Psychology Behind: The Metamorphosis

"As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into an enormous insect." – The Metamorphosis

Gregor Samsa, the protagonist of the novella by Franz Kafka, is one who went through a jarring transformation. If we look at this character through a psychological lens, it's revealed that his transformation delved into depersonalization disorder.

The Character of Gregor Samsa

As per the book, Gregor Samsa was the sole breadwinner of his family of three which consists of his father, mother and younger sister. He worked as a travelling salesperson, with no friends or acquaintances— fueling societal isolation. One morning he woke up and realised he had transformed into an enormous insect. He tried to shout but he couldn't speak in human language any more. He couldn't move because he was lying on his back. He somehow moved out of the bed and tried to open the door but couldn't. He was helpless due to his transformation. Throughout the novella we can see several instances where Gregor is mistreated or misunderstood by his family.

Understanding Depersonalization Disorder

Depersonalization disorder is a mental health condition where you feel disconnected from your body, your feelings and your environment. It tends to come and go over a long period of time and causes distress and anxiety. It affects your ability to recognize your thoughts, feelings and body as your own. It affects your ability to see your surroundings accurately, without losing touch with reality. You understand that your perceptions aren't real, which can be frustrating and cause anxiety.

Depersonalization or derealization occurs on its own (that is, it is not caused by drugs or another mental health disorder), and it persists or recurs. The symptoms are very distressing to the person or make it difficult for the person to function at home or at work.

The Connection to Gregor's Transformation

Gregor's physical transformation can be seen as a manifestation of this—a dissociative experience where an individual feels disconnected from their body or sense of self. In psychological terms, Gregor's transformation into an insect may represent an extreme form of alienation, where he no longer feels connected to his human self. His dehumanization is a direct reflection of his increasing isolation, not only physically but emotionally from those around him, particularly his family.

Symptoms and Manifestations

Depersonalization symptoms include feelings that you're seeing your thoughts, feelings, or body or parts of your body from the outside. You might also feel that people and your surroundings are not real, like you're living in a movie or a dream.

Another symptom is the emotional or physical numbness of your senses or responses to the world around you. You might feel emotionally disconnected from people you care about, as if you were separated by a glass wall. After the harsh treatment and isolation from his family members, Gregor became numb due to the harsh rejection met by his family.

Causes and Triggers

Depersonalization is often linked to intense stress or trauma, like:

• Physical abuse
• Domestic violence (witnessing or experiencing it)
• Accidents or natural disasters
• Life-threatening danger
• Sudden death of a loved one
• A parent with severe mental illness

It is not triggered through medication, alcohol, drugs or any other substances.

Treatment and Support

If you or anyone you know is going through this, there is no need to be afraid. You can get help for yourself and others. When choosing to get help, always count on a licensed medical practitioner. When considering treatment options, your provider will talk with you about your medical history, your symptoms and treatment goals. They may recommend medication and talk therapy.

You'll likely need several visits initially, and then regular follow-ups with a psychologist and occasional follow-ups with a psychiatrist. Your psychiatrist will help to find the right treatment for your specific situation and ensure that the side effects are manageable. Your psychologist will use talk therapy to teach you skills to cope with your symptoms and gain insight into your symptom triggers.

The Literary Mirror

"The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka showcases Gregor's transformation as a powerful metaphor for depersonalization disorder. Through Gregor's journey we see that many factors contributed to transformation. The extreme stress he was under due to his job and the debts by his parents, mental abuse by his boss, familial and societal dehumanization and alienation which was the final straw in his life. Gregor's character helps us to understand the complexity of mental health and that sometimes it's not one thing.

Sometimes we forget to ask our friends and family how they are truly feeling. If you have experienced similar situations or want to express your thoughts about the article, the comment session is always open. There is no need to hesitate as we would like to hear your thoughts.

"Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It's about how you drive, not where you're going."

Kafka's masterpiece serves as a haunting reminder of the importance of human connection and understanding in preventing the kind of psychological isolation that can lead to severe mental health challenges.