The Boy Between by Amanda Prowse and Josiah Hartley.

I heard about this book on a BBC podcast and decided I would like to read it.

Professionally, I have always been interested in ‘depression’ and it’s psychological, physiological and emotional effects, a lot of our work as therapists is directly related to depression. Hence, I always want to learn more, with every given opportunity.
I hoped this book can help me to understand depression even more and it certainly did this!

This book is an honest, moving and poignant diary of two people, one of whom is a young man struggling with depression, and the other is his mum, who is struggling to keep her son safe as well a battling her own internal struggles as a parent whose child is suffering with depression. Learning how depression affects both lives simultaneously was very interesting and informative. As a therapist, often I see it from only one side of the story.

The book gives us insight into Josiah’s struggles, from very early on in his life. In his childhood, Josiah has been exposed to unhelpful and ignorant teachers. Instead of supporting him when most needed, Josiah was made to feel even more inadequate and isolated. This is certainly not appropriate behaviour, especially from those whom we expect to treat our children with care, respect and understanding. This will no doubt have an impact on any young child’s self-esteem or self worth.

Despite of all the ‘demons’ Josiah had to struggle with, he still managed to plough on with the life. He passed his exams, went travelling and continued his education with university. All whilst already fighting a battle (his depression).

Seeing this fight from his mothers point of view is both heart-breaking, yet also enlightening. There is already so many things to worry about when entrusting our children with other adults. However, we have no choice but to hope they will care for them as if they were their own children. Amanda believed that Josiah would be safe at school, but in this case the education system really had failed this young boy and his mother. The books shows how Amanda is constantly looking for answers, how could she have prevented Josiah’s illness? We clearly see her internal struggle with self-blame.

This book will genuinely help other parents whose children are suffering with depression, they can understand that it is not their fault if their children suffer from mental health issues.

It is distressing to hear that the system still keeps failing young people in the UK. Many students are struggling to access relevant help while feeling under pressure at schools or university. There is not enough resources available, and unfortunately sometimes the help comes too late for some.

Thank you, Josiah and Amanda, for your honest encounter of your battle.