The symbol is a network

As users of a neural network, the brain, in other words a network of neural networks, we can say that a mental symbol can be an entire neural network constructed by personal experience or an important global event of impact. The first can be exemplified by a personal trauma and the second by a world war.

Mental symbols lasts too long, and too great a burden on human life and existence, hence sometimes you spend so much effort into a healing therapy. If it were simply a graphic symbol or a brand that you know the name (such as Coca-Cola and Fiat), things would be simpler. But a symbol formed by people and by a narrative, has a great penetration on our mental networks, like the tentacles of an octopus, and cut all these tentacles is very difficult. Hence the complexity of mental illness or neuroses result.