Depression: Moving from Darkness to Light by Emmy Kavanagh

Depression—I have experienced and battled it for most of my life. I have fought hard, done many things, talked to countless doctors, and prayed many nights to overcome this disease. This book is a written and pictorial look into my journey of moving from darkness to light. The writings in this book are the real thoughts and feelings that lived inside of me during my struggle. With the help of the brilliant photographer David Heitur, I tried to express my inside feelings outward through the lens of his camera. I felt that it was important to tell my story with as much honesty as possible. This was a hard project for me because I had to tap into the depths of despair that I felt when I was drowning in a sea of darkness. It has been a long time since I have felt those feelings, and I pray that I never feel them again. Mental illness is a disease that so many people suffer from. Suicide has become an overwhelming epidemic in this country, and people need to be aware of the importance of getting help. My hope is that my story will touch someone’s heart who is either suffering or knows someone who suffers from mental illness. If you are suffering, please reach out for help. If just one person finds strength and hope from this book, all of my suffering will have been worth it.

Our review of Depression: Moving from Darkness to Light

Depression: Moving from Darkness to Light, by Emmy Kavanagh, is one of the more unique books I have had the privilege of reading and reviewing. Emmy opens up to the world, revealing the depth and anguish of the pain that tortured her soul as depression shackled her for many years of her life. It is a short read, but very impacting. Short sections of prose interspersed with expressive and vivid photos, tells the story of her journey through the darkness and eventually, finding light at the end of that morbid tunnel. I believe that anyone can relate to her story in one way or another, certainly with empathy for her struggle, and moreover, how she championed the depression in the end. A well-deserved five stars for her courageous presentation and the message of hope she gives us.

Review by International Writers Inspiring Change

Book Trailer

About the author

iWIC interview with Emmy Kavanagh

1. What inspired you to write?

Honestly, my feelings. I was never a big reader and there were no writers in my family, I was just upset one day, picked up a pen and paper and out came the words. I get inspired by people, feelings and nature - their beauty and their pain. I don’t think about what I am going to write and I don’t stop and come back to it later, I sit down and write start to finish and then I’m done.

2. Who or what most inspired you in life?

My Dad. Growing up he would always tell me that the only thing you truly own in life is your good name” so, I always carried that with me and tried to be the person I want people to remember me as - kind, empathetic and loving . Later in life when I was talking with my Dad about where my life was going, how much I hurt inside and the famous question - what is the point anymore? My dad took a deep breath and said “Honey, your boundaries are determined by the strength of your wings.”. I carry that with me everyday knowing that I am strong and worthy and I need to just keep it moving’!

3. What do you hope to inspire with your writing?

I hope that someone suffering from this disease, reads this book and realizes they are not alone, that there is hope and that people love them. I also hope that it will help family and friends of people who suffer from this disease will be able to see that it’s a real thing - dark, painful and paralyzing and help them provide some grace when their loved one is struggling.

4. What is the backstory to your book? How did it come about?

I was laying in bed, watching the news and breaking news came across that a famous celebrity chef had committed suicide. I just watched for hours while the newscasters and people they interviewed just kept repeating the same things - “He seemed so happy” and “What a shame to lose such a talented individual”. I could feel the anger rising inside of myself, frustrated at the fact that everyone just talks “around” depression, the surface facts and feelings, but they never talk about what the person who suffers from depression feels. What do they go through? The dark, ugly place that lives inside of them. So, I decided to do it myself through this book.

The Author Shout-Out Podcast with Emmy Kavanagh