Sunbathing in the Rain - A cheerful book about depression Gwyneth Lewis
Sunbathing in the Rain is a funny, painful and ultimately, life affirming story of Gwyneth's journey through depression.
Gwyneth Lewis was the first National Poet for Wales and has had episodes of depression throughout her life. This book, written shortly after a serious episode, captures her reality and her journey to recovery. She describes serious episodes of depression as 'murder mysteries', whereby your old self disappears and 'you become a body bag'. And whilst this personal journey had its dark days, those days when she can't get out of bed, it also has its funny side, the things she said, the things she does.
For me, the most enlightened chapter is Chapter Three - 'Basic Investigative Guidelines', a list of don'ts for those with depression. Oh, how we struggle in our attempts at recovery, promising ourselves that we will do all kinds of things, from joining gyms to reading those 'heavy' books we never got round to, and even our wishing our depression away. As the author states, we should let depression run its course. This sensible, funny chapter makes it quite clear where we go wrong.
Chapter Eleven is her 'Do’s in Depression', which reminds us that whilst depression is hell it can't harm you: only what you do about it can.
The love and support of her husband/partner, Leighton, is obvious, and the toll of Gwyneth's illness on him is dealt with honestly. In the end the illness can have a positive effect. It gives us the space to re-evaluate our lives and to
make necessary changes, as it did for the author.
I enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to all those who have had depression, and even more to those who have never experienced this illness. You need to know. Gwyneth's journey is individual to her, but there are common threads and experiences for all those who've had depression. As for where the title comes from, well, you'll just have to read the book.
Published by Harper Perennial (paperback)
ISBN 0-00-723280-2
