The concept of the Atlanta complex is based on an ancient Greek myth. Atlas took part in the revolt of the Titans against Olympus, for which he was punished by Zeus: he had to hold the vault of heaven on his shoulders. This myth is used to explain the psychological phenomenon in which a person feels burdened, depressed and obliged to bear the weight of the world. Symptoms of the Atlanta complexExcessive responsibility. A person feels obliged to bear the burden of responsibility for others, sometimes even for things that are not subject to his control, for the actions of others, for other people's failures. Key attitudes “everything will collapse without me”, “they can’t cope without me” give rise to a situation where loved ones become dependent on such a person, sometimes even helpless. Feelings of guilt. People with the Atlanta complex often feel unreasonably guilty about their inability to cope with what they consider their duty or responsibility. In attempts to cover as many spheres of influence as possible, failures are inevitable, which Atlas perceives as personal failure. Avoidance of rest. Atlantans avoid relaxation. They believe that time spent on vacation is wasted time that could be spent working or helping others. Selflessness and self-destruction. They sacrifice their own needs and desires for the benefit of others, almost to the point of exhausting their resources and energy. Their main motto is: “Take care of everyone except yourself.” Self-destructive forms of behavior: workaholism, risky actions, ignoring fatigue. Suppression of one's own potential. Atlanteans are afraid of their strength and abilities, avoiding success. Work for the sake of work itself is like a squirrel in a wheel. Behind the Atlanta complex there is often the hope of atonement for past sins, of fulfilling a symbolic vow of comprehensive help in anticipation of healing the spiritual wound inflicted on oneself by one’s own wrongdoing. Behind the exhausting chores lies the fear of being abandoned, unloved, rejected. Working with the Atlanta complex. Step 1. Awareness of the presence of the complex, understanding its nature and influence helps to begin the process of transformation. Step 2. Work with a psychologist: explore the unconscious and resolve internal conflicts underlying the complex . Working with images, dreams, fantasies and associations leads to a deep understanding of the roots of the complex and its influence on behavior. Step 3. Overcoming and transformation with an emphasis on getting rid of the belief “It’s all my fault.” This includes: Self-awareness – recognizing and accepting your thoughts, feelings, desires and beliefs without judgment or self-criticism. A person begins to recognize his strengths and weaknesses, and also realize which aspects of his personality are associated with the Atlanta complex; Acceptance of oneself with all its strengths and weaknesses. This allows you to begin to build healthier relationships with yourself and others; Changing behavioral patterns and reactions to stressful situations; Setting healthy boundaries, including the ability to say “no” and not feel guilty. The individual begins to set priorities and find a balance between caring for oneself and others; Developing self-awareness and self-respect to better understand one's needs, desires and goals; Practice self-care and self-development: devoting time and attention to one's physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. It is important to surround yourself with a supportive environment. Overcoming the Atlanta complex takes time, effort and dedication. Counseling examines deep-seated beliefs, emotions and habitual behavior patterns to understand and overcome complexities and begin to live a more conscious and balanced life. Gradually, liberation from invisible shackles occurs, relationships with oneself and others come to harmony, autonomy develops. It’s time to remind how the myth ended. Atlas petrified and turned into a mountain. What associations come to you in connection with human petrification? Or maybe it resembles someone from the environment? © T.V. Grinko, 2023 Image generated