Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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!

"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.

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.

How someone who "has it all" comes crashing down and faces depresion head on. It was great to hear the true story of agony and pain suffered by someone dealing with depression. It is such openness and honesty that will someday break down the stereotypes associated with mental illness. Truly a great book. Thanks

I read it last night; couldn't put it down until I had finished it. You deserve a huge standing ovation for writing your book, not only because writing and publishing it must have taken immense reserves of emotional, physical, and spiritual energy, but also because you exhibited great courage and generosity-of-spirit in sharing the details of your very personal suffering with complete strangers in the hope that you might help them. And you have. I want to assure you that your book is appreciated by one more person.