Losing and Regaining Grip: Depression and Everyday Life

Abstract

Despite increased interest and research into personal accounts of depression, it has seldom been studied specifically from the point of view everyday life. Our aim is to highlight how depression progresses in relation to everyday activities, and to interpret the process using a theory of everyday life. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 55 persons (31 women, 24 men) in their 40s who self-identified as having been depressed. Depression typically progressed as follows: It originated in a difficult life situation, which was coped with by trying to manage or by escaping to drinking. Eventually, it was not possible to carry out everyday duties. Seeking treatment and sick leave signified a disconnection from everyday obligations. Leisure activities as well as support from close people helped in coping, and gradually a new, more meaningful and enjoyable everyday life developed. Disconnection, rest, reflection, reorientation, and reorganization of life seemed to build a pathway out of depression. Thus, a depressive episode could be interpreted as a process in which the person first disengaged from the unreflected everyday and then reflectively re-engaged to it.