Depression and the Self: Meaning, Control and Authenticity

Depression is widely recognised as the leading disability worldwide. Though classified as a medical condition, depression also contains very personal and social aspects which are integral to the experience – as those who have experienced it know all too well. Drawing on research interviews with women who have experienced depression, this psychological study elucidates experiences of depression and the meanings attached to it. In so doing, Browne challenges current understandings of depression as a chronic and endogenous illness and stresses the importance of the perception of authenticity among depression sufferers. Written in plain language accessible to non-specialists, Depression and the Self argues that in depression, perceptions of control and the self are intertwined – and that this has important implications for diagnosis and recovery.

• Uses individuals’ reflections on their experiences of depression to shed light on our concepts of the self.
• Challenges common understandings of depression as a chronic and endogenous illness.
• Suggests that the feeling of control, in its different guises, is a key lever in perceptions of the self.
• Offers a reason for why some view their depression as chronic while others do not.

Περιεχόμενα:

1. The self and related concepts
2. The view from inside: the variety of views of depression
3. Going for help: the impact of diagnosis on the self
4. Taking the medicine: the impact of medication on the self
5. Crossing your fingers: predicting depression’s role in the future self
6. Conclusion
Appendix A: listening and learning
Appendix B: women interviewed
Appendix C: interview guide.