Fear of one’s shadow reflects the aspects of our psyche we fail to integrate. Jung describes this shadow as a universal experience, shaped by self-illumination. Many find greater discomfort in recognizing their true selves than in facing external dangers. Fear of darkness fosters behaviors like perfectionism and anxiety, resulting in forms of depression such as self-hate and hopelessness. Therapy can ease this fear, but it often focuses on temporary validation without addressing deeper issues, leaving patients reliant on external support for courage.
The aspects of our own psychologies that we cannot integrate into our sense of self are referred to as 'the shadow.' Everyone has one, and its nature varies with how we illuminate ourselves.
Fear of our own darkness leads to many negative behaviors, including perfectionism that aims to disguise or hide the shadow, resulting in pervasive anxiety and various forms of depression.
Treating the fear of one’s own dark places is akin to helping a child afraid of the dark. Short-term solutions like shining light can push shadows away temporarily but do not address the deeper issues.
In therapy, the patient feels seen and validated but learns to cope with their fears only in the presence of the therapist, much like a child who only sleeps with a light on.
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