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Back from the Brink: True Stories and Practical Help for Overcoming Depression and Bipolar Disorder Paperback – January 2, 2014
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“This is a brave book that will certainly help remove stigma, and provides real hope and practical help.”
—Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
—Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
“Depression is deeply personal and intense in a way that others may find difficult to comprehend. That’s why individual stories are crucial if we are to educate and combat public stigma. Back from the Brink does just that.”
—Geoffrey Gallop, DPhil, professor and director of the graduate school of Government at the University of Sydney and former Premier of Western Australia
—Geoffrey Gallop, DPhil, professor and director of the graduate school of Government at the University of Sydney and former Premier of Western Australia
“Depression and bipolar disorder are serious illnesses, but they can be safely and effectively treated. The incredible personal stories in Cowan's book show that people suffering from these illnesses are not alone, and that recovery is possible. The practical advice contained in this book will provide a path to recovery, as well as hope that a fulfilling life is within everyone's reach.”
—C. Edward Coffey, MD, vice president of Henry Ford Health System; CEO of Behavioral Health Services; and Kathleen and Earl Ward Chair of Psychiatry, Henry Ford Hospital
—C. Edward Coffey, MD, vice president of Henry Ford Health System; CEO of Behavioral Health Services; and Kathleen and Earl Ward Chair of Psychiatry, Henry Ford Hospital
“Back from the Brink is an extraordinary collection of interviews with famous and not-so-famous individuals who have lived through the experience of depression and bipolar disorder. It provides invaluable insights and practical advice. It also sends the message, ‘You are not alone,’ to anyone struggling with mental illness, and reminds families and friends how much a difference their support can make in the journey toward recovery.”
—Michael J. Fitzpatrick, MSW, executive director at NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
—Michael J. Fitzpatrick, MSW, executive director at NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
“Too many books about depression and bipolar disorder share only one person’s thoughts and journey in dealing with one of these disorders. But in Back from the Brink, Graeme Cowan provides insightful and heartfelt interviews with eight others who’ve made the journey and come out the better for it. Cowan’s engaging interview style and thoughtful questions make it easy to take away inspiration and hope from the book. Friends, family, and anyone who’s grappled with depression or bipolar disorder will appreciate the worth of Cowan’s valuable contribution.”
—John M. Grohol, PsyD, founder of psychcentral.com, the leading online mental health network, and coauthor of Self-Help That Works
—John M. Grohol, PsyD, founder of psychcentral.com, the leading online mental health network, and coauthor of Self-Help That Works
“Powerful personal testimonies from those of us who have experienced mental health problems can inspire as well as shift public perceptions. As we know from anti-stigma work at Time to Change, personal disclosure can dissolve stereotypes and support recovery. This amazing book really puts people in the driving seat of their own recovery and is helpful, hopeful, and empowering.”
—Sue Baker, director of Time to Change
—Sue Baker, director of Time to Change
About the Author
Graeme Cowan lived through a five-year episode of depression that his psychiatrist described as the worst he had ever treated. This fueled his desire to prevent others from going through the same thing. Through this horrific experience, and his own extensive research, he has guided, taught, and inspired countless people through his books, keynote presentations, and media appearances.
Foreword writer Glenn Close is an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Tony Award-winning actress who made her feature film debut in The World According to Garp. Her performance earned Close her first Academy Award nomination. She was subsequently Oscar-nominated for her performances in The Big Chill, The Natural, Fatal Attraction, Dangerous Liaisons, and most recently, Albert Nobbs, which she also cowrote and produced. Among her television credits is the highly-acclaimed TV legal drama, Damages, for which she has won two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe as Best Actress.
In 2009, Close participated in the launch of Bring Change 2 Mind, a non-profit organization working to end the stigma, misunderstanding, and discrimination surrounding mental illness. The idea for this movement evolved out of her first-hand observation of battles with mental illness within her family. Her sister, Jessie, lives with bipolar disorder and Jessie’s son, Calen, is living with schizoaffective disorder.
Afterword writer Allen Doederlein is president of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), the nation’s largest consumer-led mental health organization focusing on mood disorders, and a proud member of the advocacy committee of the International Society of Bipolar Disorders.
Foreword writer Glenn Close is an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Tony Award-winning actress who made her feature film debut in The World According to Garp. Her performance earned Close her first Academy Award nomination. She was subsequently Oscar-nominated for her performances in The Big Chill, The Natural, Fatal Attraction, Dangerous Liaisons, and most recently, Albert Nobbs, which she also cowrote and produced. Among her television credits is the highly-acclaimed TV legal drama, Damages, for which she has won two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe as Best Actress.
In 2009, Close participated in the launch of Bring Change 2 Mind, a non-profit organization working to end the stigma, misunderstanding, and discrimination surrounding mental illness. The idea for this movement evolved out of her first-hand observation of battles with mental illness within her family. Her sister, Jessie, lives with bipolar disorder and Jessie’s son, Calen, is living with schizoaffective disorder.
Afterword writer Allen Doederlein is president of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), the nation’s largest consumer-led mental health organization focusing on mood disorders, and a proud member of the advocacy committee of the International Society of Bipolar Disorders.
More About the Author
Graeme Cowan worked in senior leadership positions with Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Morgan and Banks, and AT Kearney. In 2000 he went through a 5 year episode of depression that his psychiatrist described as the worst he had ever treated.
He emerged from this crisis with a different view about how we can build our own resilience and mental fitness to thrive through change. This lead to him becoming an author, keynote speaker, coach, and consultant.
His second book "BACK FROM THE BRINK TOO: Helping your loved one overcome depression" was awarded SANE Australia's 2009 Book of the Year.
His third book, "BACK FROM THE BRINK:true stories and practical help for overcoming depression and bipolar disorder", is being released in the US in January 2014, with a Foreword written by the actress Glenn Close, and a testimonial from former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. The book includes an extensive interview with Patrick Kennedy about coping with the highs and lows of being part of Kennedy dynasty.
The book also contains the results of a 4000+ person survey asking them, of everything they tried, what worked best in their recovery. A free copy of an excerpt from the book that contains the research results can be obtained from www.IamBackFromTheBrink.com
Graeme is a columnist for PsychCentral and Psychology Today and authored the report "The Elephant in the Boardroom: getting mentally fit for work" (www.GraemeCowan.com.au/elephant). He also helped Gavin Larkin create and launch R U OK? Day (www.ruokday.com) and is on the Board of Directors.
He lives in Sydney Australia adjoining a national park with his wife Karen, and has two grown up children. He is passionate about meditation,travel, music, learning, gardening, Vietnamese and Thai food, wine, movies, and walking in nature.
www.Facebook.com/BackFromTheBrink
www.LinkedIN.com/in/GraemeCowan1
He emerged from this crisis with a different view about how we can build our own resilience and mental fitness to thrive through change. This lead to him becoming an author, keynote speaker, coach, and consultant.
His second book "BACK FROM THE BRINK TOO: Helping your loved one overcome depression" was awarded SANE Australia's 2009 Book of the Year.
His third book, "BACK FROM THE BRINK:true stories and practical help for overcoming depression and bipolar disorder", is being released in the US in January 2014, with a Foreword written by the actress Glenn Close, and a testimonial from former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. The book includes an extensive interview with Patrick Kennedy about coping with the highs and lows of being part of Kennedy dynasty.
The book also contains the results of a 4000+ person survey asking them, of everything they tried, what worked best in their recovery. A free copy of an excerpt from the book that contains the research results can be obtained from www.IamBackFromTheBrink.com
Graeme is a columnist for PsychCentral and Psychology Today and authored the report "The Elephant in the Boardroom: getting mentally fit for work" (www.GraemeCowan.com.au/elephant). He also helped Gavin Larkin create and launch R U OK? Day (www.ruokday.com) and is on the Board of Directors.
He lives in Sydney Australia adjoining a national park with his wife Karen, and has two grown up children. He is passionate about meditation,travel, music, learning, gardening, Vietnamese and Thai food, wine, movies, and walking in nature.
www.Facebook.com/BackFromTheBrink
www.LinkedIN.com/in/GraemeCowan1
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By
Peter Saad
on January 1, 2014
Format: Paperback
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I connected to this book from the get go. The stories of 10 different people. Each life different, each suffered in similar ways to what I have. The authors understanding of what its like to be in depression and what's its like to recover also helped me connect with him.
The book also gives great hope that there is a way out of this awful pain and anguish. Again through sharing 10 other lives who have suffered, (some a lot worse than I did), kept me thinking "if they can, there's hope for me".
Feeling understood and believing there is hope is a godsend when you're in hell. But perhaps the most remarkable thing about this book is the road map out of it.
The chapter titled "Depression Treatments That Work" has coincided with my experience of what works.
Depression and anxiety tore up many years of my life. I almost lost my wife of 20 years, my relationship with my three children and I lost all my possessions - I was hanging on by a very thin thread and was in emotional agony. I believed there was no more hope for me and deeply ashamed.
Around 3 years ago, through the love of my family, I decided to try anything to get well again, despite not believing I could.
I consulted with many therapists and tried many things, including medication.
As I improved a little, I started reading a lot, dozens of books on depression, self -esteem and personal development.
I now have a very close connection with my wife and children, I have restarted my business and am doing well. I have never felt better than I do now! I am more resilient, compassionate and authentic than I have ever been also (I'm now 45 yo).Read more ›
The book also gives great hope that there is a way out of this awful pain and anguish. Again through sharing 10 other lives who have suffered, (some a lot worse than I did), kept me thinking "if they can, there's hope for me".
Feeling understood and believing there is hope is a godsend when you're in hell. But perhaps the most remarkable thing about this book is the road map out of it.
The chapter titled "Depression Treatments That Work" has coincided with my experience of what works.
Depression and anxiety tore up many years of my life. I almost lost my wife of 20 years, my relationship with my three children and I lost all my possessions - I was hanging on by a very thin thread and was in emotional agony. I believed there was no more hope for me and deeply ashamed.
Around 3 years ago, through the love of my family, I decided to try anything to get well again, despite not believing I could.
I consulted with many therapists and tried many things, including medication.
As I improved a little, I started reading a lot, dozens of books on depression, self -esteem and personal development.
I now have a very close connection with my wife and children, I have restarted my business and am doing well. I have never felt better than I do now! I am more resilient, compassionate and authentic than I have ever been also (I'm now 45 yo).Read more ›
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By
taramare
on January 3, 2014
Format: Paperback
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All the while, I smiled thru the pain. Brushing it off. Thinking that everything would settle down & I would begin to feel better. During that year, I slipped deeper into a depression. Parents with health problems, loss of my dog...until, finally, a mood swing cost me my job, and as a result, my health insurance. On my last day having medical insurance, I was finally able to meet a psychiatrist. He apologized to me for my pain, and for nobody having ever given me prescriptions for my condition, and with an initial diagnosis of hoarder, I went on my way with small amounts of meds for anxiety and depression. Being unemployed for 2 mos leading to Christmas probably would not have been so bad if not for the fact that I was flat out. No savings. In the worst depression of my life. The mortgage about to be in default, I began to read this book.
One thing that I could very much not relate to, was how all of those interviewed were never in fear of eviction, paying utility bills in order by the color of the notice ... Yellow? Pay next month. Pink - uh oh, better pay THAT one! Never worrying about the need to survive, those interviewed were not that realistic to the new me. The broken me. The, not only don't I have an income, but more than $50,000 in debt from my shopping ... Addiction? ... Shopping Therapy?
The woman I was 5 or 6 years ago would have seen the connections to herself. Successful, a little depressed a lot of the time. A little hypo manic once in a while (or more...). And I see that my former self would have gained a lot, perhaps even if I had searched out books on my disorder then... Well. Who knows? Back them, I could see the light thru the tunnel. Without a diagnosis for several years after that, I never thought to look into self help...Read more ›
One thing that I could very much not relate to, was how all of those interviewed were never in fear of eviction, paying utility bills in order by the color of the notice ... Yellow? Pay next month. Pink - uh oh, better pay THAT one! Never worrying about the need to survive, those interviewed were not that realistic to the new me. The broken me. The, not only don't I have an income, but more than $50,000 in debt from my shopping ... Addiction? ... Shopping Therapy?
The woman I was 5 or 6 years ago would have seen the connections to herself. Successful, a little depressed a lot of the time. A little hypo manic once in a while (or more...). And I see that my former self would have gained a lot, perhaps even if I had searched out books on my disorder then... Well. Who knows? Back them, I could see the light thru the tunnel. Without a diagnosis for several years after that, I never thought to look into self help...Read more ›
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By
Dr. Jennifer Bahr, ND
on January 10, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
Comment
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As a naturopathic doctor who specializes in treating mental health conditions, and someone who has suffered from a mood disorder herself, I found this book refreshing and valuable for two main reasons. The first, and most important to me, is the emphasis that strictly adhering to treatments based on faulty and/or changing scientific research is not and should not be the only answer. In my chosen profession, I see people who have been sick for years and finally come to see me as a last resort when all of the medicines that research have shown to be effective have failed them. When too much emphasis is placed solely on double-blind placebo controls, our current system of evidence based medicine, failed treatments get blamed on "bad patients" or people end up taking it to heart that there is no hope for them. In my experience, there is no magic bullet, and this is the first book I have read that truly acknowledges that the research isn't 100% reliable. Bravo for that.
The second part that I like was that there were several accounts shared, although briefer. In some cases I was left wanting more details about what happened and how recovery took place. However, I also recognize that those who are close to the brink themselves, and could benefit most from a book like this, are also probably having focus and energy difficulty. The stories, particularly the ones about halfway through that didn't brush over the more difficult and scary details, will be uplifting to the patients I recommend this book to. It can give hope to people who have none, and show by example that people with mood disorders can live happy lives with successful careers and relationships.
The second part that I like was that there were several accounts shared, although briefer. In some cases I was left wanting more details about what happened and how recovery took place. However, I also recognize that those who are close to the brink themselves, and could benefit most from a book like this, are also probably having focus and energy difficulty. The stories, particularly the ones about halfway through that didn't brush over the more difficult and scary details, will be uplifting to the patients I recommend this book to. It can give hope to people who have none, and show by example that people with mood disorders can live happy lives with successful careers and relationships.
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