Dorothy Rowe

First published as The Experience of Depression

"I remember feeling very isolated. For a while I became convinced that I was set apart. Everyone seemed so well and confident. I marvelled that they were able to get through the day."

Joan had a happy family and a nice home but saw no point in living and further; mary feared that no one would notice if she died; John desperately need someone to talk to about the death of a close friend; Joe tried to murder the girl he loved; Dave's aggression went either against himself or the world.

Depression is the greatest isolation that we can experience, a prison which we build for ourselves. Just as we build it, so we can chose to unlock the door and let ourselves out. In Choosing not Losing Dorothy Rowe draws on her experiences with a number of patients who were referred to her for treatment. Their stories show that the lives of even those in the depths of depression can change.

A sympathetic and immensely valuable book, full of insight into the often strange and moving world of suffering inhabited by the depressed, Choosing not Losing will give hope to all who read it.