Some of my clients come to me seeking help with problems which they describe as having a mystical or spiritual nature; some of them have difficulty even describing what they are experiencing. Unusual and unexplainable experiences can be beautiful and come with a sense of great peace but they can also be extremely scary and confusing. Evidence is growing both through research and through the sharing of people who have come through this kind of experience that the attitude of the person and those around them can have a big influence on the outcome of what is, in fact, a process that has been reported by many people throughout human history and all cultures.
These experiences can occur ‘out-of-the-blue’ or be triggered by stressful or traumatic events in life such as bereavement, divorce, a severe accident or injury, losing your job or any other change in life circumstances. These events can bring about a period of psychological change in which we are called to think bigger and become something more than we were. Suddenly we are responsible for far more than we are used to or we begin to question life and what it all means.
Working with a therapist with experience and knowledge of this process can help to make meaning of anomalous experiences which reduces the anxiety and confusion that can occur. The person is then able to integrate the experience into their life which means it is no longer disturbing and distressing.
The term spiritual emergence refers to the gradual realisation and acknowledgement that there is something greater than oneself and something beyond that which can be ordinarily be experienced. As this happens, the individual can go through a process of questioning who they are and wonder about the meaning of life. This seemingly internal process often leads to improved relationships with others and a richer, more meaningful life. If spiritual emergence intensifies and becomes distressing, it is known as spiritual emergency or spiritual crisis. This may be diagnosed as a mental health dysfunction.
The feeling of spiritual emergence can be brought about by something as simple as a beautiful sunset or gazing at a night sky full of stars. It can also be accelerated by a crisis such as a near-death experience, loss of a loved one, illness, or psychological distress.
If this process is not well understood, is resisted, feared or is otherwise felt to be overwhelming, it is commonly described as spiritual emergency or spiritual crisis. These terms do not seek to show a special sort of crisis but recognise the spiritual aspect of any experience, including those that are distressing or unwanted.
The International Spiritual Emergence Network (ISEN) has produced a Crisis Guide to help support people going through this experience. As a director of ISEN, we work towards relieving the distress around psychological change and development. This distress can be in the form of loss of meaning or the ability to connect with other people or what is important or real in life. Some people call this a spiritual crisis or spiritual emergency.
Please feel free to download and distribute the guide as you wish; we hope that it offers many people support:
Click to download the Crisis Guide (pdf | 4mb | English)
Other languages –
This guide aims to give you some simple but vital tools that can help you to stay safe and manage your process to ‘emerge’ out of your crisis.
Having our experiences validated as ‘normal’, real, natural and meaningful can be one of the most important aspects of being able to heal and grow.
It’s vital that we are kind to ourselves during this time, and allow any emotions to surface and be expressed in a safe environment.
Having peer support from someone who has gone through similar experiences, and can listen without judgement, is really helpful. Go to the back page to find the resources that will be most helpful for you in your local area.
You are not alone! What you are going through is a normal part of a healing process. Don’t give up – there is light at the end of the tunnel even when you feel in complete darkness.
You are not crazy, you are becoming well and growing into wholeness, and that is a painful process.
Remembering to eat really helps. You may find that at different stages of your process you might be drawn to, and need, different types of food.
The general consensus seems to be that heavier foods are useful for grounding, these include grains, root vegetables, pulses, dairy products and meat. Protein should be an important element in your diet although, at times, animal products may become difficult to digest; in this case, to switch to plant-related protein sources eg. pulses or grain can be a better choice for your well-being.
Be aware that sweet foods and sugar can affect blood sugar levels, which can in turn destabilise your mood. Avoid stimulants such as caffeine, which is found in coffee, but also tea, fizzy drinks and in chocolate. Alcohol and fat-laden processed foods, with no nutritional content, can make you feel sluggish.
It’s important to eat fresh food any time you can, drink a lot, mainly water. Eat less, more often, is the healthiest way to manage your diet. However, fasting can intensify your experience.
Vitamins and minerals are vital for your balance, eg. vitamins C, vitamin B, Iron and Calcium.
You may be able to tune into your physical well-being and listen to what your body is calling for and not what your mind is saying you ‘should’ be eating. Our bodies have a wisdom of their own if we can learn to listen to it.
Normal sleep patterns can be interrupted, which may be OK for a short time, especially if it’s possible to rest as and when it’s needed. However, prolonged loss of sleep can make your experience more difficult to cope with, so you could try some simple relaxation methods such as – taking a bubble bath, doing some relaxation breathing techniques, listening to guided meditations, using Lavender oil and drinking camomile tea.
If you are feeling anxious or frightened, herbal remedies can help. If possible ask a practitioner for advice on something to suit your needs. If herbs don’t help, consider seeking medical advice; taking a sleeping tablet for a few nights may help reestablish a normal sleep pattern.
Try to spend lots of time in nature.
It may sound simple or obvious but spending time in the natural environment can really help a great deal. For people experiencing psychological distress, focusing on the calmness of nature can give a sense of grounding and relief from the confusion happening in the mind.
Perhaps there is something in the following list that you can do –
Some people find vigorous exercise like running, very helpful because of the increased amount of energy they are experiencing in their bodies. Others find gentle walking or yoga to be more what they need. Creative exercise eg. Dancing, Drumming or even Hula-hooping can help to release some energy from your body. Let your body move in whatever ways feel natural to you…
At the beginning of a crisis it’s advisable to stop or at least reduce any spiritual practices, e.g. meditation, to slow down your process; these can then be gradually reintroduced over time.
It’s very common to experience high levels of anxiety during these times. This can present as shallow breathing, palpitations, sweating, confusion or even panic attacks. There are some simple and effective self-help tools that can help you manage these, like a guided body scan, eg the Autogenic Technique. Remember also the basic tips on relaxation included in the sleep section, and the benefits gained from releasing emotions and talking openly to someone you trust.
Many people find times of crisis to also be a time when their creative energies are active. Painting, drawing, craftwork; these can be used as a way of expressing experiences, releasing emotions and bringing a sense of focus. Enjoy the creation of whatever comes, rather than focusing on the final outcome; messy is good!
Dancing, movement, singing and playing music, can create an enormous release of energy. Even when having a bad day, listening to your favourite music and dancing around has an enormous power of positive refocusing. Turn the music up loud and let out those pent-up screams too; it can be very cathartic to release repressed emotions.
Simple things like writing stories, poetry, upcycling old furniture or clothing, changing your bedroom around, all help with creative expression.
Go slow – Small steps can have a big impact, especially when they lead to a growing sense of satisfaction and confidence.
Even though a crisis can be growth towards healing, there may be times when it is extremely dark, terrifying, and dangerous; it is common to experience having suicidal thoughts and thoughts of self harm.
There are, however, a lot of things that can help manage this distress, more of which can be found on this link: https://www.metanoia.org/suicide/.
The fact is you are not alone — other people have felt deep and terrible pain and come through it – you can too!
If you are feeling suicidal it may be that you are desperate for things to be different. Wanting this life to end doesn’t rule out the possibility of a new, better life beginning, but you may feel like that is beyond reach right now. Imagine what a better life might look like, and see how it is possible to realise it if you stick around to find out what could happen. Turn some of that suicidal energy towards risking change in your life. Consider that it may be a behaviour pattern or life condition that you want to end. Ask yourself, “What inside me needs to die?”.
It’s vital that you find someone to talk with confidentially on a deep level, someone who is not going to judge or reject what you say. There is no need to feel ashamed of whatever you are feeling. Admitting our vulnerabilities can be terrifying, but once we open up it can bring a huge sense of relief. Sharing any plans with just one person can help to keep you safe.
Tips to keep yourself safe:
If you know your crises get bad enough to get you into a hospital, there is a tool you could use called a Psychiatric Advance Statement.
If you want to make an Advance Statement you need to find out if your local Mental Health Trust has an Advance Statement scheme. You can check this with your Care Coordinator, Psychiatrist or GP.
You do not have to use a template for an advance statement. You can just tell someone your advance statement instead of writing it down. However, it is better if it is in writing. This is what we recommend you include:
If any of this information changes, you can update your advance decision.
It is important that whoever is close to you knows about your advance statement and where it is.
You should think about giving a copy of the statement to:
Spiritual Crisis Network (SCN)
SCN offers support services for those who feel that their distress relates to a spiritual emergence. You can contact them here:
Samaritans
Samaritans are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to listen to anything that is upsetting you.
Their national number is 08457 90 90 90, their freephone number is 116 123, or you can email jo@samaritans.org. http://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help-you/contact-us
Samaritans also offer a Welsh Language Line on 0300 123 3011 (from 7pm–11pm only, seven days a week).
SANEline
SANEline offers emotional support and information from 6pm–11pm, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0300 304 7000.
CALM
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They’re open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. https://www.thecalmzone.net/
Their national number is 0800 58 58 58, and they also have a webchat service if you’re not comfortable talking on the phone.
Hearing Voices Network
You can contact them here: Email: nhvn@hotmail.co.uk
Website: www.hearing-voices.org
https://www.elefriends.org.uk/ is a peer support community – also available as an app for Android and Apple managed by the charity Mind. A safe place to listen, share and be heard.
Mind Infoline 0300 123 3393 / Text 86463
Email info@mind.org.uk
Papyrus HopeLine
For confidential advice and support for young people under 35 experiencing suicidal feelings or self-harm. 0800 068 4141, text 07786 209 697 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org
www.papyrus-uk.org/help-advice
For non- UK based support you can contact ISEN: www.spiritualemergencenetwork.org
This crisis guide was produced by ISEN in collaboration with the Spiritual Emergence Networks and we are grateful to the Icarus Project for the inspiration.
More comprehensive and detailed resources can be found at www.spiritualemergencenetwork.org/wiki which provides a forum for interactive information sharing.
If you are struggling with any of the issues raised, please contact me to discuss working together.
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