Writing historical fiction, it is impossible to ignore the overwhelming impact religion had on people's lives. It was not only the structure of organised religion, but the interwoven beliefs which dominated people's lives. Christianity, the religion which runs through most of my historical fiction, grew and survived with its ability to adapt as it spread from place to place and culture to culture, absorbing certain traditions as it powered on. I love Theology. I did my undergraduate degree in it, and it continues to remain a real interest of mine. I also love the idea of holding hands across history, seeing what my characters saw, and holding the same objects in my own hands as they or their peers did. Given the significance of religion and superstition throughout history, these things were common - although not necessarily accessible - and would have been understood by all. Religious iconography dominated Pre-Reformation Europe, speaking as a universal language to all. These
Living with Depression by Nick Weatherhogg
Blurb from Goodreads:
"It has been estimated that almost one in ten adults and teenagers in the United Kingdom are affected by some form of depressive illness. This is a ten-fold increase in the last seventy years. If this growth were to continue unchecked, then about 95 percent of the population would have depression by the year 2100. It is further believed that depression will be the number 1 health problem worldwide by the year 2030. And yet for every three sufferers, less than 5 is spent each year on research. At least a half of all sufferers never seek any form of medical or psychiatric intervention.
The origin of depression can be situational or biochemical or a combination of many different factors. People do not choose to become depressed, but they do choose how they are going to deal with it and what they will do. A range of treatments are available as standard, ranging from medication to talking therapies, but various treatments may be more or less effective than others with different people and in different situations.
Even in the very darkest moments of the deepest depressions, there will always be that glimmer of hope. In Living with Depression, Nick Weatherhogg shares some hope, some light, some techniques, and a little optimism in the midst of depression born not only from psychological training, but also from a personal battle for many years with his own black dog."
The origin of depression can be situational or biochemical or a combination of many different factors. People do not choose to become depressed, but they do choose how they are going to deal with it and what they will do. A range of treatments are available as standard, ranging from medication to talking therapies, but various treatments may be more or less effective than others with different people and in different situations.
Even in the very darkest moments of the deepest depressions, there will always be that glimmer of hope. In Living with Depression, Nick Weatherhogg shares some hope, some light, some techniques, and a little optimism in the midst of depression born not only from psychological training, but also from a personal battle for many years with his own black dog."
Nick Weatherhogg draws a line between being depressed and feeling depressed which I find interesting. I'm sure everyone in their lifetime feels depressed at some point, but it doesn't mean they have the illness depression.
The book is well written and although the author makes the point that it has taken a lot of effort to put his story out there, he should be assured that it is a book worth a place on your shelf.
I can see why the author emphasised the many famous people who have suffered from depression but I think a little less emphasis on this could be beneficial. It's great to know that celebrities have come through this illness. However, it is just as important, and just as interesting, to know how the author or anyone else (including Joe Bloggs down the road) has coped with depression. Celebrities are great...but don't do yourself down in comparison with them.
You can buy this super book here.
Great book! I will use it to understand my depression in a better way. I have only read this article about depression https://modafinilxl.com/depression/
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