Depression

Course Description

The core approach of this series is to imagine depression not as a disorder but as a valuable state of the soul. Depression can be both productive and unproductive. It can serve as a muse, guiding us through our depths, rather than merely an illness to be feared.

Throughout the course, we will delve into the spiritual dimensions of melancholy. We will explore the ancient concept of accidie and the idea of the dark night of the soul. Corbett will also contrast grief with depression to better understand these intertwined experiences.

Jungian Analyst and MD Lionel Corbett has been teaching for decades at Pacifica Graduate Institute. In his deep and thought provoking way he will explore the different faces in which depression may present. We will explore current theories about its origins, considering both psychological and biological perspectives. Our aim is to broaden our understanding of depression and move beyond a purely pathological view.

Corbett will discuss depression in some famous people such as Martin Luther, Winston Churchill, and Franz Kafka. We will explore how their struggles with depression were part of their tremendous creative expression. He will also consider some self-help approaches to depression, and ways to help others.

Corbett also offers a unique view of Narcissism in the Jung Platform course Narcissism: A Depth Perspective. If you are interested in Corbett’s take on personality disorders, explore the course A Depth Perspective on Personality Disorders. 

This program is ideal if you want to

• explore depression as a valuable state of the soul.
• be able to recognize different types of depression.
• learn strategies to engage with depression.
• appreciate the differences between productive and unproductive depression.

Course Overview

Class 1: Understanding Depression: More Than Just Sadness

In this class, Lionel Corbett will help us distinguish depression from ordinary sadness. We will explore how depression manifests in childhood, adolescence and old age.

We will look at the difference between depression due to a harsh internal critic and depression due to painful internal emptiness. Corbett will critique purely biological explanations and the current DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) definition.

Additionally, we will explore psychological theories about the origins of depression and consider that it may be an essential aspect of human nature. We will reflect on melancholy as a muse and uncover the spiritual dimensions of our depressions.

Class 2: Grief and Chronic Sorrow

In this session, we will delve into the profound experience of grief and chronic sorrow. We will explore the essential differences between grief and depression, clarifying how each affects our emotional landscape.

We will also examine the psychotherapeutic approaches to grief, exploring strategies for navigating this complex journey. By understanding the nuances of grief, we can learn to honor our losses and embrace the healing process. 

Class 3: Supporting Others and Self-Help Strategies

In this session, we will explore effective ways to help others facing depression and discuss valuable self-help strategies. 

We will examine historical perspectives on depression, including Robert Burton’s Anatomy of Melancholy and the 18th and 19th-century efforts to humanize its treatment. Additionally, we will explore the contributions of Emile Kraepelin and William James and how their insights can help us on our dark journey.  

Lionel Corbett will differentiate between productive and unproductive depression, helping us understand how to navigate these experiences for ourselves and others.

Class 4: Depression in Notable Figures and Religious Melancholy

In this session, we will explore the lives of famous individuals, including Winston Churchill, Isaac Newton, and Franz Kafka, and how they experienced depression.

By examining their struggles, we can gain insight into the complex relationship between creativity and depression. We will also discuss the concept of religious melancholy, exploring how spiritual beliefs intersect with experiences of depression.

This session aims to illuminate the various dimensions of depression and inspire a deeper understanding of its impact on both personal and creative journeys.

By the end of this course, you will be able to

• have a deeper understanding of depression as a multifaceted experience, viewing it as a potential muse for personal and creative growth.
• have strategies to engage with depression.
• have historical and psychological theories surrounding depression.
• be able to recognize different manifestations of depression, and distinguish between productive and unproductive depression.

Recommended Reading

Transforming Depression, by David Rosen. (2002), published by Nicolas-Heys.