The hero’s journey is a powerful archetypal pattern that can help us understand the human experience in a profound way. Originally developed by Joseph Campbell, the hero’s journey is a narrative framework that describes the stages of a hero’s journey from the ordinary world to the unknown and back again. While it may seem like a tool primarily used for storytelling, understanding the hero’s journey can also be beneficial in understanding and working through depression.
The hero’s journey can be seen as a metaphor for the journey of life, with the hero representing the individual and the stages of the journey representing the various challenges and obstacles that one must face in order to grow and transform. In the context of depression, the hero’s journey can provide a roadmap for understanding and navigating the experience of depression.
The first stage of the hero’s journey is the call to adventure, where the hero is called out of the ordinary world and into the unknown. In the context of depression, this call to adventure can be seen as the initial experience of depression, where the individual is called out of their normal routine and into a new and unfamiliar experience.
The next stage is the refusal of the call, where the hero may resist the call to adventure out of fear or doubt. In the context of depression, this can manifest as denial or avoidance of the experience of depression, leading to a delay in seeking help or taking action to address the issue.
The third stage is the meeting with the mentor, where the hero meets a guide or mentor who helps them navigate the challenges of the journey. In the context of depression, this mentor could be a therapist or other mental health professional who provides guidance and support through the journey of healing.
The fourth stage is the initiation, where the hero faces a series of trials and challenges that test their strength and resolve. In the context of depression, this can manifest as a range of symptoms and challenges that must be overcome in order to heal.
The fifth stage is the abyss, where the hero faces a moment of crisis or despair that threatens to overwhelm them. In the context of depression, this can manifest as a feeling of hopelessness or a sense that things will never get better.
The sixth stage is the transformation, where the hero undergoes a profound transformation that allows them to overcome their challenges and emerge stronger and wiser. In the context of depression, this can manifest as a newfound sense of purpose or meaning, as well as a greater sense of self-awareness and personal growth.
The final stage is the return, where the hero returns to the ordinary world with a newfound sense of purpose and a greater understanding of themselves and the world around them. In the context of depression, this can manifest as a return to normal life with a greater sense of resilience and a deeper understanding of the nature of depression and mental health.
By understanding the hero’s journey and how it relates to the experience of depression, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their own journey and develop a roadmap for healing and transformation. Through this process, individuals can begin to see depression not as a source of shame or weakness, but as an opportunity for growth and personal transformation.