Up the Down Hill: One Woman's Struggle to Survive Major Depression [Paperback]

Rozanne Paxman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 19, 2001

Imagine waking up in a mental institution. Now, imagine that you are a woman who has a deep testimony of Jesus Christ. You have a wonderful family. You have a good job. You appear to be successful in every way. What would cause you to become so convinced that your life isn't worth living that you need to be hospitalized for your own protection?Up the Down Hill is the story of one woman's journey to the valley of despair and back. Up the Down Hill is an affirmation of hope and comfort. It is a witness to those individuals who suffer from depression that life can be joyful once again."This book is a gift to us all. Most of us, in some way, have been touched by the hand of depression, whether within ourselves or through the association of those we love. If you suffer from depression, Up the Down Hill may help you in your journey. It may help you find strength, begin needed changes, start restoring a relationship, or commit to not giving up. You may discover within yourself the light, put there by God, which is a reminder that He is there and He will see you through the challenges of this life journey."Larry Beall, Ph.D.Director, Trauma Awareness & Treatment Center

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Rozanne W. Paxman received her B.M.E. from the University of Oklahoma. A former public school teacher, Rozanne is now enthusiastically walking new paths, zealously discovering new things, and is "happy just to be alive."

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (February 19, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 059516787X
• ISBN-13: 978-0595167876
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #331,878 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Too Thick with Religion, August 4, 2006

By 

Nadia (Wisconsin, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Up the Down Hill: One Woman's Struggle to Survive Major Depression (Paperback)

I bought this book hoping for a narrative on the interaction of major depression and faith. What I have found instead is the interaction of a depressed woman and it's interrelation to a specific denomination of faith. I am a deeply religious woman. I am also diagnosed with major depression. Yes, I feel alienated because this is an issue in the church. However, it is an issue in EVERY church. Had this book stated that it was written to the LDS-faith community on the dustcover, I probably wouldn't have bought it. If it was intended to "be a missionary work" to all faiths, then you need to lay off the religion-labeling which is so thick and leave it non-denominational. You could always put your personal faith testiment at the end of the book. I was looking for something that applied to everyone. One thing I hate is being labeled, and that is exactly what this book did for me. This book is not very seeker-sensitive.

However, I do commend you for telling your story as it is a tough thing to do. If you write again and you write for a specific community of people, please state that on the back cover. Thank you!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Up the Down Hill is helpful to both therapists and patients, June 6, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Up the Down Hill: One Woman's Struggle to Survive Major Depression (Paperback)

"Once in a while, as a therapist, I come across a personal work that is worthy of passing along to my fellow therapists and my clients. It is not very often that I have found something that would be both helpful to not only member of The Church of Jesus Christ and those who come from different religious backgrounds, but also to my colleagues. The story of this journey is such an effort. It is one that can help both therapist and client. It is helpful for us as therapists to know what is in the heart and mind of our clients. Sometimes hearing it does not register as well as the written word because sometimes our clients don't express out loud what they really feel for fear of hurting another or for fear of driving them away. I believe it helps other clients to know that they are not the only ones who struggle with feelings of despair and depression and to know they are not alone - that a light at the end of the tunnel really exists.

It is my hope that as you read this story about one woman's journey that you will realize your own vulnerability and that it could be you at any given time. We are all subject to the ills of this word and "good" people struggle with their own "wilderness" experiences. No one is immune. But, isn't it wonderful that we have this opportunity to learn how to be there for one another from someone who has been willing to share the depths of her struggle with us? It is also my hope that you, the reader, will learn how to reach out to others if you should happen to fall into your own pit of despair during your lifetime. May the reading of this story offer a learning experience that helps you understand and be understood."

- Katharine Abbott, Ph.D.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Courage and hope, June 1, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Up the Down Hill: One Woman's Struggle to Survive Major Depression (Paperback)

I was touched and enlightened Rozanne Paxman's story. My heart went out to her and her family. This courageous description of her experience brought me to tears and gave me a better understanding of this illness. I couldn't put it down.