How a storytelling lesson improved my mental health

Do you know the actantial model?

Developed by semiotician Algirdas Julien Greimas in 1966, it’s a tool used to analyze the action that takes place in a story. It distinguishes characters and action elements according to their function in the plot. I learned it in high school and university, as part of narrative analysis. I also use the actantial model to outline a story I want to write.

To better explain how it impacted my mental health, I'll start by explaining how it works.

In this model (see image), the subject (hero, the main character) is the one who pursues the quest for an object, usually abstract. The helpers support the subject in obtaining the object. They could be other characters, positive events, or things. Opponents (enemies, obstacles, or negative events) work against the subject. The sender is what prompts the subject to act. It could be a person or a concept: love, faith, duty, etc. The receiver is the one who benefits from the subject's action. It could be other characters, or the subject himself.

It was this last case that caught my attention.

Very often I (the subject) read the Bible with the desire (sender) to live a life of sanctification (object). I, therefore, seek to act according to the Word (action). The problem is that I often have the wrong receiver. I believe that my action is for the benefit of God and I more or less expect a reward from Him. When I don't see anything coming, I am confused and discouraged. Let’s take a specific example.

In my early twenties, being called into the writing ministry, I decided to be careful about what I read, watch, or listen to. I got rid of books, music, or films with violent, sexual, or just non-edifying content. Having done so, I was expecting God to be so happy with me that He would grant me a special blessing: a resounding success in my studies, complete recovery from my health problems, etc. After a while I didn’t see any difference, I didn’t feel more blessed than before, and my problems weren't gone. I was disappointed and thought to myself, "What is the point of trying to do the right thing? "

I resumed reading and watching just about anything, letting the words and pictures imprint on my thoughts without any filter. Little by little, it started to take effect in my life. I had nightmares and dark thoughts. And when I tried to write an article or a story, I unwittingly inserted impure ideas. It was then that I realized that the main receiver of my choices in reading and movies is myself. In fact, in seeking sanctification in all aspects of my life as the Scriptures ask, I am also doing the best thing for me.

I have to remember this lesson very often. Especially when I live in difficult situations that persist and make me suffer. I pray, patient, and I keep hope. Then I get discouraged and let bitterness take hold of me. And that makes me suffer more. 

I did not always understand the verses “Be joyful always” or “Give thanks in all things” (1 Thes 5: 16,18) because I thought that to be joyful in difficulties meant to stop hoping, and maybe God will no longer answer my prayers. But when I try to analyze the situation as in the actantial model, trying to answer sincerely the question: who benefits from my having a joyful heart? I see that I am the receiver because it keeps me sane. Also, God does not forget my prayer requests. He wants me to entrust them to Him, and remain in peace and trust, which is good for me.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4: 6-7).