ABSTRACT
Withdrawal within oneself is common in human beings, and more so during the time of the pandemic. Withdrawal, psychological and emotional, may preserve those parts of the psyche that are raw, fragile and not ready for interaction with the external world. Given the large-scale changes that the pandemic has unleashed, it is time to re-examine the benefits of emotional withdrawal. The pandemic has shown us that a mad response to a maddening external situation may be a healthy response. This chapter elaborates on the psychological benefits of psychic withdrawal, usually treated with disdain and worry in the hyper-productive modern world. The chapter begins with examining two stark observations during this time: (1) a vividness of dreams in many persons, (2) a turning inwards, resulting in reduced productivity, however, carrying the potential of integration and inner growth. Dreams may be a new psychic resource in this difficult time. I attempt to elaborate why and how dreams (including daydreams) may be useful in dealing with anxiety during the pandemic. Understanding these phenomena psychologically may reduce our isolation and disconnect from others, perhaps allowing humankind to integrate the creativity and madness we all carry within.
