Subjective Darkness: Depression as a Disintegration of Meaning in the Core Narrative

Authors

  • Meredith Lynn Friedson Adelphi University

Abstract

In this paper, depression is described as a disintegration of meaning within the context of attempting to narrate one’s life. The difficulties of autobiographical narrative are explored, as are the shortcomings of language in conveying existential pain. A common societal response to attempts at narrative is to turn away, to silence the individual, and this leads to further difficulties in mourning and recovery. Clinical cases are used to elucidate the characteristics of depressive experience and the importance of narrative in the healing process. In addition, ethical issues regarding qualitative narrative research are discussed.

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Published

2013-09-30

How to Cite

Friedson, M. L. (2013). Subjective Darkness: Depression as a Disintegration of Meaning in the Core Narrative . Narrative Works, 3(2). Retrieved from https://journals.lib.unb.ca/index.php/NW/article/view/21465

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2013)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright for articles published in Narrative Works is retained by the author(s), with first publication rights granted to Narrative Works. By virtue of their appearance in this open access journal, articles are free to use, with proper attribution, in educational and other non-commercial settings.