Depression Friend or Foe?

Despite our numerous efforts to live life in a constant state of blissful joy, depression visits us all from time to time, and those of us who have experienced a visit from this uninvited guest know just how devastating it can be. Numerous authors have tried to portray the painful nature of this state by using phrases such as feeling powerless or being stuck in a black hole. Unanimously all who have experienced depression describe it as an unpleasant experience. To battle a depressive phase one most likely must delve into the unconscious however communicating with this part requires a different skill set. The language of the unconscious is imagination, which is mainly rooted in our fantasies and the best means of tapping into our fantasies is to study our dreams. The experience of depression embodies pain for the individual. If left alone this “pain –body” as Tolle (1999) refers to, develops a character of its own and feeds on more pain to get stronger and stronger. Its goal is to survive in the host body in any manner possible. Its presence brings about a repetitive neurotic suffering with bitter resentment towards the self, others, and the world. Because this attitude maintains the individual in a state of inactive surrender it is described as a black hole, which sucks the will and motivation from the soul. Using medication or confronting its negative nature although temporarily effective at times, simply puts this beast to sleep delaying the inevitable recurrence of its powerful presence. So how does one go to war with this demon? As with any other enemy to be successful in battle one needs to get to know the opponent well. The goal is to understand what it wants and to make sense of its unexpected visit. Pain is an inescapable component of this battle. Throughout this process we must prepare ourselves for losing battles to the sorrow until we find ways to properly interpret it. When we learn to communicate with the darkness, we can befriend it and find the wisdom embedded in it. The hope is that the key to escaping the dark hole is hidden in it somewhere. Once we find the key, we can break free.