Everything Slows Down: My Hidden Life with Depression: How I Survived, What I Learned

by Garry Cosnett

On the occasion of his 65th birthday, Garry Cosnett took stock of his full and eventful life and was "stunned" to realize how much of it had been flavored by his largely hidden and recurring battle against clinical depression.
Cycling through numerous colleges and universities, and seeking a relief from pain through a remarkable series of psychiatrists, hospitals, relationships, jobs and drugs, he realized that sharing his candid story might bring hope to other sufferers. Because, at the end of it all, he has found a kind of peace - one preserved by attentive physicians and never-ending vigilance on the part of him and his wife, to whom he dedicates the book.
"Most important," he writes, "this is a book about hope. Hope that even in the most pernicious cases, depression can be managed, like so many other chronic diseases. I am a living example of that possibility."

99 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2024

Reviews

[Ira Carnahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable insight into depression

Everything Slows Down provides an intense, insider’s view of major depression. With extraordinary candor, Cosnett reveals his struggles to overcome depression — and offers wise guidance to other sufferers along the way. Highly recommended.

[Kira K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a beautifully raw account of a nearly lifelong battle with depression. I think this is a really important read for those in the mental health field as it can help teach them a thing or two (such as the MAOI being more effective thus important for some patients despite our beliefs that they are outdated and inferior compared to SSRIs). It was also extremely helpful to see the lifelong journey with ups and downs that Garry went through to help readers with depression feel less alone if they still have more severe episodes themselves.

Favourite Quote:
"Somehow, through all the dark times, I have persisted. So much struggling, but so much life has followed my near-death experience on that snowy bridge nearly five decades ago. I must have had some underlying faith that I could find my way to a better place. And I have."

[Ryan Ferro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story of living with depression for decades is told by a man that is an expert in communication, which is a gift to all those out there that can relate to this story. Given the author’s talent for communication this is a compact but dense book that covers a lot of ground in a targeted way. There is authenticity and humanity in this book, while staying incredibly focused with respect to relevant vignettes that bring the reader along the journey. I’m also impressed by the author’s humility in telling his story. I think this is a book that will help others see there is a path forward, despite depression.

[Andrew Jacobs van Merlen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely powerful story of struggles and hope

First-hand accounts of living with severe depression have probably been written many times before but this one stands apart for its freshness, power, and intensity. It’s told through a collection of short stories, some funny, some sad, some unbelievable, offering a candid and honest glimpse into one life dealing with depression. It’s a short and moving read that can’t help but leave you with the feeling of hope.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, personal book about author’s struggle with depression. Book shows expectation that drugs remedy is false. Many think giving a depressed person a pill is a cure-all. But this author had been given all different drugs plus combinations. But benefits were limited and side-effects were horrible.

[Timothy Hinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides deep insight into the author's experiences with depression throughout his lifetime. His story of perseverance shows how we can all support and care for those we love in their most challenging moments.

Thank you for sharing your story!