Mental Health In Mythology: Ancient Stories, Modern Minds

How Myths, Legends, and Folklore Reflect Human Psychology and Offer Pathways to Healing

What you'll learn

Analyze how ancient myths reflect mental health themes like burnout, anxiety, and ADHD, offering universal insights into the human experience.

Apply lessons from myths to develop personal coping strategies, foster resilience, and navigate modern emotional challenges.

Understand cultural contexts of myths from around the world and their connections to modern therapeutic approaches and psychological frameworks.

Engage in self-reflection through guided exercises, journaling, and mindfulness, inspired by the symbolic lessons within ancient narratives.

Requirements

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Description

Embark on a captivating journey through myth and mind in this unique course exploring how ancient stories parallel modern mental health challenges. Each module spotlights a legendary narrative—from Hercules’ seemingly endless labors to Narcissus’ self-absorbed reflection—to reveal universal themes like burnout, anxiety, narcissism, ADHD, and the power of community in healing. We’ll compare these mythic arcs with cutting-edge psychological research, shedding light on how “impossible” tasks can resemble the relentless demands of modern life, or how relentless self-focus can isolate us from genuine connection.You’ll discover that archetypes such as the Trickster aren’t just mischievous troublemakers; they can illustrate the creativity and boundary-pushing spirit seen in ADHD, highlighting both the gifts and the chaos of impulsivity. You’ll also delve into stories like Pandora’s Box, where anxiety and worry escape confinement—but hope remains, underscoring resilience and the essential role of optimism. Then, turning to African folklore, you’ll see how communal bonds and Ubuntu philosophy (“I am because we are”) can foster collective well-being, mirroring today’s emphasis on group support and community-driven therapy.Taught in an engaging, conversational style, this course links each myth to real-world case studies, including insights drawn from psychiatric interviews and statistical findings that underscore the relevance of these ancient tales. With reflection exercises, guided discussion, and practical coping strategies woven into each lesson, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for how our ancestors’ epic narratives can inform your personal growth, resilience, and understanding of mental health today.

Overview

Section 1: Course Lectures

Lecture 1 Introduction

Lecture 2 Archetypes, Collective Unconscious, and Modern Mental Health

Lecture 3 Hercules’ Labors & Burnout

Lecture 4 Narcissus & Narcissistic Traits

Lecture 5 The Trickster Archetype & ADHD_Impulsivity

Lecture 6 Pandora’s Box & Anxiety

Lecture 7 Persephone’s Abduction & Seasonal Depression

Lecture 8 African Folklore & Community Healing

Lecture 9 Arjuna (Mahabharata) & Moral Anxiety

Lecture 10 Sun Wukong’s Journey to the West

Lecture 11 Odin’s Sacrifice & the Quest for Wisdom

Lecture 12 La Llorona & Grief

Lecture 13 Quetzalcoatl & Tezcatlipoca – Inner Conflict & Duality

Lecture 14 Isis & Osiris - Healing After Betrayal

Lecture 15 Maui’s Bold Endeavors

Lecture 16 Inanna’s Descent - Depression & Rebirth

Lecture 17 Amaterasu’s Cave - Isolation & Re-Entry

Lecture 18 Rhiannon’s Trials - Overcoming False Accusations & Stigma

Lecture 19 Aboriginal Australian Dreamtime - Connection to Land & Collective Well-Being

Lecture 20 Library Filename Type Status Date Actions Putting Mythic Lessons Into Practice

This course is ideal for individuals interested in the intersection of storytelling and mental health, including mental health professionals, students, and personal growth enthusiasts. It’s perfect for those seeking self-awareness, emotional resilience, and practical coping strategies inspired by ancient myths. Additionally, educators, creatives, and mythology enthusiasts will find value in exploring how timeless stories offer profound psychological insights relevant to modern life. No prior knowledge is required—just curiosity and an open mind.