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Product Description
Daily Telegraph, 11th May 2008
'Merritt's attempts at self-analysis are bravely honest and provocative...a brave and eloquent book'
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
Observer, 11th May 2008
'This powerful memoir will surely speak to anyone who has suffered bipolar disorder or depression.'
--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
45 of 45 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book is a fantastic read. Stephanie's own story of living with depression is a real page turner. The topic might suggest it makes for a depressing read but it really doesn't.
She does a very good job of describing some of the many issues society has towards depression. For example, she reminds us of how people debilitated by ordinary illness such as flu are forgiven from family and social obligations. Not, though, for those that are suffering from mental illness.
Throughout the book Stephanie also shares with the reader those views that other people, present and past, have expressed towards depression, and how this relates to her own experiences. She is clearly not alone.
The other fascinating aspect that is so well portrayed is how one can go through life struggling to cope with seemingly awful episodes of depression, yet manage to fool everyone (family, friends, work colleagues, health visitors) that all is perfectly under control.
Read it if only to understand better those around you who may be, or have been, battling with depression.
She does a very good job of describing some of the many issues society has towards depression. For example, she reminds us of how people debilitated by ordinary illness such as flu are forgiven from family and social obligations. Not, though, for those that are suffering from mental illness.
Throughout the book Stephanie also shares with the reader those views that other people, present and past, have expressed towards depression, and how this relates to her own experiences. She is clearly not alone.
The other fascinating aspect that is so well portrayed is how one can go through life struggling to cope with seemingly awful episodes of depression, yet manage to fool everyone (family, friends, work colleagues, health visitors) that all is perfectly under control.
Read it if only to understand better those around you who may be, or have been, battling with depression.
29 of 29 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
One of the worst things about depression is being inside your own head, asking yourself questions about why you can't cope when everyone else can. It is the loneliest place in the world.
I had to stop reading this book after the first chapter. It was watching my own life and actions played out by someone else, and I recognised it - even things I had never considered before, all of my past was mirrored. I pressed on with the book, and found someone else thinking the same thoughts as me, asking the same questions that I was asking of myself, frustrated that I couldn't find answers and blaming myself because nobody else would think this way.
This book will not cure depression. This book will not teach you the methods to deal with it and overcome it. That's not what this book is for. This book is about hope, something Stephanie touches on often. Depression is the total absence of all hope, an insidious feeling and a dangerous place to be.
This book gave me hope. I'm not alone. It's not "just me". There are ways through all of this.
The book is honest, and written with humour and beauty. I recommend it for anyone suffering from depression, as a small measure of hope that you are not alone through all of this, that you aren't stupid or weak. I also recommend it to anyone who has a loved one suffering with depression, as a better insight into what they are enduring than perhaps they themselves can give.
Everyone's depression is unique to them, but Stephanie Merritt can speak for all of us of the pain, the frustration, the despair that it causes.
This book didn't save my life, but it may have helped me to regain my life.
I had to stop reading this book after the first chapter. It was watching my own life and actions played out by someone else, and I recognised it - even things I had never considered before, all of my past was mirrored. I pressed on with the book, and found someone else thinking the same thoughts as me, asking the same questions that I was asking of myself, frustrated that I couldn't find answers and blaming myself because nobody else would think this way.
This book will not cure depression. This book will not teach you the methods to deal with it and overcome it. That's not what this book is for. This book is about hope, something Stephanie touches on often. Depression is the total absence of all hope, an insidious feeling and a dangerous place to be.
This book gave me hope. I'm not alone. It's not "just me". There are ways through all of this.
The book is honest, and written with humour and beauty. I recommend it for anyone suffering from depression, as a small measure of hope that you are not alone through all of this, that you aren't stupid or weak. I also recommend it to anyone who has a loved one suffering with depression, as a better insight into what they are enduring than perhaps they themselves can give.
Everyone's depression is unique to them, but Stephanie Merritt can speak for all of us of the pain, the frustration, the despair that it causes.
This book didn't save my life, but it may have helped me to regain my life.
24 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
A wonderful book that seemed at every page to be detailing my own life's experiences, including even my work pattern. What makes it different to other similar books is the vivid recollections, searing honesty and, above all, the beautiful writing. This is a fabulous book even if you aren't interested in depression. The beauty of the prose, particularly in the sections where Stephanie finds love, is inspiring.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Amazing.
I couldn't put this book down and didn't want to finish it. Stephanie is inspiring and honest about her own experience but I'm sure it speaks for a lot of people who have or are... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mrs. Anita Mcskimming
A bit too religious ...
Having suffered many of the same things as the author I thought this book would help me manage my condition. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Bewill
The Devil Within: A Memoir of Depression
Quite an intense book but also very insightful and i do not regret buying this. It is an interesting insight in to one persons experience of depression
Published 19 months ago by Ms. K. James
A great read
Like many others I read this book and it was as if I were reading about my own life through the pages. Read more
Published 20 months ago by SLP
A beautiful read
Stephanie Merritt writes eloquently about feelings I have been unable to put into words for longer than I care to remember. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Evsie
Honest and well written
I can only echo what has been said in previous reviews. This is not a self help book, although of course different treatments and their effects are discussed from the authors point... Read more
Published on 15 Mar 2010 by GothicWench
A stunningly honest work
This book prompted me to do something I have never done before - I posted a letter congratulating the author. Whether or not it will reach her is a different matter! Read more
Published on 28 Nov 2009 by AGC2070
Utterly brilliant
It's not just a great book about manic depression. It's a great book. I can't quite understand why it hasn't received more attention. Read more
Published on 7 Aug 2009 by Clarissa
Excellent
This is an excellent well written book about living with depression.
Stephanie Merritt is a gifted author.
Highly recommended.
Stephanie Merritt is a gifted author.
Highly recommended.
Published on 18 Mar 2009 by Richter™
Not a depressing read
Dont expect the author to come up with miracle cures or good clear suggestions of overcoming depression, more of an account of the experience. Read more
Published on 1 Oct 2008 by Monkey
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