Escape from Dark Places: Guideposts to Hope in an Age of Anxiety & Depression by Ambra Watkins

We have no Great War. No Great Depression. Our Great War’s a spiritual war… our Great Depression is our lives. Chuck Palahniuk

This is a remarkable and fascinating read. It is fresh perspective on how we can help others heal and overcome anxiety and depression – Escape From Dark Places. Ambra shares her personal experience as she had to learn how to help heal her son who visited a very dark place. Not surprisingly – he is not alone.

It is said that one in four young adults suffer from a mental illness that is diagnosable. The other stats she discovers are also alarming. She realises that even with all the variety of therapies that exist, there still seems a lacking improvement among all people as it relates to anxiety and depression. Why? That is the journey she takes us on within the pages of this book.

It’s an insightful look into the changing nature of the world that we exist in today. It looks at postmodernism and how this is having major effects, particularly on younger people. Adults are not left out of the story, either, with over a quarter of of all U.S adults experiencing some form of mental health disorder. This would be comparable in most other westernised countries around the world.

What I really enjoyed and found very insightful was her research into the generational differences and why these play an important role in helping us all understand how we can help reduce this problem.

Clearly the Millennials have a different view on how to live life. They are optimistic, enthusiastic, entitled, confident, tech savvy, diverse, entrepreneurial, achievement orientated and want instant gratification. Compared that to the early generations, from the G.I. Generation to the Baby Boomers, there lies great differences.

Misunderstandings between us all will not help solve this problem. We need to collaborate and create understandings. Ambra Watkins through her research offers a new framework, an intergenerational dialogue, that will help us all be part of the solution.

I believe that in understanding and having new insight into the causes of depression we can all help assist with this problem. It is too easy to turn a blind eye, especially if you are not affected greatly by depression and anxiety yourself or from someone close to you.

In greater awareness I reflect also in how I relate to life and what is in my power and control to help me walk a more peaceful path. I also feel fortunate to be a Gen X’er – I feel as though I have a healthy balance of old and new generational values. A balance is important for all of us to help better exist and achieve a life towards all that we desire.

This is a great read! An insightful and fresh approach to dealing with this issue that affects as all. If the stats suggest that the issue is growing, not improving, then it is timely for as all to be more open minded to help managing it. Enjoy.

If this book sounds of interest you can purchase Escape from Dark Places: Guideposts to Hope in an Age of Anxiety & Depression (Morgan James Faith) here.

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

Peace, passion and purpose…

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