Depression Understood Forums

Has anyone here heard of the book Shoot the Damn Dog? I have been suffering a particularly bad bout of depression and decided that reading a book about someone else's experience might help me. And it did. Shoot the Damn Dog was really inspiring, it made me feel less alone to read about her struggle, it didn't sugar coat anything, and it wasn't some hunky-dory ending. She still struggled, but she felt better at the end. She made progress and her life changed and she grew and she had hope at the end. That book helped me sleep at night, convinced me that it wasn't over, I clung to it.

BUT THAT'S NOT IT. I googled the author, curious to read more about her life and her daughter, etc. She committed suicide. 8 years after the book was published. This absolutely crushed me and really sent me spiraling. I had a lot of hope after reading this book, but this revelation knocked the wind out of me. It took away that feeling that it will get better. I don't know what to think anymore. The author had hope and it was once again snuffed from her. If even she can't do it, how can I? Can you guys believe it?

I believe in you

I am sorry to hear that the revelation of the author's life is affecting you so deeply but you do not have to lose hope. You are so loved and wanted. You are a valuable person in this world and there is a way to believe in hope. Have you considered talking to a professional about how you are feeling? Maybe it might help you sort out the way you are feeling. If you do not feel comfortable doing that, here is a great article that may help you process what you are going through. http://bit.ly/2fOXsDH Praying for you to never give up hoping.

[quote="adelenicoley8"]Has anyone here heard of the book Shoot the Damn Dog? I have been suffering a particularly bad bout of depression and decided that reading a book about someone else's experience might help me. And it did. Shoot the Damn Dog was really inspiring, it made me feel less alone to read about her struggle, it didn't sugar coat anything, and it wasn't some hunky-dory ending. She still struggled, but she felt better at the end. She made progress and her life changed and she grew and she had hope at the end. That book helped me sleep at night, convinced me that it wasn't over, I clung to it.

BUT THAT'S NOT IT. I googled the author, curious to read more about her life and her daughter, etc. She committed suicide. 8 years after the book was published. This absolutely crushed me and really sent me spiraling. I had a lot of hope after reading this book, but this revelation knocked the wind out of me. It took away that feeling that it will get better. I don't know what to think anymore. The author had hope and it was once again snuffed from her. If even she can't do it, how can I? Can you guys believe it?[/qu
ote]

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Maybe she wrote the book so someone could have that chance and make it all the way through. I believe in YOU
*hugs*