It sounds worse than it is. I promise no dogs get shot. At least, no actual animals... (read the book to see what I mean by that statement!).
I love Sally Brampton's book. Not only is she an excellent writer who gets you engaged from the start, she more than adequately describes depression even to those who haven't felt the pressure of the illness themselves. This memoir shares her depression symptoms, treatment, discouraging outcomes, and ways she is worked to overcome symptoms and the overbearing negative mentality that comes with depression. She has also done A LOT of research on depression which she shares throughout the book, making it educational for all readers.
One thing I didn't like initially was the back and forth of the chapters, jumping from her memories of her journey to her research. However, looking back at the book at the end, I realized that it was reminiscent of depression itself; sometimes things are just hard to remember chronologically due to the blanket of confusion depression can put on us and our memories and daily events/activities.
One of my favorite things is her overall encouragement to keep trying: keep trying treatment, keep trying skills, keep trying to find something to help, keep trying to LIVE. There's something out there to help. Maybe it's this book.
One other thing to note about this book and Sally Brampton's journey specifically is that her depression led her to substance abuse. This doesn't always happen with depression but can for some people. However, even if that isn't something you have struggled with in your depression, I think the book still has something to offer you as it is mainly about depression and not substance abuse. If it is something you struggle with, it isn't something to be ashamed of and this book might help you realize that.
Highly recommended for those wanting to learn a little more about depression both on personal and educational levels.
As always, it's also recommended that you process any knowledge, triggers, or reactions with a trained mental health professional.
Have you read the book? What were your thoughts?
Comments