“There was always the fear of doing something that would upset either one of my parents. This fear eventually led to the expectation I placed on myself to be perfect. I had to succeed in all aspects of my life. The anxiety that developed over the years of failing became overwhelming. The depression that followed when my attempts at perfection failed sent me into a place of blackness from which I could often not find my way back.”
– an excerpt from the book
Author Reputation Press is honored to publish “I Have Not Picked Up My Dinosaurs Yet Today: A Personal Account of Life with Depression/Anxiety Disorder” by Helene Meyer. This book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the ARPress website.
The book “I Have Not Picked Up My Dinosaurs Yet Today: A Personal Account of Life with Depression/Anxiety Disorder” by Helene C. Meyer provides a heartfelt and candid depiction of living with anxiety and depression. Through her writing, Meyer shares her personal experiences and struggles, giving readers insight into the challenges faced by those dealing with these mental health disorders.
Author Helene Meyer grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduating from Washington University with a BA, majoring in English and Spanish, she began a long teaching career in both private and parochial schools. All along, Helene struggled with her own private hell: waging a battle against depression and anxiety disorder. Ashamed to admit to anyone that she had these mental and emotional problems, she decided to write down all she had experienced.
The narrative emphasizes the private battles that individuals with mental health challenges face. All along, Helene struggled with her own private hell: waging a battle against depression and anxiety disorder. This theme of personal struggle serves to highlight the internal turmoil experienced by many.
Helene also addresses the feelings of shame associated with admitting to these disorders. She expresses that she felt ashamed to admit to anyone that she had these challenges. This aspect of her writing aims to shed light on the stigma surrounding mental health and encourages a more open dialogue.
Using new emotional/mental strength, Helene wanted to reach out to others who suffer from these devastating illnesses. Instead of doing so by writing autobiographically, Helene chose to use theatrically styled readings based on her own life. These readings can be done in mental care settings by social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, or among families and friends who want to overcome the stigma of mental illness.
In 2011, Helene founded an NPO called “Slaying Dragons,” whose mission is to destroy the stigma of mental illness through theater. The website is www.slayingdragons.org. She hopes many people and organizations will reach out to “Slaying Dragons” performances to help those in need. The impact of these readings is overwhelming.
According to Dr. Collins Lewis, professor emeritus from Washington University, this book will help many people who suffer from depression and anxiety. Proceeds from the sale of this book will go to “Slaying Dragons” to help destroy the stigma of mental illness.
Through her account, Helene seeks to provide understanding and potentially foster empathy among those who may not fully grasp the complexities of living with anxiety and depression. Her intention is to offer a unique perspective on the emotional landscape shaped by these disorders, making the book relatable and educational for readers. The book is a powerful and moving account of resilience and recovery. It provides valuable insights into the lived experience of depression and anxiety and offers a message of hope and encouragement.
“I Have Not Picked Up My Dinosaurs Yet Today: A Personal Account of Life with Depression/Anxiety Disorder” by Helene Meyer is now available for purchase via ARPress Bookstore: https://authorreputationpress.com/bookstore/i-have-not-picked-up-my-dinosaurs-yet-today-a-personal-account-of-life-with-depression-anxiety-disorder/.