Analysis of William Styron's Major Depressive Disorder Essay Sample

William Styron has Major Depressive Disorder without psychotic features. As Stryon is an author, he often uses very eloquent descriptions and metaphors to describe his symptoms. Styron describes his depressed mood as a “gloom crowding in on me, a sense of dread and alienation…”. He also experienced diminished interest and pleasure in activities he used to enjoy, as well as a decrease in appetite, “eating only for subsistence: food … was utterly without savor.” Other symptoms Styron experienced included fatigue, a reduction in physical movement, feelings of worthlessness, inappropriate guilt, impaired concentration, and suicidal ideation with and without a specific plan. 

Styron is a gifted, award-winning author whom most would consider highly successful and accomplished. Yet he dealt with a crippling depression that came close to taking his life. Although a close observer may have noticed Stryon’s depressive symptoms, most would think Stryon, being so successful, would be happy. This shows that depression can affect anyone regardless of their wealth, social status, or accomplishments. In fact, this is precisely what depression is, sadness in spite of good things happening. Styron continued to feel depressed despite being awarded and praised for his writing. This was not weakness or Styron’s fault, but instead an illness of the mind, one as real as diabetes or cancer. 

Styron also experienced symptoms of alcohol and benzodiazepine addiction. Styron’s depression started when he began to completely abstain from alcohol consumption due to its negative physical effects on him. In addition to his alcohol consumption and subsequent withdrawal, Stryon also regularly used a high dose of a benzodiazepine to aid with his insomnia. During his psychiatric hospitalization, he tampered off benzodiazepines. This significantly reduced his suicidal ideation. 

Although William Stryon never uses the official DSM-V term, it is evident that he is diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder without psychotic features. Styron uses the term depression instead throughout Darkness Visible. His psychiatrist Dr. Gold is the first mental health professional to officially diagnose Styron with clinical depression. By the time Styron sought help from Dr. Gold, he had already self-diagnosed himself, having already read much of the DSM-V. The official diagnosis was only helpful to Stryon in that it allowed him to access treatment. The only reason he sought help was to receive medication and psychotherapy.  Styron exhibited all the DSM-V diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder. 

Nearly every aspect of Styron’s life was impacted. He was unable to write, find pleasure or satisfaction in anything, or function in completing everyday tasks. Styron’s loss of libido affected his sex life and presumably his relationship with his wife. He was often bedridden due to his symptoms, although he was mostly unable to sleep for more than a few hours. Styron lay on his bed “...gazing at the ceiling, nearly immobilized and in a trance of supreme discomfort.” Styron experienced recurring, intense thoughts of suicide; he planned ways in which he would end his life and began to make preparations to do so. The intensity of his symptoms and his suicidal ideation led him to admit himself to a hospital for seven weeks, causing a major disruption in his life. Styron does not talk much about how his depression affected others. His friends and family seemed understanding and helpful. More significant was the effect of the depressions and suicides of many of Styron’s friends and colleagues. 

I believe Styron’s struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts made him into a kinder, more empathic person. He vigorously defended those who complete suicide as not being weak of character, but rather victims of immense suffering and pain for which, to them, suicide seemed the only escape. Additionally, his personal experience with depression and talent as an author allowed him to write Darkness Visible, which contains many apt, vivid descriptions and metaphors of his experiences with his symptoms. His status as a high-profile and successful author destigmatizes Major Depressive Disorder and destigmatizes the many treatments Styron received and considered. 

As an individual with Major Depressive Disorder myself, Styron’s descriptions and metaphors of depression put to words, the feelings and thoughts I am unable to verbally express. I certainly empathize with Styron and appreciate his commentary on suicide. He so aptly describes the suicidal dilemma which I have often faced myself. “Judging whether life is or is not worth living amounts to answering the fundamental question of philosophy.” There are so many quotes in Darkness Visible which I believe so accurately capture how depression can feel and why suicide can sometimes feel like a solution to the suffering that it causes. I do believe Styron’s depression may have been complicated by his use of alcohol and benzodiazepines. Use and withdrawal from these substances can certainly cause depression. I was also not a big fan of his analysis of the causes of depression. I don’t believe early childhood loss is the etiology of most depressions. It is folly to think that depression has but one cause, traceable to a childhood experience. It is provably influenced by both one’s genetics and environment. 

I read Darkness Visible for the first time this past Fall in a psychiatric hospital. It is difficult to ascertain the exact causes of depression or thoughts of suicide. Although I have dealt with depression since I was 17, it was not until the summer after a mass shooting at my workplace that I more seriously contemplated and attempted suicide. As a very philosophical person myself, Styron’s explanation of the causes of suicidal thoughts and his description of his recovery have helped me gain a little more hope that such recovery may be possible for myself. Depression does not have to mean the end of my or anyone’s life, and as Styron so aptly describes, the journey of recovery is much like Dante’s ascent from Hell, “trudging upward and upward out of hell’s black depths and at last emerging into what he saw as the shining world.”