There and Back, The Dark Journey: The Way Back From Anxiety, Depression and Pure 'O'

By Liam Rooke

Sitting alone in the darkness, not a shadow, not a slight shade of any colour, nothing to give a spark of light or a spark of hope! Enveloped in an unexplainable feeling of doom, dread, fear and worthlessness, coupled with the darkness is like your worst nightmare ..... but the trouble is, you are wide awake!. Why How can this happen? Easy enough ... the name is Depression! But why are we so hard on ourselves? If we had such as bronchitis we would see our G.P., take the prescribed medication, inhalers, steroids, antibiotics etc. etc., rest and feel genuinely sorry for ourselves until our bodies started to heal. Why then do we beat ourselves up because our mind is ill? Because having an ill mind is a taboo subject! Instilled from days gone by – illness of the mind – to be hidden away in case you are committed to the asylum. Easy to understand self-help methods to change your perspective of

• Language: English
• Publisher: Liam Rooke
• Release date: Nov 13, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310527357

Liam Rooke

Growing up in South Yorkshire, a small ex-mining town called Barnsley, I was the little chunky child who quietly watched the world pass by. Family and friends viewed me as reserved, an introvert. Primary years passed by as I watched others succeed at school, not being aware of what, if anything, I was good at or knowing which direction my life would take. My motto was, 'if I keep quiet, no one will know I'm here.' Trying hard in my studies, I couldn't quite find my calling until the final year in primary school when there was an announcement for a production of Sweeney Todd. Unknown to anyone, I put my name forward for the part of Sweeney Todd, the demon barber and fortunately, as no one else wanted the part, the teachers had no option but to give it to me! Everyone was sceptical that I could ever learn the lines, never mind speak them! How I amazed everyone!! My mother cried at each performance and others stood in awe - they couldn't believe what they were seeing. The transformation was unbelievable. In front of an audience, I had finally found my niche in life. I will never forget the headmaster at school saying to my parents, 'Of all the children in the school, Liam was the last person any of us would have imagined could have done that. Brilliant, you have a budding actor on your hands.' I had been 'bitten' and from then on took every opportunity to pursue acting. My confidence and self esteem, from being non existent, soared and I truly believed I could do anything if I applied myself. Having gained the necessary qualifications, I applied for College to study Performing Arts. Distinctions across the board led me to University; maybe not the right avenue, but I needed to prove to myself that I, ‘Liam Rooke’, could study for a BA Honours Degree and graduate. Not being academically favored, I had to work harder at theory, but sailed through practicals and performed lead parts in numerous productions. Gaining a BA Honours Degree 2:1, I progressed into the entertainment industry and have T.V., film, short film and voice over credits, and have performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I also have my own projects including traveling to Sweden to take a role in a Swedish comedy which has been aired throughout that country. I am currently taking on various workshops and seminars to continue my professional development. Alongside this I decided to pursue a Personal Trainer qualification, not only to add another string to my bow, but to keep myself in tip top shape and have a thorough knowledge of body transformation. My experience ranges from academic to intense practical work in all areas of the business. I also write self help and motivational books and more to help others. I love what I do and am eager to climb the creative industry ladder and get involved in what I can when I can. This is who I am and people know me for my creative spirit.

Book preview

DEDICATION

Firstly, I would like to thank the ones who have been there since day one.

To my partner and my mother who have helped me through the worst times of my life and without whom this book would not have been possible.

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for having faith and reading this book which will help you to make a positive step forward in your battle with your anxiety/depression condition.

Just before we start I would like to inform you that I am not a doctor or qualified psychiatrist with years of training and qualifications.

What I do have is experience of having anxiety, depression and  for many, many years and coming out of the other side.

I feel that many doctors and psychiatrists don't fully understand these conditions and have found that people who have suffered have first hand experience which is a valuable asset in knowing the path back to being well.

It is very hard to decide which way to turn and who you can turn to.

There are so many people who think they know the solution when they haven’t even experienced the condition themselves.

Anxiety and Depression are debilitating conditions which a lot of people would like to just brush under the carpet and not give a second thought about. 'What have you got to be depressed for? Pull yourself together!'  Oh if it was so easy!

The medical route usually involves taking an anti-depressant which is so scary in itself, with all the side effects.

But before we get into the nuts and bolts, I want to tell you my experience with anxiety and depression and let you know that you’re not alone.

It has taken me a great deal of re-conquered courage and confidence to write this book and let the world read it. 

Also a word to everyone who thinks that you can simply mask the condition and shouldn’t speak up about it, as a lot try to.              This is the reality and should be accepted as an illness, not something to feel ashamed of and try to hide.

WHY?

Don’t take the enormous burden alone and try to do it to yourself, stand tall and be who you were meant to be, by voicing how you feel and not being ashamed.

People are scared of the unknown and what they can't understand or explain, because depression is not visible to the human eye as a broken leg would be.

Because of this people are far too quick to dismiss the subject entirely or think you are a 'fruit loop', attention seeker or a drama queen.

Over the ages anything to do with the subject of mental health has carried a huge stigma.

The very words 'mental health'

People are unwilling or unable to tell others how they are feeling as they don't want to appear weak and stupid, but the only thing to do when suffering from depression, is to talk to someone about it.

Then you will find out you are not alone!

You don't have to live a sheltered, unfulfilling life, there is always a solution and you will find it.

We all deserve to feel good and that’s my reason for writing this book.

Let today be the day you take charge and do what's needed to be done, not just for family and friends but for the main person - YOU!!!

So to the friends and family who do not know about me, I just want to inform you that all is ok and I am pushing forward now.

Thank you for your time and support.  You are all fantastic people and I am lucky to know you and