Healing and Psychosis

In the quest to comprehend and categorize experiences that diverge from the norms of conventional understanding, humanity has woven a tapestry of interpretations. From contemporary perspectives attributing such occurrences to biological or psychological deficiencies to the ancient wisdom of societies viewing them as harbingers of transformation, the spectrum of understanding is vast.

In the realm of psychiatry, deviations from the norm are often viewed through the lens of deficiency, offering little recourse beyond symptom management. Conversely, in societies steeped in shamanistic traditions, a psychotic break is perceived not as an end but as the inception of a profound process akin to metamorphosis.

Within these traditional belief systems, a psychotic episode is seen as a fever, signaling not illness but the onset of a journey. It is approached as an opportunity for healing and transcending, rather than a mere affliction to be endured. As expressed by Calloway in 1868, “At first he is apparently robust but in the process of time, he begins to be delicate not having any real disease but being really delicate. he dreams of many things and his body is muddled and he becomes a house of dreams.”

For shamans and healers, such episodes represent a pathway to resolving repressed or unaddressed issues. Trauma, grief, guilt, and the neglect of ancestral rituals may lie buried beneath the surface, silenced by societal norms. Through proper ritual cleansing and guidance, individuals undergoing such experiences are not only cured but also emerge as healers themselves, echoing the Jungian archetype of the wounded healer.

Symptoms of psychosis, as delineated in the DSM-5, often mirror manifestations of spiritual sickness. Delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking find parallels in visions, vivid dreams, and somatic complaints experienced during spiritual crises. Trauma, whether mild or severe, serves as a precipitating factor in both contexts, exacerbated by cultural taboos and societal constraints.

The approach to treatment diverges drastically between psychiatric intervention and traditional healing practices. While psychiatry tends to focus on empirical treatments and symptom management, healers delve into the socio-cultural context surrounding the individual’s experiences. They serve as conduits for expression, providing a safe space for the voice of the sufferer to be heard amidst societal conditioning.

In the healing journey facilitated by traditional healers, the first stage involves contextualizing the individual’s experiences within their socio-cultural milieu. This is followed by a more holistic approach that acknowledges and works within the framework of the individual’s delusions or hallucinations. Through rituals, herbal remedies, and dietary interventions, healers guide patients toward confronting and incorporating their repressed emotions and fragmented psyche.

Crucially, many traditional healers employ a transformative approach, training patients to become healers themselves. This echoes the concept of the wounded healer, where personal suffering serves as the catalyst for profound healing and eventual empowerment.

While spirituality can complement conventional treatments, particularly in managing conditions like PTSD, serious disorders such as schizophrenia require a multifaceted approach. Treating psychosis solely through biomedical interventions overlooks the rich tapestry of cultural and social factors at play. Instead, integrating spiritual modalities can offer a more holistic path to healing, honoring the intricate interplay between mind, body, and spirit.

In essence, the journey through psychosis is not one of isolation and despair but a transformative odyssey guided by healers who honor the profound interconnectedness of the human experience. It is a narrative of resilience, healing, and the profound potential for growth embedded within the human psyche.