Product Description

'I was nearly twenty before I understood that there was a name for what sometimes happened to me. Later, I learned that it has gone by many names - the black dog, the bell jar, the noonday demon, darkness visible, malignant sadness - but in my teens I'd just assumed that my fierce highs and days of disproportionate, isolating despair were part of every teenager's repertoire - how else would Morrissey have sold so many records? These pitches in mood were something I didn't speak about to anyone, because I was afraid of two things - either that it was nothing serious, and I would be told to pull myself together, or that it was serious, and I would be told that, yes, I was a mental case.' Stephanie Merritt has a career as a novelist and journalist, a beautiful son and a supportive family. Why then did she want to kill herself at the age of 29? Why could no one, neither the system of GPs and health professionals, nor her closest family and friends help her?Reading like a hybrid of Elizabeth Wurtzel's "Prozac Nation" and Rachel Cusk's more sober "A Life's Work", Stephanie's unflinchingly honest memoir explores areas of experience commonly associated with depression such as love, solitude and self-medication through the prism of her own experience. Beautifully written and intensely honest this is an extraordinarily moving, life-affirming book about a debilitating illness that affects one in six people in the UK alone.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11221 in Books
• Published on: 2009-05-07
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

Daily Telegraph, 11th May 2008
'Merritt's attempts at self-analysis are bravely honest and provocative...a brave and eloquent book'

Observer, 11th May 2008
'This powerful memoir will surely speak to anyone who has suffered bipolar disorder or depression.'

Evening Standard, 19th May 2008
'Balanced and brave view of a struggle for sanity '

Customer Reviews

A must read
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.

this could be me
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.

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. Takes a very objective view of different treatments; showing that all different kinds of treatments are not for everyone and that people react differently to treatments. Though, an amazing read with a superb ending that has changed the way I think about he world! The last chapter is the best, though good throughout aswel.