Write Through Depression

This is a brilliant self-help book. It's a workbook packed with helpful tips and advice, designed for anyone who struggles with depression. Natalie recounts her own battle with depression and explains how writing can help people understand their thoughts and feelings and subsequently lift their mood. Writing's therapeutic effect helps people to take control of their depression and puts them on the road to recovery.
I'd highly recommend this book.

Such a lovely presented piece. I related to a lot of what Natalie was saying and I have also experienced much of what she had gone through. I will do the challenge and let her know how I got on. Great read, very hopeful and enlightening.

This was a wonderful book with a lot of great questions and information to help you. Natalie's writing made it feel okay to share whatever was on you mind while engaging you to keep reading.

Write Through Depression is a workbook created to help the reader take control of their depression by doing something creative - writing.

The author made it clear that the book was not specifically designed for writers, but for anyone who needs a journal or diary to write down their struggles through depression.
Also, the author is not a doctor, as stated at the very beginning of the book; however, she is a mental health student, and has managed to explain a difficult topic in very simple language, with no technical jargon, which made it an easy read.

What makes this book stand out is the fact that it is a workbook, so there's a lot of space for the reader to write down their thoughts whenever encouraged to do so by the author.

The first chapter of the book briefly explains what depression is and how to recognise different symptoms, and there's space for the reader to add other symptoms he or she feels. I like that the author stresses how asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather shows you are strong person, as staying silent does not help.

One of my favourite chapters is "My Story", where the author shares her own experience with depression - when and how it started, how it manifested in her everyday life, and what helped her keep going.
It is followed by a chapter named "Your Story (isn't over yet)", which is filled with questions for the reader to look back and write down their experience with depression.
the questions (not only in this chapter but throughout the book) are deep and thought-provoking, which is exactly what I needed.

Other topics covered in the book are social media (and how it isn't your friend), how to change destructive habits, self-care, and professional help available.

There are also worksheets and trackers at the end, where you can write down what you are grateful for on each day of the week, a letter to your future self, a 21-day challenge on things you did well each day, and a 90-day challenge on things that made you feel good each day.

The author included a list of resources such as books, podcasts, and websites that you can look up for extra help.

What I loved most about Write Through Depression is the use of motivational quotes by mental health advocates and the conversational writing style of the author.

I highly recommend this book if you struggle with depression, or if you know someone who does, I believe it makes a lovely gift that will truly help the receiver.

I bought this book a long time ago and forgot to review! Having a child who was unwell for about ten years, meant I struggled at times. The title of the book grabbed me and I bought it. It's a great read. Writing has brought so much sunshine into my life when I really needed it. This book is full of tips and advice for writers and it a great addition to any bookshelf.