Author's Gratitude and Life Overview

Dr. Hazle thanks God and those who have helped him have a happy, successful, and Christian life. He takes the readers through many events that he considers the providence of God in his life including the serendipitous discovery of the first antidepressant—imipramine marketed in 1957—which was used to treat his first depression in 1975.

Career and Personal Challenges

He describes in his book how at the age of seventy-five years he has had a successful career as a dental officer in the United States Public Health Service and an exciting retirement even with three bouts of depression and being maintained on medication since 1975 for bipolar disorder.

Of particular importance is the adversity God gave him during his third depression—lasting eighteen months—and the spiritual changes which he credits with making him a more mature Christ-centered Christian.

Understanding and Research

He also attributes part of his success in managing his bipolar illness to his understanding of neurotransmitters and emotions that began with a research project at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry in 1968.

Family History and Challenges

Described in the book is his family history of treatment for disabling depression in three generations including: one suicide and one suicide attempt, and three family members receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Music, Emotions, and Spiritual Insights

He also challenges readers and demonstrates making stimulating music memories with good emotions that they would like to recall for the rest of their lives.

Topics of Interest

He believes this book would be of interest to those exploring the science of depression, alcoholism, and addiction to nicotine and other drugs, as well as spiritual aspects of behavior.

Personal Experiences and Final Thoughts

In the last chapter, he shares about his most interesting and memorable pheasant and duck hunting and fishing trips.

God has carried out His plan for Dr. Hazle. His sincere desire is that God would be glorified through this book.