"There is a way out of your depression. You CAN feel better again!"
"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.
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 experience. You feel isolated because you 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 is wrong with you. You try to find out what the signs of depression are. You wonder what it is like to get treatment for you depression. You may even think that depression treatment is frightening. You may know what is 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 that believed deeply in Christ but still felt suicidal - 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 you 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 guess, 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.
And 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 a small price to pay for the hope that it could give other people. The spirit whispered to me that there were people out there that NEEDED to read my story - and that my book might even save lives. Which is why I moved ahead.
It’s called 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:
More Reader Comments About Up the Down Hill: One woman's struggle to survive major depression
"I began reading it during my lunch hour and became dismayed once I realized that I couldn't’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’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
If you order an eBook copy of Up the Down Hil you'll also receive an eBook that is full of helpful articles, Coping with Depression as a free bonus. You'll find it to be a great resource for you as you work you way to recovery - or as you help someone you love recover from depression. Here are some of the great articles that you'll get when you receive this free bonus eBook:
- 15 Ways to Relieve Stress Naturally
- Exposing the Myths About Depression
- The 10 Commandments of Fighting Depression
- Depression in the Work Place
- Depression in Young Adults
- Depression in Women
- Depression in the Elderly
- Depression in Teenagers
- Depression in Children
- Depression in Women
- Depression and the American Disabilities Act
- Illness and Depression
- Understanding and Dealing with Crisis
- Genetics and Depression
- Thought Stopping
- Visualization
- Who are you? Rediscovering yourself
- Art and Healing
- Bearing the Whirlwinds of Depression
- Breathing to Calm Yourself
- Creative Genius and Depression
- Especially for Loved Ones: How to help someone you love cope with depression
- Herbal Solutions
- Prescribed Medications
- My Journal: My Life
- One Step at a Time
- Perfectionism
- We Are What We Eat
- You Deserve Happiness
hello
You can read Up the Down Hill and the free eBook, Coping with Depression immediately
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 Place Your Order
The fastest way to order the eBook is directly online. You will be directed to my other online business, Scrap Girls, where you will be able to place your order through our secure checkout system. You can pay with PayPal or with a credit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, and American Express. Just put the eBook Up the Down Hill in your shopping cart and checkout. You will receive an email receipt containing your download password.
When you request that the books be sent to you online, you will be able to download it immediately. If you choose to request that it be burned on a CD, however it will take up to 7-10 days to receive your order. The CD delivery option requires that you add the CD burn item AND the Up the Down Hill eBook item to your shopping cart.
All the best to you,
Rozanne
Depression Resource List
LDS Social Services - Talk to your bishop about the possibility of receiving help from LDS Social Services.
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Would you like to email a therapist? Our special friend has agreed to answer your email, generally between 1 to 4 days. However, if you feel that you are someone you love is in danger, please call 911 immediately!
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