Self, or the phenomenon of ipseity, constitutes our consciousness, such that consciousness is in fact understood and experienced as self-consciousness. (Mysticism has a more expansive understanding of consciousness, however, which transcends the determination of historical time.)

It is commonly understood that when one’s experience of self is seriously problematised, mental illness occurs.

This is based on a non-mystical understanding of self, not only by society but by the mental health consumers or patients themselves.

The overall construct of mental illness is based upon an exoteric, not esoteric, interpretation and understanding of consciousness. (Esotericism is built on mystical insights.) This construct is a form of hermeneutics stalled in the phenomenon of what Heidegger calls the “everyday”, which determines a form of Dasein known as das Man – the everyday people.

Mental illness is a profound experience of coming up against a wall built unquestioningly by the everyday people in their everyday activity.

In one aspect, the occurrence of mental illness signifies the oppressive power of das Man in how ipseity is to be experienced and understood. Hence the abyss which opens up in normality, feared and rejected by society as “madness”, actually provides an opening for a deeper experience and understanding of ipseity.

When there is clarity in ipseity, mental illness disappears.