Mental struggle is a universal ordeal for humanity. If we don't personally struggle with an illness or problem, we probably know someone who does. Culture paints the portrait of such struggles as debilitating, life-lasting conditions, permanent facts of existence.
What if, however, these very problems/illnesses/struggles can be the source of kindling for a profound mental transformation towards greater wholeness and health?
If we look at an illness such as psychosis or schizophrenia for example, these phenomena are non-existent in aboriginal or what some might call "primitive" cultures. On the contrary, individuals experiencing such states are thought to be undergoing a process of initiation into becoming a shaman or healer. Such members of society are taught by an experienced member of the culture how to negotiate the extreme psychological terrain that they are going through and to navigate the turbulent mental landscapes of their visions and hallucinations. Consequently, these shamans-to-be become very important members fo the societies: they are healers.
If we take these aboriginal ideas surrounding mental health into consideration from a Western perspective, it could transform how we treat mentally ill individuals and our opinions and prejudices against them.
The idea of mental illness as a healing process is not a new or original idea. Such thinkers, writers, and psychiatrists as R.D. Laing and John Weir Perry have expressed the idea in similar terms more than 40 years ago. Furhermore, it doesn't have to just be applied to specific mental conditions such as psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Any mental struggle should be considered as a healing process: an addiction that is faced head-on may lead to greater mental strength and self-knowledge; depression that is confronted and healed could lead to an overall greater sense of well-being and happiness.
The healing process however, does require work. You have to work on yourself, develop greater self-awareness, and learn all you can about your struggle by any means necessary. This could mean reading, cultivating a meditation practice, or pursuing a new hobby or vocation. Action is the key, not sitting around feeling sorry for yourself.
You can use your experience with the struggle to help and guide other, much like a shaman. You can be a healer. Too often, those with a diagnosis of a mental issue resign themselves to a life of mediocrity, thinking they can never be a productive member of society or make a meaningful, creative contribution. This is a falsehood. We need such individuals more than ever to steer us through the wilderness of mental strife and guide the world to greater wholeness and harmony. These individuals' experiences can be a guiding light to others especially in terms of how they are able to face and overcome their troubles.
Patience in these struggles is crucial. The journey to health and healing can be a long, laborious process. Some face greater challenges than others on the path. One important factor in the journey is having a safe, supportive network of family and healthcare providers, and a stable environment. Unfortunately, this is not the reality for many people going through theses struggles. If everyone had the opportunity and peace available to a lucky few, there would be far more healers around who could offer their knowledge and assistance.
The Rat Park study from a few decades ago comes to mind here. Laboratory rats who were given a stimulating environment were less likely to become addicted to drugs than rats that were kept in a confined, boring, or highly stressful environment. This study, when applied to humanity shows that having an interesting, engaging, and enriching environment is crucial in whether a person is more or less likely to struggle with addiction and other mental health issues.
Everyone has the spark of greatness and genius within. If you are struggling with a mental problem, don't think your current reality is permanent. Change is the only constant of life. Face your demons head-on. Embrace the pain. By doing so, you are on the road to wholeness and health. What currently is, doesn't always have to be the case. Maybe you are a healer - you can help others. Your struggles are a great teacher, not only to yourself, but others. Embrace your pain and illness and struggle and emerge as a guiding light.
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