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Mum, I Wish I Was Dead: The story of a teenager who conquered depression
Adam Schwartz has spent more than a third of his life battling depression. At the age of 10, he began periods of school refusal, bouts of destruction, physical illness, endless trials with unsuccessful drug regimes and contemplation of suicide. Finally, he was forced to drop out of high school and relinquish his hopes of further education and a bright, healthy future.
Fortunately, Adam's story has a happy ending. As someone who has only just left those terrible years behind, his recollections of what it is like to be a child and teenager suffering with depression are vivid.
'Mum, I Wish I Was Dead' tells the story of Adam's journey through this illness and was written to help raise awareness of depression and give hope to both carers and sufferers. For more information, go to www.adamschwartz.com.au
"Depression and related forms of mental ill-health plague at least half of young people as they face the challenges and ordeals of the transition from childhood to adulthood. They struggle with the 'hero's journey'. This book not only describes one such journey with great honesty and sensitivity, it also provides hope and proof of how to navigate the route. It could be a useful guide to the next generation who pass this way." - Professor Pat McGorry AO, University of Melbourne. Executive Director, Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health
"This is a brave, candid and beautifully written description of the effect of depression that will be of enormous educational value for sufferers, their family and health professionals. The book also serves to provide much-needed hope that, with appropriate treatment and support, the outcome can be very positive." - Professor Garry Walter AM, Chair of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Sydney
Fortunately, Adam's story has a happy ending. As someone who has only just left those terrible years behind, his recollections of what it is like to be a child and teenager suffering with depression are vivid.
'Mum, I Wish I Was Dead' tells the story of Adam's journey through this illness and was written to help raise awareness of depression and give hope to both carers and sufferers. For more information, go to www.adamschwartz.com.au
"Depression and related forms of mental ill-health plague at least half of young people as they face the challenges and ordeals of the transition from childhood to adulthood. They struggle with the 'hero's journey'. This book not only describes one such journey with great honesty and sensitivity, it also provides hope and proof of how to navigate the route. It could be a useful guide to the next generation who pass this way." - Professor Pat McGorry AO, University of Melbourne. Executive Director, Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health
"This is a brave, candid and beautifully written description of the effect of depression that will be of enormous educational value for sufferers, their family and health professionals. The book also serves to provide much-needed hope that, with appropriate treatment and support, the outcome can be very positive." - Professor Garry Walter AM, Chair of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Sydney
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 12, 2026
Here's an engaging review you can use:
*Mum, I Wish I Was Dead* is a heartfelt and deeply personal memoir that offers an honest look at the realities of living with depression during childhood and adolescence. Adam Schwartz shares his experiences with courage and openness, shedding light on the emotional struggles faced not only by those affected but also by their families and caregivers. More than a story of hardship, the book is one of resilience, hope, and the possibility of recovery through support and perseverance. Insightful and compassionate, it is a meaningful read for anyone seeking a better understanding of mental health and the strength it takes to overcome life's darkest moments.
*Mum, I Wish I Was Dead* is a heartfelt and deeply personal memoir that offers an honest look at the realities of living with depression during childhood and adolescence. Adam Schwartz shares his experiences with courage and openness, shedding light on the emotional struggles faced not only by those affected but also by their families and caregivers. More than a story of hardship, the book is one of resilience, hope, and the possibility of recovery through support and perseverance. Insightful and compassionate, it is a meaningful read for anyone seeking a better understanding of mental health and the strength it takes to overcome life's darkest moments.
May 19, 2017
In depth look at one man's depression
I went into this book expecting more of a story looking back on something. While this was that, it was done in such a way that I felt as if I were growing up with Adam. It was interesting to see all the different ways he tried and his family tried to help him. My only dislike came when I tried to read Adam's emails. I know many young kids write this way these days but after it being stated over and over how academically smart Adam was...I expected better in that aspect. I often found myself skimming the emails rather than reading them fully.
I went into this book expecting more of a story looking back on something. While this was that, it was done in such a way that I felt as if I were growing up with Adam. It was interesting to see all the different ways he tried and his family tried to help him. My only dislike came when I tried to read Adam's emails. I know many young kids write this way these days but after it being stated over and over how academically smart Adam was...I expected better in that aspect. I often found myself skimming the emails rather than reading them fully.
December 26, 2022
If I could give zero stars I would. I hated this book. It’s style is very “I have depression and I’m the only person who has ever had depression” . It’s patronising.
August 18, 2015
This book could have been written by a fly on the wall if my sons life. I'm so glad Adam has had success in managing his depression. I hope I'm as strong as his mum and my son comes out the other side too. This is well written and pulls no punches, it's poignant, touching and honest. An insightful read for young people and parents of young people suffering depression.
October 21, 2016
Highly recommend this book to anyone who has or who wants to understand people who suffer with depression and other mental health issues. Written in a personal, insightful and yet easy to read way that helped me to understand some of my own issue and ways in which I can face them.
May 14, 2015
This was a moving and poignant description of what it is like for a childhood sufferer of depression and its effects on the family. It is a raw, open and inspiring read.
December 16, 2015
I don't know if it was the writing style or the slightly patronizing tone but something about this book just rubbed me the wrong way and I stopped reading 3/4 of the way through.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews