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Kate Anderson Copywriting

Copywriting and Social Media Management

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depression

Book Review: Reasons to Stay Alive

1 March 2016 by Kate

I wish I’d had a book like Reasons to Stay Alive when I was first diagnosed with clinical depression. In the very early stages of my illness, like most people bitten by the Black Dog, I struggled to understand what was happening to me. I felt so alone and detached from everyone and everything. Perhaps if Reasons to Stay Alive had been around then, I might not have felt quite so scared for so long.

Even though I didn’t have this incredibly insightful book to turn to, I did however have the support of family and friends. And NHS treatment that was a lot more accessible than it is today. I also had an incredibly understanding GP who didn’t just believe in throwing pills at me to get me to go away. I didn’t have to make a fuss or plead and beg to get a referral to see a psychiatrist either – although at that stage of my illness I don’t think I had any energy left to do such a thing anyway.

Since my diagnosis, I’ve read quite a few books about depression, mostly so-called self-help guides, which I’ve generally found to be of little or no help. Depression has this annoying ability  of making any attempt to read a book akin to climbing Everest. But even when I did have the motivation and concentration to read, most of the time I struggled to connect with what I was reading. No one seemed to know what it was like being me. So for years I avoided self-help books like the plague.

But it couldn’t be more different with Reasons to Stay Alive. Mental illness is a difficult subject, but author Matt Haig writes so eloquently about his battle with depression, and with such warmth and honesty I’ve rarely encountered in a book of this kind. One of Matt’s greatest accomplishments with this book – part self-help, part autobiography – is his ability to share his experiences of debilitating depression without coming across preachy or self-indulgent. And surprisingly, it’s not in any way depressing. Not one bit.

Matt’s story is so relatable too. Like Matt, I was in my early twenties when I was first treated for depression following a breakdown. I spent a decade of my life on different types of medication. I’ve seen psychiatrists, counsellors, cognitive behaviour specialists. I’ve had psycho-dynamic therapy, alternative types of therapy and even, during my very worst times, electric shock therapy. And during my darkest days I’ve contemplated taking my own life because the pain I was in was too overwhelming.

For me though it was never about not wanting to live. I just wanted the pain to stop. And if that meant dying, so be it. I’ve swallowed pills and ended up in hospital, which was a truly humiliating experience and one I swore I’d never repeat. But truth be told, I never really had it in me, to do the deed. I also knew I would be transferring the pain I was in to the people who cared about me. Ultimately that realisation alone always stopped me. So instead I chose to keep going, to try and find a way to live with this horrible illness.

When I say live, for most part I guess I’d describe my life as falling somewhere between existing and surviving. But somehow I’m still here, living with depression, chugging along, hanging on. And that’s exactly what Matt advises us to do. To hang on in there if we can. Life is always worth it. Even though depression likes to trick us into believing otherwise. And he’s right.

I will always be grateful to Matt for having the courage to write this beautiful book. Books as wonderful and as accessible as Reasons to Stay Alive help to fight the ongoing stigma attached to depression and mental illness. As far as we’ve come, ignorance sadly still remains. And because of it people battling with their mental health are embarrassed and ashamed to seek help because they believe it’s a sign of weakness. Depression isn’t something anyone should be ashamed of. Quite the contrary.

So whether you’re someone living with depression, care for someone who does or work in the mental health services, please make it your mission to pick up a copy of this easy to read, moving, honest and funny book. It’s not often I come across a book I’d classify as a “must read” or “life-changing” but this one is. As books go it’s a powerful advocate for understanding and compassion – something the world is severely lacking.

Filed Under: Blog, Books, Reviews, Writing Tagged With: blogs, books, depression, mental health, reviews

Biking To Beat The Blues

21 August 2015 by Kate

I never thought I’d be interested in cycling. It’s easily been a good ten years since I last rode a bike. But since I’ve been living in Western Australia, I’ve found myself cycling regularly. It certainly helps that the weather in Perth is far more conducive to an outdoor lifestyle compared to England, my home country. Although being one of the windiest cities in the world, one has to be prepared to battle a stiff breeze every now and again. But with dedicated cycling lanes and beautiful long stretches of coastline to make what could be a chore rather enjoyable, it’s easy to see why cycling is so popular in a city like Perth.

Cycling can help to combat some symptoms of depressionBut it’s not just Perth’s beautiful weather that entices me to cycle. It certainly isn’t my love of lycra either – I’m not about to join the lycra clad cycling powerhouses that whiz past me as if they’re training for the Tour de France. Actually, my reasons are far more personal.

You see, when I was in my mid twenties I  was diagnosed with clinical depression. Over the years I’ve lost count of all the different things I’ve tried to rid myself, or at the very least, help me live with this horrendous illness. From the  conventional route – by that I mean different types of prescribed medication – to the extreme option of electric shock therapy, and pretty much everything else in between (like counseling and alternative healing therapies), you name it I’ve probably tried it.

Which brings me to cycling. Born from a desperation I guess, to lead some kind of a happier life, I’ve discovered that exercising has many benefits to help people like me who have depression. It’s proven that regular exercise is good for depressive illnesses and I know it helps me – at least on those better days, when I’m able to muster up enough energy to get out of the house, whether it’s for a cycle or a walk.

Putting myself out there, in the great outdoors, gives me head space and, if I’m lucky, an opportunity to press pause on my day-to-day battle with depression. It’s an escape if you like. I get to put some fresh air into my lungs, feel the sun on my face, marvel at a blue sky and just lose myself in the open road for a little bit.

Of course, it’s not a fix. No form of exercise is going to cure my clinical depression. I still have days where I can’t find the motivation, energy or interest to even make it outside the house. But I know the benefits; I’ve experienced them first hand. And even though exercising when you have depression can be a vicious circle, I know that I will feel better for it. Which is why it’s so important to find a way to struggle on; to maintain some kind of life and make the best of a bad situation.

My Specialized Vita SportIf cycling doesn’t sound like your thing, here’s a few more suggestions to help release those endorphins (natural feel-good chemicals) into your body:

  • Go for a walk – just a 15 minute walk each day can help boost low mood. If you can, arrange to meet a friend for a walk. That way you’re less likely to talk yourself out of it, if you’ve a commitment to honour. Dogs are also wonderful motivators. The benefits of the companionship of pets is well recognised. Animals, especially dogs, don’t judge and they offer the best kind of love – unconditional love. Walking is an aerobic exercise, which has a wide range of benefits on the mind and the body. With the added bonus of a dog for company, going out for a walk can be very therapeutic.
  • Do some gardening – if you’re lucky enough to have a garden, why not spend 30 minutes or an hour tidying up, mowing the law, pruning or planting some seeds. Studies have shown that gardening is a good mood enhancer and can help people who suffer with mental illness. It’s a moderate form of exercise, known to reduce anxiety and stress. Just getting outside and enjoying some sunlight is a proven mood booster.
  • Take up running – many people turn to running to boost their mood. Depending on your energy and functioning levels, running is another aerobic exercise which benefits the mind and the body. When you go for a run, it triggers a release of those feel-good endorphins and provides a lift, albeit a temporary one, from depressive feelings. Although I’m not a fan of running myself (weak ankles and knees!) I know people who swear by it.
  • Try yoga – I’ve not tried yoga myself, but I’ve heard nothing but good and positive things. It’s said to improve flexibility, strength, balance and helps to make you aware of your breathing. Yoga’s mind-body approach can help to relieve symptoms of depression through poses, techniques and meditation.

There’s so much research out there which proves regular, moderate exercise is beneficial for people who suffer from depression. For those with low to mild forms especially, regular exercise is a great way to banish the blues.

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Blog, Health, Writing Tagged With: blogs, cycling, depression, exercise, healthy, mental health

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About me

I work with small businesses, helping them to address their marketing needs by providing copywriting and communication services for digital and print. This could be blog content, optimised website content, copy for emails or newsletteres. I also provide social media management services, taking care of social channels for small businesses.

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If you’re looking for someone to write blog posts, require content writing for your website, want to commission me to write an article or need help with your social media, please feel free to drop me a line.

Email: kate@kateeanderson.com

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