Depression - An Esoteric View

​So many people are affected by depression which is, as we all know, a generic term encompassing a range of states from mild to severe, cyclic or chronic. There is so much information out there so I wanted to offer to look at it from a different angle.
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​So many people are affected by depression which is, as we all know, a generic term encompassing a range of states from mild to severe, cyclic or chronic. There is so much information out there so I wanted to offer to look at it from a different angle.

I used to teach various subjects drawing on the insights of Rudolf Steiner who remains probably most famous for his unique views on Education (Waldorf Schools or Steiner Education) farming and architecture and Anthroposophical Medicine.

On an esoteric level, what is really happening in someone suffering from depression?

I will endeavour to explain this in simple terms. All of us have a physical body, a Soul and a part in us that is purely spiritual. When things go well, these three constituents interact harmoniously which leads to a state of equilibrium (= health). Of course this interaction means constant motion and change. On an esoteric level, something like the principle of homeostasis takes place. The totality of the human experience is reflected in these three spheres.

When depression strikes, the interplay between these three constituents is disrupted, for example:

·         On the Physical level
If the body is under a tremendous amount of stress it can lead to physical exhaustion, which in turn, could mark the onset of depression.
·         On the Soul level
Here, what may cause the imbalance is for instance an emotional shock or grief
·         On the Spiritual level
Disharmony could include, invasive and disturbing thoughts such as “I am not belonging” or “I feel disconnected” from myself (and/or others) or from what I perceive as my purpose in life.
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I have introduced these concepts broadly and simply to illustrate what may take place. More importantly what this tells us, is that the whole of the human being is affected, not just a single part as these three levels of experience are so intimately interlinked.  I personally find this helpful and it confirms that a holistic approach such as homeopathy and other interventions are required to restore health.  

In the light of what has been mentioned so far, here is a short case study:
An acquaintance suffered from what is commonly described as a burnout which led to depression. He was treated by an Anthroposophical Doctor (with homeopathy). The second recommendation was of a different nature; the patient was asked to move away from his usual surrounding for a period of two months. Third recommendation; in these two months, he was advised to engage in physical work such as gardening and/or to exert himself with a long hike in nature everyday with the aim to experience physical tiredness.
Why move away? Depression can also be described as a vicious circle of which the main common experience would be a never ending succession of hope and despair, or negative thoughts. To move away offers the opportunity to change one’s perspective as inevitably one would be called to adjust to a new environment. This naturally will focus the mind, change the normal paradigm of life and lead to new experiences and insights.
Why would it be good to work physically or walk in nature?  It is surprisingly simple; by doing this we expose our whole being to the world of archetypal rhythms such as, day and night, the seasons, the 4 elements and their interplay, the forces of growth (life) and decay (death). To experience these outside us, helps our inner esoteric processes. The principle of like cures like is again at work here. By being in contact with the forces of nature and all its mysteries, we become conscious that the outer is reflected in the inner and our own rhythms will in time naturally ‘synchronise’ and ‘re-connect’. Our being yearns to resonate with nature and when this occurs, it harmonises, body, Soul and Spirit and their interplay.
There are several homeopathic medicines that can help with depression; the selection of the correct one would require the experience of a trained homeopath as the treatment would invariably be tailored holistically to the individual. The response may wary from case to case and the recovery process needs ongoing and careful attention.
In depression, there is no such thing as a miracle cure. It requires the healing quality of time. As this case study describes, my belief is that a structured and combined approach is needed and serves to remind us that some simple means can bring about a great deal of healing.
 
Pierre Vuilleumier RSHom
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