What do you think?
Rate this book
Transcending Depression: Quest Without a Compass
Are you or a loved one depressed?
My book can help. I've been there and have struggled with suicidal thoughts and plans. I can share with you what I did to not only survive, but to tolerate depression, live with it, and function acceptably most of the time, interspersed with periods of contentment, happiness, and joy. My strategies may well work for you.
My goal is to save lives. The primary motivation for presenting my history is to encourage others who grapple with either chronic depression or occasional bouts. I hope my journey resonates with some, validates feelings, and sparks the thoughts "I'm not alone" and "I will feel better." This book can also help family members and friends of the mentally ill, and their caregivers, find compassion and enable them to understand the struggle.
Transcending Depression differs from many other books on the topic in that it is not grounded in clinical experience, scientific research, or empirical evidence, which may make it more approachable than some. It's not a how-to book, not a model for depressed people to follow, not a toolbox. On the contrary, it shows rather than tells the reader what he or she might do to feel better.
Appendices include my Depression Survival Guide, which offers 36 suggestions to bring relief, and Chess in the Labyrinth, a metaphor that compares defeating depression to winning a chess game.
My book can help. I've been there and have struggled with suicidal thoughts and plans. I can share with you what I did to not only survive, but to tolerate depression, live with it, and function acceptably most of the time, interspersed with periods of contentment, happiness, and joy. My strategies may well work for you.
My goal is to save lives. The primary motivation for presenting my history is to encourage others who grapple with either chronic depression or occasional bouts. I hope my journey resonates with some, validates feelings, and sparks the thoughts "I'm not alone" and "I will feel better." This book can also help family members and friends of the mentally ill, and their caregivers, find compassion and enable them to understand the struggle.
Transcending Depression differs from many other books on the topic in that it is not grounded in clinical experience, scientific research, or empirical evidence, which may make it more approachable than some. It's not a how-to book, not a model for depressed people to follow, not a toolbox. On the contrary, it shows rather than tells the reader what he or she might do to feel better.
Appendices include my Depression Survival Guide, which offers 36 suggestions to bring relief, and Chess in the Labyrinth, a metaphor that compares defeating depression to winning a chess game.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
About the author
Larry Godwin
5 books207 followersII have struggled with depression and the aftereffects of child abuse most of my adult life. I wrote two books to assist others who face these issues.
My first book is TRANSCENDING DEPRESSION. The motivation for presenting my history is to encourage others who grapple with either chronic depression or occasional bouts. I hope my journey resonates with some, validates feelings, and sparks the thoughts “I'm not alone” and “I will feel better.” This book can also help family members and friends of the mentally ill, and their caregivers, find compassion and enable them to understand the struggle. My goal is to save lives.
My second book, SURVIVING OUR PARENTS' MISTAKES, concerns recovery from emotional child abuse. My writing reflects the progression of my thinking as I stopped blaming my parents for mistreating me and started taking responsibility for my predicament and recovery. I mention stumbling blocks I encountered along the way, and finish each chapter with insights that have soothed and enriched my present life, bringing peace and vitality. I suggest strategies that will help other abuse victims.
My third, TABLE FOR ONE, deals with living as a sensitive single person in a couples world. In concise entries from my journals, I address relevant issues including loneliness, insecurity, self-esteem, moodiness, and fear of risking. I document struggles that marked my journey from rebellion to peaceful acquiescence. The result is a healthy philosophy for a sensitive person going it alone, whether by virtue of separation, divorce, or death of a partner.
My articles about depression have appeared on the websites of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the Canadian Mental Heath Association. I live with my wife, Cathy, in Missoula, Montana.
Visit my website at https://www.larry-godwin.com.
My first book is TRANSCENDING DEPRESSION. The motivation for presenting my history is to encourage others who grapple with either chronic depression or occasional bouts. I hope my journey resonates with some, validates feelings, and sparks the thoughts “I'm not alone” and “I will feel better.” This book can also help family members and friends of the mentally ill, and their caregivers, find compassion and enable them to understand the struggle. My goal is to save lives.
My second book, SURVIVING OUR PARENTS' MISTAKES, concerns recovery from emotional child abuse. My writing reflects the progression of my thinking as I stopped blaming my parents for mistreating me and started taking responsibility for my predicament and recovery. I mention stumbling blocks I encountered along the way, and finish each chapter with insights that have soothed and enriched my present life, bringing peace and vitality. I suggest strategies that will help other abuse victims.
My third, TABLE FOR ONE, deals with living as a sensitive single person in a couples world. In concise entries from my journals, I address relevant issues including loneliness, insecurity, self-esteem, moodiness, and fear of risking. I document struggles that marked my journey from rebellion to peaceful acquiescence. The result is a healthy philosophy for a sensitive person going it alone, whether by virtue of separation, divorce, or death of a partner.
My articles about depression have appeared on the websites of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the Canadian Mental Heath Association. I live with my wife, Cathy, in Missoula, Montana.
Visit my website at https://www.larry-godwin.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 28, 2020
Are you suffering from depression? You're not alone. Larry Godwin has spent the better part of fifty years trying to understand and cope with his depression. He's opened his journals and wants to share his experiences with you. Told through journal entries he delves deep into just how debilitating it can be and how he never gave up. He talks about a wide range of topics, including his roller coaster ride through a variety of medications. Larry Godwin knows what you're going through and wants to help you. You're not alone. You, too, can Transcend Depression.
Transcending Depression is a brilliant treatise on mental illness, specifically depression. Larry Godwin's writing style instantly puts the reader at ease. His compassionate, emotional writing connects with the reader. His experiences are honest, authentic and his advice is spot-on. My favorite section is his Depression Survival Guide at the back of the book. His tips on surviving depression are applicable to anyone and offer great insight. Transcending Depression is also a must-read for family and friends of those who have depression. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited CA.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Transcending Depression is a brilliant treatise on mental illness, specifically depression. Larry Godwin's writing style instantly puts the reader at ease. His compassionate, emotional writing connects with the reader. His experiences are honest, authentic and his advice is spot-on. My favorite section is his Depression Survival Guide at the back of the book. His tips on surviving depression are applicable to anyone and offer great insight. Transcending Depression is also a must-read for family and friends of those who have depression. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited CA.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
September 25, 2020
I’ve struggled with depression my whole life, gone to therapy, taken medications, and talked to people about my feelings. I’ve also read many different books to help me get prospective on life to understand why humans have so much sadness in our life’s. But when I tell you that this book is a whole different presentation I truly mean that, Larry is raw with his thoughts, he doesn’t hide how things have made him felt, he doesn’t try and tell you a fairy tail, rather he tells you the truth about depression, and what comes with it. He always makes you feel not so alone, and as if he has taken the same or similar steps you have through depression. Larry has had depression for over 49 years , throughout his amazing story he tells you all of his experiences, ups and downs, and struggles in the life of depression. It truly shows you this authors goal is to help others feel not alone, and to not only survive depression but have a deeper understanding and respect for how much it takes to be human. I can honestly say from the bottom of my heart this book has saved me many times from hurting myself. Thank you Larry for understanding what it’s truly like, you are a blessing.
July 7, 2021
Transcending Depression: Quest Without a Compass by Larry Godwin is the story of one man's journey with depression. Beginning at a quite young age, Godwin recognized his own depression. This book chronicles his struggle through the disease. The book opens up in chronological order and recounts many of his experiences. Through various relationships, treatment therapies, and continual struggle, Godwin shares his life with us. As a therapeutic tool, this book might be helpful. For personal use, it's more of a relatable story for anyone who has suffered from depression. The Depression Survival Guide at the back of the book is quite helpful. Highly recommend.
Read
November 7, 2021Transcending Depression: Quest Without a Compass by Larry Godwin is refreshing and informative. It is refreshing because you get to hear from someone who has experienced mental illness for years and has fought to survive. Informative because he shows ways he handled the many options of suppressing this disease. Many years of trial and error can help others avoid loopholes in their health management.
If you or a loved one suffers from depression, Larry Godwin's book Transcending Depression: Quest Without a Compass will be invaluable. As a friend, caregiver, or family member, you will understand this disorder better and help to avoid triggers in their life. For someone who has depression, you will feel as if you have a friend who understands and can advise in their experience. I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to others.
If you or a loved one suffers from depression, Larry Godwin's book Transcending Depression: Quest Without a Compass will be invaluable. As a friend, caregiver, or family member, you will understand this disorder better and help to avoid triggers in their life. For someone who has depression, you will feel as if you have a friend who understands and can advise in their experience. I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to others.
September 1, 2021
Transcending Depression was written by someone who has figured a way, that works for him, to live with and survive depression. This book shares his experiences and the ways that work for him in hopes that it will also help someone else. This book is not a how-to guide and is not backed by clinical data, it is from the authors life experience in an attempt to help others not feel alone.
I think this is a well-written, thoughtful book that I found to be helpful and relatable. I felt the reality of what he has gone through and was happy to see that he could find ways to have moments of happiness, joy, and contentment. I think anyone who lives with depression needs to be able to relate to someone else going through it, but also see that it is possible to get through those lows and enjoy their lives.
This book was not only written to reach out to those with depression, but I can see how it would help caregivers and family members because it's important that they understand how to offer compassion and understanding to their loved one.
I recommend this book to everyone who lives with depression, either themselves or in a loved one. There are so many obstacles and challenges in learning to cope and this book could be very helpful in helping you find balance.
I was sent an eBook copy of Transcending Depression: Quest without a Compass in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for sharing this book with me.
I think this is a well-written, thoughtful book that I found to be helpful and relatable. I felt the reality of what he has gone through and was happy to see that he could find ways to have moments of happiness, joy, and contentment. I think anyone who lives with depression needs to be able to relate to someone else going through it, but also see that it is possible to get through those lows and enjoy their lives.
This book was not only written to reach out to those with depression, but I can see how it would help caregivers and family members because it's important that they understand how to offer compassion and understanding to their loved one.
I recommend this book to everyone who lives with depression, either themselves or in a loved one. There are so many obstacles and challenges in learning to cope and this book could be very helpful in helping you find balance.
I was sent an eBook copy of Transcending Depression: Quest without a Compass in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for sharing this book with me.
December 19, 2022
This book is absolutely great
May 2, 2021
I was looking to deepen my understanding of depression and anxiety (I suffer from neither) because someone I know suffers from both and I find him totally self-absorbed and almost unwilling to let go of the 'blankie' which self-absorption gives him, preferring instead to try and find 'solutions' to his conditions without much input from professionals (even his clinical psychologist appears to simply validate and affirm his self-absorbed behavior.) He takes medications which keep him on an even keel but still wants to experiment with 'alternatives' in addition to them, including psilocybin (his newest project is growing magic mushrooms at home). I wanted to gain a clearer understanding of these behaviors, not to change him (as I know I can't do that - he needs to WANT to change his thinking and seek the means to do that) but to try learning to tolerate his self-focus and attention-seeking behavior patterns.
With this book I learnt nothing new. Sorry to say, this is yet another book which validates the sufferer's underlying reasons for suffering without trying to find permanent ways to address and attempt to overcome (transcend) the reasons behind the suffering. The author acknowledges that he recognizes the role his narcissistic mother played in the development of the external reasons triggering his depression. However, he obviously has a physical condition which exacerbates his moods (a chemical imbalance in his brain) - as do many other people who suffer from clinical depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, he doesn't appear to be able to let go of the quest to find the 'right solution' to his condition, and I can't see any evidence that he tried many effective non-chemical therapies - such as CBT, except EMDR - and stuck with any of them. In fact he appears to have stopped all therapies when confronted with the need to change his thinking (removing the blankie).
It may be that the author will never recover from his condition, as many don't, because chemically his brain is disposed to work as it does. If he and his wife can live like that and cope with the effects of such negativism, all kudos to them. Good for her that she's stuck by him all these years in spite of his self-obsession and his focus on how HE can live a more meaningful life without involving others (never mind his wife, daughter and others around him).
However, describing this book as a self-help book is a misnomer - it's a descriptive tome which details what he did to try and overcome his illness. He hasn't transcended it - he's learnt to live with it, all the while experimenting with ways of making the effects less marked. He failed mostly in that quest - he didn't stick with any of the chemical therapies either, saying they didn't agree with his body. So he was on and off different meds like a yo-yo over the years.
I guess I did learn something - clinical depression is a lifelong illness which can be regulated with drugs and therapy but there needs to be the willingness to remove the emotional blankie (or at least acknowledge its existence) and confront the historical cause of self-focused thinking, although doing that means losing the element of control over the effects of the illness. This makes one scarily open to having no 'safety net' (inducing panic thinking of being stuck out in a wilderness without a support system), which then incurs the risk of falling back into old patterns because of the comfort of being able to handle what you know. Then, I guess the blankie would have to come back as a self-preservation, emotional support system.
I was sad on the author's behalf. On the other hand, I found myself getting really irritated while I was reading about his journey. He needs help from a professional team of therapists, but maybe that would also be too scary. So the blankie is anchored around him for good.
With this book I learnt nothing new. Sorry to say, this is yet another book which validates the sufferer's underlying reasons for suffering without trying to find permanent ways to address and attempt to overcome (transcend) the reasons behind the suffering. The author acknowledges that he recognizes the role his narcissistic mother played in the development of the external reasons triggering his depression. However, he obviously has a physical condition which exacerbates his moods (a chemical imbalance in his brain) - as do many other people who suffer from clinical depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, he doesn't appear to be able to let go of the quest to find the 'right solution' to his condition, and I can't see any evidence that he tried many effective non-chemical therapies - such as CBT, except EMDR - and stuck with any of them. In fact he appears to have stopped all therapies when confronted with the need to change his thinking (removing the blankie).
It may be that the author will never recover from his condition, as many don't, because chemically his brain is disposed to work as it does. If he and his wife can live like that and cope with the effects of such negativism, all kudos to them. Good for her that she's stuck by him all these years in spite of his self-obsession and his focus on how HE can live a more meaningful life without involving others (never mind his wife, daughter and others around him).
However, describing this book as a self-help book is a misnomer - it's a descriptive tome which details what he did to try and overcome his illness. He hasn't transcended it - he's learnt to live with it, all the while experimenting with ways of making the effects less marked. He failed mostly in that quest - he didn't stick with any of the chemical therapies either, saying they didn't agree with his body. So he was on and off different meds like a yo-yo over the years.
I guess I did learn something - clinical depression is a lifelong illness which can be regulated with drugs and therapy but there needs to be the willingness to remove the emotional blankie (or at least acknowledge its existence) and confront the historical cause of self-focused thinking, although doing that means losing the element of control over the effects of the illness. This makes one scarily open to having no 'safety net' (inducing panic thinking of being stuck out in a wilderness without a support system), which then incurs the risk of falling back into old patterns because of the comfort of being able to handle what you know. Then, I guess the blankie would have to come back as a self-preservation, emotional support system.
I was sad on the author's behalf. On the other hand, I found myself getting really irritated while I was reading about his journey. He needs help from a professional team of therapists, but maybe that would also be too scary. So the blankie is anchored around him for good.
September 6, 2021
Larry Godwin writes this book as a lifelong sufferer of depression and occasional sufferer of suicidal ideation. The book is written well, broken up into digestible sections if you need breaks. I read it all in one go.
Godwin describes depression as something to live with instead of cure, which hits the nail on the head. His anecdotal approach is interlaced with varied methods that have been known to shelve depression in a way that allows those with the affliction to live a full, rich life despite the call of abysmal torment depression brings.
He writes this book as a suggestion to help save those lost and impacted, rather than a definitive guide. The best part of this book is that it shows depression’s ugly face without glorifying or romanticizing it and without the distance of a scientific book on clinical depression. It’s a perfect balance and offers a depth of humanity often missed on the topic. The passage early in chapter 2, about how “I don’t have to abdicate responsibility for my happiness to some pharmaceutical company in Ohio…Today I’m putting up an impenetrable barrier against anger and sadness…” is a perfect snapshot of the book and the struggle people with depression go through.
I recommend this book. If you or a loved one suffer from depression or even think it’s a possibility, I’d give this book a read. It’s short, full of depth, and was clearly written with the intent to help.
Godwin describes depression as something to live with instead of cure, which hits the nail on the head. His anecdotal approach is interlaced with varied methods that have been known to shelve depression in a way that allows those with the affliction to live a full, rich life despite the call of abysmal torment depression brings.
He writes this book as a suggestion to help save those lost and impacted, rather than a definitive guide. The best part of this book is that it shows depression’s ugly face without glorifying or romanticizing it and without the distance of a scientific book on clinical depression. It’s a perfect balance and offers a depth of humanity often missed on the topic. The passage early in chapter 2, about how “I don’t have to abdicate responsibility for my happiness to some pharmaceutical company in Ohio…Today I’m putting up an impenetrable barrier against anger and sadness…” is a perfect snapshot of the book and the struggle people with depression go through.
I recommend this book. If you or a loved one suffer from depression or even think it’s a possibility, I’d give this book a read. It’s short, full of depth, and was clearly written with the intent to help.
September 1, 2021
Author Larry Godwin’s goal is to save lives. After suffering with depression and suicidal thoughts himself for many many years he chose to use his experience, insight and understanding of this terrible disease to help others who suffer as he does. I have to commend him for his efforts after having read the book for myself. I too suffer with depression and mental illness and although I have managed to cope so far it was great to read something that not only offers help and advice from someone who is actually going through something very similar, but he offers a way to actually live with it, manage it and accept it for what it is. So instead of feeling anxious all the time I actually find myself trying to being positive and accept my situation/depression and I’m doing my best to live with it instead of fear it. Don’t get me wrong I’m not magically cured, but I do feel that my thinking and outlook on my illness is changing …for the better! this is the first book I have read on this subject that actually resonated with me. I intend to keep this book with me for a while and practice most of the strategies that Larry talks about, as so far so good!
June 29, 2022
I felt exposed by reading this work because I could relate to it so much. I gave it a lower rating because I think it was not necessary for the author to air out ALL his dirty laundry as well as include journal entries about his struggle with depression. I have been on the journey now for more than half my life, and I guess it was just refreshing just knowing I am not alone in the many ways I feel different than everyone, not normal, childish, and unable to stop berating myself for the smallest things. Unfortunately the author has a treatment resistant form of depression and this made me feel melancholy, wondering if I’m in the same boat or not.
May 30, 2023
- Sometimes boring, but it’s ok bc it’s short and it was not meant to be an “interesting” read I think
- I didn’t learn anything valuable from this I think, but it was an honest book and if you went / are going through depression it can give you some comfort
- I wouldn’t buy this for advice on how to deal with depression
- I didn’t learn anything valuable from this I think, but it was an honest book and if you went / are going through depression it can give you some comfort
- I wouldn’t buy this for advice on how to deal with depression
April 2, 2022
I totally recommend this book.
June 22, 2022
this book are totally addictive, very good book, i love it, i recommended it
May 16, 2023
A quick read with some good insights about how to live with depression.
May 11, 2024
Davion Taylor
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2024
I'm going to talk about Transcending Depression: Quest Without a Compass (Kindle Edition). This book is definitely good.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews