Cowan - Back from the brink: true stories and practical help for overcoming depression and bipolar disorder

Graeme Cowan lived through a five-year episode of depression that his psychiatrist described as the worst he had ever treated. This fueled his desire to prevent others from going through the same thing. Through this horrific experience, and his own extensive research, he has guided, taught, and inspired countless people through his books, keynote presentations, and media appearances.

Foreword writer Glenn Close is an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Tony Award-winning actress who made her feature film debut in The World According to Garp. Her performance earned Close her first Academy Award nomination. She was subsequently Oscar-nominated for her performances in The Big Chill, The Natural, Fatal Attraction, Dangerous Liaisons, and most recently, Albert Nobbs, which she also cowrote and produced. Among her television credits is the highly-acclaimed TV legal drama, Damages, for which she has won two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe as Best Actress.

In 2009, Close participated in the launch of Bring Change 2 Mind, a non-profit organization working to end the stigma, misunderstanding, and discrimination surrounding mental illness. The idea for this movement evolved out of her first-hand observation of battles with mental illness within her family. Her sister, Jessie, lives with bipolar disorder and Jessies son, Calen, is living with schizoaffective disorder.

Afterword writer Allen Doederlein is president of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), the nations largest consumer-led mental health organization focusing on mood disorders, and a proud member of the advocacy committee of the International Society of Bipolar Disorders.

Depression is deeply personal and intense in a way that others may find difficult to comprehend. Thats why individual stories are crucial if we are to educate and combat public stigma. Back from the Brink does just that.

Geoffrey Gallop, DPhil, professor and director of the graduate school of Government at the University of Sydney and former Premier of Western Australia

Depression and bipolar disorder are serious illnesses, but they can be safely and effectively treated. The incredible personal stories in Cowans book show that people suffering from these illnesses are not alone, and that recovery is possible. The practical advice contained in this book will provide a path to recovery, as well as hope that a fulfilling life is within everyones reach.

C. Edward Coffey, MD, vice president of Henry Ford Health System; CEO of Behavioral Health Services; and Kathleen and Earl Ward Chair of Psychiatry, Henry Ford Hospital

Back from the Brink is an extraordinary collection of interviews with famous and not-so-famous individuals who have lived through the experience of depression and bipolar disorder. It provides invaluable insights and practical advice. It also sends the message, You are not alone, to anyone struggling with mental illness, and reminds families and friends how much a difference their support can make in the journey toward recovery.

Michael J. Fitzpatrick, MSW, executive director at NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Too many books about depression and bipolar disorder share only one persons thoughts and journey in dealing with one of these disorders. But in Back from the Brink, Graeme Cowan provides insightful and heartfelt interviews with eight others whove made the journey and come out the better for it. Cowans engaging interview style and thoughtful questions make it easy to take away inspiration and hope from the book. Friends, family, and anyone whos grappled with depression or bipolar disorder will appreciate the worth of Cowans valuable contribution.

John M. Grohol, PsyD, founder of psychcentral.com, the leading online mental health network, and coauthor of Self-Help That Works

Powerful personal testimonies from those of us who have experienced mental health problems can inspire as well as shift public perceptions. As we know from anti-stigma work at Time to Change, personal disclosure can dissolve stereotypes and support recovery. This amazing book really puts people in the driving seat of their own recovery and is helpful, hopeful, and empowering.

Sue Baker, director of Time to Change

Publishers Note

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering psychological, financial, legal, or other professional services. If expert assistance or counseling is needed, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books

Copyright 2013 by Graeme Cowan

New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

5674 Shattuck Avenue

Oakland, CA 94609

www.newharbinger.com

Cover design by Amy Shoup

Text design by Michele Waters-Kermes

Acquired by Melissa Kirk

Edited by Jasmine Star

All Rights Reserved

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Cowan, Grame.

Back from the brink : true stories and practical help for overcoming depression and bipolar disorder / Grame Cowan ; foreword by Glenn Close ; afterword by Allen Doederlein. pages cm

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN 978-1-60882-856-2 (pbk. : alk. paper) -- ISBN 978-1-60882-857-9 (pdf e-book) -- ISBN 978-1-60882-858-6 (epub) 1. Celebrities--Mental health--Interviews. 2. Depression, Mental--Treatment. 3. Manic-depressive illness--Treatment. I. Title.

RC451.4.C44C695 2014

616.85'27--dc23

2013041597

My Suicide NoteJuly 24, 2004

I understand the despair of depression. I also now know it can be a gift. This is a book of hope.

Kind regards,

Graeme