And that’s when everything began to go dark.
Beset by chronic pain, Phillip soon found himself battling the crippling effects of clinical depression. He suffered for years, even attempting suicide before he found his way out of the darkness at last.
Told in their own voices, this is the true story of a couple who endured the ravages of clinical depression together, and emerged stronger and more in love than before. It is the story of Phillip, whose family had a history of the illness, and of Emme, who put her blossoming career on hold to care for him and remained by his side even when their world seemed to be falling apart.
But most of all, it is a story of hope for those who suffer from clinical depression, as well as for their loved ones. For in the darkest of days, Emme and Phillip found that even the smallest amount of light can illuminate the road to recovery-and the joy in life.
Download the photo insert
22 March 2007
Phil testifies at a U.S. Congress Field Hearing on Parity for Mental and Addictive Disorders March 16, 2007
Columbia University Medical Center...
Opening Remarks:
Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI)
Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-MN)
Rep. Charles Rangel (D_NY) Chair of the hearing
What Does Science Tell us About Mental and Addictive Disorders?
Jeff Lieberman, MD Chairman, Department of Psychiatry Columbia University Medical Center, and Director, New York State Psychiatric Institute
Herbert Kleber, MD Director, Division of Substance Abuse, Columbia University Medical Center
Timothy's Law: Parity in New York State
Tom O'Clair, Chairman
Shelly Nortz, Deputy Director of Policy, Coalition for the Homeless
Kim Spicciate, Family
Impact on Families
Thom & Dierdre Forbes Family
Cynthia Kolbowski, MSW Washington Heights
Jonathan Pastor, PHD Washington Heights
Phillip Aronson, Consumer and Author
Access To Treatment
Doug Tieman, President and CEO, Caron Treatment Centers
Ralph Aquila MD, Medical Director, Fountain House
Bob Scholer, Member
Phil Saperia, Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies, NYC
Richard Juman, PHD, NY Psychological Association
"This book can help those directly and indirectly touched by depression. It is not only for the survivors but also for their family, friends and loved ones."
Montel Williams
Testimonials
"I was so inspired by this story of love, courage, and steadfastness which came shining through the struggle of Emme and Phil and their family. Clinical depression is such an insidious, potentially life-threatening illness, and Emme's and Phil's courageous and honest willingness to share their story can help and encourage many millions of couples and families. It is an astonishingly candid and clear description of the suffering felt by both people when depression is present in a relationship. They persevered through many different treatments and allow us to feel not only their moments of despair and anguish, but more important their hope, joy, and love for each other. This is a story of triumph of the human spirit, and it is an illuminating window into the reality of day-to-day dealing with the illness that is depression."
Tipper Gore
"Feeling alone, overwhelmed, and hopeless, depression has the capacity for seemingly snatching up your very life. Emme and Phil were partners in this dark, frightening world, but courageously they managed to return to the light. Theirs was a journey through the very portals of hell, one that ultimately affirms something that anyone who struggles with depression needs to know—depression isn’t a dead end. It just feels that way. This couple’s story is one of pain, power, perseverance and love. This is truly a story of hope."
Dr. Joseph J. Luciani
Author, Self Coaching: How to Heal Anxiety and Depression
AOL Coaches
Emme and Phil are contributors to the AOL® Coaches program. Click here to find out more.
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