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Kimberly1977

Good addition to treatment of depression!

Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2018

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Great tool for bringing hope to clients with Depression.

Tara C

I'm Glad I Read This Book

Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2017

*I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher through Edelweiss for review.

I'm so glad there is a book like this, especially since I suffer from depression. I had never heard of The Recovery Letters before I requested to read this book. The synopsis sounded interesting and I felt like I needed to read it, and I'm so glad I did.

The Recovery Letters was originally an online series of letters written by everyday people who have struggled with, and have since recovered from, depression. These letters are all addressed to a person currently suffering from depression, each letter addressed to 'Dear You.' This book compiles these letters, as well as some positive quotes and additional resources. I feel this is an important read for people currently struggling with depression. The letters, although all from different people, have one main theme or message: that one can eventually recover from crippling depression.

I loved reading about others' experiences with depression and how they have since recovered from this terrible illness. I read a couple of letters a day and each letter made me feel a little more hopeful that I could eventually recover from depression. These are heartfelt letters that are coming from people who have gone through some of the same things that I've gone through, who have felt some of the same emotions that I've felt, so I could relate to many of the letters in this book.

Time to get personal. I read this book when I was feeling kind of low. Actually, most days I feel more than kind of low. I've been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Agoraphobia. I often have crippling panic attacks which lead to depression and fear of even leaving my house. I've always had anxiety and depression, ever since I was little. Reading the letters in this book made me feel better, they made me feel less alone. It was comforting knowing other people have recovered from depression, and these letters gave me hope that the sun can come out again (I know, I sound overly dramatic, but that's how it feels).

I definitely recommend reading this book, especially if you are currently suffering from depression. This is an important book and I'm glad I had the chance to read it.

Petra

This is such a wonderful premise!

Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2017

Based on the website therecoveryletters dot com, this book contains a collection of letters written by people who are recovering from depressive episodes. The letters to "Dear You" are addressed to those currently suffering. The writers have experienced different types of depression from post-partum to bi-polar and/or major clinical. Their basic message is the same: recovery from depression is possible and you're not alone. The letters offer alliance, understanding and reassurance from those who've been there to those who will be feeling completely isolated and hopeless or possibly totally numb at the time. Some writers provide details of what has worked for them. None are preachy or condescending.
They are all short letters allowing for the short attention span you experience when feeling unwell. It isn't a book that's meant to be read in one go. I read a couple of letters in the morning and then another couple at night. They might become slightly repetitive otherwise.
Something a little bit different among all the self-help/mental health books out there and an excellent book to give to anybody who is suffering from depression, or to buy for yourself if you experience mental health issues and need encouragement and hope.

Kristine Fisher

The Recovery Letters

Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2017

The Recovery Letters by Olivia Sagan is a free NetGalley ebook that I read in mid-July.

The letters of this book seek to assure those with depression and to encourage them to make active choices toward self-care, the possibility of recovery, staying socialized, and offset feelings of bleakness.

Top reviews from other countries

Sean Gilligan

Wanted to like this more than I did

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 16, 2019

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On paper, I’m the prime target for this kind of book: I suffer from depression, I’m a trainee social worker and therapist, I even volunteer for the sanctuary it mentions a few times. And I really wanted to like it. It’s a good idea, and I’ve often thought that sufferers can help and certainly understand better than outsiders. But I found myself feeling more irritated than soothed or encouraged by most of these letters, and was left wondering if we aren’t all being sold down the river in a bid to increase understanding and decrease stigma of “mental health” (which, ironically, seems increasingly to be used as a metonym, if not an outright synonym, for “mental illness”, which to my mind has the opposite effect to that intended). The narrative arc of most of these letters is a variation of: depression is awful; I know how you feel; I used to feel as bad; I took meds/went to hospital/had therapy; it took a while but I’m more or less fine now; you will be too if you just hang on and believe it; you’re a wonderful/beautiful/amazing/lovable person. I have no doubt of the sincerity and veracity of every one of these contributions; but I do have a doubt of their helpfulness. It would be easy to see depression as a monolithic condition with a defined cause and course; but some causes are far too complex, and some courses far too uncertain, for this to be the case (as, to be fair, a few of the letters acknowledge). Some people never recover; some aren’t helped by any available treatment; some kill themselves or inexorably decline, with or without drink or drugs. I understand the need for encouragement, but I find what helps me most when I’m depressed is the truth, calmly and kindly told. And the truth is: WE DON’T KNOW. We can make guesses, explore possibilities, instill a degree of hope; but we can’t give that Holy Grail of certainty to anyone, even as they - or we - desperately seek it. Being honest about this, and facing it with courage and compassion, is the kindest thing we can do for each other; and I didn’t find as much of that genuine reflection here as I had hoped. Forgive me, but I don’t find exhortations from others who have triumphed over their adversities particularly convincing, or helpful, in dealing with my own. Too much sentiment, not enough realism for me.

Amazon Customer

An Excellent Book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 15, 2017

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The Recovery Letters is a study in life affirmation. A beautiful, triumphant, resonant masterpiece.

In exemplifying the use of creative writing as an intervention in helping sufferers to deal with Depression this epistolary text proves an indispensable resource. The lucid contributions, each written by those afflicted by this debilitating mental illness are presented sensitively and respectfully.

Occasionally revelatory, often moving, always thought provoking, the various monographs presented here signal a remarkable testament to the courage and self-belief of all those involved in this project. They are extraordinarily engaging, insightful and moving pieces of writing that promote understanding and engender respect.

As a multi layered collection of narratives this text becomes a polylogue of genuine accomplishment and inestimable relevance. The contributors and editors should be deservedly commended for their openness, bravery, resourcefulness and sagacity in tackling such a challenging and demanding theme in this remarkable way.

A truly profound text and one that's long overdue. 5 stars.

Miss C Murphy

Amazing

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 18, 2022

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So comforting through what is the most horrific time of a person's life. Thankyou to the writers and creaters of this magical book

Maria Clarke

throguhly absorbing book explaining depression

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 21, 2017

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This is an excellent book for anyone who is studying depression or has someone they know who has depression. It helped me understand that it not a disease or an illness but is deeper rooted than that. A friend of mine actually got a letter published in this book and it is remarkable that they were strong enough to write it and express how depression made them feel.

GLF

At last! A book that gives hope!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 25, 2019

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I bought this book because I have depression. I've read many other books on the subject, but this one is different. Each "letter" is from people who've been there and sometimes still do go there. This is a powerful book, as if the letter-writers are cheering you on from the side lines.
If you have depression, or know someone who has, buy this book. It isn't a cure, but it is full of hope.

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