Customer Reviews

Is it Weird in Here or is it Just Me? A Real-time and First-hand Account of Depression for Families, Friends and Carers

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This is the first time I've ever written a review for a book, let alone give it top marks, so that'll give you an indication of what I thought about this book called Is It Weird in Here or is it Just Me.

I must have read hundreds of books on depression in an effort to try and help my son who's now in his early twenties and help me understand what's going on with him. This is the FIRST (believe me, it's true) book that has made such a big impact upon me and my relationship with my son, and it sounds corny I know, but it's also the first one where I've laughed, cried and learned so much all in one hit.

The author said that his book is unlike any other book on depression and he's right. The perspective of one who is writing the book while he's suffering and hospitalised is just extraordinary. And knowing what my son has been through, I don't know how the author wrote it, but I'm extremely glad he did. When you read the book, it'll be almost like you know him, that's how personal it gets - but that's a good thing. In fact, I think it's necessary.

This should be compulsory reading for anyone who's caring for someone with depression or a mood disorder. I'm not sure whether the author is marketing this book elsewhere, but if he isn't he most definitely should be, because everyone should read it, not just those of us lucky enough to have a Kindle or other ebook reader.

I just can't get over this book - it's made such an impact on me... Trust me, if you're caring for someone with depression, this is the book you need to read. I stumbled across it, bought it `just in case' it was good, and it was brilliant. To the author, my son and I thank you.

I can't express how much I want you to read this book. Rod has written down what is truly going on in the mind of a depressed person, and what is most remarkable is that he wrote it while he was himself in the middle of a *deep* clinical depression, He describes what depressed persons think about (it's really all they do), what their suffering is really like, as they experience their worst days.

He also describes their good days, and at least one or two things that can help a depressed person have one. My personal favorite is the observation (and I am paraphrasing an entire chapter here) that "affirmations don't generally work for a depressive, but having a depressed person recollect previous good moments in their life, when they had done something of value to themselves, can be a transformative experience for them"

I am very grateful to Rod for writing this book. I hope everyone who suffers depression and all of their friends, family, and medical professionals get to read this book. It will truly, truly, truly help them battle this terrible thing that is depression.

Like the two reviewers before me, I found this book to be excellent and certainly one of the best I've read on depression. The author's narrative is quite engaging and disarmingly entertaining which, given what he's going through and the nature of the struggle, makes his message even more memorable and powerful. This is definitely NOT a book for those who are in the depths of depression to read - its clearly a book meant for carers and others who wish to know what its like to have depression and too understand and it does what it sets out to do very well. Even though my wife has gone through a couple of bad episodes while we've been married, I still learnt something by reading this book - even though I think I've become an expert over the years, having read so many books on the subject. The author wrote at the start of the book that every person who knows someone with depression should read this book. My thought then was that this might be overstating its importance, however I must say after reading it all, I actually agree with the author. Its well and truly a must read in my opinion. Stay strong everyone.

In a desperate attempt to understand a disease that has taken over my family I bought this book. It's helped me understand what my loved one is experiencing and how his mind and thought processes could be working. It's given me renewed purpose to be supportive and do everything I possibly can to help him get the help he so desperately needs. Depression is a horrible disease and Rod's book has helped me understand it more than any other book or internet article I've read. For that I'm eternally grateful. I wish this book was available in print also. I cannot say enough good things about this book.

This is by far the most unique book I have ever read on depression, and trust me I have read a lot of them. Very impressed with the writing style, that is something I have never seen before. Lots of facts and tips to help you understand depression and make it manageable. I learned a lot reading this book and will continue learning with the help of books like this. If you enjoyed this book, another one you will really enjoy is The Ultimate Survivor Guides: Beating Depression & Coping With Anxiety - Exclusive Edition. This book really is a life saver. It really helped me get my life back on track and can finally be happy again.

This book is very informative. I had no idea how complex depression can be. Very helpful tips that have made my life so much easier since I am caring for my father. It really helped me understand depression and helped me become a better carer. I enjoyed how a lot of the book was written in real time, very unique. Another book I recently read that was helpful is The Ultimate How To Guides: 7 Rapid Steps Program To Beat Depression Now - Exclusive Edition. This book hits on every aspect of depression from symptoms to treatment. This is a must read for anybody that suffers from or knows someone that suffers from depression.

Let's face it-most people DON'T 'get' depression. It's a condition you have to deal with to truly understand. How do I know this? Too many people have said to people I know who suffer from depression that they can just "snap out of it" or "get over it." I've read about and dealt with depression. It's a chemical problem. Like other illnesses such as cancer, diabetes it needs to be respected as such and be treated as a disease. Trust me, if a person with depression (or bipolarism or schizophrenia or any other 'mental' illness) could have it their way, they would much rather be happy, healthy individuals.

This book allows the reader to see inside the life of a depressed individual. A seriously depressed person who deals with hospitalization. Understand there are different types of depression along with different levels and the author is on the brink of suicide.

Is depression a selfish illness? Yes, it is. However, it is my belief that it's a selfish illness because the person suffering from it wants to get rid of it. They're looking in themselves for the answer but they will have a hard time finding the answer as long as they keep looking there. It's a never ending cycle even though the person hates the illness. As he says in the beginning of the book, the author would much rather be at work than in the hospital.

This book isn't just for people who love and/or care for those who are depressed. I believe it's a good resource for the depressed person him/herself. It helps that person compare their life to the life of the author. It makes you think to yourself, "Hey, it's not just me who's going through this!" This is especially true since suffering from depression is such a 'horrible' thing, according to the general public.

For less than $3 it's well worth the download.

Rod Whyte has been extremely depressed and has fortunately lived to tell about it. His experience is invaluable as he will help you navigate through your own storm. Just knowing someone else feels the way you do is healing. This book will also be very helpful to anyone who lives with someone who is depressed. Understanding what they are going through is very helpful. Unless you have been depressed yourself it is diffiult to imagine the mental anguish such a situation presents. Even though Rod Whyte has moments of levity and he tells a few funny jokes he also has to deal with impending doom, overwhelming despair, a feeling that nothing matters, difficulty making decisions, a lack of motivation and a negative attitude about himself. When things can't get any worse he decides he has to find a way to die. But fortunately with medication he is able to get through the pain. This book is a real-life account of depression and is gritty and real. I'm glad I read it because it reminded me of how I got over my own depression and it also gives me insight into what depressed people in my life are thinking and feeling. If you know someone who is depressed or you are depressed yourself this book will be helpful.

~The Rebecca Review
Author of What To Do When Feeling Blue