Psycho-Spiritual Crisis or Emergency

A psycho-spiritual crisis, also known as a spiritual emergency, is a psychological and spiritual phenomenon that involves a significant disruption in an individual's sense of self and their relationship with the larger spiritual or metaphysical aspects of life. It can manifest as intense psychological, emotional, and existential distress, often accompanied by experiences such as altered states of consciousness, paranormal phenomena, or questioning of one's beliefs and values.

Dealing with a psycho-spiritual crisis can be challenging, as it involves navigating both psychological and spiritual dimensions.

Psycho-spiritual crisis may contain unusual experiences like:

- Energetic manifestations - vibrations, twitches,

- channelling,

- incarnation memories,

- OOBE (out-of-body experience),

- voices,

- physical experiences similar to serious medical conditions such as heart attack,

- sensory perceptions that other people do not perceive (sounds, shapes, colors, lights),

- intense premonitions,

- paranormal dreams,

- experiences of connection with mythological and archetypal phenomena,

- and other experiences of a para-psychological and mystical character.

The topics of the crisis or emergency usually include: death, conflict of good and evil, purification, messianic experiences.

What triggers the psycho-spiritual crisis?

- Extreme experiences (life threat, extreme physical or psychological stress, etc.);

- strong emotional experiences (e.g. loss of loved one, traumatization, falling in love) ;

- misguided intense meditation or other spiritual practice;

- use of psychedelic substances in inappropriate circumstances;

- a series of life failures;

- sudden loss of normal life structure and the impossibility of replacing it with something else;

- and other marginal experiences.

Here are some general steps that may help:

1. Acceptance and normalization

Recognize that a psycho-spiritual crisis can be a normal and natural part of the human experience, and that many individuals go through similar challenges on their spiritual journey. Acceptance of the experience without judgment can help reduce resistance and allow for greater understanding.

2. Self-care

Taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being is important during a psycho-spiritual crisis. Engage in self-care practices such as exercise, healthy eating, sufficient rest, and regular self-reflection or meditation to support your overall well-being.

3. Seek support

Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or spiritual mentors who can offer understanding, empathy, and support. Consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor who is knowledgeable about spiritual or existential issues.

4. Reflect and integrate

Engage in introspection and reflection to gain insight and understanding into the nature of the crisis. Journaling and contemplative practices can help facilitate this process. Take time to integrate any new insights or experiences into your belief system and make meaning out of the crisis.

5. Practice self-compassion

Be kind and compassionate towards yourself as you navigate through the psycho-spiritual crisis. Avoid self-blame or judgment and practice self-compassion by treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a friend.

Engage only in spiritual practices that resonate with you. These practices can help you connect with your inner wisdom and facilitate a deeper understanding of your spiritual journey.

6. Seek professional guidance

If you are struggling to cope with the psycho-spiritual crisis on your own, consider seeking professional guidance from a therapist, counselor, or spiritual guide who can provide specialized support and guidance.

7. Do what you feel is right

Remember that a psycho-spiritual crisis can be a unique and personal experience, and it's important to approach it with self-care, self-compassion, and an open mind. Trust yourself, everyone's journey is different, and finding what works best for you may require patience and exploration. It's okay to seek help when needed, and honoring your own process and emotions is an important part of dealing with a psycho-spiritual crisis.

The psycho-spiritual crisis is a transformative process with healing potential, which may have an external form of psychosis but should not be confused with psychosis as a mental disorder.

One of the basic messages of this set of symptoms is that under certain circumstances it is normal to have “abnormal” experiences. Despite its turbulent and unusual manifestations, the psycho-spiritual crisis is a stage in the individual's personal development, which has the potential to trigger positive change that leads to better personality integration.