Akron Beacon Journal on Surviving Depression

Akron resident Tanisha L. Herrin provides a long, convincing list of reasons not to commit suicide in her new book, a pertinent list, because the book’s title is Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression.

Herrin tells her story of growing up feeling undesirable in her neighborhood on “the bad side” of town, leading her to take pills and cut herself when in high school, and eventually having suicidal thoughts.  Herrin sought help from a supportive doctor and began her recovery.

Much of the information about the causes and systems of depression and suicide prevention information is available everywhere, but having it in this one small, conversational book is useful.

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Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression

Review by: We Read It All Book Reviews

Rating: 4

Headline: One Woman’s Journey to Healthy Living

One would think this book is a general self-help book to help guide a person work their way through depression but it is much deeper than that. Tanisha L. Herrin shares her personal journey of battling depression from her early teen years to her mid-twenties. She lets the reader experience pain that she felt as a child that did not fit into the “in” crowd during elementary and high school and to how the loss of her mother affected her mental state.

This book is not a clinical know-how on ways to overcome depression. It is a woman bluntly sharing her journey and the methods that she used to begin living a more positive lifestyle. While I have never battled depression, this was a great read to help me to notice the signs of depression and to have suggestions if I encounter someone that could be battling it. For that reason, I would recommend this book. I commend Tanisha L. Herrin for sharing so much of her person life with the public.

This book was provided by the author for review purposes.  Review Link

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Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression

In her book, Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression, Tanisha Herrin discusses how her life’s circumstances both led to and helped her overcome Major Depression. Herrin provides us with glimpses of her past in her own quest to understand and explain how and when her battle with depression started. Coming from a culture where topics such as depression and suicide are not often discussed, the author brings light to subjects that are often kept hidden in the dark. As a young mother of two small children, Herrin shares how she fights her own inner demons and sets on a quest to rewire a brain that has long since been wired with negative thinking. Herrin explains in detail how it is possible to defeat depression by changing one’s own mindset- a task which she tells up front, requires much hard work and discipline at times. Fighting The Blues is an insightful testament to one woman’s battle with an age-old illness. The author breaks the boundaries defined by culture, and reveals her experience with a mental disorder that many women, regardless of race, color or creed, share in common.

With patience, positivity and persistence (a.k.a. the “3 P’s), Herrin provides a step-by-step explanation of how it is possible to change a negative mindset into a positive one. Through her creative endeavors, Herrin chooses to advocate life and happiness over death and sadness. Fighting The Blues is a compelling read, whether you are one who suffers from depression yourself or know someone who is suffering.

-Stacy Baggett; Author of Ordinary World

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Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression

Review by Richard Farrell

Tanisha Herrin’s latest publication is far more then it sets out to be. This is because it not only charts the personal history of her twenty-eight years, and the lessons learned that she wishes to pass on - it also does this in a tumbling way that made it impossible for me to leave her book alone. Her writing style reflects a lonely frightened girl who grew up with a single mother in slums that ought to have been eliminated decades ago. What she has produced is a pithy blog that takes no prisoners, as opposed to dry academic tomes.

The special gifts embedded in Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman are the ways that enabled Tanisha Herrin to surface from a situation that most would describe as a dead end at a locked door. After failing to kill herself three times and weeping before her mother’s lifeless body, the author learns to sublimate her despair through gifts of love to others.

The most unexpected thing about this extraordinary book is that it is not for sale. The author is so keen to pass her knowledge on that she has decided to give it away for free, and to donate one dollar to related charities for every order as well. Could there be a better reason to acquire a copy of a little masterpiece that has at least something for everybody to discover. I think not.

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Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I  Survived Suicidal Depression

As administrator of a website that deals in miscellaneous pop-cultural topics, I have learned that the most appealing products are almost always born out of an emotional response to an event or events in the contributors’ lives. Tanisha L. Herrin’s autobiographical work, Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression, is exactly this kind of genuine. Herrin’s message is clear: that depression is a mysterious and easily misunderstood demon, but that acceptance and hope are possible. In other words, it is never too late to start living.

Herrin shows us the importance of family when it comes to handling depression. She describes her relationship with her mother and connects it to her relationship with her own children. Here, it is evident that the giving and receiving of love plays a vital role in overcoming suicidal thoughts.

Furthermore, Herrin proves to us that it is possible to use our negativity to our benefit. By consciously channeling her depression into creative projects, Herrin has gained far more from depression than she has lost. Clearly, writing has become an outlet for her and has provided her with a sense of purpose.

In essence, Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression paints a picture of life that persons of all genders and races can relate to. Tanisha L. Herrin stands as proof of the power of love and hope, and reminds us to never give up.

-Paul Anderson (B.A., Creative Writing), Co-Administrator of Miserable Retail Slave (www.miserableretailslave.com)

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Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression

Book review by Jai Molina Dollente

This amazing book that reflects the most sensitive part in Tanisha Herrin’s life is no less than a breakthrough in this kind of genre. While most life-touching stories are also told with the same intensity as this one, it is rare to come across a prose that is written with so much detail yet it still is not heavy to read.

The parts dedicated to identify, define and describe depression with notes on how to overcome that is also a refreshing take compared to other related write-ups that do not offer solutions to the problem presented.

“It's not about material things, money, or fancy things people want. It's about living your life day to day being thankful for the people who are around you.” This is a very personal, yet powerful quote from a woman who knew and battled depression but came out triumphant.

Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression is a highly recommended book not only to those who are going through the darkest times of their lives, but also to those who want to help others.

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FIGHTING THE BLUES...
A Book Review By Johnny Blue Star

Tanisha Herrin’s book, “Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression,” is both a memoir and a blueprint for overcoming the deepest and most serious type of depression.  It is about an Afro American girl, brought up by a struggling, single Mom, who grows up in a neighborhood so bad that pizza delivery trucks ignore it. Self-conscious about her appearance, Tanisha suffers bullies and peer group disapproval, setting her on a course for self-loathing and suicide. “Fighting the Blues” is about how this emotionally disenfranchised young lady descends to the lowest limit of self-disdain, cutting into herself both emotionally and physically- until her third attempt at suicide brings her into a self-consciousness that acts as a rudder to her salvation.  Realizing the effect taking her life will have on her child, Tanisha begins a road of self-reflection and research that leads her to a positive, more nurturing hope for life. “Fighting the Blues” chronicles not only her personal efforts, but shows how a re-organization of attitudes, planning for a real future and self-honesty can lead to the doorway of emotional well-being.  Tanisha is a winner in life as seen in this helpful, inspiring book!

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Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Suruived Suicidal Depression 

Review By Virginia Gatmaytan

So, is this a fiction book written by someone who knows how to truly write from the heart?  Or is this a true story done by someone who knows how to write well?

Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression was recommended to me as a worthwhile read.  Not having “met” Tanisha Herrin prior to my reading the book, those questions came easily to mind as I had just gone through a few pages.  Indeed, it was worth my while.

Powerful.  Poignant.  Written from the heart; touches another one’s heart.  Drawn from the core; pierces another’s one core.  From the first page, one would already feel the emotional and psychological anguish that Tanisha went through and the physical agony she inflicted upon herself.  

One thing that is worth noting is her ability to move from being personal and emotional as she narrates her experience to being detached and objective as she goes through the journey to realization to acceptance of needing professional help towards getting well.  It’s as if it’s a medical practitioner who’s writing.

The incorporation of the haiku in the book adds to its uniqueness.  Haiku is traditionally a Japanese literary genre.  Writing haiku in Japanese is easier than writing one in another language.  But Tanisha is able to pull it through.  Amazing is her ability to maintain the expression of emotion in the poems.  In my long years of exposure to literature, I have encountered only a few that can be as effective in writing poems as in writing prose; Tanisha is now added to my list.

Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression, is a recommended reading to people who are going through depression.  They will certainly be inspired by Tanisha’s journey.  It is likewise worthwhile for people who belong to the inner circles of people in despair.  They will be guided in extending support.

So, is this a fiction book written by someone who knows how to truly write from the heart?  Or is this a true story done by someone who knows how to write well?  It is both:  non-fiction written from the heart by someone who knows how to write. 

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Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression

Review by Stratu Veaceslav

What can I say about this book?

A wise man said: “A man’s errors are his portals of discovery”. On these pages we find a discovery indeed. A discovery made by a person, who fought with these errors, problems, whatever we shall call them, and sought and is steel seeking the right solution to deal with these problems.

The book itself is divided into several “logic” parts: the “birth” of the depression, where did it’s roots come from; the development of this state,  the problems caused by it’s bad treatment; and how the narrator is overcoming this state.

Now, the book itself is a quite interesting one to read. It’s a subject that many people faced and, are still facing.  Everyone knows the feeling. Maybe not in the same depth, as the narrator did, but all people felt this way. In this book there are moments you can recognize yourself as facing with one or another part of this problem, especially in the part when it is analyzed in a more psychological way.

The solutions made in order to fight this “illness” are not new or unknown, but deserve to be read. Not because of their originality, but because it makes you think, helps you realize what can you do in the same situation, what actions can you possibly make in order to prevent the spread of this thing.

Although there are flaws in this book. Particularly in the middle of the book, when the narrator tends to analyze the depression in a more psychological/scientific way. Not that it’s a bad idea, but here, this book tends to transform into a scientific lecture for a page or two. I found myself skipping part of the text, reading just the stuff that interested me.

 The last chapter is one consisting of haiku poetry, regarding the narrator’s feelings. A quite interesting ending, and the poetry sure leaves you the impression that this person has seen in this life much more than the written words could show. Interesting and deep is all I can say.

So, as for the end, I would like to say that for those people who felt depression in any time of their life, read it! It will remind you your own feelings in that situation. For those who didn’t, well, you are lucky persons. If you’re interested in studying this part of feelings of a person, you’ll learn something new from this book.

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“Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression 

Review by Adekemi  Adeniyan

After reading Tanisha Herrin’s “Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman,” I completely found myself taken into her world and I understood what it meant to be depressed. I must say that the book specifically took me through her years of depression, and I came to realize how strong one can be even after three suicide attempts. It explains bit by bit how you can pick yourself up from where you were and do something that gives you pleasure even when the odds are all against you. I was never bored at any point reading this book. It is not only perfect for black women who feel that all is lost.

Just some weeks back I was staring at myself in the mirror and hating everything about my life but this book made me realize the true meaning of life and how those things do not matter in the Long run. This book made me realize that having courage in you imperfections is just the best way to overcome depression and underneath those hurt we feel is where the real perfection is.  Tanisha is a really talented writer and I will love to read more of her books.

This book gradually states reasons why one shouldn’t even think of Suicide as an alternative, she made me realize how depression is just like a bleeding ulcer, it eats you all up and all you feel is pain. In the long run it is not worth it.

Tanisha is a great and creative writer, she makes her reader flow along and you just get transported into her writing. This is a must read for everyone who has considered suicide or going through depression. I loved this book.

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“Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression"

Review by Carmen Barnes

Do not be fooled by the title, “Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman:  How I Survived Suicidal Depression,” is a story for everyone who has ever dealt with or loved someone who has dealt with depression.  Tanisha L. Herrin tells a harrowing tale of how she experienced the brutal torment of depression and survived.  In unique prose, Herrin explains the onset of her symptoms and describes the steps she took to find the power to take control of her life.  After three separate suicide attempts, Herrin felt she needed to share her story with others, in the hopes of inspiring or saving sufferers of depression.  Her story is a poignant one filled with vital information, hope, and encouragement.  As a member of team depression, I felt an immediate connection to Herrin’s story and wanted to provide kudos to her for coming forward and shedding light on such a complex subject.  Thank you, Tanisha L. Herrin.  Well done!

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BOOK REVIEW by Margaret Mucheru

FIGHTING THE BLUES AS A BLACK WOMAN-HOW I SURVIVED SUICIDAL DEPRESSION

This book is an emotional and touching journey through the life of a young lady, Tanisha, who suffered suicidal depression since her teenage years. She describes events surrounding her life and family of two in a beautiful way. To the reader, unfolding events that these were bitter realities beheld by a growing teen well the eyes with tears.

She surveys the pain brought about by depression, types of depression and their devastating nature. The very informative research will enlighten the reader and help them better understand sufferers and things to never take for granted once observed in our teenagers.

In the light of her own struggles, she shows just how hard fighting depression is and the positive steps she took to combat it successfully. Her three Ps, Patience, Persistence and Positivity have helped her face the struggle with the determination to succeed and her formula can apply to many depressed youths.

She sought help and persisted at setting goals. Her creativity is evidence of the transformation she has successfully undergone, letting go of the past and pressing forward to goals that will benefit thousands of depression sufferers.

BOOK REVIEW 2 by M. Mucheru

FIGHTING THE BLUES AS A BLACK WOMAN-HOW I SURVIVED SUICIDAL DEPRESSION

The book “Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman, How I survived Suicidal depression” is a first person narration of Tanisha Herrin’s encounter with the suicidal depression. She perfectly describes the pain many youths go through and the methods they attempt to solve problems, hurting their body and suicide that if unsuccessful only worsens the situation.

The life of the author is presented as a day to day struggle with this enemy but without sharing it with anyone or seeking help. After seeking help and being put on antidepressants, she was helped identify her strong points and although her mother, the greatest friend she ever had passed on, she endeavored to do the best for her family.

She analyzed her life and realized the beauty life offers and conducted a thorough research on depression which proved therapeutic to her. She became positive and she outlines for the reader the simple goals to set as well as attitudes to cultivate, as she puts it, it is a fight, a journey that needs persistence to overcome.

It will be a treasure to all readers and a guide to many depressed people who will be inspired by this young lady successful fight against depression.

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Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression

Book Review by Mark Navamani

Society has changed its attitude towards depression, and though it cannot be proven that it is a condition that is increasing in modern society, it is no longer, a secret, hidden or stigmatic condition, and many are coming forward acknowledging their need for support.

Tanisha Herrin has written frankly about her experiences with depression, her techniques for addressing the connected issues of background, peer pressure, tragedy and loss, and life changing decisions, and is focused on promoting change in the minds of those afflicted with this potentially debilitating condition.

It is about attitude, application and action and a must read for those afflicted with depression, those who might have a tendency towards depression, and anyone who knows someone who is dealing with depression.

Her book is not a medical text or case study, but lays out steps of action in easy to understand layman’s language and is an effective and inspirational work, both in helping out with those who need help and also instilling hope in those caring for others.  Identification is key, and that too is explained, and Tanisha has been very frank in sharing her own pain and gain in the intention of advocating change and is to be admired for, and supported in, her efforts.

By the way, as a bonus, there’s a section of poetry, in different genre’s, themed around depression, but not depressive at all. 

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Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression

Review by Constance Stadler

While there are numerous books on depression and its aftermath, few have the resonance and the honesty of Tanisha L. Herrin’s, Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression.

In this slim volume brimming with  firsthand knowledge, candor , and the deep desire to help others, Herrin takes us into the world of a young black mother’s struggle with ten years of debilitating disease from incipient outset to brutally wrought triumph.

What distinguishes her work from all others of this genre is the rare balance it strikes.  Even as we are bravely, boldly taken into the world view of the ill sufferer, the author never loses command of her subject or loses her en pointe connection with the reader. She articulates the lived symptoms with a fierce delicacy that necessitates a profound level of engagement. Her strong insightful expertise is always tempered by compassionate empathy and the affirming voice that the knowledge shared could only come from the core of a true survivor. 

The insidiousness of living in a bubble is movingly detailed, giving no quarter to maudlin wallowing or self-pity. Rather, the author creates a tapestry of awareness as she discusses such seismic and harrowing topics as the logic of conceptualizing suicide as a ‘solution’. The naturalness of the impulse for self-eradication is made achingly clear; this, she tells us in the calm of understanding, is the consequence when life is lived at ground zero, when the glass is always empty.

We are then drawn into the fabric of intimate emotion. The sharing of a never-read letter to her mother soothes as it devastates. As a devoted only child, this is far more than a simple tribute to a beloved parent. It is hands reaching across the divide, a realization that becomes even more poignant when we comprehend that they would have been shared if her mother had lived a scant week more.

The conclusion is a two-fold path. It begins with an articulation of the vital ‘3P’s’. Here we learn the elements of the survival mindset; the genesis of triumph. Herrin shows light into the abyss of existence.  Through her guidance the requisites of patience, persistence and positivity can not only be realized, they can be incorporated; they can be owned.

We are left on an inspired note, beautiful poetry that refracts much of this spiritual odyssey, such as in the haiku, Lonesome Dreamer:

Wanting so much more

in a world that seems better

than reality.

As we conclude this sojourn, we linger on the words shared in the foreword. A sizable portion of the profits from this book will be given to a charity founded by Herrin in her mother’s name to bring help to those who still struggle. In many ways, a rarefied humanity surges through these pages of help, comfort, and light. If you or anyone you know is affected by this illness, run, do not walk, to buy this book.

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Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression

Review by Georgia Gibson

“There is always room for improvement as long as I stay open to the possibilities.”  - Tanisha L. Herrin

Written by a young woman who has seen the darkest corners of the mind and fought her way back, these empowering words are testaments to the strength of Tanisha L. Herrin. Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman offers a detailed description of one woman’s journey from darkness into light, and is a must read for anyone who has suffered with depression in any form. Through straight talk and life affirming poetry, Tanisha is able to bring the reader into her past, her present and her future as she recovers from the debilitating effects of depression.

Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman is not about depression; it is about hope, recovery and finding value in self-discovery. “Negative thinking became a bad habit that wasn’t done just out of comfort, but it was the new norm.”

After years of suicide attempts, eating disorders and self-mutilations, Tanisha decided enough was enough. Her book outlines how she dealt with her depression through the “Three P’s” − patience, persistence and positivity! Her ability to use these words as tools for better mental health is amazingly insightful and something everyone can learn from.

In the book, Tanisha uses her life as a case study to teach about the realities of depression and the ways to overcome fear. She harnesses her inner strength and creativity to create a bright, new future where she is in control of her own life, her own destiny and her own emotions. Tanisha’s candid writings on her family, failures and successes normalize the feelings so many have as they fight against depression.

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Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression

Review by Mary Grace Mirasol

I find it difficult to write what I actually feel after reading the book. Come to think of it, my first reaction after reading was just “Wow!” I am still in an actual awe at how the writer managed to go through with her life’s challenges. While reading I kept thinking, if it were me having those kinds of challenges I might have already ended my life without even thinking of other ways to endure such. Being able to change one’s own way of looking at life is one hell of a challenge indeed. I also find the book informative. As a nurse I already have a background of how depression works but as an individual some facts present in there was really helpful. The book serves as an inspiration to me too. I have a lot in mind right now about what I want to do with my life. I don’t have a clear picture of what road I want to take. So basically the book somehow has given me a hint on how to choose. Most of the ways the writer did to battle with challenges are basically what I should do. The basic steps: know the problem, research about it, find ways to handle them, and then do it. They are all you need, indeed.

Though such I will affirm that the book will better millions of lives across the globe. The simplicity of the writing and words chosen by the author makes the book easy to read and understand as well. It doesn’t require any specific background or knowledge of a certain topic. Also, I will not forget to mention how I was amazed by the poetry in the last part of the book. Simple, direct and deep are three words I would describe the poetry.

Lastly, I want to mention a line from the book. “I may never gain a full understanding of why I wanted to commit suicide but I’m lucky to be able to tell others about it and why it’s not a good idea.” Indeed. The whole world has been waiting for answers, and gladly one is just about to be within its reach, it’s just a book away!

Good Luck in your advocacy Ma’am! I salute you!

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Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression

Review by Sunni Morris

This book is the author’s own story about how she overcame depression and moved forward with a more positive way of thinking.  As a girl she was stuck in the darkness of depression for years and this is about her journey to the light.  It’s filled with lots of tidbits and things she’s tried to remedy her situation.  She struggled for years with sadness and daily challenges.  After three suicide attempts, therapy and medication, she put together this informative book.  The author finally got her life turned around to head in a more positive direction.  In this book she shares some intimate details and thoughts with us, the reader, in hopes of helping anyone else out there suffering from this disease.

We learn that first and foremost you must realize you are not alone.  That is a big first step.  This book is full of lists and positive thoughts that give hope and a direction to go in.  There are even beautiful poems from the heart that this author has shared with us.

This is not a clinical book filled with medical jargon.  It is not written by someone with a psychologist degree and is one of the few books on this subject that I know of that is written by an average person like you and me.  This is a plus.  I find it wonderful to read someone’s first-hand experience.  Tanisha Herrin offers down to earth tips in this easy to read and practical book that can be followed in daily life and understood by anyone regardless of their background.  I really liked that aspect as so many times we read a self-help book and can’t even understand what is being said.

This book is candid, the author sharing some intimate details of her past, giving clear advice for what worked for her.  This manuscript is a good place to start if you or anyone you know suffers from depression.  By sharing her story, the author wants to help people to live a better and happier life and to show you it is possible to overcome depression and develop better patterns for a brighter future.

I was really taken with her idea of the three P’s (patience, persistence, and positivity.)  I think this is a wonderful thing for everyone to practice.  Sometimes life can become too much with all we have to deal with on a daily basis, especially in the times we live in.

The many tips shared make this book a worthwhile read and its straightforwardness is a definite plus in my opinion. 

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Review by Steven Andrews

Fighting The Blues as a Black Woman How I Survived Suicidal Depression by Tanisha L. Herrin is a book that anyone who has suffered from the illness will understand. You will be able to sympathize with the author’s past sufferings. The author had attempted suicide three times and has been on anti-depressants much of her adult life but finally came up with a solution which has been helping her a lot.

Herrin explains how her problems probably began because of her background in a very bad neighborhood and with no father around. She was an only child and was teased and bullied in school. It was in her childhood and teenage years that her depression took hold. By the age of just 13 she had taken an overdose of aspirin. She started cutting herself too.

Her mother was caring but strict and the author had few friends as a teenager and when she got her first job there was no time for socializing. Life consisted of either home and school or home and work.

By her early 20s she had begun treatment for depression. She got pregnant by an already married man and had a child but the depression continued. By the time her son was 15 months she felt so bad she wanted to end it all but the thought of leaving the little boy with a dead mother stopped her going through with it.

Herrin’s mother was ill and died at an early age which was completely devastating. Problems with her partner and financial difficulties added to her woes.

The author had a second child and in many ways it was feelings for her children that made her realize she had to find a solution that worked for her depression. This she found in part by analyzing what depression was caused by and by concluding that a change had to be made. A big part of her pathway forward has been writing poetry, as well as this and other books.

She came up with the idea of Inspire Creations as an outlet for her writing and photography. For Tanisha L. Herrin expressing herself has been a good therapy and her book ends with a selection of her poems.

The author says that “Surviving the challenges of suicidal depression is one of the most difficult hurdles I've experienced,” and in this book she explains how she succeeded.

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Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression

Review by: Tammie Painter

From the very start of Fighting the Blues, you feel instantly engaged by the author's honest language.  As you read the short book it's like having an intimate friend sharing her story and advice with you.

The book opens with a brief memoir where Herrin evaluates numerous episodes in her life that possibly led to her depression. From her childhood in the projects to being a girl trying to fit in (don't we all know that one!) to finding herself in love with a married man (she didn't know he was married) to suicide attempts, this background never bogs down.

Herrin then moves to a chapter on the definitions of depression and its symptoms. She presents the information in a straightforward manner without ever being clinical or dull. As a woman who recently left a job due to the way it was bringing me down, it's hard not to recognize I was going through some of the very same things the author describes.

Moving on, she describes her suicide attempts and the thought process behind the suicidal individual. This chapter is quite poignant because so many sound bites tell depressed people they are not alone, but this chapter really shows that someone else out there went through what many suicidal people go through every day. This and the previous chapter would also help the people in a depressed person's life understand the mindset and thoughts of the depressed individual.

The following chapters give encouragement for how to plan to not be depressed, why you should want to beat depression and how to use creativity in your battle against depression. This isn't all "just forget about it and be happy" rhetoric, she tells how difficult it is, she describes setbacks. I loved in the creativity portion how she describes creating something, besides earning you a sense of accomplishment, gives you time to be friends with you. Something women especially tend to forget to do.

Fighting the Blues is an important read for any who thinks they might be depressed, for someone who is depressed and feels alone, and for anyone living with someone with depression.

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Fighting the Blues as a Black Woman: How I Survived Suicidal Depression

Review Essay by

Aps (Jocelyn Apple Santos)

Tanisha Herrin is a young promising author. I would reserve the term” great” to some more years of showcasing  creative talent which I hope to see more of and from her. I am a creative writer myself who has inclination to classical poetry written in depth. I find her writing interesting in which I can relate to most of the content that revolves around depression.

“Fighting the Blues” is not your never-heard book. Facts and wisdom that are encountered as you flip the pages are the ones you probably heard more than once in your lifetime as you travel through your life’s journey. Nonetheless, the account of the first-hand experienced who battled against depression is enough realization that the emotional and mental turmoil you probably went through which you kept in denial did exist. You were not alone. More than half of whom you know could have suffered even more. And just like for Tanisha and some out there, depression can be successfully overcome with acceptance and a shift in thoughts.

The book covered what could be the source of depression and the realization of how unnecessary and a waste of life to live in it! Tanisha poured her heart out and shared how she had to turn around the situation and just make the best out of what she had to live a life far from misery. It is true. Our young author here put words together based from the facts of her emotions to give inspiration to a potential fan like me.

Essay

Depression kills while you are wide awake. If this is beyond contention why bother kill oneself when you are already dead? This is the same as when you are back against the wall, the only direction to go is the opposite and move forward.  Just like when you are pushed down to the limit, there is nowhere to go but to move up. If depression is death, then suicide will never be the answer but LIFE!

Life is good. I love life. But my love for it threatened some envious people whose success and happiness is to see me down. To stop the torture and their attacks, I decided to wallow in pain just to see them happy even at my expense. Maybe, this was the only way they could release me.  I thought I was being holy to sacrifice myself just for them to feel better about themselves. Until such time I realized it wasn’t a decision at all. Their force was too strong that I finally got swayed and fell to depression. I woke up seeing these people happy, alive, and have progressed a lot while I was deep asleep despite of being wide awake.

This is how I understand the new book of Tanisha Herrin, “Fighting the Blues”. It is one’s fighting spirit to restore your life and if possible to live to your best potential which will make you overcome depression not to prove yourself to your critics but to deserve the adoration of your fans. Killing oneself is serving the devils a hell of laughter.

Jocelyn Apple F. Santos