This is a summary of an article published in Positive Health Magazine. If you would like to read the full article, click here to purchase a copy of the issue in which it appeared.

This author was diagnosed with depression at the age of forty. She felt that she had spent her adulthood lurching from one crisis to another, including a disastrous marriage and a business on the verge of bankruptcy.

After her relationship broke up she went into counselling. After months of weekly counselling sessions she began to recognise common patterns and to be enthralled by her retrospective journey.

She also attended a philosophy course. She found the practical approach of the course useful, particularly the meditative practices. She began to feel a sense of peacefulness and well-being.

She taught herself to meditate, using techniques from books. She found the results spectacular, particularly in reducing her stress levels at work but it also helped her in areas of her life which she had struggled with for years.

Other beneficial activities included yoga, step-aerobics and volunteer work with a local conservation group. She began to feel excited and energised and on the way to building a new life for herself.

One of the most important lessons she has learnt is the importance of listening to yourself to find the right way through. She has found writing an important lifeline and believes that life is now starting to add up for her now.

There is a sequel to this story: click here to read it.