Depression is epidemic with over 20% of our population having symptoms at any given time. Many would agree that feelings of depression can be so overwhelming that they feel at the mercy of this silent enemy. Western culture, for the most part, treats depression as a biological issue-one that pharmaceuticals can remedy. Of course there have always been the “others” that felt it could be treated as a mental disorder, but even then cognitive behaviors are what are targeted, or perhaps family history, as the places to hunt down the enemy and eradicate it. This means that the targets are things that you know you do, such as weeping, sleeping, or missing work, but understanding why you do those things is an altogether different issue. Of course part of the answer may be years of therapy-for some this is a viable option, but for others the time and expense make it impossible.

I was given the gift of knowing in the depths of my soul that there had to be another option. And, when I was in school studying for my doctorate degree, many classmates seemed to have the same inspiration. Some felt crystal bowls, breathing, meditation, or light therapy may be an answer to the problem of depression. I found an answer in archetype education. I developed a theory that when a person becomes depressed that it is a lot like coming down with the flu. While you feel absolutely wretched, most of you still functions at a very healthy level. Think about it, you may have aches and fever and be involuntarily spewing from every orifice you have…but in reality your organs, bones, muscles, and major systems are still healthy. And, while flu can be terminal if one becomes overly dehydrated, depression can become terminal if one reaches a state of hopelessness.

It became clear to me over time that archetypes can be a link into the mysteries of overcoming depression. It isn’t as quick of a fix as taking a pill, but it is quicker than years of therapy. But, like all things, archetypes may not be an answer for everyone. It does take a certain amount of inner work, but the process itself is not difficult. You will receive tools that you can reuse at any time and information to help you get to know yourself and then use that knowledge to combat depression.

In my process, we will determine which one archetype is at the root of your imbalance-the one that is vibrating out of balance with the others and acting out in ways that ultimately have manifested in depression. We will then come up with ways to honor that archetype and bring it back into harmony with the rest of the archetypes that are unique to your primary character. It will be a journey of self-discovery and will provide you with tools that can be reused and applied to your daily life.

The process was tested during my doctoral study and resulted in outstanding results both statistically and through the positive experiences of participants (who readily recommend archetype education and analysis as a combatant for depression). The complete process is provided in my book: Archetypes to the Rescue: Your personal key toward combating depression. It is available through this website, by emailing me, at Myss.com, through Jadapress.com, or through major bookstores.