Citation

Holmes J. BJPsych Adv. 2015; 21(3): 185-187.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Royal College of Psychiatrists)

DOI

10.1192/apt.bp.114.013490

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Tolstoy's life and work illustrate resilience, the transcendence of trauma and the enduring impact of childhood loss. I have chosen the famous oak tree passage from War and Peace to illustrate recovery from the self-preoccupation of depression and the theme of 'eco-spirituality' - the idea that post-depressive connectedness and love apply not just to significant others but also to nature and the environment.

Language: en

Keywords

human; mental health; suicide; psychotherapy; depression; childhood; delusion; confusion; Article