[Danialla]

I have struggled with my major depression for what seems like my whole life . I am considering reading Victor Frankel's book "Man's Search for Meaning". Every review I have read mentions what an uplifting book it is, although the topic itself is very depressing (The Holocaust).

Has anyone read this book? What did you think?

Was it ultimately uplifting or did it just make you feel like you were a loser, because compared to that you had nothing to be depressed about?

I do tend to think like that when I am depressed, so I am concerned that this "ultimately uplifting book" will have the opposite affect on me.

So, what do you think? Thank you for your help

[nowheretorun]

hi Danialla...

i dont think its wise to compare one's own plight with that of others... depression and oppression is a weight that burdens many in many different forms...

something can be learned from the Holocausts' survivors for everyone... imo..

Anne Franks' Diary is another excellent example of just getting by, moment by moment.... simple things grow in magnitude under duress and stressful conditions.... at times, fear super excites the minds function... its very enlightening imo....

[Pseudonym]

It seems that strenuous circumstances make philosophers out of us all.

I think perspective from any other angle than your own is valid. If it makes one feel like a "loser" for whining about stuff, then perhaps feeling like a loser is what one needs to heal. Sometimes I think how selfish I'm being by being depressed while there are people starving or being bombed, and those times when I really feel it are times when I feel I've made good strides ahead.

Tell you what, though. I'll read it and let you know. =)

[SingDanceRunLife]

I read this book last year for extra credit

It was good. It got to be a bit long, but overall, I enjoyed it.

[Danialla]

Oh yes, I believe much can be learned from Holocaust survivors or anyone for that matter who has risen above a terrible experience.

I am able to read books on the subjects, only because I can put them down when I become overwhelmed by the sadness. Life can be so sad sometimes......

I think this may be a book I will have to read over a period time, and maybe I should wait until I am in a better frame of mind.

[Beholden]

Years ago I read the book. I liked it. I was in therapy at the time and wanted to figure out why I was put on this earth. I'm still not sure some days! Like someone else replied above, sometimes I feel guilty for having such a "normal" life, and that depression isn't such a big deal, compared to how bad other really good people (had) have it. When I'm not so depressed which is often now, I get it, this is my lie to do with the best I can. When I'm depressed who cares?

I guess my point is: Don't be afraid to read it. It happened, it was someone else's reality, the man survived and his spirit survived through horrible conditions. I do look back at some of the sad books I'ved read and feel blessed that I have read something worthwhile. I try to draw an how others have coped. I don't try to copy their lives and every thought. Little bits of them become something to grow me. If you haven't read it yet, I say go for it. If you did read it what'd you think?