Will I Ever Be the Same Again?

Transforming the Face of Depression & Anxiety

By: Carol A. Kivler

Narrated by: Deb Thomas

Length: 3 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Blessed with a loving family, a successful business as an executive coach, and money in the bank, Carol Kivler was suddenly and unexpectedly brought to her knees by "The Beast" - clinical depression. The story of her journey to recovery from medication-resistant depression is not only informative, but it inspires hope in others who suffer from this debilitating illness.

Kivler's book is written for multiple audiences, especially individuals who are suffering from major depression and their loved ones. It is also for health care providers, who often make the difference between giving up and recovery for those suffering from mental illness. Her Courageous Recovery Wellness Model provides a road map for recovery while addressing the misconceptions and stigma associated with depression.

Major depression is not an attitude. It is not a personality dysfunction. It is not a flaw in character. It is not laziness or a call for attention. It is not hurt feelings or a reaction to a bump in the road. It is not contagious. Depression is not something that can be brought on or fought off by self-will. Depression is not something to be ashamed of. And, most importantly, it is not something that should be ignored. Left untreated, serious depression can be life crippling and even lead to death (by suicide).

Because medication did not work for her, and despite serious reservations, Kivler eventually agreed to ECT (electroconvulsive therapy, or shock therapy). The treatment gave her back not only the desire to live but the ability to thrive in her personal and professional lives. Electroconvulsive therapy became her ladder out of the depression pit.

©2016 Carol A. Kivler (P)2016 Carol A. Kivler

Fascinating, informative, and well-written

This book connects a face and personal story to ECT. With a subject so strongly stigmatized, the content of this book is so valuable in helping remove the many stereotypes surrounding depression and shock therapy. For anyone in the field of psychology, anyone affected by depression themselves or through a loved one, or someone interested in learning more about these topics, this is a must-read.

Carol Kivler's courageous recovery is a must have for anyone living with clinical depression

Carol's honest portrayal of treatment resistant depression will do much to battle the stigma surrounding mental illness and ECT. I have lived with anxiety and depression for 35 years and live in recovery with lifestyle changes and meds. I learned much about ECT from this book and am grateful for advocates like Kivler who are able to balance factual information with compelling narrative. I would point anyone dealing with treatment resistant depression to this book as a resource.

Heartfelt

Would you listen to Will I Ever Be the Same Again? again? Why?

I have read the book more than once and would listen to the audible version again since the author delivers a powerful message of hope for patients and family members alike who suffer with depression. It's a quick read and now it's a quick listen on a plane or in the car.

What did you like best about this story?

I really enjoyed the chapter for family members. Depression runs deep in our family roots and I've shared this book with other family members along with friends since this "Beast" as the author refers to it as seems to render its ugly head often.

Have you listened to any of Deb Thomas’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not, but enjoyed this performance.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The book touches so many levels from a personal view, to family members to professionals. I liked the part when the compassionate nurse, Diana convinced the writer to try ECT.

Any additional comments?

One family member recently reached out to me when her 29 year old daughter was considering ECT. Another friend just called from Florida asking where could she get the book for a friend. It's a great resource and now even greater by being able to listen to it.

the reality of depression

What made the experience of listening to Will I Ever Be the Same Again? the most enjoyable?

I could relate to her journey due to having family members suffering with mental illness.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Carol was the heroine in this book, overcoming the odds and choosing everything necessary to further her journey on her road to recovery. And she shares her tests with the readers so those suffering too can create a testimony like hers.

What does Deb Thomas bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

This is an emotional journey and hearing it makes it so much more powerful.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, it was very compelling. Life experience always find that place in our heart that urges us to learn and experience more. This book propelled the reader to walk beside Carol on her journey.

Any additional comments?

The journey this book provided demystified and helped remove the stigma attached to ECT therapy. Through carol's story she took a scientific treatment and humanized it.

Powerful and Inspiring!

An honest, thoughtful reflection on one woman's courageous journey from the depths of depression to hope and healing.

Excellent and Informative Read

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Ms Kivler takes us through her process and provides great support to others. This is groundbreaking work and takes the stigma out of Mental Illness.

An Inspiring and Empowering Message

Where does Will I Ever Be the Same Again? rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book is a must-have for anyone struggling with depression or for their family members. Carol's recovery and message are truly inspiring and empowering.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Will I Ever Be the Same Again??

The most memorable moment of this book is learning about Carol's story and how Electroconvulsive Therapy truly helped her.

What does Deb Thomas bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Deb Thomas makes this book come alive.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

ECT is a helpful treatment for severe depression.

Any additional comments?

I loved this book!