What do you do when it feels like you’re whole life is falling apart?
Welcome to this exploration of the profound journey known as the “dark night of the soul.” For successful women seeking spiritual growth, this can be a transformative phase that leads to a deeper understanding of oneself and one’s purpose in the world. But let’s be real, it is the most painful, confusing phase of your life and it can feel really difficult to know there is a purpose to your pain. In this blog post, we will delve into the difference between clinical depression and spiritual depression, the purpose of the dark night of the soul, and the signs that you might be experiencing this transformative process.
Understanding the Difference: Clinical Depression vs. Spiritual Depression
I have personally experienced both, and while they can feel very similar, there is something so much different about spiritual depression.
With tears streaming down my face, searching for the words to express the depths of the pain and confusion I felt, the only words that could come out of my mouth were: “it feels like my soul is broken.” Welcome to my second dark night of the soul, aka spiritual depression.
Clinical Depression: Clinical depression is a medical condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It often involves physical symptoms like changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and energy levels. Clinical depression generally leads someone to professional medical help and is typically treated through therapies, medication, or a combination of both. Depression can linger and often shows up again and again throughout life unless someone chooses to make significant changes and learn the tools to manage their thoughts and emotions.
Spiritual Depression: Spiritual depression, on the other hand, is a profound emotional and existential crisis that occurs on a spiritual and philosophical level. You can experience everything listed above for clinical depression, but this hits on an even deeper level. It’s a deep questioning of one’s beliefs, purpose, and connection to the universe. Unlike clinical depression, spiritual depression is often a natural part of the spiritual awakening process and can be a catalyst for significant personal growth and creating a life that feels right in your soul. But first, it’s going to feel like shit. Trust the process.
The Purpose of the Dark Night of the Soul
The dark night of the soul is a period of intense inner turmoil and existential questioning. It’s a transformative journey that challenges our very foundations and beliefs, ultimately guiding us towards a deeper understanding of our true selves and our purpose in the world.
The purpose includes:
- Discovering Your True Self: The dark night of the soul forces you to confront and shed the false layers of your ego, allowing your true essence to emerge. You will have thoughts like “who am I?” and “how did I let myself get to this place in my life?”
- Awakening to a Bigger Purpose: Through this experience, you can gain clarity about your life’s purpose and how you can contribute positively to the world. You’re likely questioning your career decisions, feeling trapped in a 9-5, or realizing you’re whole life has been centered around work and now your soul is screaming at you that something is not right. Hello burnout.
Signs of the Dark Night of the Soul
- Multiple Losses and Everything Falling Apart: You may experience a series of losses or setbacks in various areas of your life, such as relationships, career, or health. It will feel like doors are closing, and they are, temporarily, so you focus on yourself and the transformation that needs to take place.
- Existential Crises: Profound questioning about the meaning and purpose of life may consume your thoughts and emotions.
- Hopelessness: A pervasive feeling of hopelessness, often accompanied by a sense of being lost and directionless.
- Isolation and Disconnection: A growing sense of isolation and disconnection from your higher power, spiritual beliefs, or the world around you.
Embracing the Journey and What Not to Do
- Do Not Try to Control or Resist It: Attempting to control or resist the dark night experience only prolongs the process and hinders growth. Allow yourself to surrender to the transformative journey. I know this is hard as an ambitious, high-achieving woman, but this is often the very medicine you need- to learn to let go of control and trust there is a bigger vision and a more authentic path ahead of you.
- Do Not Force Yourself Out of It Prematurely: Rushing the process and seeking a quick fix can prevent you from fully absorbing the valuable lessons and insights that the dark night of the soul offers. I often get the question- “how long will this take?!” And the unfortunate answer is, as long as it needs to. You will prolong it if you fight it and try to pull yourself out of it too soon. Remember, you’re in this phase to learn lessons and gain wisdom for where you’re meant to go next. Without the wisdom, you’ll keep repeating patterns and find yourself stuck in the same life, feeling the same way.
Conclusion: The dark night of the soul is a powerful journey that can lead to profound self-discovery and purposeful living. Embrace this transformative process, seeking guidance and support when needed, as it has the potential to illuminate your path toward a more authentic and meaningful life. Remember, in the darkness, there is an opportunity to find the light within yourself and the world around you, and then use that light to make your impact.
If you are seeking help on your journey, book a complimentary consultation with me to discuss how I can help you through this: Schedule HERE
