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About her new book, author Julie Hersh says, My goal with 'Struck by Living' is to dispel the stigma associated with mental illness and make it more real for those who have never experienced depression." Ms. Hersh, a mother and corporate wife, is now an advocate for mental health awareness because although her life includes having a career, a marriage and motherhood, she also suffered from clinical depression. With "Struck by Living," Hersh acknowledges her life's ironies; in spite of many gifts, a loving husband, healthy children, and financial security, she also felt the urge to kill herself three times.
Her recovery path included electroconvulsive therapy, also known as ECT. In my case, ECT was that last option for pulling me out of depression much like a triple bypass is used for someone with severe heart disease, she says.
With humor and brutal honesty, Hersh offers a personal account of what a clinically depressed person feels and the perplexing problem of how to help them.
"As a severe case, Hersh gives a clear, resonant voice to many aspects of a complicated illness, while offering a moving and hopeful (though at times frightening) narrative for those fighting to overcome depression's worst," says Publisher's Weekly. On June 4, at 10 a.m., the author visits Darien Library to talk about her personal and insightful book. The event is free and refreshments will be available. Books can also be purchased. For more information, visit the Darien Library's website.
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