Depression is a Demon

The Etymology of the Daemon and the Demon

The idea of the "daemon" finds its origins in ancient Greece, a civilization that flourished between the 8th century BCE and roughly the 6th century CE. During this expansive era, the Greeks shaped much of Western thought, philosophy, and art. It was within this cultural backdrop that the concept of the "daemon" emerged. For the Greeks, a daemon was not inherently malevolent. Instead, it was a guiding spirit or inner force—a kind of intermediary between the divine and the mortal. Socrates famously spoke of his daemon as a personal inner voice that advised him on moral decisions.

The Greek word "daimon" (or "daemon") translates roughly to "spirit" or "divine power." It was morally neutral, embodying both creative and destructive tendencies depending on how it interacted with the individual. This nuanced view sharply contrasts with how the term evolved in later religious traditions. The daemon was a force of potential, both inspiring and dangerous—a double-edged sword.

When Christianity began to take root in the 1st century CE and grew into Catholicism by the 4th century, the concept of the daemon underwent a dramatic transformation. In the Christian tradition, daemons were reimagined as demons—fallen angels in service to Lucifer. The morally neutral daemon became a symbol of evil, temptation, and chaos. This reinterpretation was a product of Christianity’s emphasis on moral dualism: good versus evil, God versus Satan.

The progression from the Greek "daimon" to the Christian "demon" reflects a broader cultural and theological shift. In ancient Greek culture, the term "daimon" referred to a spirit or divine power, often serving as an intermediary between gods and humans. These entities were not inherently malevolent; rather, they encompassed a range of supernatural beings, including protective spirits and personifications of abstract concepts. However, as Christianity emerged and expanded, the perception of these spiritual beings underwent a significant transformation. The term "daimon" was adapted into Latin as "daemon," and within Christian theology, these entities were reinterpreted as malevolent forces opposed to the divine. This shift aligned with the Christian dichotomy of good versus evil, where former neutral or even benevolent spirits were recast as demons associated with Satan. The etymological evolution underscores how linguistic meanings can transform in response to changing cultural and religious paradigms.

Catholic theology further elaborates on the nature of angels and demons. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines angels as "spiritual beings who serve God," emphasizing their role as messengers and protectors. St. Augustine famously stated, "Angel is their office, spirit is their nature," underscoring the dual aspects of their existence.

I. The Angels

There are things created seen and unseen, heaven and earth

At creation, spirit and corporeal were created, of which humans have both

There is an idea that we become angels when we die; at the resurrection we will be reunited with our bodies

1. The existence of angels – a truth of faith

2. Who are they?

329  St. Augustine says: "'Angel' is the name of their office, not of their nature. If you seek the name of their nature, it is 'spirit'; if you seek the name of their office, it is 'angel': from what they are, 'spirit' from what they do, 'angel.'"

• Servants and messengers of God

• They have intelligence and will

• Personal and immortal

350 Angels are spiritual creatures who glorify God without ceasing and who serve his saving plans for other creatures: “The angels work together for the benefit of us all” (St. Thomas Aquinas, STh I, 114, 3, ad 3).

351 The angels surround Christ their Lord. They serve him especially in the accomplishment of his saving mission to men.

352 The Church venerates the angels who help her on her earthly pilgrimage and protect every human being.

-Catechism of the Catholic Church, First Image Books, 1995

Intriguingly, the Catechism also defines demons by directing readers back to the definition of angels, suggesting that demons are fallen spirits whose purpose has been corrupted. This linguistic and theological connection reveals that the original meaning of "daemon" is much closer to the Catholic understanding of spiritual beings than the later, more sinister interpretation.

This confluence of ideas— the removal of the ‘A’, the creative force of the daemon, and the destructive potential of the demon—provides a fascinating lens through which to explore mental health, particularly manic-depressive disorder. These historical and cultural definitions help frame the internal battle as both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Depression as the Demon: The Catholic View

In the Catholic tradition, demons are adversaries of the divine, dedicated to sowing chaos and despair. This imagery aligns closely with the experience of depression. Depression whispers lies into the mind: “You are worthless,” “No one cares,” “Why bother?” Demons are often depicted as malevolent spiritual entities that seek to lead individuals away from God and towards sin. They are believed to operate under the direction of Satan, striving to thwart divine plans and disrupt human relationships with the divine. Demons are thought to influence humans through various means, including temptation, deception, and even physical or mental afflictions. Much like a demon, depression seeks to isolate and consume, feeding on vulnerabilities and creating a sense of hopelessness & chaos in your life and the lives of those around you. It’s something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. If you ever have to deal with it, and you overcome, then you are capable of a great many things. Other Mental Illnesses, as well, can feel demonic. Intermittent Rage Disorder, OCD, Schizophrenia, Bi-polar, and more. If God’s divine plan for you is to be fulfilled, happy, healthy, and loved then these mental illnesses certainly are demonic in that sense.

Catholic theology describes demons as beings that exploit human weakness. Depression does the same, latching onto fears, doubts, and past traumas. It is a force that twists the mind against itself, making even the simplest acts—getting out of bed, eating, or speaking to a loved one—feel insurmountable. According to the book “Shadow Syndromes” depression has a sort of negative feedback loop, I discovered it for myself the first time I was depressed, but Dr. Ratey & Catherine Johnson have shown empirically that this negative feedback loop exists. When you get depressed, you become a little more socially awkward, it becomes more difficult to be able to communicate appropriately, this leads to more isolation, which in turn, leads to further depression. In this sense, depression isn’t just an adversary; it’s a saboteur that undermines from within. It can severely set you back, an as you watch your peers pass you in life you feel even worse.

But much like with Job, God allows it to happen. I asked myself this question quite a lot. Why on Earth would I be on the verge of suicide every day, multiple times a day when I had a life that was actually not that terrible? I had food, shelter, all of my sense, all of my limbs, and 10 fingers and 10 toes. 6’4 and intelligent, liked to workout, and didn’t have girl problems. The only thing that makes any sense to me is that depression truly is a demon, possessing you to think the most absurd of thoughts. But at the most dire of moments, your guardian angel steps in, God intervenes and calms you, preventing you from doing the worst and wreaking the havoc and chaos the demons desire. You are chosen, you are here, on this planet. You are meant to live. You are meant for something greater.
God is going to get you through and he is helping strengthen your resolve.

Maybe Depression Isn’t a Demon: Introducing the Djinn

Perhaps depression is not a demon in the sense we have come to understand it. Or perhaps daemons aren’t all bad. To explore this, we turn to the concept of the djinn, found in Islamic folklore. Derived from Arabic "jinn," the term refers to supernatural beings created from smokeless fire. Like the Greek daemon, djinn are morally ambiguous. They can be benevolent, malevolent, or simply indifferent, acting as tricksters who operate outside human comprehension.

In Islamic traditions, djinn occupy a liminal space between the divine and the mortal. They are powerful but capricious, known for their ability to grant wishes while twisting them in unexpected ways. This duality—their potential to both aid and harm—aligns closely with the internal experience of depression and mania. It’s not difficult to imagine depression as one face of the djinn, a force that isolates and whispers destructive thoughts while holding the power to transform those whispers into overwhelming chaos.

Mania, on the other hand, represents the djinn’s other face: its energy is infectious, exhilarating, and seductive. Mania convinces the individual of their invincibility, fueling creativity and ambition, yet leaving destruction in its wake. The djinn, like mania, is unpredictable. It may appear to gift you with brilliance but demand a heavy price: strained relationships, reckless decisions, and a return to depressive lows.

In this way, the djinn could be seen not as a singularly destructive force, but as a manifestation of the broader spiritual battle described in Catholic theology—a battle between angels and demons, spirits whose dimensions we cannot fully comprehend. The djinn may symbolize this unseen struggle, their ambiguity reflecting the complexities of mental health.

D, D, or D - [D]emon, [D]aemon, or [D]jinn

What these perspectives highlight is that mental health challenges transcend religious or cultural boundaries—they are a universal human experience that affects us all.

The Daemonic: A Source of Energy

Returning to the Greek concept of the daemon, we find a potential source of hope. Unlike the demon or djinn, the daemon represents a guiding force, one that can channel both manic energy and depressive introspection into something meaningful. Goethe’s idea of the daemonic—a calling, an obsession, a source of lasting energy—reminds us that these forces, though chaotic, can also be transformative.

For those living with manic-depressive disorder, the daemon offers a way to frame their experiences not just as a battle but as a journey. The highs and lows become part of a greater narrative, one that shapes identity and purpose. By understanding and working with these forces, rather than against them, it is possible to find balance—or at least moments of harmony.

So, if you are struggling with a demon, add back in the ‘A’ find a way to add the ‘A’ - regain your light. By using the Tao. Use the Tao to overcome your demon. If the demon is the obstacle and the obstacle is the way, then you must fight it. This is the Way.

A Personal Reflection

Fr. Amorth, the Vatican’s chief exorcist explains in “An Exorcist Explains the Demonic: The Antics of Satan and His Army of Fallen Angels” that God has fixed a trial for everyone. The Angels themselves were subjected to this test. In my own life, depression and mania have felt like supernatural forces. My “Miami Incident” revealed them to me, I’ve seen the demons, my consciousness was permanently altered. I saw into another world. I’ve never been the same since. Depression whispers dark thoughts, while mania yells bright but reckless ideas. They are the demon and the djinn, battling for control. Yet, there are moments when I glimpse the daemon—The Tao—a guiding force that helps me make sense of the chaos. It’s in those moments that I find clarity and purpose. It’s this insight that brings me strength in my battle.

Understanding these forces as part of a larger, timeless narrative has been liberating. It reminds me that I am not alone in this struggle. The daemon, the demon, and the djinn are ancient archetypes that countless others have faced. By learning from their stories, I can begin to write & share my own.

Conclusion

Within the chaos of mental illness lies the potential for growth and self-discovery. By embracing the daemonic**—the creative and transformative energy that exists within—it is possible to navigate the extremes of mental health and find meaning in the struggle. These forces are not just enemies; they are teachers (God will not let us fail, God is strengthening us), challenging us to understand ourselves more deeply and to rise, again and again, from the ashes of our battles. As such, let us help our guardian angels in their trials. We should keep fighting, to overcome & outlast. To claim victory over our demons.



**Let me be clear here, to elucidate that I mean the original term for it in Greek, before the term Angel was separated out. We need to embrace that there are dimensions above and beyond our own where these entities do, in fact, exist. Accepting the help of Angels and facing your Demons will lead you to growth you’ve never imagined.