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Escaping the Dark House: A Self Help Memoir of Depression
It’s unreasonable to expect one session of therapy a week to cure a lifetime of psychologically unhealthy living. A depressive has to work on themselves in the days between therapy sessions. Their speed of improvement is dependent on an attitude of self-help. This book provides many ideas on what to do outside of therapy sessions, and what to talk about in therapy sessions. Many important lessons are shared in this book. It is both a memoir and a self-help book written for both depression sufferers and their family and friends. It will help you or a loved one escape the dark house of depression
137 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 10, 2016
Depression is not easily understood by those who have never had it (I have). People will not notice, or they’ll assume you’re in a foul mood. They won’t understand that when you feel an attack coming on, it’s like looking into an abyss into which you’re just about to fall. You can be very alone in that situation. Moreover depression does kill. According to William A. Peters, the risk of suicide over the lifetime of someone with major depression is around 6%. So it’s important to understand and manage your own condition if you can. Peters’s Escaping the Dark House is about doing just that. I had a couple of reservations (of which more later), but I found it thoughtful and interesting.
Peters is a Canadian software professional of about 40, has been living in Korea for some years, and has a family. He tells us that he had problems with depression at high school, and has been treated for it since he was at university. It is a part of his life. In this book, he’s taken his own experience of, and reading on, depression and produced what he says is both a memoir and a self-help book – in the latter case, for both sufferers and their friends and families.
The book is intelligently structured. Peters hangs each chapter, more or less, on a particular psycotherapy session he had and what was said, and uses that as a lead-in to what he’d like to discuss. Thus he starts with a talk he had with the therapist on free association, and uses this as a peg to explain what that is and how it underlies therapy. The following chapters work the same way, introducing (for example) the problem of intrusive and unpleasant thoughts, insomnia, procrastination and anger as they relate to depression. He also states, along the way, what medication might be used to treat those phenomena in a depression context, why, and what their side- and long-term effects are – useful information for the patient to have.
A major strength of this book is its empathy. Reading Escaping the Dark House, I kept having sudden flashes of understanding into my own traits and those of others. Peters’s analysis of the links depression may have with procrastination and anger are especially interesting. That he can do this is a measure of his understanding of his subject, but also of his powers of self-analysis. It also reflects his skill as a communicator. The book (which is not over-long) is well-written, and, as mentioned earlier, well-structured. He also scatters likeable quotes through the book – most notably from Seneca, who I would now like to know more of.
There are a couple of things in the book that I’m not so sure about. There is heavy stress on psychotherapy – not necessarily as the only treatment, but it’s there throughout the book. But the acceptability of therapy is culturally moderated. For some people it’s not okay to talk about yourself like that, even though therapy is not meant as self-indulgence. There are also several schools of thought around different methods, and followers of different pioneers (Peters does acknowledge this). And there is not much in the book about possible physical triggers for depression, although it is covered to some extent in the discussions of medication (and in any case would be a difficult subject for a lay writer).
Also, I was taken aback at Peters’s suggestion at the end of the book. “Now that I’ve finished a book on overcoming depression,” he says, “I’m going to drop a bomb on you: I don’t believe depression can be cured; not with our current knowledge of human psychology. The best that can be done at the current time is to reduce its symptoms to a minimum.” Is that true? The key words here are “I don’t believe”; Peters has mostly referenced his chapters to experts in the field, but this statement he is careful to present as his own. He isn’t claiming the support of the medical establishment, simply stating the way he feels. I’m not qualified to say whether he’s correct.
In any case, Escaping the Dark House probably shouldn’t be taken literally in every way. While it is a self-help book, Peters emphasizes that it is not intended as a substitute for qualified advice. What it is, is a clear, helpful and humane presentation of one man’s experience and what he has learned, through both research and experience, along the way. I thought this a worthwhile book. Despite some reservations, I’ve given it five stars.
Peters is a Canadian software professional of about 40, has been living in Korea for some years, and has a family. He tells us that he had problems with depression at high school, and has been treated for it since he was at university. It is a part of his life. In this book, he’s taken his own experience of, and reading on, depression and produced what he says is both a memoir and a self-help book – in the latter case, for both sufferers and their friends and families.
The book is intelligently structured. Peters hangs each chapter, more or less, on a particular psycotherapy session he had and what was said, and uses that as a lead-in to what he’d like to discuss. Thus he starts with a talk he had with the therapist on free association, and uses this as a peg to explain what that is and how it underlies therapy. The following chapters work the same way, introducing (for example) the problem of intrusive and unpleasant thoughts, insomnia, procrastination and anger as they relate to depression. He also states, along the way, what medication might be used to treat those phenomena in a depression context, why, and what their side- and long-term effects are – useful information for the patient to have.
A major strength of this book is its empathy. Reading Escaping the Dark House, I kept having sudden flashes of understanding into my own traits and those of others. Peters’s analysis of the links depression may have with procrastination and anger are especially interesting. That he can do this is a measure of his understanding of his subject, but also of his powers of self-analysis. It also reflects his skill as a communicator. The book (which is not over-long) is well-written, and, as mentioned earlier, well-structured. He also scatters likeable quotes through the book – most notably from Seneca, who I would now like to know more of.
There are a couple of things in the book that I’m not so sure about. There is heavy stress on psychotherapy – not necessarily as the only treatment, but it’s there throughout the book. But the acceptability of therapy is culturally moderated. For some people it’s not okay to talk about yourself like that, even though therapy is not meant as self-indulgence. There are also several schools of thought around different methods, and followers of different pioneers (Peters does acknowledge this). And there is not much in the book about possible physical triggers for depression, although it is covered to some extent in the discussions of medication (and in any case would be a difficult subject for a lay writer).
Also, I was taken aback at Peters’s suggestion at the end of the book. “Now that I’ve finished a book on overcoming depression,” he says, “I’m going to drop a bomb on you: I don’t believe depression can be cured; not with our current knowledge of human psychology. The best that can be done at the current time is to reduce its symptoms to a minimum.” Is that true? The key words here are “I don’t believe”; Peters has mostly referenced his chapters to experts in the field, but this statement he is careful to present as his own. He isn’t claiming the support of the medical establishment, simply stating the way he feels. I’m not qualified to say whether he’s correct.
In any case, Escaping the Dark House probably shouldn’t be taken literally in every way. While it is a self-help book, Peters emphasizes that it is not intended as a substitute for qualified advice. What it is, is a clear, helpful and humane presentation of one man’s experience and what he has learned, through both research and experience, along the way. I thought this a worthwhile book. Despite some reservations, I’ve given it five stars.
December 21, 2015
A RICH SELF-HELP AND EDUCATIONAL BOOK
The book is both a memoir and self-help book as intended by the author who detailed most of his therapy sessions and topics that came up during those sessions and as researched by him.
It is concise and easy to read with many insights, examples and helpful ideas about dealing with the potential mental and emotional pitfalls that tend to occur when one is in a dark house.
I learnt that,
“Suffering in silence means more suffering.”- Dinesh Bhugra
Therefore,
1) Take the opportunity to love and socialize outdoor. Being outdoors will make you feel part of society and increase the likelihood of social interaction, both of which are likely to elevate your mood.
2) You can “kill two birds with one stone,” by exercising outdoors, giving your mood a boost and immunizing yourself against relapse. Exercise has a measurable anti-depressant effect.
3) Seek professional help, which are always available.
4) You can use CBT on your own. One important advantage of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is that you learn new skills to minimize or prevent future depressions. Sad the author believed it cannot be cured scientifically but managed but I hoped spiritual (of practical faith) complement that enables sobriety, honesty to self and yet self compassion as well as strength from the inner life (spirit ) would cure significantly.
I love it for its rich contents, and easy to follow language style and flow. This isn't entertainment but a serious life issue, and a good and insightful resource.
I received a copy for an honest and non reciprocated review.
The book is both a memoir and self-help book as intended by the author who detailed most of his therapy sessions and topics that came up during those sessions and as researched by him.
It is concise and easy to read with many insights, examples and helpful ideas about dealing with the potential mental and emotional pitfalls that tend to occur when one is in a dark house.
I learnt that,
“Suffering in silence means more suffering.”- Dinesh Bhugra
Therefore,
1) Take the opportunity to love and socialize outdoor. Being outdoors will make you feel part of society and increase the likelihood of social interaction, both of which are likely to elevate your mood.
2) You can “kill two birds with one stone,” by exercising outdoors, giving your mood a boost and immunizing yourself against relapse. Exercise has a measurable anti-depressant effect.
3) Seek professional help, which are always available.
4) You can use CBT on your own. One important advantage of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is that you learn new skills to minimize or prevent future depressions. Sad the author believed it cannot be cured scientifically but managed but I hoped spiritual (of practical faith) complement that enables sobriety, honesty to self and yet self compassion as well as strength from the inner life (spirit ) would cure significantly.
I love it for its rich contents, and easy to follow language style and flow. This isn't entertainment but a serious life issue, and a good and insightful resource.
I received a copy for an honest and non reciprocated review.
November 10, 2015
If you’ve ever felt even the glimmerings of depression, or observed it in those around you, this is the book for you. Usually these kinds of books are either lugubriously clinical or mawkishly self-indulgent, but this one isn’t. It does go on somewhat, and could have benefitted from the stringent eye of an editor, but nonetheless, the book is a riveting read as we follow the author in his struggle to maintain an even keel and maintain his daily fight against his own nature.
We follow the author through his session with his psychiatrist, which is perceptively commented on, somehow he manages to make the reader want to know what the outcome will be and to care about it.. It is also a refreshingly positive book, despite the harrowing treatments and the constant battles with his ‘black dog’ and as the story progresses we find ourselves cheering him along. Almost inspirational.
We follow the author through his session with his psychiatrist, which is perceptively commented on, somehow he manages to make the reader want to know what the outcome will be and to care about it.. It is also a refreshingly positive book, despite the harrowing treatments and the constant battles with his ‘black dog’ and as the story progresses we find ourselves cheering him along. Almost inspirational.
December 2, 2015
This is a surprisingly (to me) good read that deals with depression in some depth but is not overly technical in the discussion of the illness. My eyes glazed over in a few areas when the author was giving a run-down on various drugs and their effectiveness/usage etcetera, which is probably why I didn't give this one five stars.
The book is well researched and very skilfully written, and I found the author’s style engaging and inclusive. I felt that we were on a journey together, one I was happy to be on. I think what made this so was the technique of using a diary to bring out key points of interest from the sessions with his therapist. An interesting relationship that one.
William A. Peters is brave to have written such an honest and open text about the challenges he faces. I, myself, suffer from depression and the suggestions he puts forward for management of the illness are in the main sensible. I am less comfortable with his discussions and analysis of the impacts of various medical treatments.
I really enjoyed Escaping the Darkhouse. This is a book that will be appreciated by anyone suffering from depression, as well as family and friends who would gain insight into the disease and reach a better understanding of its impact on those affected.
The book is well researched and very skilfully written, and I found the author’s style engaging and inclusive. I felt that we were on a journey together, one I was happy to be on. I think what made this so was the technique of using a diary to bring out key points of interest from the sessions with his therapist. An interesting relationship that one.
William A. Peters is brave to have written such an honest and open text about the challenges he faces. I, myself, suffer from depression and the suggestions he puts forward for management of the illness are in the main sensible. I am less comfortable with his discussions and analysis of the impacts of various medical treatments.
I really enjoyed Escaping the Darkhouse. This is a book that will be appreciated by anyone suffering from depression, as well as family and friends who would gain insight into the disease and reach a better understanding of its impact on those affected.
October 29, 2017
This book attempts to help someone better understand their own or someone else's depression in order to support them and help them the best that they can. There are many different perspectives and mental exercises in this book that can help someone get the best out of his or her therapy sessions and also work on themselves outside of the therapy sessions. A person with depression will always need to work a little harder at being mentally stable than someone who does not have depression, and this book has a lot of useful information within its pages to help someone maximize therapy or to just improve themselves.
July 31, 2020
Great explanations
I really like all the explanations and hints and strategies. I also liked the medications being explained tho I would have liked to know more about any natural medication. All in all a good resource for those trying to understand depression.
I really like all the explanations and hints and strategies. I also liked the medications being explained tho I would have liked to know more about any natural medication. All in all a good resource for those trying to understand depression.
July 30, 2026
Not a book for someone in the mental health field. Kind of a “I already knew all this” read. Some tiny helpful bits of prepping for a therapist appt and choosing the right one
November 17, 2016
It shouldn't have taken me this long to read this book but I was busy with work and social stuff so reading has become a bit secondary at this time. That said, I have personally experienced many of the topics William writes about - especially rumination. Escaping The Dark house is a must-read for anyone who has depression. I would not wish depression on anyone but sometimes it's nice to know I'm not alone. And this book makes me feel that way.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews