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Ormandan Çıkış: Depresyon ve Kaygıyı Aşmak
Yazar, avukat ve hak savunucusu olan Brent Williams, depresyonun karanlık ormanında yolunu kaybettiğinde, yaşamına, canlılığına ve gücüne dair her şeyin sonuna geldiğini düşünüyordu. Williams’ın inkâr ve kabulleniş, neşe ve derin melankoli, çaba ve yenilgi arasında salınan inişli çıkışlı ruh hâllerini alt etmek için gösterdiği gayret, depresyonu ve kaygıyı tanıyan herkese umut ve ilham veriyor.
Dünyaca ünlü çizer Korkut Öztekin’in ustaca çizimlerinin eşlik ettiği Ormandan Çıkış, depresyon ve kaygıya karşı verilen gerçek bir mücadelenin hikâyesi.
"Bir insanın yolculuğu gerçekten iyi anlatıldığında, evrenselleşebilir. Bu kitap tam da bunu yapıyor ve depresyondan mustarip sayısız insana cesaret ve umut aşılıyor."
Mark Williams, Oxford Üniversitesi
"Cesur ve önemli bir kitap."
Robert Sapolsky, Stanford Üniversitesi
Dünyaca ünlü çizer Korkut Öztekin’in ustaca çizimlerinin eşlik ettiği Ormandan Çıkış, depresyon ve kaygıya karşı verilen gerçek bir mücadelenin hikâyesi.
"Bir insanın yolculuğu gerçekten iyi anlatıldığında, evrenselleşebilir. Bu kitap tam da bunu yapıyor ve depresyondan mustarip sayısız insana cesaret ve umut aşılıyor."
Mark Williams, Oxford Üniversitesi
"Cesur ve önemli bir kitap."
Robert Sapolsky, Stanford Üniversitesi
168 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2018
About the author
Brent Williams
1 book4 followersBrent Williams was born in Wellington,
New Zealand, in 1958. He studied law at Victoria University and then built his career in the community law field, creating services and resources to help vulnerable people - particularly children, young people, and victims of family violence.
In his resource work Brent used comics, re-enactments, and documentaries to tell stories of people asserting their legal rights. However, in his late forties he found he could no longer do this work. It was like he had hit an insurmountable wall. That wall was depression.
Denial, shame, and a misguided belief he had to fight depression on his own made Brent’s situation worse. Not until he really acknowledged that he was ill, and accepted help, could his recovery begin.
Out of the Woods is a memoir of Brent’s journey out of depression.
In his resource work Brent used comics, re-enactments, and documentaries to tell stories of people asserting their legal rights. However, in his late forties he found he could no longer do this work. It was like he had hit an insurmountable wall. That wall was depression.
Denial, shame, and a misguided belief he had to fight depression on his own made Brent’s situation worse. Not until he really acknowledged that he was ill, and accepted help, could his recovery begin.
Out of the Woods is a memoir of Brent’s journey out of depression.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
October 9, 2018
Two notes:
1) I was contacted by the publishers of this book and provided with a free PDF copy** to read (and view in this case), with no obligation to talk about or review it. However, I adore this so much, that I'm writing my essay anyway!
2) Due to the nature of this book, please be aware that I will discuss suicide/depression/mental health problems in this review.
Now let's get down to business, what did I think of the book itself?
As an artist, the thousands of watercolour illustrations appealed to me straight away. In my teens and early twenties, I would use art as a medium to express my utmost darkest feelings. Sometimes words are not enough to convey the darkness of the world we believe we're in. To be submerged into these various worlds was a little upsetting due to the parallels with my own feelings, but simultaneously gave me a feeling of understanding. As several other reviewers here have said, it allows people who've yet to experience the darkness that mental health can plunge us into, to understand more about how it feels.
The illustrations did slow down my reading time, I found myself transfixed and at times, enamoured by what I was looking at.
I gave myself over a week to read this. Due to the subject matter and my personal relationship with it, I admit I did take breaks. I wouldn't say I was triggered, but it's like the author/illustrator was in my brain and portraying my thoughts... This isn't necessarily a bad thing, of course, but if you are someone who is struggling to read/look through, just take a break and come back. It's worth it.
I do agree with the messages the book is sending to its audience. Having decided to go it alone without medication (in addition to periods where I tried medication), was good to see in someone else. One of the man things I loved about this story (aside from it being a true story!) was that it depicted his relapses. Relapses happen and in life, mental health doesn't just cure itself and disappear for the rest of time. It can literally and figuratively feel like a rollercoaster. There's so much pressure across the board for people to 'cure' their mental health overnight, without thinking about the long-term effects it may have.
Overall, suicide/mental health problems (including Depression) are seriously life-threatening and/or life damaging battles that millions go through each year. It's truly empowering to see Brent come forwards with his ordeal and come out the other side. If you're someone who is struggling with mental health problems such as Depression, and struggling to explain it to the people around you, this book could be a good visual representation (as well as a good example of how things CAN change).
I do recommend this, my only note would be to take it slow, especially if you are struggling. Whilst an absolutely stunner of a book, it's subject can still be a little sensitive for those currently fighting. Aside from monitoring triggers, it's a powerful story with beautiful illustrations - that needs to be shared! Good on you, Brent!
**I appreciate that not everyone will have the ability to view this as a PDF, but that enabled me to interact with the graphic novel more than a regular handheld paper product. I could zoom in and scroll through with ease. As a digital text lover, this made the experience far more valuable.
1) I was contacted by the publishers of this book and provided with a free PDF copy** to read (and view in this case), with no obligation to talk about or review it. However, I adore this so much, that I'm writing my essay anyway!
2) Due to the nature of this book, please be aware that I will discuss suicide/depression/mental health problems in this review.
Now let's get down to business, what did I think of the book itself?
As an artist, the thousands of watercolour illustrations appealed to me straight away. In my teens and early twenties, I would use art as a medium to express my utmost darkest feelings. Sometimes words are not enough to convey the darkness of the world we believe we're in. To be submerged into these various worlds was a little upsetting due to the parallels with my own feelings, but simultaneously gave me a feeling of understanding. As several other reviewers here have said, it allows people who've yet to experience the darkness that mental health can plunge us into, to understand more about how it feels.
The illustrations did slow down my reading time, I found myself transfixed and at times, enamoured by what I was looking at.
I gave myself over a week to read this. Due to the subject matter and my personal relationship with it, I admit I did take breaks. I wouldn't say I was triggered, but it's like the author/illustrator was in my brain and portraying my thoughts... This isn't necessarily a bad thing, of course, but if you are someone who is struggling to read/look through, just take a break and come back. It's worth it.
I do agree with the messages the book is sending to its audience. Having decided to go it alone without medication (in addition to periods where I tried medication), was good to see in someone else. One of the man things I loved about this story (aside from it being a true story!) was that it depicted his relapses. Relapses happen and in life, mental health doesn't just cure itself and disappear for the rest of time. It can literally and figuratively feel like a rollercoaster. There's so much pressure across the board for people to 'cure' their mental health overnight, without thinking about the long-term effects it may have.
Overall, suicide/mental health problems (including Depression) are seriously life-threatening and/or life damaging battles that millions go through each year. It's truly empowering to see Brent come forwards with his ordeal and come out the other side. If you're someone who is struggling with mental health problems such as Depression, and struggling to explain it to the people around you, this book could be a good visual representation (as well as a good example of how things CAN change).
I do recommend this, my only note would be to take it slow, especially if you are struggling. Whilst an absolutely stunner of a book, it's subject can still be a little sensitive for those currently fighting. Aside from monitoring triggers, it's a powerful story with beautiful illustrations - that needs to be shared! Good on you, Brent!
**I appreciate that not everyone will have the ability to view this as a PDF, but that enabled me to interact with the graphic novel more than a regular handheld paper product. I could zoom in and scroll through with ease. As a digital text lover, this made the experience far more valuable.
December 5, 2021
3,5 aslında. Daha yoğun olmasını bekledim.
October 20, 2018
Hastalığı ve hastanın yaşadıklarını çok iyi tanımlayan, ne yapılması gerektiğini tertemiz ve dupduru anlatan bir kitap. Dinlemenin önemi altını çizerek belirtilmiş, hem tıbbi süreci takip eden uzmanlar hem de yakınları tarafından!
October 29, 2018
Brent kommt am Abend in sein Haus zurück, in dem er allein zu wohnen scheint. Unter einem schwarz dräuenden Himmel leuchtet aus den Fenstern der Nachbarhäuser warmer Lichtschein; auf Brent wartet Dunkelheit. In der Mitte seines Lebens ist ihm alles zu viel geworden. Er fühlt sich wie gefangen von wuchernden Ranken, mit denen ein undurchdringlicher Wald ihn gefangen hält. Wie in einem Traum erscheint ein imaginärer Gefährte, der Brent durch das Auf und Ab seiner Krankheit begleiten wird. Das Auftauchen des Gefährten teilt Brents Welt bereits farblich in gegensätzliche Hälften: es gibt Innen und Außen, Hell und Dunkel, Fortschritt und Rückfall. Du bist krank und brauchst Hilfe, sagt der Fremde. Mit ihm kann Brent endlich über die Überforderung in seinem Leben sprechen, darüber, wie Ärzte bisher nur die Auswirkungen seine Krankheit behandelt haben, seine Schlaflosigkeit, sein Kopfweh. Alternative Heilmethoden scheinen eher von Brent Besitz zu ergreifen, als ihm zu helfen. Beinahe zufällig im Herausgehen dreht sich Brent sich noch einmal zu seinem Hausarzt zurück – und kann endlich darüber sprechen, wie schlecht es ihm geht. Der Gefährte begleitet ihn in ein imaginiertes Gehirn und in ein Labyrinth der Gefühle, erklärt ihm die Vorgänge im Hirnstoffwechsel. Sie sprechen darüber, was Brent für sich selbst tun könnte, unter Menschen gehen, Sport treiben. Dieser Abschnitt hat mich allerdings fatal an Ratschläge jener Mitmenschen erinnert, die psychische Erkrankungen noch nicht wahrnehmen wollen. Sehr gut getroffen dagegen fand ich die mühselige Suche nach einem Therapeuten, zu dem/der die Beziehung stimmt. Schließlich bearbeitet Brent seine Kindheit und kann erkennen, welche Belastung seine Erkrankung für seine Familie und seine Kinder ist. Gemeinsam mit seiner Therapeutin hat er sich aus dem Gestrüpp seiner Krankheit heraus gekämpft.
Die Idee, eine Depression im Bild als wuchernden Wald darzustellen, hat mich auf Brent Williams autobiografische Graphic Novel aufmerksam gemacht. Ein wichtiges, tröstliches Buch.
Die Idee, eine Depression im Bild als wuchernden Wald darzustellen, hat mich auf Brent Williams autobiografische Graphic Novel aufmerksam gemacht. Ein wichtiges, tröstliches Buch.
October 20, 2018
Depresyon ve kaygı bozukluğu büyük illet, çeken bilir. Kitap majör depresyonun oldukça gerçekçi bir portresini çizmiş. Kendi kendine çıkış yok bu hastalığın pençesinden ve yardım elzem. Bu hastalıktan muzdaripseniz ya da çevrenizde böyle biri varsa eğer okuyun, okutun.
August 8, 2018
Özellikle "Depresyon 101" seviyesindekiler için iyi bir kitap. İşin aslını astarını bilimsel bir şekilde anlatıyor ve şehir efsanelerini de yalanlıyor.
İyi de, depresyonun ne olduğunu ve hatta içinden nasıl çıkılacağını bildiği hâlde onu hayatının fonu yaparak tüm gerçekliğine yayanlar ne yapsın? Peh.
İyi de, depresyonun ne olduğunu ve hatta içinden nasıl çıkılacağını bildiği hâlde onu hayatının fonu yaparak tüm gerçekliğine yayanlar ne yapsın? Peh.
June 3, 2019
It's very didactic and not exactly a compelling memoir in its own right, but the artwork is fantastic and the concept good. I can see this helping a lot of people who either live with depression or know someone with depression (which has got to be nearly everyone, right?).
July 27, 2018
so relatable
July 2, 2025
3,5 aslında...
January 31, 2022
Un must. Vraiment bien décrit.
October 24, 2017
Many of us have someone we’re close to who suffers from, or has suffered from, depression and anxiety. And while we do our best to develop insight into their experience in order to be supportive, it can be hard to fully grasp how this illness gets a hold and why it alters the behaviour of those we love so drastically.
I so appreciate Out of the Woods for leading us into that mind state with beautifully rendered art and concise writing. Brent shows us, rather than tells, by inviting us into his personal account of the illness. The helper/guide character provides the backbone, first for Brent’s understanding of his illness and then his journey of recovery, so we too learn, alongside Brent the specifics about the brain and the right attitude with which to approach the journey “out of the woods”.
As we learn from the book, depression isn’t overcome by bullying the self, nor the right mental fortitude. Like any other illness, the key elements for a return to good mental health is attention and care to both the physical as well as the mental. Recovery requires the hall marks of good health, moderate exercise, good nutrition and rest. We’re shown how immensely difficult the mechanics of life becomes for sufferers of depression and how wonderful that Brent learns to accept help. One of my favourite things about his story (spoiler alert) is that while he doesn’t reach a place where mental stability is something to be taken for granted, he does become open to the beauty of experiences we can all find for ourselves: enjoying music, a concert, a walk in nature, time spent relaxing with people we’re close to.
Coming to the end of the book, I felt like I had received a precious gift. The way Brent opens himself to all of us is overwhelmingly generous and I hope I can be the same. I intend to share what I have learnt here and where it is needed, I hope to be a much enlightened family member and friend.
I so appreciate Out of the Woods for leading us into that mind state with beautifully rendered art and concise writing. Brent shows us, rather than tells, by inviting us into his personal account of the illness. The helper/guide character provides the backbone, first for Brent’s understanding of his illness and then his journey of recovery, so we too learn, alongside Brent the specifics about the brain and the right attitude with which to approach the journey “out of the woods”.
As we learn from the book, depression isn’t overcome by bullying the self, nor the right mental fortitude. Like any other illness, the key elements for a return to good mental health is attention and care to both the physical as well as the mental. Recovery requires the hall marks of good health, moderate exercise, good nutrition and rest. We’re shown how immensely difficult the mechanics of life becomes for sufferers of depression and how wonderful that Brent learns to accept help. One of my favourite things about his story (spoiler alert) is that while he doesn’t reach a place where mental stability is something to be taken for granted, he does become open to the beauty of experiences we can all find for ourselves: enjoying music, a concert, a walk in nature, time spent relaxing with people we’re close to.
Coming to the end of the book, I felt like I had received a precious gift. The way Brent opens himself to all of us is overwhelmingly generous and I hope I can be the same. I intend to share what I have learnt here and where it is needed, I hope to be a much enlightened family member and friend.
December 16, 2017
A deep insight to the authors' experience with depression and anxiety told through words and beautiful artwork. The book conveyed the isolating, complicated experience of depression and the process of accepting, seeking, and receiving the right help for the person affected. I felt deeply moved by the book and felt like crying at parts. I think this book would be ideal for partners and family members who do not quite understand depression and anxiety - the book talks about how depression is a real illness and that medication, as well as therapy, can be instrumental for recovery. I recommend this very important and heart-felt book to anyone, but especially those experiencing depression or anxiety, and their loved ones.
July 20, 2019
Depresyona girmiş birinin iç dünyasına gerçek bir yolculuk. Gerçek hayattan alınmış bu kesitte Brent Williams’ın depresyon karşısında aldığı tedaviler ve bu tedavileri alma kararını okuyoruz. Oldukça başarılı bir anlatım olmuş. Beğendim, okurken kendime notlar çıkardım, çizimleri ve çizimlerin doğallığını sevdim.
January 6, 2018
An important book, especially in our world state currently.
August 27, 2020
الكتاب يصور لنا معاناة شخص مر بحالة اكتئاب واستطاع أن يتغلب عليها ويصف الأوهام والهواجس التي تصاحب الإكتئاب وكيف لجأ إلى عدة طرق للعلاج والأثر الذي تركه الإكتئاب، ليس فقط على المريض، ولكن أيضاً على من حوله من عائلته ومن يحبونه.
لا يوجد ما يميز الكتاب أو يجعله أفضل من غيره.. ولا أستطيع أن أقول عنه أنه رواية مصورة، لأنه ليس كذلك..
الرسومات الموجودة في الكتاب تظهر مهارة كبيرة وجهد خرافي في الرسم اليدوي والتلوين بالألوان المائية، وفي كتاب يحتوي على أكثر من 100 صفحة، وكل صفحة تحتوي على تسع (تقريباً) مربعات، لا بد أن الرسام اضطر لرسم نفس الشخصية مرات عديدة واستخدم الألوان بطرق مختلفة ليعبر عن مزاج المريض أو ما يشعر به... بعض الصفحات تحتوي على رسمة واحدة وكبيرة وفيها تبرز موهبة الرسام الفنية حيث يمزج البيئة المصاحبة للمريض بعناصر من ضمن خيال المريض.. مثال على ذلك: مخاوف المريض من تبعات إصابته بسرطان الكلى.. تظهر لنا رسمة للمريض وهو يحاور ذاته الداخلي، تحت شجرة أوراقها حمراء، وفروعها على شكل عروق وأوردة دموية.. الشجرة تم رسمها لتبدو وكأنها كلية...
في رسمة أخرى يصور لنا الرسام أهمية التنفس ببطىء وكيف أن الأجزاء السفلى من الرئة هي من تعطي الدم الأكسجين بكفاءة أكبر بكثير من الجزء العلوي.. وفي هذه الرسمة نجد أن الشخصيات المتحاورة تدور حول ما يشبه الرئتين أثناء حوارهما..
حقاً إنها رسمات تستحق التأمل.
لا يوجد ما يميز الكتاب أو يجعله أفضل من غيره.. ولا أستطيع أن أقول عنه أنه رواية مصورة، لأنه ليس كذلك..
الرسومات الموجودة في الكتاب تظهر مهارة كبيرة وجهد خرافي في الرسم اليدوي والتلوين بالألوان المائية، وفي كتاب يحتوي على أكثر من 100 صفحة، وكل صفحة تحتوي على تسع (تقريباً) مربعات، لا بد أن الرسام اضطر لرسم نفس الشخصية مرات عديدة واستخدم الألوان بطرق مختلفة ليعبر عن مزاج المريض أو ما يشعر به... بعض الصفحات تحتوي على رسمة واحدة وكبيرة وفيها تبرز موهبة الرسام الفنية حيث يمزج البيئة المصاحبة للمريض بعناصر من ضمن خيال المريض.. مثال على ذلك: مخاوف المريض من تبعات إصابته بسرطان الكلى.. تظهر لنا رسمة للمريض وهو يحاور ذاته الداخلي، تحت شجرة أوراقها حمراء، وفروعها على شكل عروق وأوردة دموية.. الشجرة تم رسمها لتبدو وكأنها كلية...
في رسمة أخرى يصور لنا الرسام أهمية التنفس ببطىء وكيف أن الأجزاء السفلى من الرئة هي من تعطي الدم الأكسجين بكفاءة أكبر بكثير من الجزء العلوي.. وفي هذه الرسمة نجد أن الشخصيات المتحاورة تدور حول ما يشبه الرئتين أثناء حوارهما..
حقاً إنها رسمات تستحق التأمل.
January 4, 2020
Une bande dessinée intéressante dans laquelle l'auteur témoigne de sa prise de conscience d'être en dépression et de la longue lutte contre la maladie qu'il a poursuivie pendant de longs mois.
Je n'ai pas trop accroché aux illustrations car je trouvais que les personnages n'étaient pas toujours très reconnaissables. Par contre, j'ai bien aimé le jeu avec les couleurs, selon que le narrateur décrivait des moments où il allait mieux ou des moments où la dépression prenait le dessus.
A lire pour mieux comprendre les mécanismes de la maladie.
Je n'ai pas trop accroché aux illustrations car je trouvais que les personnages n'étaient pas toujours très reconnaissables. Par contre, j'ai bien aimé le jeu avec les couleurs, selon que le narrateur décrivait des moments où il allait mieux ou des moments où la dépression prenait le dessus.
A lire pour mieux comprendre les mécanismes de la maladie.
December 4, 2020
Really nice graphic memoir on depression and anxiety. The author wrote about his own life and how he came to have depression and anxiety as well as the actions he took to mitigate them. I liked how the author also sprinkled in some scientific tidbits to back up why doing certain things would help with depression and anxiety. The watercolor illustrations were also beautiful, adding a nice dimension to the storytelling.
November 23, 2018
Wow. Very powerful story. Stunning artwork.
This graphic novel has - more so than many other works of art on the subject - captured what it's really like to be depressed. Both in the very emotional, sometimes metaphorical sense as well as the very practical sense with all it's real work consequences.
It's a touching and deeply personal story, both for people who've been there themselves as well as for people who are entirely unfamiliar with depression.
I'd recommend this to literally anyone. As a source of hope as well as a lesson in empathy. (Not a school lesson and not one taught forcefully, but rather through an insight into the mind of a depressed and anxious person.)
I also found a kickstarter page for the book! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
This graphic novel has - more so than many other works of art on the subject - captured what it's really like to be depressed. Both in the very emotional, sometimes metaphorical sense as well as the very practical sense with all it's real work consequences.
It's a touching and deeply personal story, both for people who've been there themselves as well as for people who are entirely unfamiliar with depression.
I'd recommend this to literally anyone. As a source of hope as well as a lesson in empathy. (Not a school lesson and not one taught forcefully, but rather through an insight into the mind of a depressed and anxious person.)
I also found a kickstarter page for the book! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
October 24, 2017
This book is gorgeous. I bought it a while back and finished it in one sitting today.
Having lived through anxiety and depression this hit a few raw nerves and left me with tears in my eyes in the end, but happy tears.
I have read a lot of books on these topics, it's my go-to for coping, and while some I don't identify with at all, Brent Williams gets it just right. The descriptions of depression and anxiety are spot on and I think the images help so much. Things I have struggled to put into words are right there on the page. I have had that moment in the supermarket. It was quite jarring to see it on the page like that, but also empowering to know that others have felt it too. The struggle with the prospect of medication, the churn of therapists until you find the right one (I could share some stories there!), the reactions from other people and actually convincing yourself you have a serious illness, this is such important stuff and so great to read in such an accessible manner.
One of the criticisms I often have of stories like these is that they leave you feeling that something terrible must have happened to you in the past for you to experience mental illness. This always makes me feel uncomfortable because that was never the case for me and made me feel like I didn't have the 'right' to feel the way I did. Out of the Woods did not make me feel like that. This is Brent's story, not mine, but it did not make me feel like mine was invalid. While it is a story about accepting and facing your past it also (quite literally) looks into what is happening in your mind. It shows that everyone's experiences are different and equally valid.
This is a man who is doing exceptionally well at fighting the ongoing battle with his brain and has found a very clever way of helping those doing the same.
It also helps that the story is set in Wellington New Zealand, a city I now consider my home. Seeing images of places that are an important part of my life so beautifully depicted by graphic artist Korkut Ozetkin is the icing on the cake.
Even if graphic novels aren't your thing, I would seriously recommend giving this one a try. This is a brave and beautiful book.
Having lived through anxiety and depression this hit a few raw nerves and left me with tears in my eyes in the end, but happy tears.
I have read a lot of books on these topics, it's my go-to for coping, and while some I don't identify with at all, Brent Williams gets it just right. The descriptions of depression and anxiety are spot on and I think the images help so much. Things I have struggled to put into words are right there on the page. I have had that moment in the supermarket. It was quite jarring to see it on the page like that, but also empowering to know that others have felt it too. The struggle with the prospect of medication, the churn of therapists until you find the right one (I could share some stories there!), the reactions from other people and actually convincing yourself you have a serious illness, this is such important stuff and so great to read in such an accessible manner.
One of the criticisms I often have of stories like these is that they leave you feeling that something terrible must have happened to you in the past for you to experience mental illness. This always makes me feel uncomfortable because that was never the case for me and made me feel like I didn't have the 'right' to feel the way I did. Out of the Woods did not make me feel like that. This is Brent's story, not mine, but it did not make me feel like mine was invalid. While it is a story about accepting and facing your past it also (quite literally) looks into what is happening in your mind. It shows that everyone's experiences are different and equally valid.
This is a man who is doing exceptionally well at fighting the ongoing battle with his brain and has found a very clever way of helping those doing the same.
It also helps that the story is set in Wellington New Zealand, a city I now consider my home. Seeing images of places that are an important part of my life so beautifully depicted by graphic artist Korkut Ozetkin is the icing on the cake.
Even if graphic novels aren't your thing, I would seriously recommend giving this one a try. This is a brave and beautiful book.
October 15, 2017
Out Of The Woods: A Journey Through Depression and Anxiety by Brent Williams is the story written about one man’s journey from depression back to a normal life.
This book speaks of a young man who realizes he is depressed and seeks to deal with it without drugs. The book offers some ways of helping like diet, exercise, and not withdrawing from other people.
The book cautions that anyone struggling with depression should not try to handle it on their own. It does not encourage the use of drugs.
In Out Of The Woods, readers are told that people experience depression different ways. Therefore, different people will find different degrees of help from this book.
We were sent a complimentary advanced reader copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.
We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
This book speaks of a young man who realizes he is depressed and seeks to deal with it without drugs. The book offers some ways of helping like diet, exercise, and not withdrawing from other people.
The book cautions that anyone struggling with depression should not try to handle it on their own. It does not encourage the use of drugs.
In Out Of The Woods, readers are told that people experience depression different ways. Therefore, different people will find different degrees of help from this book.
We were sent a complimentary advanced reader copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.
We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
January 18, 2018
“OUT OF THE WOODS: A Journey Through Depression and Anxiety” by Brent Williams (2017)
Wonderful book. The text and illustrations not only tell an informative story but the pacing of the book gently reinforces the profoundness of the journey of recovery. I highly recommend this book to everyone. *****
“I delved into all the possible causes … or at least the ones I could accept … adrenal fatigue, burnout, chronic fatigue, vitamin deficiency.” (p10)
“I had to face my depression, see why it had come into my life. …
I had to accept it as an illness … a disease with a profound mental … and physical consequences. Depression's roots went deep into my childhood .. shaping my responses to the world from an early age.” (p140-141)
“My children needed to tell me about the hurt and upheaval .. my depression had caused them.” (p151)
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Wonderful book. The text and illustrations not only tell an informative story but the pacing of the book gently reinforces the profoundness of the journey of recovery. I highly recommend this book to everyone. *****
“I delved into all the possible causes … or at least the ones I could accept … adrenal fatigue, burnout, chronic fatigue, vitamin deficiency.” (p10)
“I had to face my depression, see why it had come into my life. …
I had to accept it as an illness … a disease with a profound mental … and physical consequences. Depression's roots went deep into my childhood .. shaping my responses to the world from an early age.” (p140-141)
“My children needed to tell me about the hurt and upheaval .. my depression had caused them.” (p151)
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October 25, 2017
I have done some reading about depression but this was the first book that ever gave me a real sense of what it is like to be in the grips of depression and anxiety.
The graphic novel format conveys an enormous amount through the pictures (which are wonderful) - a big part of why the book is so engaging, so full of insights yet succinct. I read it (the first time) in a single sitting.
The story is autobiographical, and is worth reading for the power of the story it tells. It is also worth reading because of its implied practical advice on what can be done (depending on one's circumstances) to help get back out of depression, support someone with this disease, or help with prevention.
The graphic novel format conveys an enormous amount through the pictures (which are wonderful) - a big part of why the book is so engaging, so full of insights yet succinct. I read it (the first time) in a single sitting.
The story is autobiographical, and is worth reading for the power of the story it tells. It is also worth reading because of its implied practical advice on what can be done (depending on one's circumstances) to help get back out of depression, support someone with this disease, or help with prevention.
May 30, 2018
I have long been aware that the format of the graphic novel as a vehicle for retelling real stories can be an incredibly powerful medium, and this autobiography/graphic novel is a solid gold reminder.
This is the author's story of depression and anxiety and his struggle to overcome this disease and his journey through the ups and the downs. It is very real and raw and for anyone who has gone though similar experiences, it will be a reminder that you are not alone and a breath of fresh air that someone is talking about it in such an open and accessible way. I got a lot out of this book and think the decision to make it a graphic novel was genious. The art is perfect and supports the story to a tee.
This is the author's story of depression and anxiety and his struggle to overcome this disease and his journey through the ups and the downs. It is very real and raw and for anyone who has gone though similar experiences, it will be a reminder that you are not alone and a breath of fresh air that someone is talking about it in such an open and accessible way. I got a lot out of this book and think the decision to make it a graphic novel was genious. The art is perfect and supports the story to a tee.
September 20, 2018
This book gives detail on the time, energy, ups and downs and people you experience when you are in anxiety and depression recovery. Readers will get Brent, and feel "gotten" as he acknowledges everything they could possibly feel, what they have tried, what others have said, and how delimitating the exhaustion from it is.
It is Brent's journey, but in a way it could be any of us. Yes, we are informed by our past experiences and once released from the beliefs they embedded in our minds, we can be free from depression and anxiety. It takes practice. It takes patience, and when you are so alone and isolated, it doesn't seem worth it- or even possible. But it is. Both worth it and possible. There are good things in your future. Get better and find them!
It is Brent's journey, but in a way it could be any of us. Yes, we are informed by our past experiences and once released from the beliefs they embedded in our minds, we can be free from depression and anxiety. It takes practice. It takes patience, and when you are so alone and isolated, it doesn't seem worth it- or even possible. But it is. Both worth it and possible. There are good things in your future. Get better and find them!
November 7, 2017
Out of the Woods is both a courageous exploration of author Brent Williams' journey back from a major depressive episode, and a practical guide to those trying to find their own path home. Depression can make it difficult to concentrate on reading the back of a cereal box, let alone a book, but Out of the Woods' graphic novel format makes the reading experience easy, engrossing and enjoyable. And the illustrations, by Turkish artist Korkut Oztekin - lead artist on Frank Miller's RoboCop: Last stand series - are simply stunning. A wonderful book with a powerful message of hope.
September 24, 2018
Incredible and honest memoir about suffering and dealing with anxiety/depression. Important read for sufferers and non sufferers alike.
June 25, 2018
Out of the Woods is a great read, both as a humane insight into depression and the corrosive effect it has on the life of a sufferer and also as a guide to navigating and treating depression. Williams shows a gentle touch in his treatment of a difficult subject, neither pushing or cajoling the reader. Instead he steps back and offers compassion and hard earned wisdom based on personal experience.
May 20, 2020
Superb. Read it in one sitting at the library but took it out so I could show it to others and reread it myself. I am not a middle-aged man but I am on my own journey through depression and anxiety. I think this graphic novel will resonate with (and provide hope and wisdom for) a lot of people, and perhaps give some insight to others who have not experienced depression.
October 2, 2017
A very powerful book - exquisitely drawn, perfectly written. One person's story, but I'm sure in so many ways it's a universal truth, or part of one at the very least. Takes you right down into the hole and also manages to be uplifting - as well as informative. No mean feat.
October 22, 2017
If you've ever known anyone with depression or have had it yourself (so that probably includes all of us) read this! What an insight into one man's experience of depression and the way he found it through to the other side, accompanied by powerful illustrations. Remarkable.
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