Episode 82. Darkness – In the Abyss of Depression

In this episode I take an exhaustive look at the diverse perspectives of depression, that pervasive mood disorder that afflicts far too many people. I explore its gradual onset and chronic, often life-long course, and highlight the overwhelming features of depression, from low mood and poor appetite to poor sleep and loss of interest in pleasurable activities. I also explore the less appreciated dimension of the pain of depression.

I illustrate the lived experience of depression with such fascinating patient accounts as that of Sally Brampton titled Shoot the Damned Dog, of Lewis Wolpert titled Malignant Sadness, of Andrew Solomon titled The Noonday Demon, and of William Styron titled Darkness Visible. Significantly, the memoirs stress the difficulty people have in recognising that their low mood has cros ...