Author's Journey through Depression Inspires Book: The Blue Veil

Leigh Turgeon, author of "The Blue Veil" explains the complicating nature of depression.

She writes, "Crying all the time is horrible, believe me, I've done it. It's like everything is a  disaster, nothing works right and you're always late and letting others down. Meanwhile things are nowhere near as bad as they seem.


In reality every thing is working, and you're only a
little late and no one has even noticed anything is wrong.


People with depression have to fight, every minute, to see through the barrier that is created by The Blue Veil. Some cope and, tragically, some can't cope. 


Coping mechanisms can vary greatly.  I used to try to disregard all of the negativity and really focus on the
positive. Unfortunately this left me really vulnerable to getting hurt, both in love and in life.  This would make things worse for me, and I would retreat far behind The Blue Veil; insurmountably far from the happiness I wanted so badly."
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Blogger Note:  If you or someone you know is going through this, maybe you should check out or recommend  her book.

Leigh Turgeon explains the significance of the title:   


"The Blue Veil is a divider between external reality

and internal desires for love and happiness euphoric."

-The Blue Veil, 2012, Leigh Turgeon

Here is a video highlighting the essence of the book:

If you are interested in buying the book, here are some links.  All proceeds are being donated to depression awareness organizations.


Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Blue-Veil-ebook/dp/B007733C8K


Kobo:
http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Blue-Veil/book-XRoN7buNKkWXmRbVgqma7g/page1.html?s=S09sR_pmNkCf330NCg8gxA&r=1

And all other forms:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/131171

Overcome Rejection by Creatively Expressing your Feelings

Have you ever asked, "How do I overcome rejection"?  Keep reading and find out what I did.


After experiencing rejection by a woman, I wrote  poetry that expressed my feelings.   Here are the first few lines:


"This is for some of the women I've known,
vain, self-righteous, pompous  beyond reproach.
While looking at me, eyes on another
doesn't think I can see what's happening
Think I'm blind, think I'm dumb 
think I'm blind to what they've become..."


This is part of a poem I wrote expressing my anger.  Writing this (and other poetry) really helped me get through a difficult time in my life, and I think it (or another creative activity) could help you. 


Now, looking back, whenever I reread  them,   I'm reminded of lessons learned and obstacles overcome.


You and I know you have a lot of love within you and it keeps getting damaged.  It may be that you want to express the love you'd like to share, but can't.  Maybe you have a mom or dad who won't accept you, and it hurts.  Maybe you are being bullied in school, or by neighborhood kids, and you feel totally overwhelmed.

Whatever your feelings  are in your situation,  they can be expressed with your creativity.  Being creative with writing, painting, music, poetry or other activities will keep your mind and hands active.  


As time goes bye, you'll find (as I had) that your creations will serve as reminders of  obstacles  you had overcome.  Why do I think this is important?


It's been said, "Each time you overcome obstacles, you gain the needed courage to conquer new ones."  If this is true, think of the courage your creative expressions will give you to meet new challenges.

Author and Special Guest, Leigh Turgeon, Soon to Contribute

Here at Don't do It , we are excited to announce some upcoming contributions from an author with first hand knowledge of depression, Leigh Turgeon. This is exciting because her insight in overcoming depression can serve as an inspiration to anyone caught in its grip.
The Book being released is titled, "The Blue Veil".


Below is part of A press release from the author's web page.



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One Author Fights for Depression Awareness in Communities Worldwide With Release of New Book:
The Blue Veil by Leigh Turgeon            

Leigh Turgeon, Author of newly released book, ‘The Blue Veil’ has pledged to donate proceeds of her book to 15 Depression Awareness organizations, in communities over three continents, worldwide.

WORLD-2012-- One in five people in your life are or will suffer from depression in their lives. Is it your father, friend, neighbor...is it you? ‘The Blue Veil’ is loosely based on the author’s own experiences with Major Depressive Disorder. Mrs. Turgeon’s goal was to share these experiences so that regular people going through it or people with loved ones dealing with depression could further understand:

·         what the mood disorder is,

·         what it means to live with this disorder,

·         reduce or obliterate the stigma against it.

Now, during the book’s official virtual release campaign in July and August of 2012, Mrs. Turgeon announces the larger fund raising efforts tied to ‘The Blue Veil.’

‘The Blue Veil’ tells one person’s story, but is relevant to everyone in any community. It is meant to promote awareness on three levels:

·                         -         understanding one’s own mental health,

·                         -    dealing with the mental health of a loved one,

·                         -         financially supporting those organizations around the world that promote depression       awareness in our communities.

 ‘The Blue Veil’ is available on Amazon.com and other online retailers as a Kindle download or on Smashwords.com, with copies for any other ebook readers.  

For more information on ‘The Blue Veil’ virtual book launch and blog tour visit: http://behindtheblueveil.blogspot.ca/ .                                                                 

You can also call and leave a message at: 1-613-701-3141.

Replace Negativity with Better ways of Thinking

Don't give in to negativity.  Seek ways to make your  life better.

Find lessons in all your  life experiences, and draw on the experiences of respected others.

Wisdom and courage will help  you  to cope with your challenges.  Be brave, stay strong and things will work out.

Think of your life as an adventure to be enjoyed.   

Your  life can be balanced and in perfect harmony, so don't give up.

Remember this:  "Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking."

-Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor-

Is Sunshine up your Butt Turning you Off?

The only time I ever dislike Sunshine is when I'm having it blown up my butt.

Sometimes things happen that can't be helped, and we just feel awful.  Sometimes, the last thing I want (or need) is for some busy- body-do-gooder telling me I need to cheer up!


Sometimes I don't want to cheer up!  Have you ever felt this way?


I suppose some of the posts in this blog are blowing sunshine up your butt, but I've tried giving practical ways of thinking about yourself and how you relate to the world.

I don't want to tell you that you'll never feel dissappoi9ntment, sadness,  or any number of negative emotions.  No one can say that.  The thing that matters is your reaction to those emotions.  


I choose to take walks, work out with my martial arts staff, and play music.  Some people swim, some write poetry, and others choose to confide in close friends.


Think about your choices in times of frustration or sorrow.  Are your choices helpful?  


Consider that choosing to stay in bed; avoiding everyone and everything, is a choice itself.


Is your choice a positive one?  Are your choices helping you come to terms with your negative emotions?  If not, maybe you should speak to someone who can show you how it's done.


I am not an expert.  I just want to help troubled people realize how empowered they can become.  You don't have to be a victim.  You can overcome your adversity.


If you fall into the category of people who has thought of hurting yourself; if you are someone who has attempted suicide and things have continued to spiral out of control, don't go to people who only make things worse by blowing sunshine up your butt.  Call a hotline and get in touch with REAL listeners.  


Remember, in order to get things out of life you never had before, you'll have to do things in life you never did before.


Make a call.  The numbers are on the right hand side of this web page.

By the Power of You, Good Changes will Come

You should be  grateful for who you are now, as well as the future you, that you can create for yourself. 

 Try to appreciate all of your current abilities.  Your intelligence, your passion, and your kindness are the tools you can use to build your desired future. These tools give you potential if you use them wisely.

 You, after all, are the master of your destiny.  Don't let anyone convince you that you have no power.  You have all the power over your future and your destiny.  This ability to master yourself is a gift from God that you should be thankful for, and take advantage of.


I heard a relevant quote this week by actor, Denzel Washington:   "If you want things you never had before, you have to do things you never did before."


What if the thing you want is to be happy about how you see yourself?  Maybe you should try seeing and thinking about yourself in new ways. 

Give it some thought.

Is this You? "Everyone hates me, and I hate me too!" - What can you do?

Do you live a life full of turmoil?  Have you thought of doing the unthinkable?  


Stop thinking that way!  You can improve  your situation beginning with how you think of yourself and others.


Let me  suggest that first, you  start by   forgiving yourself and others. 

Forgiving yourself and others is an act of self-empowerment. 

Forgiving yourself  allows you to let go of emotional pain.  

Starting right now, you  can be  free of your past  if you let it go.   Letting it go means it has no power to hurt you.


You can now begin to see your self  in a new way – strong, loved, worthy, and free.

Stop! Don't do anything drastic. There are things you can discover about yourself that will help

Stop!  Don't do anything drastic.  There are things you can discover about yourself that will help you.

Day after day, I discover how to live more fully, and you can too.

To do so, you must be open and receptive to new ways of thinking and living.  Find, talk, and listen to a few people you want to be like.

Be assured, if you open yourself to new ways of thinking, you will see great possibilities materialize.  You will realize that  wonderful powers are contained within you.

You must try to  live every day with a sense of purpose because you have much to give to life – right where you are.

Summon Strength from within Yourself

Sometimes, the  only person you can draw strength from is yourself.

I, a decorated U.S. Army Veteran was once a scared little boy who was molested by my Boy Scout master.


The night I was molested will be seared into my memory until the day I die.   Although I felt terrified and shamed that night, I never despaired.   I never let that incident get the best of me.  I wasn't going to give that dirty man the satisfaction.



That said, I didn't turn to anyone (like I should have) for help either.  I was really scared.  I never told anyone about the incident,  until years later, but I never let that dirty old man touch me again.




How did I summon strength from within myself?  At the moment of the molestation, I started praying.  I must have said 100 Hail Mary's and Our Fathers.  And, as soon as I saw the opportunity I got to hell out of there.


Life can land blows on you.  There may be something going on in your life that is causing you to dispare.  Pleas remember that remaining silent, not getting help is the wrong thing to do.  Finding strength in yourself may mean only that you sum the courage to speak to be heard.


If you keep your situation a  dirty little secret, how can anyone help you?


Do like I did.  Pray.  Pray.  Then, pray again.  After you've prayed, make a 20 second leap of courage and call someone.

Words of Encouragement - be Brave - be an Army of One

I hope this young girl encourages you.  You can be brave.  If all else fails, you can be an "Army of One". 

Would you like to express your feelings? Write a poem, then set it to music

At the bottom of this post is an interactive musical keyboard. You can play it with your mouse, or you can click its keyboard and play with your computer's keyboard.


Also, the keyboard has several buttons - features you can click on and  experiment with like beat-loops, drums, echos, and more.


If you'd like to record your songs, you can download "Audacity" and "Freecorder".  These are free downloads.


Freecorder will let you save the song parts, and  "Audacity"   will let you manipulate the sounds and add your voice... if you have a microphone attached to your computer.


I have created some music this way.  One such work is in progress... I know it's simple and may be a little corny, but creating this makes me feel better about things.


Spelling "Jesus loves us" on the key board sounds like this:

The keyboard you can play is below:





ButtonBeats.com

Don't give in to giving up!

Listen to me.  You are special, and you will do great things with your life.


Times are hard right now, but you’ll get through them, and they’ll make you stronger.


Try not to concern yourself with the negativity of others.  Those who treat you badly are ignorant, in which case you should feel sorry for them and protect your identity. 


I’m saying to you, be true to who you are, and don’t change just to fit in.  You don’t need the kind of friends who would trash you just because you choose to be a little different.


It’s okay to be smart.  It’s okay to be sensitive.  It’s okay if you don’t look beautiful.  Some of the ugliest people I had ever met were (physically) the most attractive.  


Some attributes are more important than physical beauty.  I know the world may not seem that way, but magazines, television shows and movies are all a put-on.


I started this post out by telling you how special you are, and I want to end on that note.


You are too important to let slip away as a consequence of a rash decision.


Please, don’t take any drastic measures.  Call someone and pour your heart out.


I promise after you unload your baggage to a listening ear, you’ll feel better.  After unloading your grief on someone, make a plan that will see you through the next month.


Do something you love to do, and immerse yourself.  Create something that expresses 

What is Happiness & How is it Attained?

You can be happy.  It is entirely possible.


But you have to give yourself a fighting chance.  


Do you know how I know you have not given yourself a fighting chance yet?


I know because you are not yet happy.


What is happiness anyways?


I think happiness is accepting who you are, what you have, and who you know; while knowing you have the power to change any of them - if given sufficient time.


The message here is a simple one.  Instead of living in fear of your terrible thoughts, begin   the journey to changing your life.  The first step is contacting someone who will listen.


And, if the person you choose disappoints you, go to someone else.  


Don't give up.

Are Bad Thoughts Scaring You?

Are you having terrible thoughts?  Are you afraid you might hurt yourself or others?  Do you feel powerless to keep those thoughts out of your mind?


Intrusive thoughts can  be overwhelming.  That's why it is very important to GET HELP!




Yes, you have been through a lot of stuff, and there are reasons why you are having such thoughts.  


It's kind of like standing in the ocean.  The waves come in and go out, and push against you, influencing your balance.


Life's waves  have been coming in and going out and have thrown off your life's balance.


You need to know that you can find support.   You can find  balance and stop those intrusive thoughts.


Go to a trusted friend.  Let that friend know your feelings.  Call a crisis hotline.


Go to a counselor, teacher, parent, nurse, aunt or uncle. 


Go to a person who will listen, and who will give you wise advice.


It may be that you need more professional intervention.  There is no shame in that.  


The main thing you need to know is you don't have to live in fear of your own thoughts.  Help is out there.  


All you have to do is ask for it.

How to Weather the Storms of Intolerance in School

You've been pushed around in more ways than one in school.


Other kids look at you funny, they make fun of you, they pick on you and they make you wish you had never been born.


And why?  


There is no reasoning that excuses their treatment of you, but why they have singled you out is probably as simple as something you already know:  You are different.


At one point in my life, I was there - right where you are, and  I know it is not easy; I know it is very hard.



How did I overcome?  First, I thought about what it is they sense that threatens them.  Was I smarter, kinder, well mannered, more sensitive, more honest, more hard working, or more reverent than they were?


After thinking about it and finding my own answer, I asked my self a question that you should ask your self, "Do I go on being me, or do I let those mean kids change who I am supposed to be?"


This is about your life.  You have the ability (even amidst those mean kids) to be happy.  


You don't have to resort to drastic-permanent measures because you can do something much easier, better and much more proactive:


You can choose to remain true to yourself, and to heck with those mean kids.   Weathering the storms of their intolerance will insure that one day you will be able to rise above them all with a more beautiful spirit.


You don't need their approval to find happiness.  You have friends... keep them close and be proud of who you are.