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Disability and Depression.

A Cvetkovich1, A Wilkerson2

  • 1Department of English, The University of Texas at Austin, 204 W 21st Street B5000, Austin, TX, 78712-1164, USA. cvet@austin.utexas.edu.

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Summary

This study reframes "feeling bad," or depression, as a sociopolitical issue, not just individual brain chemistry. It highlights how neoliberalism, colonization, and systemic factors contribute to widespread affective distress.

Keywords:
AffectDepressionDisabilityNeoliberalismPublic feelingQueer

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Area of Science:

  • Cultural Studies
  • Disability Studies
  • Mental Health Research

Background:

  • Neoliberalism shapes affective states, with "feeling bad" (depression) being a prominent experience.
  • The dominant medical model attributes depression to individual biological factors, overlooking broader societal influences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To integrate cultural studies analysis of depression with disability studies frameworks.
  • To challenge the individualistic, biological explanations of depression prevalent in neoliberal contexts.
  • To explore the sociopolitical roots of affective distress.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of cultural studies scholarship on "feeling bad" and depression.
  • Integration of disability studies perspectives to re-examine mental health.
  • Examination of historical and cultural archives to trace sociopolitical influences.

Main Results:

  • Depression and affective distress are linked to sociopolitical phenomena, including neoliberal demands for productivity, colonization, slavery, and displacement.
  • Critiques the "atomism" of the medical model that isolates depression to individual brain chemistry.
  • Demonstrates the utility of disability frameworks for understanding mental health.

Conclusions:

  • Affective distress is deeply rooted in sociopolitical structures and historical contexts, not solely individual biology.
  • Disability studies offers valuable tools for analyzing mental health diagnoses and experiences.
  • Understanding mental health requires examining the intersections of social institutions, bodily practices, and daily life.