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Pathways Through Depression

Sue Atkinson
Lion Books (2008)
ISBN 9780825462603
Reviewed by Antoinetta Castaldofor RebeccasReads (2/09)

Depression can be overcome, and Sue Atkinson, in her book “Pathways Through Depression,” tells how.  In this small book, hope abounds.  In the introduction, the author places the reader within the realm of depression, a realm she herself has inhabited, and once inside, proceeds to explain to the reader how the book is to be used.

Interestingly, the author divides the book into brief chapters named for each of the four seasons.  Each season corresponds to a measurement of the scale of depression in life. Biblical quotes are interspersed throughout the book thus reinforcing the author’s belief in meditation, inner peace, and “the God that you believe in” as remedies.  Intermingled within its pages, too, are nuances of what the reader may already know about depression, which further draws one into the grasp of wanting to know more.

In winter, Sue Atkinson explains that we are most vulnerable.  Hope is absolutely necessary and pathways must be developed.  In spring, we realize that we have faced the worst and have nothing to lose.  At this point, we are ready to DO something.  We are ready to feed our inner selves and shout over the voices of despair.  We learn to develop strategies albeit sometimes with the help of support groups. In spring, there is the rebirth of nature and of ourselves as well.

As summer approaches and rebirth has begun, the need to be realistic becomes imperative.  Again the author personalizes the experience of depression.  She discusses her own form, which manifests itself as “high manic phases after the gloom”.  In so doing, she puts forth her own personal suggestions on how focusing on reality can help bring about ways to cope.  Reality is the mediator between mania and depression.

Finally, we experience autumn.  The author reiterates the fundamental concept of her book; depression can be conquered!  Thus autumn is the season for planning.  What exactly can we do with our pain?  What have we learned from our pain?  How can that knowledge “change things for the better”?  Winter is approaching; it may be rough, but I will have plans, strategies, support and I can know for certain that there is new life ahead

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is in the throes of depression or knows someone who is.  Within its pages the book speaks of real hope, real change, a real God and an empowered self.  There is no magic pill in this little hardcover book, but there is a world of understanding, compassion, and love.

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