Franz Kafka and Depression

Franz Kafka and Depression 

Franz Kafka once said, “I have the true feeling of myself only when I am unbearably unhappy” (Kafka). Kafka was an absurdist, novelist, and writer. He is most prominently known for his literary work titled The Metamorphosis — a story following a salesman who struggles to provide for his family after turning into an insect (Kafka). Many interpretations of this story have been assumed and created, however, this literary piece, along with his other works, allows the audience to get a glimpse into Kafka’s mind and to analyze his beliefs on specific social issues and epidemics. Kafka, growing up, faced many instances of unwavering feelings of "inferiority, inadequacy, and anxiety” (“Physical and Mental Conditions and Their Causes”). Franz Kafka experienced many symptoms and moods parallel to depression. His existentialist viewpoint, accompanied by his personal struggles, would most likely lead to his belief that depression is considered a social epidemic. 

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Growing up, Franz Kafka struggled with feelings of insuperiority and his sense of masculinity (Felisati). Because of this, Kafka naturally fell into symptoms relative to those of depression. Historians report that his relationship with his father may have also heightened those feelings (Felisati). They assert that “a strong influence on the development of young Kafka’s character is the relationship with his family, with a domineering father which would certainly not have contributed favourably to the correct development of a delicate personality” (Felisati). Franz Kafka assumed an intense fear of his father as he grew into a young man. On one occasion he published a letter to his father where he describes, “this fear and its consequences hamper me in relation to you and because the magnitude of the subject goes far beyond the scope of my memory and power of reasoning” (Popova). This elucidation, of the emotional trauma Kafka endured, accentuates his likelihood of acquiring depression in his adulthood. Furthermore, research suggests "46% of individuals with depression report childhood maltreatment” (Nelson). This information suggests a direct correlation between the impacts of child abuse and the acquisition of depression. Not only can the reader find evidence of depression from his relationship with his family but also receive his interpretation of it within his writings. 

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Franz Kafka wrote many journal entries and novels that can give his reader a glimpse into his mind, especially regarding his depression. For example, “Kafka himself in his diaries refers to himself as a non-born, condemned to die, without having lived” (Felisati). This one statement gives an outside reader an internal glimpse into how Kafka is feeling. In his work titled The Judgement, for example, his plot is based around a young man committing suicide at the command of his father, which is yet another parallel to his relationship with his own father. Moreover, research suggests that Kafka struggled with thoughts of suicide; “Kafka first had the idea of suicide in 1912” (Felisati). However, an attempt was never reported. Rather, it is likely that Kafka experienced suicidal ideation rather than thoughts of self-harm. Specialists at the Stonecrest Center for Suicidal Ideation Treatment examine the foundation of suicidal ideation and explain who is at risk, likewise: 

Intrusive thoughts and a preoccupation with death and dying are what define suicidal ideation. Occurring due to stress and a person’s inability to cope in a healthy manner, the presence of suicidal ideations frequently mean that an individual is suffering from a mental illness. Ideations can range in gravity from brief thoughts about death to well-established plans for how an individual will end his or her own life. Sadly, if this kind of thought process persists, a person is at an increased risk for self-harm, attempts at suicide, or suicide completion. ("Signs and Symptoms of Suicidal Ideation | StoneCrest Center”) 

Unfortunately, Franz Kafka exhibits all of the traits synonymous with depression, as well as the suicidal aspects of it. Likewise, according to cognitive theorist, Aaron Beck, “depressed people tend to automatically interpret events in negative ways and view themselves and helpless and inadequate” (Shimelpfening). This interpretation not only explains the reasoning for Kafka’s feelings about himself but also offers a glimpse into how he perceives the world around him. Kafka would agree that depression is considered a social epidemic, but the society he was present in did not have a clear understanding of its basis. During the time period in which Kafka lived, the notion of depression, or melancholia, was just beginning to be recognized.  

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During the notable Age of Enlightenment, depression was viewed as a “weakness of temperament” or lack of control that was irreversible (Shimelpfening). Various treatment methods were designed, however, to prevent and reduce the extreme symptoms of depression. These included water immersion, enemas, vomiting, and dieting (Shimelpfening). Nevertheless, as depression began to receive limelight, it still was not socially acceptable to face; “Seeking emotional support or therapy was largely stigmatized, as it was perceived as a sign of weakness” (Narendran). Because of this Franz Kafka, likely recognized that he struggled with emotional fluctuation and overwhelming sadness but was not given the opportunity to express those feelings without retaliation or judgement. This feeling of not only loneliness but concealment is undoubtedly responsible for the aid in heightening those same feelings. Furthermore, as a man during this time, Kafka was taught to not express emotion and to embrace more masculine roles, rather than aspiring to pursue a writing career. Licensed mental practitioner, Kadambari Narendran, states that, “In the early 1900s, societal expectations placed a heavy burden on men to adhere to traditional masculine ideals, which often involved suppressing emotions and maintaining an appearance of stoicism,” and that “men were expected to face challenges alone, leading to emotional isolation and potential long-term negative effects on mental health” (Narendran).  

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Franz Kafka would agree that depression is a considerable social epidemic. Kafka’s personal experience and struggles, alongside his existentialist viewpoint, support his agreeance with the severity of depression. His many works spotlight his struggles with the illness and help bring light to his cries not only for help but for his desire for belonging, as well. Franz Kafka’s life serves as a representation of the necessity, not only for recognizing the signs of depression, but also the fundamental basis for providing outreach to those suffering in silence.