"Living with Depression" Book Review

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."

This was the first book review request I have received for a non-fiction work, and I was very pleased that I had the opportunity to read this powerful book. With the increase in depression, it is a very useful book to read. I myself have never been depressed but I have come across people who do suffer in this way. I would recommend this book, not only to people who have suffered, but people who know others with depression. It gives an insight into their lives.

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.