What is ontological shock?

Ontological shock refers to a profound experience that can be triggered by encounters with non-ordinary states of consciousness, often during psychedelic sessions. It involves the inability to reconcile these new, hyper-real experiences with one's ordinary perception of reality. This dissonance can be jarring and may take a significant amount of time to integrate, sometimes requiring weeks, months, or even years to readjust. Ontological shock is not a constant occurrence but happens with some frequency in these contexts 1.

Additionally, this term can also refer to the profound realizations or memories that might surface during such experiences, such as those related to past traumas. Such events can significantly challenge one's understanding of their reality and identity 1.