Acing Depression: A Tennis Champion's Toughest Match

by Hilaire Kallendorf, Hilaire Richey Kallendorf PhD, Jimmy Connors (Foreword)

Chronicling the tumultuous life of the original bad boy of tennis, this engaging memoir describes one man’s public battle with clinical depression. Cliff Richey was best known for the 1970 season in which he won the Grand Prix, the Davis Cup, and was first in the American tennis ranking. He was also well known for his tantrums and boorish behavior that served to mask an internal, dark struggle. Describing torturous days in which he would place black trash bags on the windows and lay in bed crying for hours, this brutally honest narrative stresses that depression is a mental disorder that can affect anyone. Documenting his 10 year fight for control of his mind, aided by antidepressant medication, the determination and strength that afforded him the nickname of “The Bull” is highlighted. Expressing the joy of feeling stable for the first time in his life, this deeply moving story of nightmare and redemption serves to encourage and inspire anyone whose life is touched by mental illness.

296 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Depression doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care about the color of your skin or the amount of money you have. It doesn't care if you have a loving family or if you're all alone. Even though everyone's life is different, there are some basic characteristics of depression that are present in the person suffering.

I suffer from depression, which is the main reason I was interested in reviewing this book. Cliff, the tennis star who won many games back in the 1970's, had his own mental illness to deal with. Our story is somewhat similar in that both of us would lay in bed for hours crying without knowing why these tears were falling. Cliff's ten years of fighting this setback was a brutal battle but he wasn't a quitter and in the end he learned how to deal the cards he was dealt.

His honestly in this book is extremely touching. I know a lot of people who think that it's weird that I will admit to anyone that I've had mental issues but the thing they don't realize is what a relief it is to say it and accept it. Plus, if you have truly come to terms with your disease, you want to let the world know that it is possible to live a somewhat normal life, if you're willing to work at it. It's not easy or fun but you come out stronger than you ever could have imagined. I feel like Cliff is a kindred spirit and I'm really glad that he has shared his story and I know that this book will help others with the same illness.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book. I remember Richey growing up as a fierce tennis player. To learn of his struggles took my breath away.