating the potential of psilocybin as a support for psychotherapy for severe and treatment-resistant depression. The results of these studies are promising. For example, a phase II study showed that a single dose of synthesized psilocybin could lead to rapid and long-lasting improvements in depressive symptoms in some patients. A follow-up study even reported that 67% of participants remained in remission five years after treatment, with reduced anxiety and improved daily functioning.

These studies take place in a strictly controlled, therapeutic research setting, using high doses of psilocybin and intensive professional guidance. Psilocybin therapy is not (yet) a standard treatment for depression in the Netherlands and is only used in research settings. Research into microdosing specifically for depression has so far found no evidence that it works, and a large portion is even attributed to a placebo effect.

Microdosing Truffles for Greater Wellbeing and Personal Growth

While therapeutic applications focus on higher doses in a clinical setting, microdosing focuses on ingesting very small, sub-psychoactive amounts of truffles. This means taking doses so small (often just 0.2 to 1.5 grams of fresh truffles) that you don't experience any hallucinogenic effects. The goal is to experience subtle, positive effects that can support your general well-being and personal development. Novus Fumus offers special microdosing strips for this purpose, such as the Microdosing XP Truffles 'Mexicana'.

Users of microdosing report several benefits that can contribute to a more positive feeling and more control over your life:

Improved Mental Performance : You may experience increased concentration, focus, creativity, and productivity, which can help with daily tasks and projects.
More positive mindset : Many users experience an increased sense of well-being, happiness, and positivity. This can help them live less in their head and more in the moment.
Reduction of anxious feelings : May help reduce mild anxiety and jittery feelings.
Increased empathy and connection : Some users experience an enhanced emotional connection with others and the world around them.
More energy and focus : Both mentally and physically.

Popular protocols, such as the Fadiman Protocol , recommend cyclical use (e.g., microdosing for one day, followed by a two-day break) for 4 to 8 weeks, followed by a 2 to 4 week break. This helps prevent tolerance and evaluate the effects. Novus Fumus also refers to the Microdosing Institute for more information on finding the "sweet spot" and protocols. Not all truffles are created equal; species such as Psilocybe Mexicana , Tampanensis , Galindoi, and Atlantis are often used for microdosing due to their more suitable psilocybin levels.

Your Safety Comes First

While anecdotal reports and preliminary research show promise for general well-being, it's crucial to approach microdosing responsibly and with an informed mind, especially if you're struggling with depression or other mental health issues.

Not a Medical Treatment for Depression : Microdosing truffles is not a registered medical treatment for depression or other psychiatric conditions. It has also not been proven to specifically reduce depressive symptoms.
Seek Professional Help : If you are experiencing depression or other serious mental health issues, always consult a qualified physician or psychologist. Self-experimentation with psychedelics outside of a supervised mental health setting is strongly discouraged, as it can exacerbate existing symptoms or lead to unwanted side effects, such as anxiety or a bad trip. Psychiatrists advise against using psychedelics outside of a mental health setting to treat a psychiatric condition due to insufficient evidence of their efficacy and safety.
Scientific Evidence Is Limited : Scientific research on microdosing for mental health is still in its infancy. Existing studies are often small, and the role of the placebo effect is still being extensively investigated. More long-term studies are needed to determine the precise effects and risks.
Potential Risks and Side Effects : Even in microdoses, psilocybin is a psychoactive substance. You may experience mild changes in mood or energy. Some people experience anxiety, paranoia, nausea, or fatigue, even at low doses. In rare cases, it can worsen depression or lead to suicidal thoughts, especially if you stop regular medication or therapy without consulting your doctor.
Dosage is Personal : The "right" microdose can vary from person to person. Always start cautiously with a very low dose and increase gradually if needed, without experiencing hallucinogenic effects. Products like Microdosing XP truffles are vacuum-sealed per serving, which helps with precise dosing. The Microdosing Institute can help you find your "sweet spot."
Avoid Combinations : Never use psychedelics with alcohol or other drugs or medications (especially antidepressants). Unpredictable and potentially dangerous effects can occur, and medications can interact with psilocybin.
Road safety : It is not recommended to participate in traffic when you have taken a microdose, as your reaction time may be affected.

Conclusion

Psilocybin truffles, with their unique properties, are being studied for their therapeutic potential for severe depression in strictly controlled settings. Microdosing them is particularly popular for improving general well-being, focus, creativity, and mood. Novus Fumus offers safe and organic truffles for microdosing.

Responsibility and caution are always required. Microdosing can be a tool for personal growth and well-being, but it is not a medicine or a substitute for professional medical care for mental health conditions such as depression. If you have any doubts, persistent symptoms, or are experiencing depression, always consult a qualified professional. You are not alone.