Moving Through Depression: An Autoethnographic Account

Abstract

Ideas about depression pervade our culture and inform how we think about depression individually and as a society. I explore how these ideas were present in my own experience of depression and influence wider understanding of depression. My research is a qualitative, autoethnographic study and analysis which aims to reflect on my experiences with depression and subsequent recovery. I consider the historical context of the concept of depression including the dominance of the unsupportable chemical imbalance theory. The writing will also incorporate an analysis of my own recovery applying the concepts of integration and dislocation. Finally, I write about counselling implications of these concepts and the role of connection and belonging, empowerment, physical activity, alignment of values, meaningful activity, and story in mental wellbeing.