Abstract

The paper explores a particular type of depression, primary, preverbal, and pre-objectual, which results from the failure to form–stabilize the first mother- child bond. This lack creates an anxiety that threatens the sense of continuity of existence as if the individual were to be constantly on the verge to precipitate or to break connections with others. Only the bond that is formed through the infantile transference makes it possible to halt this agony and to feel connected, for the first time, to a place, to nurturing, holding, mirroring functions and finally to an object