Depression and mysticism: Case report and literature review.

Abstract

The principal aim of this article is to explore the relationship between depression and mystical experiences. The paper begins with a discussion of definitional issues, inquiring into the meaning and interrelationship of terms such as peak experience, mystical experience, awakening experience, satori, and so forth. The case of a 68-yearold woman who underwent a profound and transformative experience while being treated for depression in the first author's psychiatric clinic is then presented as a basis for an interdisciplinary discussion and literature review pertaining to the relationship between depression and mystical experiences. After a discussion/exposition of therapeutic approaches, the paper closes with a discussion of possible future research directions.

Nonordinary Experiences, Well-being and Mental Health: A Systematic Review of the Evidence and Recommendations for Future Research

“…A number of researchers have identified positive correlations of different NOEs with mental well-being or positive psychological states such as joy, enhanced sense of meaning or life purpose, and enhanced coping capacity in the face of suffering and bereavement (Benning et al, 2021;Bovero et al, 2019;Elsaesser et al, 2021;Jahn & Spencer-Thomas, 2018;Kalkstein & Tower, 2009;Kennedy et al, 1994;Kennedy & Kanthamani, 1995;Kent et al, 2020;Krause & Bastida, 2009;Lee, 2011;Rabeyron et al, 2018;Rudaz et al, 2019;Saiz et al, 2021;Wilde et al, 2019). In contrast, some investigations have found either inverse (Ballew et al, 2012;Ho et al, 2016;Koenig et al, 2016;Lee, 2011;Park & Roh, 2013;Simmonds-Moore et al, 2019;Whitaker et al, 2021) or no significant association between NOEs and psychopathological variables (Barnby & Bell, 2017;Caird, 1987;Cooper et al, 2015;Francis et al, 2015;Francis & Robbins, 2014;Kroll et al, 1996;Simmonds-Moore et al, 2019;Thalbourne, 2007).…”

“…For example, it was found that a history of trauma and psychopathological symptoms is sometimes associated with NOEs such as dissociative and extrasensory perception experiences (Hecker et al, 2015;Rabeyron & Watt, 2010;Ross & Joshi, 1992;Scimeca et al, 2015 -but see Kroll et al, 1996). Other studies have found that NOEs such as NDEs and certain mystical experiences may trigger a transformational process that leads to posttraumatic growth and greater psychological integration (Benning et al, 2021;Khanna & Greyson, 2015;Royse & Badger, 2017).…”

Experiência Religiosa/Espiritual E Saúde Mental

“…Vários pesquisadores identificaram correlações positivas entre diferentes EREs e bem-estar subjetivo ou estados psicológicos positivos como alegria, maior senso de significado ou propósito de vida e maior capacidade de enfrentamento diante do sofrimento e do luto (KENNEDY, KANTHA-MANI, PALMER, 1994;KENNEDY, KANTHAMANI, 1995;ELLISON, FAN, 2008;KALKS-TEIN, TOWER, 2009;KRAUSE, BASTIDA, 2009;LEE, 2011;JAHN, SPENCER-THOMAS, 2018;RABEYRON et al, 2018;BOVERO et al, 2019;WILDE et al, 2019;KENT et al, 2020;BENNING, HARRIS;ROMINGER, 2021;ELSAESSER et al, 2021;SAIZ et al, 2021).…”

“…É importante observar que os estudos considerados não permitem inferências muito seguras de causalidade, de modo que não sabemos se as experiências em questão são ocasionadas por processos traumáticos e psicopatológicos ou simplesmente moduladas de algum modo por estes; associação aqui não implica causa e efeito. De modo semelhante, mas em sentido oposto, outros estudos identificaram que EREs tais como as EQMs e certas vivências místicas de união com todo o universo ou um poder ou ser superior estão associadas a um processo transformacional positivo que leva ao crescimento pós-traumático e a uma maior integração psicológica (KHANNA, ROYSE, BADGER, 2017;BENNING, HARRIS, ROMINGER, 2021).…”