The Overlapping Realms of Spirituality and Mental Health - by Meli G
>>> Their spiritual awakening or “spiritual crisis” or “spiritual emergency”
>>> A "dark night of the soul" or a period of depression or deep reflection/introspection following awakening
>>> Mental health, especially psychosis (delusions and hallucinations)
>>> Mental health crisis or overwhelming reactions due to a kundalini awakening, especially an unexpected and “spontaneous kundalini awakening”
As myriad spiritual teachers attest, we are currently living through a massive spiritual awakening on a global scale. People's consciousness is exanding. More people are healing and ultimately elevating their vibration and frequency. But it’s not a topic that's generally in our daily purview. It’s certainly not talked about on the news.
In the West, the topic of spirituality is rarely broached in the mainstream. This is a topic that essentially encompasses the totality of life. By contrast, many indigenous cultures and “less developed” nations are accustomed to supporting people on their spiritual journeys.
For millennia - and across every continent - humans have explored spirituality and their belief in God/deities/angels/demons/jinn/elementals etc. Humans have long-recognized the unseen spirit realm that’s interwoven into our reality.
Unfortunately for some people in the U.S. and the West, their direct experience of the unseen realm or spirit world is pathologized and they’re labeled mentally ill. They can become stigmatized, heavily medicated, silenced, and told their experiences were disordered and labeled as false “delusions and hallucinations.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic:
>>> Delusions are defined as: “Unshakable beliefs in something untrue.” I’m not sure who defines what’s true, especially regarding someone’s lived reality.
>>> Hallucinations are defined as: “False perceptions of sensory experiences. A hallucination is a false perception of objects or events involving your senses: sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. Hallucinations seem real, but they’re not. Chemical reactions and/or abnormalities in your brain cause hallucinations.” Again, how you can you tell someone what they're sensing in their body is "false."
Meanwhile some psychics, mystics, shamans, psychonauts, artists, mediums, and visionaries might disagree ;)
Yes, a person’s account of reality can be distorted by many factors at times - and psychosis can be dire for individuals and their families and loved ones (I can personally speak to that). But it also doesn’t negate the essence of their experiences, which can actually be incredibly transformative, especially within an empowering framework of understanding. I hope my blog accomplishes this, even on a small scale.
Trauma definitely increases the chances that someone may experience psychosis. For people who've had PTSD, their risk of developing delusions is 6.5X greater than the general population. This risk jumps to 18X greater for victims of rape. Thus trauma is absolutely a factor, particularly in a person's first years of life, but psychosis can also be triggered after highly stressful/traumatic events in adulthood.
Trauma aside, there are many similarities between psychosis and altered states of consciousness and mystical states. For instance, the “default mode network” in the brain (DMN) is thought to be disregulated during psychosis. The DMN is important for functions like emotional processing, self-reflection, social interaction, daydreaming, creativity, mental exploration, empathy, and sensing boundaries between self and the outside world - which can be viewed on a spectrum of frightening loss of self & blissful unity consciousness.
According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, “Both clinical psychosis and temporary altered states (like deep meditation or psychedelic experiences) share a common thread: the desynchronization or over-activation of the DMN.”
The DMN impacts numerous mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Mental health outcomes, especially pertaining to psychosis, are actually better in so-called less developed countries than in the West (including Europe). There’s also plenty of scientific evidence to show that psychiatric medications often worsen health outcomes over time. These countries use far less medications vs the West.
There can be a time/place for meds, but it can't be the foundational standard of care. This system is broken to the core. Billions of dollars are made this way, but it's not life-affirming and it's simply not improving health outcomes for the many millions of people who experience psychosis each year (which has enormous societal implications).
This current psychiatric model (staffed by many amazing & well-meaning & helpful ppl) doesn't address the root causes of such "disorders," and there's certainly been no rush to "find a cure" for severe mental illness and psychosis, which in its essence comprises delusions and hallucinations, which have been happening since humans have been on Earth, esp for many on the awakening path (or whose psychic senses are activating).
Nearly all spiritual and religous traditions believe in the spirit world and its influence on our thoughts, behaviors, and actions - for better and for worse. I believe when we love ourselves deeply (and others) and heal our traumas and fears, that we can vibrate high enough to mostly avoid the calamitous influence of dark spirits or energies on our mind/body/spirit (a lot easier said than done ;). This is a complex topic though and deserves its own post.
The reasons for our planet's mass awakening are manifold. Naturally one major catalyst is the ubiquitous availability of information via the internet, which includes billions of personal stories and anecdotes of people’s lived realities. Along with access to previously hidden/esoteric information and mystery teachings on spirituality.
Gone are the days when information was filtered primarily through religious institutions, or academia that’s steeped in mostly scientism and materialism (helpful but incomplete), or mainstream media, most of which is owned by massive corporate conglomerates.
People at the top of the preverbial pyramid - many of whom heavily desire power, control, and dominance - aren't usually fans of experiences that enhance the general public's ability to attain greater personal empowerment, sovereignty, an expanded mind, deep spiritual fulfillment (less materialist pursuits), and direct access to God. Maybe for themselves - but not for the masses.
But of course they've been programmed as well and have their own trauma, so I also can't judge anyone. We all have our inner shadow and darkness, myself included.
On one level it's understandable, that certain teachings remained secretive until the person is initiated to the next phase or level. This is partly because the path to spiritual attainment (ascension, self-realization, enlightenment etc) can entail an entire upheaval of a person's life, ego, and psyche. It's not for the faint of heart. It's also easy to become imbalanced and unstable (many layers to this).
I believe it's our life's primary purpose to awaken. And that it happens whenenever the time - or lifetime - is right for each of us. But it doesn't mean it's all love & light. It involves swimming in the darkness and integrating our shadow to become whole - or reaching individuation, in Carl Jung's terms (love him :).
Astrologists and mystics also view this cycle of human history as hugely transformative for the human collective and our planet. The pandemic also roused awakenings across the world and significantly impacted mental health, which will ripple out for generations to come.
Additionally, disclosure of NHI (non-human intelligence) or star beings (I like this term) is also stirring up the collective. Along with the disclosure of corruption in general and our unfolding collective “dark night of the soul.”
There are so many factors contributing to this global awakening, indeed. What a thrilling time to be alive though, even with the growing pains.
Change is often difficult, though, as we know. So it’s my deep belief that more support is needed for those undergoing spiritual awakenings and mental health crises. These figures are swelling.
I had very little knowledge about spirituality until my direct awakening experiences. I also had a spontaneous kundalini awakening in 2017, which can be a harrowing process to the unprepared and uninitiated. This is putting it lightly. These experiences can electrify and purge our body/mind/spirit. It can also turn lives upside down. It's a gift, but wow (more on this later :).
I’m also grateful for people who illuminated the overlap between psychosis and spirituality. I treasure the people who explained that in some countries, people who’ve experienced mental health crises and even psychosis, often become their community’s shamans, healers, mystics, artists and visionaries. This helped me shed some of the immense shame I was carrying.
They taught me that such crises are actually fiery initiations that can lead to a rebirth, often accompanied by heightened psychic sensitivity and other gifts (and greater connection to the divine & spirit world).
These brave and powerful teachers lit my darkened path. Sometimes I would sob with relief. Finally someone understood me - and that my experiences held meaning. I wasn’t alone. I wasn’t just a crazy person with a disordered brain. And I certainly wasn’t defective. I’m a miracle - as we all are! :)
They were merely ahead of their time and/or simply more awakened during this incarnation. Although at the same time, I believe the darkness, along with those playing “dark roles,” also serve the light by revealing our personal and collective shadows - and showing us where we need to take our power back or heal.
Thankfully many people are speaking out about their spiritual experiences and crises. And we have access to their stories online.
Many great therapists/coaches are also helping people, especially those with an understanding or respect for people’s spiritual and/or religious beliefs (esp the field of transpersonal psychology). And medications can occasionally help people, albeit more so in the short term, as med effects have been proven to wear off over time.
But our current system of meds and talk therapy is woefully lacking. Many leading psychiatrists even agree that our modern approach is doing more harm than good.
The abysmal statistics on mental health reflect this heartbreaking trend, including worsening mental health outcomes vs previous decades (despite loads of new psych drugs) and skyrocketing suicides, especially among young people. An estimated 20% of Americans are on antidepressents, which is a 500% increase since the 1990's.
Yes, there are many social factors. But there is also scientific evidence that shows the inefficacy of current treatments, not to mention the long and debilitating list of side effects and withdrawal effects from all psych meds, including SSRI’s. The drug warnings themselves reveal many of them, including suicidal thoughts, aggression and hostility. It also turns many patients into self-described zombies. This happened to me as well.
Of course medication can help people sometimes. And I absolutely respect each person’s choice on this matter. We know ourselves best and can all consult the healthcare professionals that we trust.
On the whole, however, I believe our mind/body/spirit is best served by a holistic approach. Everything is interconnected.
These include, but definitely aren’t limited to:
1. Finding some sense of purpose and meaning in our experiences/lives. Our life’s challenges and suffering often catalyze the most significant change and growth.
Even psychosis can be viewed as a spiritual gift, when viewed through the right framework (more on this in later posts). And every person who has struggled can share their stories with others. Our toughest challenges can evoke so much empowerment for ourselves and inspiration for others.
2. Nutrition. Specifically ketogenic diets are proving very effective for treating bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, partly bc it reverses insulin resistance. However, there are many nutritional approaches and supplements that help people based on their unique needs. Our gut health is definitely important as well, esp re: serotonin production.
3. Treating inflammation and infections which affect mental health, including psychosis. Environmental and food toxins are another big factor, including mold, glyphosate and heavy metals. Cleanses are definitely helping mental health. EMFs can also impact mental health, esp for those who are particiularly sensitive to electromagnetic frequencies. Look online for ways to mitigate effects, if this resonates for you.
4. Movement and exercise. Even micro-workouts. Or stretchy movements while we’re sitting. It’s all helpful.
5. Fascial and lymphatic exercises have done wonders for me. I recommend “Eligned” on YouTube. These workouts instantly lift my mood. “Human Garage” is another fave on YouTube. I’m absolutely calmer since working on fascial releases.
6. Getting outside and into the sun. Of course we can take precautions during peak hours, but the sun’s healing power has been grossly invalidated. It’s healing on so many levels, esp re: red light absorption.
8. Emotional releases (hugely helpful for me). There are many methods online for this approach.
9. Getting sober. This was very hard for me, but so worth it. I’m a recovering alcoholic who’s dabbled in many substances. But I need to be sober. Some people on the spiritual path - or in general - can handle substances. But my sensitive system can go off the rails - sometimes peering into unseen realms - when I open that gateway.
Plant medicine and psychedlics have helped many people. But for some, it can be too much for the mind/body/spirit to handle. Again, it's for each person to decide based on their intuition.
Many people also believe in the concept that negative entities, "egregores" or negative thought forms, archons, jinn, demons etc - can use "openings" like addictions, fears, and unhealed trauma to influence a person and even attach to them and syphon their energy (some people believe these are the voices experienced by schizophrenics who are suffering, though it's complex).
We can heal these openings and attachments, but it's something to be aware of. This concept may sound wild, but people have been experiencing this for millenia. Excorcisms, deliverance, prayers, shamanism, and energy healing can help address this (again if it resonates).
Cannabis is also causing a surge in cases of psychosis (& subsequent diagnosis of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia) because of the massive leap in THC percentage in recent decades. Not to mention if drugs are laced with other substances like fentanyl etc.
10. Praying for myself and others. It's helped me so much to pray to God, Jesus, and my “spirit team” and my higher self. Whatever works best for people. For some, their higher power is nature or the Universe.
I also continue to pray for the hundreds of millions of people struggling with mental health across the globe. It helps me feel connected to others, esp during times that I’ve felt deeply alone after my life had fallen apart (more than once!).
With any problem or feeling I’m having, I try to imagine all the people in the world who’ve gone through it and I pray for them too. We’re SO not alone.
Scientific evidence has also shown that prayer works. There’s also the realms of the quantum field, quantum entanglement, and telepathy (topics for other posts).
I don’t know anything for sure, but I know that prayer sure does help me! :)
I got sober thru AA and their approach is lifesaving for many (it was for me, even though I no longer attend). 12-step programs like AA/NA/OA/Al-Anon etc honor people’s spiritual world as well, without forcing anyone to believe anything. I would love to see support groups for people struggling with mental health that follow this model somehow.
13. Grounding. Lots of grounding. Going barefoot on the grass, earth and even concrete. There are plenty of grounding meditations online as well. They help us return to our bodies and Mother Earth.
14. Deep breathing. I do it whenever I remember. Throughout the day. It has a major affect on our nervous system and stress hormones. On that note, any methods that help us shift to a parasympathetic state can help our mental health, like splashing cold water on our face and neck, shaking, dancing, singing, humming etc etc. These methods also help reduce and burn off cortisol. I love that some of the best tactics to boost our mood are free! :)
15. Sleep. I hesitated to add this, because getting good sleep can be tough for many (I've had periods of struggle). But as I started practicing the activities above, my sleep steadily improved over time (also had PTSD from a physical assault).
I like affirmations involving safety. They help replace looping thoughts and can re-program our subconscious mind/beliefs. Nighttime or darkness can sometimes kindle frightening memories, and many believe that spirits are active at night and in our dreams. I like to repeat "I am loved. I am perfect. And I am safe." By perfect I mean divine, like all of us :) I'll also pray to God to help me fall back asleep if I'm amped up. Speaking of affirmations...
16. Affirmations, mantras, positive thinking, and lots of self-love and self-compassion. This was enormous for me to lift my vibration post-pyschosis and post-hospitalization.
I also strongly believe that we need to "feel to heal" and to name/love/accept the emotions that are arising and trying to move through us. I use a combo of both: validating/accepting/loving my emotions & positive mental boosts.
Essentially I had to re-write my mental scripts to better love myself and others. It took lots of repitition, but it absolutely helped. I also started saying (in my mind) "I love you" or "thank you" or "love and blessings" to people and animals and trees that crossed my path. I also started saying loving sentiments to each part of my body. I can't describe how helpful these tactics have been for my healing process.
Please reach out or comment if you have any recommendations or thoughts about these topics. It takes a village! :)
Thank you so much for reading this far and for learning about my journey and perspective! Love & blessings to you & us all! -Meli
Photos, in order of appearance: Connor Scot, Koray Bozkurt, Krzysztof, lgor Incioi, Lukman Hakim, Maive Nahuel, Mayursinh Parmar, Mohamed Weaam, Orbabz, Shot by Rain & Mekselina Gucer
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