Depression Ate My Soul Book

by Sue Holt ISBN 13: 978 1 84747 011 9 Published: 2005 Pages: 120 Description This is Sue Holt's second collection of poetry. Sue is a poet who suffers from mental distress. Her first book "Poems of Survival" was Sue's opportunity to open up the Pandora's box that contained memories of her past and her day to day struggle with manic depression, in doing this she was able to emerge to begin the slow process to accept her own worth. About the Author Sue Holt was born in Liverpool in 1967 and is now living Rochdale. Shortly after the birth of her son, illness forced her to leave her job as a social worker. She was diagnosed with manic depression and has since been hospitalised on numerous occasions. In order to overcome her illness Sue developed her creative abilities, and started expressing herself through writing and sculpture. Now, having had her first collection of poems published, she is an effective campaigner fighting the stigma that surrounds mental illness. She has helped set up a group for fellow mental health survivors called 'Freedom' which provides support and training. Book Extract The Book Launch I wrote a book Of past hurts Humiliation Pain. The pain of insanity Of childhood sexual abuse My pain Locked within My body. My mind broken Ravaged by madness Turned in on itself, Looked for answers elsewhere. Answers came from above, A gentle voice in my mind. A delicate breeze Held me close. God spoke to me About my "living hell" He told me of love Life in the future. Faith, Faith was all I needed Such a simple concept Just believe. I spoke of my emotional pain To others, They misunderstood I tried harder. I told them of God And all He had said. I was ridiculed My dreams dismissed. I forgive them for this They were not to know, The truth Though it was clearly there. Today I believe my faith Is truly recognised. Although the voice In my head. Is still not considered To be God That is ok I understand, The lack of faith In others. I believe I will teach others About mental health One day. Tomorrow. Sees the launch Of my first book For me it is much more. People are coming to see me, Hear me talk. Acknowledge my former pain And me. I am beginning to feel accepted Not just by God By those around me. My thoughts, feelings Emotions And opinions, Do count. I feel deeply honoured That people Are willing to share their time With me. Mental Health Is still very hush hush I dream I can help Help others speak. Perhaps tomorrow Those gathered May see people In a different lightRead More