By Louise O’Connor

 

 

On October 5^th, 2005, life as I knew it changed forever. I awoke feeling

overwhelmingly depressed and anxious.

 

My head was spinning out of control, my chest was tight, and I couldn’t breathe properly.  I felt so scared, so lost, so confused, but most of all I just wanted to run away from the feeling.

 

The only problem was…the feeling was coming from inside me.  I felt suicidal but didn’t want to die?! I had felt broken and damaged for a very long time.

Living with a bipolar and depression is difficult. Most every day is a challenge. Some days are crushing and debilitating. But living with a mental illness doesn’t mean forfeiting a valuable and happy existence.

 

I feel so passionate about my book, and the topics within it. Self-esteem, values, depression, friendship, the ‘bipolar’ diary, gratefulness, my favourite chapter, and more. These are the things I choose to practice, along with medication treatment, to keep myself well.

 

I genuinely hope my book serves to help other people in their struggle to find a contented and manageable life.  I also want to send a message that life with a mental health problem can be lived in an unashamed, dignified and spirited fashion.

 

 

“The Lights Aren’t On But Someone’s Home is an inspiring journey of heartfelt messages, experiences, and lessons. Louise shares her knowledge, training, and advice to help all ages with key issues involving self-esteem, values, faith, relationships, and health.

 

She offers us moments to reflect and question ourselves. She inspires us with wonderful quotes to provoke us to create our own affirmations. This book is a tool to help all of us through the emotional turmoil and confusion of life”.