Jag vill inte dö, jag vill bara inte leva, published in 2008, serves as a prominent autobiographical examination of bipolar disorder, severe anxiety, and suicidal ideation. This work brought Ann Heberlein nationwide attention in Sweden, extending her reach beyond the boundaries of academic philosophy and theology into the broader public consciousness.
Academic Foundations and Research
Born in Malmö in 1970, Heberlein pursued her higher education at Lund University. Her doctoral research culminated in the 2005 dissertation Kränkningar och förlåtelse, which investigated moral responsibility, shame, guilt, and the mechanics of forgiveness. Following her doctorate, she taught practical philosophy at Stockholm University starting in 2007, later returning to an academic position at Lund University in 2009. Her earlier scholarly contributions include the 2004 text Den sexuella människan and her involvement in the 2007 publication Systematisk teologi.
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Heberlein has maintained an active presence in Swedish media, serving as a columnist for publications including Sydsvenskan, Dagens Nyheter, Expressen, Axess, and Kyrkans tidning. Her public voice also extended to radio, where she presented segments for Sveriges Radio’s P1, specifically the show Tankar för dagen, and appeared as a speaker on the P1 program Sommarpratarna in 2009. Her professional trajectory involved a 2016 resignation from Sydsvenskan following disagreements regarding editorial control over her personal social media commentary.
Political Engagement and Literary Output
In 2018, Heberlein transitioned into electoral politics, running for the Swedish parliament as a representative of the Moderate Party. That same year, she utilized crowdfunding platforms to finance her research project concerning group violence in Sweden, titled Rape and Culture. Her extensive bibliography spans non-fiction and ethics, encompassing titles such as Det var inte mitt fel! Om konsten att ta ansvar, En liten bok om ondska, and Ett gott liv. Her 2008 memoir was subsequently adapted into a theatrical production at the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm in 2012.
Fast facts
- Born: 1970, Malmö, Sweden
- Education: Lund University
- Academic Focus: Theology, Ethics, Practical Philosophy
- Notable Work: Jag vill inte dö, jag vill bara inte leva (2008)
- Political Party: Moderate Party
- Languages: Swedish, French
Questions readers ask
What is the primary theme of Heberlein's 2008 memoir?
The book details her personal experience living with bipolar disorder, severe anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Which academic institution is primarily associated with her career?
Lund University, where she defended her dissertation in 2005 and later held a teaching position.
Achievements
- Notable work: Jag vill inte dö, jag vill bara inte leva
- Held posts at Lund University
- Fields: creative and professional writing, philosophy and theology
