Life less lived
by Richard Hawkey
(R129.95)
Life Less Lived is Hawkey’s story of how he, at 39, reached burn out and subsequently fell into a deep state of depression.
Hawkey is a Joburg business-man who lives in the suburbs with his wife and two sons. He starts the book off by talking about his day-to-day life before falling into depression, painting a vivid picture of an ordinary man who, in many respects, resembles you and I. Obsessed with the unrelenting burdens of work, he also has to look after his youngest son who, at six months old, keeps him up most nights.
As every person in that situation would do, Hawkey tries to find a balance between work and family life in order to cope. But cope he does not.
The book takes us on a journey of recovery in the midst of utter misery. It is said that depression affects roughly 10 percent of a country’s population, and it is through Hawkey’s experiences that we see how this illness can turn one’s life upside-down if not given the attention it deserves.
One can only go for so long without confronting the feelings of helplessness that may plague your life. It further points to the fact that most people are content with living oblivious to these feelings, no matter their intensity.
Depression, in this sense, can be seen as an overwhelming mental mechanism that forces a person to confront feelings that are otherwise neglected.
Hawkey’s story is essential in that it takes one through the process of pre- to post-depression, while thoroughly covering what happens in-between. The book also offers a first-aid resource appendix that covers the symp-toms, effects and treatments for burn out and depression.
Hawkey’s contribution should be lauded, because, let’s face it, not everyone relates to psychiatric-jargon-filled depression textbooks as they do to an ordinary man who elucidates the experience for ordinary people.
Life Less Lived should be available at bookstores, but can also be ordered at www.equilibriumsolutions.co.za.