Depression is a Cave metaphor
Cindy and Owen have written to me, with a very powerful metaphor for depression – depression is a cave. What you think?
Depression is a natural condition, write Cindy and Owen. It is natural formation. Better yet it is a natural resource. The list of implications of the cave metaphor can provide strategies to deal with depression.
Every cave is unique. The forces in nature (erosion, stress, upheaval) that form caves have emotional equivalence. Trying to figure out how a cave was formed doesn’t change the cave. The ENTRANCE to a cave also serves as the EXIT.
Caves are better for temporary shelter rather than long-term residence.
Caves can be fascinating, comforting and starkly beautiful but at the same time , very dangerous. Going too deep and getting lost in a cave may require help to return to the EXIT/ENTRANCE
Caves are useful for storage. Unwanted unneeded, painful and harmful memories can be consigned or stored in deep pits. Treasured memories and precious thoughts are best stored near the ENTRANCE/EXIT.
Attempting to fill in a cave creates a depression somewhere else.
Remember the adage: In a cave or any dark place it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.
What I like about this depression is a cave metaphor is how flexible it is – that you can find the best way for you to use it.
What depression metaphors make sense to you? And how can you understand that the restoration of hope can change the metaphor – subtly but profoundly?
