This notion sounds unlikely, does it not? But could it be possilbe that depression, in some cases, is a blessing in disguise?
The label 'depression ' covers three different inner experiences:
- Reactive depression, which is triggered by a hurtful life event
- Endogenous depression, which occurs as a result of physical challenges such as disease, lack of exposure to sunlight, shortage of necessary nutrients, or substance abuse for example.
- Spiritual depression , which reflects the pain of feeling disconnected from The Force - to use Star Wars ' language.
Current Australian medical stats tell us that depressive sickness - the dreadful, long term version of a depressive occurrence - does at some stage interrupt the life of 20% of the populace.
No matter what the cause, this condition is agonizing and can severely affect our relationships, health and capability to work.
So from a medical viewpoint, depression is best avoided at any cost. And since psychiatry does not differentiate between causes, it treats them all with the same label - clinical depression - and the same tools - psychotropic drugs.
Yet, the prognosis and result of a spiritual depression is very different from the other two.
The 'dark night of the soul ' is a wake up call in our journey of human evolution. It tells us that we're missing something critical to our wellbeing. Something that our soul is crying for - a conscious connection to spirituality. As such, this crisis represents a landmark for expansion, not an indication of mental illness.
This is the reason why successful and well adjusted people can also experience feelings of depression. They might have achieved everything they wanted from a material point of view and yet they suffer. They feel alone, miserable and disconnected. As their achievements appear meaningless, they're likely to ask themselves "Am I going mad?"
Many individuals in that situation try and fill their inner emptiness with external stimuli. Global travels, a flash new auto or multiple affairs can become temporary band aids. Others attempt to suppress their uncomfortable feelings with overwork, drugs or alcohol.
Of course none of the above resolves their problem. What they actually need at this point is an epiphany. They need to consciously connect to their spiritual nature and start living appropriately.
Spirituality isn't religion. It is a broader viewpoint of life that expands our consciousness outside the material world and its ordinary concerns. In time, it moves us from 'What's in it for me? ' to 'How could I be of service? '
So spiritual depression benefits from an expanded appreciation of who we are and our place in the universe. Not a suppression of consciousness thru medical drugs. According to Doctor John E. Nelson (holistic psychiatric doctor and author of the book 'Healing the Split'), pharmaceuticals crystalise an existential crisis, they never resolve it.
This is why 'May the Force be with you" is such an insightful greeting!
As the Force is the life energy that sustains the whole Universe. The zero point field that physicists study. The Web of Indra discovered by ancient Eastern wisdom.
And once we acknowledge its existence, we are able to reconnect to that power and fill our existential void. Which in its turn heals spiritual depression.
So how do we connect to the Force?
Three steps are needed:
- The 1st one involves going within through regular meditation or prayer. Joining a meditation group is frequently a good move.
- The second step is an intellectual one. Reading good spiritual books, including books on spiritual crises, helps facilitate integration. As is talking with a transpersonal counsellor or therapist.
- And the third step is to apply spiritual values and be of service. In any way we are able to.
And shortly enough, depressive feelings disappear. Joy and energy return. We have gone thru our dark night of the soul. We've had the courage to face our monsters. And finally we come out the other side.
Are we the same as before? No, far from it. We are now spiritually awake, stronger and wiser. And our rewards are greater emotional intelligence, physical health and spiritual awareness
So as a wake up call, spiritual depression really is a blessing - so long as it is handled in appropriate ways.
References:
Carroll M, 'Am I Going Mad? The Unsettling Phenomena of Spiritual Evolution ' (Inner Peace Publishing 2007, 2nd edition 2009)
Nelson John E. Dr, 'Healing the Split ' (SUNY, 1994)
About the author:
Marlyse Carroll is a meditation teacher, consultant, writer & speaker of Swiss French origin who is living in country Victoria, Australia. Marlyse is the writer of the bestseller 'Am I Going Mad? The Unsettling Phenomena of Spiritual Evolution ' (Inner Peace Publishing 2007).'Am I Going Mad? ' sheds light on spiritual crises and how best to deal with them. It offers a map thru the maze of the mind, in particular the hidden pathways where unusual experiences sometimes meet us. Marlyse also facilitates life-changing retreats & workshops. To get more information on Marlyse's work, go to:
