Dark Side of the Brain

by Lance Burdett

'Anxiety, depression and suicide affect all families. They're in my family, they're in my friends' families, they're probably in your family. And, right now, you are thinking about someone you know who is going through or has gone through one of those three things.' Lance Burdett started writing this book while he was studying for a diploma in positive psychology, then something tragic happened - his seventeen-year-old niece took her own life. From that point on, his world was irreparably changed. This loss proved to him that adversity can hit anyone at any time, often unexpectedly. The loss of his niece, combined with Lance's own experience of depression spurred him on to share the lessons he's learned about how the brain works, knowledge which he's gathered throughout his years both as a police negotiator and later as a resilience and wellness specialist. In this book, he explains how to control your thoughts, how to reduce the impact of negative emotions, and how to manage your personal wellbeing so that you won't 'fall over' as he once did. He will also show readers how to identify when somebody else may be struggling with negative thoughts and how to reach out to them in a way that's safe for both of you.

260 pages, Paperback

Published September 8, 2020

Reviews

[Helen Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a practical insight into anxiety depression and suicide by someone who has had his own struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts plus the loss of his sixteen year old niece to suicide. I first heard Lance being interviewed on Radio New Zealand which prompted me to read the book. An easy and informative read.

[Kimberley Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time in regards to mental health. I am very interested in the matter and books like this keep me engaged and leave me wanting more.

Burnett captures the reader with the insight into the mind of somebody who has or has had anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, as he has experienced some of this himself. His journey with finding who he is after getting out of a state of mind where you feel like giving up is remarkable. Hearing others stories too, brought me to tears, I am unable to understand how that mother must've been feeling, though I can image all that was going through her head. Bless her.

I can not recommend this book enough. Whether you are interested in mental health, or are looking for some guidance to adapting to adversity, this is the book for you. It is full of tips to push you through your struggling time, to help you become the best person you can be.

I can definitely state that I will be reading this book continuously through the rest of my life, and I believe you should too.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lance was deeply personal, informative and honest. This book is a must read for anyone in a dark place, facing adversity and struggling to change their mindset. Beyond just self help, this is also a memoir that reveals the importance of finding positive balance in one’s life.

[William Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

An anecdotal look into the darker manifestations of human life. The scientific commentary by Burdett is useful, but the lack of referencing, caveats, and specificity detract, at least for me, from the utility of the word. Regardless, channelled through his experience, there is a least some sober reflections to be gleamed from the work.

[Chennay Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started this as my third book for 75 hard and found it hard to get back into after a break. Great read! Has some sensitive content in it relating to mental health but fantastic tips and coping mechanisms discussed in this book. Would recommend if you’re struggling with mental health.

[Rachel Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe ever human in on this planet should read this book! Insightful, well thoughtout and a very personal experience.

[Jeremy Jl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A serious subject explained simply and in non-threatening language from a man who's been through it all.