Dark Night of the Soul

Dark night of the soul is the term often used when an individual is experiencing a Spiritual Crisis, or has entered into a Spiritual Depression as a result of a Spiritual Awakening and therefore maybe in need of spiritual guidance.

There has been much written over the centuries to try to explain this mystical, painful and sometimes terrifying state of being. It is an experience that is difficult to comprehend unless you are in it or have experienced it.

It can be misunderstood and can lead to all sorts of mental health “labels” being attached to those who exhibit certain signs or symptoms of psychological or emotional imbalance, which themselves are often the driving force in a spiritual awakening that brings about transformation in individuals.

As stated before this experience can arise spontaneously and naturally, it can be the outcome of a chosen path of spiritual development. Or it can be the result of some major life crisis that has knocked you for six.

It is an experience that maybe short lived lasting only a few months or it may be an experience that is prolonged or even chronic lasting years and creating a deep impact on the individuals life.

First let us address the term “spiritual depression”, this is not the same as clinical depression, there are similarities such as feelings of despair, or unworthiness, or feelings of powerlessness or hopelessness. However within the dark night of the soul experience, Spiritual depression tends to be more philosophical or broader in nature, more global than personal.

It will often raise the questions Why am I here? Who am I? What is the purpose of life etc. The despair is more at the cruelty and suffering in the world, the hopelessness and powerlessness more about the inability to do anything to help those who are suffering in the world.

Clinical depression tends to be more, Why me, Why is this happening to me etc.

The feelings and the depth of despair, hopelessness and powerlessness can be equally intense and life altering in both cases.

Although Spiritual Depression is an aspect of the dark night of the soul experience, the whole experience is much broader and encompasses many different aspects.

There are a vast range of “symptoms” if we should call them that which may suggest that a person is indeed in spiritual crisis and may well be experiencing a dark night of the soul episode.

Below is a short list of some of the Signs or Symptoms that are often present during the dark night of the soul crisis

·         A deep sense of sadness or despair

·         A sense of anxiety or Panic for no apparent reason

·         A sense of being here alone

·         A sense of not belonging here

·         Feeling lost

·         A longing for something that is intangible or indescribable

·         A feeling of unworthiness

·         A sense that all you once held dear has no meaning anymore

·         A loss of interest in everyday routine or conversations

·         A sense of alienation from family and friends as if they do not understand you

·         Powerful feelings of guilt  / regret for actions in the past

·         A feeling of no longer knowing who you are

·         Confusion over your purpose in life

·         A need to do something but having no idea what

·         Powerful uncontrolled emotions that overwhelm in an instant