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28 January 2026
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Ego-death, also known as ego dissolution, is an experience in which the feeling of a separate ‘self’ temporarily dissolves. People who experience this often report that they no longer know who they are or where their identity ends. For some, this feels liberating; for others, it is intense or frightening.
In this blog, we explain what ego-death precisely is, where the idea comes from, why people want to experience this state, and what mental risks can be associated with it.
Ego-death does not mean that the ego disappears, but that it temporarily loses its grip on your consciousness.
Ego-death refers to a state in which your normal self-image, inner dialogue, and sense of identity temporarily disappear. You no longer experience yourself as a separate individual, but as part of a larger whole.
The ego itself is not a negative trait. It is the mechanism by which we recognize ourselves as a person with a name, a past, and a place in the world.
In psychology, the ego is seen as the mechanism that organizes and maintains our identity and self-perception.
In modern neuroscience, a similar concept is used: the Default Mode Network (DMN). This brain network is active when we think about ourselves, our identity, and our life story.
Letting go of the ego is not a modern idea. In spiritual traditions such as Buddhism, Taoism, and mystical Christianity, selflessness and unity have been discussed for centuries.
Within Western psychedelic culture, ego-death is used to describe a state in which personal identity temporarily dissolves.
Some people try to experience ego-death through psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, or ketamine. Especially at high doses, the feeling of a ‘self’ can completely disappear.
Scientific research shows that psychedelics can temporarily reduce the activity of the Default Mode Network, blurring boundaries between thoughts, memories, and perception [1] and that these effects are related to changes in self-perception.
Ego dissolution can be profound, but also confusing or frightening, especially without guidance.
Studies emphasize that these experiences are highly dependent on context, mental state, and setting, and that negative effects can occur in cases of psychological vulnerability[2].
The ego is seen by some people as a source of stress, dissatisfaction, and inner conflict. By temporarily letting go of the ego, they hope to create space for:
The experience is sometimes described as a symbolic rebirth, where old patterns temporarily disappear and space is created for change.
The first phase is characterized by an altered state of consciousness. Sensory perception changes, thoughts become less structured, and the feeling of control diminishes.
In this phase, the feeling of a separate self disappears. Some experience unity and meaning, others disorientation or fear.
After the experience, normal consciousness returns. The world is the same, but the way you experience it may have changed permanently.
Ego-death is not an innocent experience and certainly not suitable for everyone. High doses of psychedelics carry risks, such as:
Guided therapy or meditation is often mentioned as a safer alternative than independent experimentation.
Ego-death raises deep questions about identity and consciousness. For some, it is a valuable experience; for others, it is confronting. It is not an end in itself and no guarantee of insight or enlightenment.
This blog is intended as a source of information and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice.
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