Writing Through the Darkness: Easing Your Depression with Paper and Pen

Good reference book

A group of us women started a women's writing group using this book. It's been a very positive experience for all of us who meet.

very interesting

While aimed at people with depression, this book could benefit anyone who wants to explore writing as a means to access feelings and memories. Those who do suffer from depression or other mood disorders will find a rich and helpful resource in this very fine book, which benefits greatly from the author's personal experiences with depression as well as leading writing groups for those who struggle with it. Her relaxed tone and inviting exercises make the book both fun and inspiring to read, and for those who want to dig deeper, she includes much fascinating research about the therapeutic benefits of writing. As both Schaefer and her students explain in the book, writing about your experiences really does help how you feel. But then just reading this positive, compassionate and well-grounded book may raise your mood!

This is a wonderfully wise and well-written book for people with serious depression as well as those with milder, more generalized forms. Schaefer uses her own struggles with mental illness, and her scientific background, to inform her basic argument that significant healing can happen through writing. The book is full of inspirational quotes and stories, some told by the members of her Stanford writing group, and fascinating scientific research. Writing Through the Darkness is a great read and would be useful and enjoyable for both serious, accomplished writers, and those who've never considered writing. A moving, intelligent book.

The author is a professional who battled depression to the point of shock therapy and meds. She shares many ideas on things to write about. Includes examples of what fellow writers group writers have written.Encourages use of poetry, reading work aloud, and possibly writing a memoir. Includes writing resources at end which appear to be helpful. Insightful.

this book is very helpful if you are going through a dark time in your life. It has helped me alot.

I'm always encouraging clients to journal. This is a good book to recommend to them.

Very helpful and thought provoking