Uploaded September 2019 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
We’re fluent in the languages of psychology and medication, but the word “depression” does not do justice to this human experience. Depression is also spiritual territory. It is a shadow side of human vitality and as such teaches us about vitality. And what if depression is possible for the same reason that love is possible? (Original Air Date: January 17, 2003)
About the Guests:
Andrew Solomon is a writer and author. His books include “The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression,” and “Far From the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity.”
Anita Barrows is a poet, psychologist, and professional translator. Her most recent poetry collection is “We Are the Hunger.” With Joanna Macy, she translated “Rilke's Book of Hours: Love Poems to God.”
Parker J. Palmer is founder and senior partner emeritus of the Center for Courage & Renewal; his latest project is The Growing Edge. His books include “Healing the Heart of Democracy,” “Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation,” and “On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity, and Getting Old.”
Visit our website to read the transcript, download the episode, or listen to the unedited interview: onbeing.org/programs/the-soul-in-depression-mar2018
Visit our On Being Classics Library, where this episode is featured:
onbeing.org/libraries/classics
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We’re fluent in the languages of psychology and medication, but the word “depression” does not do justice to this human experience. Depression is also spiritual territory. It is a shadow side of human vitality and as such teaches us about vitality. And what if depression is possible for the same reason that love is possible? (Original Air Date: January 17, 2003)
About the Guests:
Andrew Solomon is a writer and author. His books include “The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression,” and “Far From the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity.”
Anita Barrows is a poet, psychologist, and professional translator. Her most recent poetry collection is “We Are the Hunger.” With Joanna Macy, she translated “Rilke's Book of Hours: Love Poems to God.”
Parker J. Palmer is founder and senior partner emeritus of the Center for Courage & Renewal; his latest project is The Growing Edge. His books include “Healing the Heart of Democracy,” “Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation,” and “On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity, and Getting Old.”
Visit our website to read the transcript, download the episode, or listen to the unedited interview: onbeing.org/programs/the-soul-in-depression-mar2018
Visit our On Being Classics Library, where this episode is featured:
onbeing.org/libraries/classics
STAY IN TOUCH
Facebook: facebook.com/onbeing
Twitter: twitter.com/onbeing
Instagram: instagram.com/onbeing
Newsletter: onbeing.org/newsletter
OUR PODCASTS
On Being with Krista Tippett: onbeing.org/series/podcast
This Movie Changed Me: onbeing.org/series/this-movie-changed-me
Becoming Wise: onbeing.org/series/becoming-wise
