Boys' Moods Matter: Overcoming My Struggle with Depression
Joseph Lou
language
(, June 21, 2018)
Meet Joseph, a high school sophomore, who is a gifted student struggling with depression. Sensitive and socially introverted by nature, Joseph presents his readers with an honest portrayal of the mind of a teenage boy struggling to find himself. Awarded two international book awards (Gold Medalist in 2018 Moonbeam Book Awards and Silver Medalist in 2018 Living Now Book Awards), "Boys’ Moods Matter: Overcoming My Struggle with Depression" is a memoir about his journey to understand the unfamiliar world of mental illness and psychotherapy. Joseph walks his readers through his childhood and family life, detailing key events that spurred his depression. Therapy allowed him to unravel the challenges he faced, such as dealing with intense academic pressure, being labeled a “genius,” living under the shadow of his accomplished older sister, and experiencing constant conflicts with his parents. Feeling trapped, Joseph is left to confront his feelings of frustration and despair, coming to terms with who he is and accepting his parents and siblings for who they are. By publicly sharing his story, Joseph hopes to raise awareness about youth mental health, highlighting key issues that almost every teenager goes through and encouraging them to openly talk to mental health professionals, because at times, an outsider can extend invaluable insight into their lives.