How I overcame depression: My story
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January 13, 2011
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There is hope for those suffering with depression.
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You are here: / How I overcame depression: My story
HOW I OVERCAME DEPRESSION: MY STORY
by
Dear Friend,
You only have one life to live. This one.
But if you are struggling with depression, sometimes you just don't
feel like you want to continue living the life you've been given. You
feel cheated. Unworthy. Unloved. Guilty. Angry. Useless. And you hurt
physically, which surprises you because depression is supposed to be
strictly an emotional or mental illness.
But often the worst thing about depression is the isolation. You feel
isolated because either you are ashamed, frightened, or embarrassed to
tell anyone how you are feeling. You don't want them to look down at
you. You don't want them to think you are "crazy."
And so you struggle alone. You wonder what's wrong with you. You try
to find out what the signs of depression are. You wonder what it's
like to get treatment for your depression. You may even think that
depression treatment is frightening. You may know the cause of your
depression, but then, again, you may not because everything in your
life may seem "perfect" from the outside.
But you are still depressed.
I know what it's like. When I went through my worst period of
depression, I thought that I was completely alone - and unique. And I
was desperate to read a book about a woman like me - a woman who
believed deeply in Christ but still felt suicidal - and what she went
through as she recovered from depression.
I wanted to know that there was light at the end of the tunnel.
I went from bookstore to bookstore in my community, looking for
something to read - a true story of someone who had gone through major
depression and who had survived, and perhaps, even thrived because of
it. I wanted to know that I could be cured of depression. But this
book simply was not to be found. I had to go through my experience
feeling completely alone.
When it had passed - when the light finally shone on my face once
more - I knew that I had to tell my own story. And I knew that I had
to tell it in a way that others could see themselves and believe that
they, too, could become well again. I had to give my readers a peek
into my life and into my mind.
As you have guessed, I managed to get it done. And published. And
into people's hands, which has been a wonderful experience because my
readers have told me how much my story has helped them.
I'm hoping that it might help you, too.
Exposing my inner mind was risky. Before I published my book, some of
my friends and family worried that I revealed too much. But I knew in
my heart that whatever I gave up personally was a small price to pay
for the hope that it could give other people. I believed that people
out there NEEDED to read my story and that my book might even save
lives.
My book is named UP THE DOWN HILL: ONE WOMAN'S STRUGGLE TO SURVIVE
MAJOR DEPRESSION, and here’s what a few of my readers have said
about it:
"Once in a while, as a therapist, I come across a personal work that
is worthy of passing along to my fellow therapists and my clients. It
is not very often that I have found something that would be both
helpful to not only members of The Church of Jesus Christ and those
who come from different religious backgrounds, but also to my
colleagues. The story of this journey is such an effort. It is one
that can help both therapist and client. It is helpful for us as
therapists to know what is in the heart and mind of our clients.
Sometimes hearing it does not register as well as the written word,
because sometimes our clients don't express out loud what they really
feel for fear of hurting another or for fear of driving them away. I
believe it helps other clients to know that they are not the only ones
who struggle with feelings of despair and depression and to know they
are not alone - that a light at the end of the tunnel really exists.
"It is my hope that as you read this story about one woman's journey
that you will realize your own vulnerability and that it could be you
at any given time. We are all subject to the ills of this word, and
'good' people struggle with their own 'wilderness' experiences. No one
is immune. But isn't it wonderful that we have this opportunity to
learn how to be there for one another from someone who has been
willing to share the depths of her struggle with us? It is also my
hope that you, the reader, will learn how to reach out to others if
you should happen to fall into your own pit of despair during your
lifetime. May the reading of this story offer a learning experience
that helps you understand and be understood." - KATHARINE ABBOTT,
PH.D.
"I began reading it during my lunch hour and became dismayed once I
realized that I couldn't stand to stop reading it so that I could
return to my workday. I just had to order the book. I’m going to get
all of my daughters a copy of their own so they will understand what
the depression they have is all about." - VICKY
"Last summer, my daughter-in-law was hospitalized because she became
so depressed. I couldn't understand what was going on with her and I'm
afraid that I was quite harsh with her. Since I have read your book, I
feel that I now understand my daughter-in-law, and I know that I will
be more compassionate with her now. Thank you for being brave enough
to tell your story." - PAT
"After I read your book, I just had to call my mum in Dublin to tell
her about it. It is so beautifully written." _ - _CHRISTOPHER
"After I read your book, I just had to get my own copy. I want to go
through it and underline all of the things I want to remember so that
I can use them in my own life. I’m going to tell all of my friends
about it." - ANGIE
"I started reading your book and couldn’t put it down. I’m going
to get my husband one of his own because he is suffering from
depression right now. Thanks for doing this." - EMILY
"I took the opportunity to read your book and wanted you to know how
much I admire your courage in writing the book and sharing your
experience with others. Some of my family members suffer from
depression, and your book helped me understand them better." - EVELYN
"A true story of one woman's journey from the depths of depression to
a full and happy life. If you suffer from depression, _Up the Down
Hill_ may help you in your struggle out of its depths. This courageous
description of her experience is written with frankness and honesty
that will help change attitudes to depression and mental illness. -
DEPRESSION WEB-WORLD
"I mainly wanted to tell you how much I appreciated your eBook - _Up
the Down Hill_. Your experiences have been very, very similar to mine.
Thank you again for your book and the helpful coping skills it
re-introduced to me and the new ones, too!" - AUDREY
Now that my book has been out for many years, and I have had a chance
to hear from my readers, I know that the struggle to write and publish
it was worth it. I've been grateful to know that telling my story has
made a difference.
HOW TO PURCHASE AN EBOOK COPY (FASTEST WAY TO GET IT)
* The fastest way to order the eBook is directly online. You will
pay via ClickBank. (Your credit card statement will show a charge from
Clk*Bank.com.Your credit card statement will show a charge from
Clk*Bank.com.) When you request that the book be sent to you online,
you will be able to download it immediately. PRICE: $14.99 (US)
HOW TO PURCHASE A HARD COPY
* If you'd like a hard copy (a "real" book) of UP THE DOWN HILL, it
is available through traditional book sellers (you may have to
special-order it) or through other sources, such as .
All the best to you,
ROZANNE
Copyright 2011 by
