“Lately I’ve been thinking about the allure of suicide again…” (p. 3). This is the first line of Daphne Merkin’s book about her battle with depression. Merkin was hospitalized for depression three times: once for childhood depression, the second time for severe postpartum depression, and later, when her mother died. Merkin shares her experience of depression beginning in her childhood. She isn’t shy about her sexual experiences (which sometimes lifted her depression…other times made it much worse) and her sadomasochism. I found it difficult to read about Merkin’s many therapists and psychopharmocologists. The litany of drugs and “treatments” also made me dispirited. I’ve read Daphne Merkin’s excellent articles in the New York Times, Vogue, The New Yorker, and a dozen other newspapers and magazines over the years. I admire Merkin’s courage in her struggle against depression. But I feel very sorry for her. GRADE: B+
I know a number of people with depression and one distant acquaintance recently killed himself because of it. I have a theory that modern food manufacturing techniques contribute to depression, but who knows?
Bob, I know over a dozen people who are being treated for depression. You might be right about the adverse effects of modern food manufacturing techniques.
I can already hear Rick’s forthcoming comment, but for once I agree. This is not a book I want to read.
Jeff, THIS CLOSE TO HAPPY was an enlightening book although it’s really sad. Daphne Merkin has been afflicted with depression since childhood. Her life-time struggle, both the highs and the lows, is quite a story.
You’re right, Jeff. This is not a book I’d be interesting in reading.
I’ve enjoyed her writing (primarily in the New Yorker) for years–but had no idea she suffered from depression. But, no matter how good the writing, I don’t think this would be a book for me. The problem with books about depression is, frankly, they’re so damn depressing–and there’s enough for us to be depressed about in the world today without seeking out a book on the subject.
Deb, I decided to read THIS CLOSE TO HAPPY in order to understand more about depression. We know a number of people who are battling depression and I’d like to help in any way I can. Yes, THIS CLOSE TO HAPPY has depressing moments. I hadn’t realized depression can start in childhood. Plus, with Trump in power, depression is sure to grow!
William Styron’s book on his depressions was illuminating. I am game to read it I am pretty sure my entire family suffers from some low level depression even on good days.
Patti, there seems to be a genetic component to depression. I think you’ll find Daphne Merkin’s THIS CLOSE TO HAPPY revealing. Here is a successful writer who has battled demons all her Life.
I agree with your comment about the trump admin bringing on depression.
I was stunned to find out at a recent 40+ year reunion of college friends that 3 men had committed suicide. One I knew about, a guy I’d dated. He had gotten a 17 year old pregnant when he was 18 and had “had” to marry her. They’d gotten divorced and I’d gone out with him a few times. Several years later, when he was in his 20’s he’d done it again with a 16 year old. He then took his life. I’d lost contact with the other 2 (and most of the group) and only heard about their deaths at the reunion.
It’s a relevant book, but not for me. (I also much prefer comedies to dramas)
My brother had a friend who got his girlfriend pregnant and “had” to marry her, quit school and went to work for his father. I’ve always wondered if it worked out.
We grew up in a very different era.
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Maggie, our 50th High School Reunion is just around the corner this Summer. A couple of our classmates committed suicide. I don’t know if they were depressed, but that seems likely.
I tried to comment all day but got an error message every time – strange …
Nowit works – after I deleted a sentence that named the pills that my father had to take – I described it here:
A bit OT:
My father was wounded in the brain by Russian shrapnel in WW2 and he had bouts of depressions. I remember him taking V …and other stuff on doctor’s orders but still every few years, usually under severe stress, he was sent to a special verterans’ hospital for treatment to just calm him down again. On the other hand – if he hadn’t been sent home because of this he probably would have died somewhere in Russia (like my uncle who disappeared near Stalingrad without a trace) – or in Siberia as a prisoner of war.
Wolf, new drugs are coming out all the time. But I don’t want to be a guinea pig. Recently, I’ve had to fight with my new health insurance provider, Independent Health, because they want me to change medications (from expensive ones that work to generic ones that might or might not work–just so they can make more money!
Wolf, WORDPRESS has been quirky lately. I have no idea why.
Having known several people with severe depression (and heavy drug (ab)use …) I also don’t want to read about this!
On the other hand I was kind of fascinated by reports on the severity of use of all kinds of “brainn drugs”, not only in the USA – horrible!
My German family doc however is very strict, he won’t give you anything (downers, uppers, sleeping pills, stuff to keep you quiet) – he says that he’s seen so many lives destroyed by this.
Wolf, the rate of death of middle-class U.S. citizens has been rising because of drug abuse and suicide. I try to take minimum medication.