Transforming Depression: Egocide, Symbolic Death, and New Life

by David H. Rosen

A psychiatrist explains how the teachings of Jung can be adapted to develop a radical approach to the treatment of severe depression.

Genres: Psychology, Psychoanalysis, Nonfiction

263 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

David H. Rosen (b. 1945) is an American psychiatrist, Jungian analyst, and author.

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely changed how I have viewed the suicidal ideation that I have struggled with for nearly thirty years. If Jung resonates with you and you have depression this is the best book I have read on the suicidal issues that can come with it. Even leaving aside the creative aspects of it (which are covered in other books) the first third of this book is a must read.

[Jessie Morford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosen has just a couple notes to play, so it is good this book is not very long. This book definitely gave me a lot to think about and it is worth the read if you’re interested in a Jungian approach to suicide prevention or if you like to read about art therapy helping people. This book was unsurprisingly heteronormative which was annoying. Even so, I am glad I read it.

[Debbie Hoskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of the book follows the case histories of four patients. Rosen includes paintings and drawings from the patients. I find the concept of egocide offers a lot of hope. I didn't really learn how to do egocide from the book, but I did learn that egocide happens and lives can transform.

[Jindřich Spilka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very important work not only for its undoubted therapeutic impact, but also generally in a situation where egoism threatens to destroy humanity as a whole.