Abstract:
This study aimed to provide insights into the complex experiences of
individuals dealing with depression and enhancing our understanding of mental
health. Focusing on the character Laurel in Love Letters to the Dead, the research
explored depression symptoms, factors, and cope mechanisms.
The method used in this research is a qualitative descriptive research
methodology with a psychological approach. Data is obtained by repeatedly
reading the novel, taking notes, and then categorizing data related to this study.
The results of this study showed that the factors contributing to Laurel's
depression were categorized into two main categories: firstly, a stressful
environment and life events, and secondly, psychological vulnerability caused by
facing sexual abuse, divorce, and mourning. Laurel also exhibited depressive
symptoms, including emotional, cognitive, motivational, and physical depression
symptoms. Laurel used four types of defense mechanisms to cope with her
depressive disorder: repression, displacement, reaction formation, and
sublimation. The researcher identified a total of 39 data points, which could be
further classified as follows: 6 data points related to depressive factors, 28 data
points related to depressive symptoms, and 6 data points related to defense
mechanisms. From the explanations above, it could be concluded that depression
could occur in individuals simultaneously with various causes.
