Written over the last four years during a time of global isolation, personal addiction, romantic trials and internal insights; it's an expression of darkness, hurt, love and anticipated light. May it bring you some comfort in knowing someone else feels like you, with the understanding that it is what it is, but it doesn’t have to be. These poems are captured moments and emotions that hope to bring some light or insight to you.

In this devastatingly witty new book, Carl Cederström traces our present-day conception of happiness from its roots in early-twentieth-century European psychiatry, to the Beat generation, to Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump. He argues that happiness is now defined by a desire to be "authentic", to experience physical pleasure, and to cultivate a quirky individuality. But over the last fifty years, these once-revolutionary ideas have been co-opted by corporations and advertisers, pushing us to live lives that are increasingly unfulfilling, insecure and narcissistic. In an age of increasing austerity and social division, Cederström argues that a radical new dream of happiness is gathering pace. There is a vision of the good life which promotes deeper engagement with the world and our place within it, over the individualism and hedonism of previous generations. Guided by this more egalitarian worldview, we can reinvent ourselves and our societies.

Too often we exclusively associate suicide with depression, Being A True Hero looks at the many causes of suicide, from depression, bullying, brain injuries, psychosis, lack of sleep, childhood trauma, the cluster effect, loneliness, failure and many more. This book will help the reader to know more about suicide, whether they are a concerned parent, a friend, an employer, a counsellor, sports coach or a doctor. The book is the result of over 10 years research. Michael Hempseed effortlessly merges scientific research with real world examples, he presents complex scientific information in a way so that anyone can understand it. Being a True Hero, is full of possibilities for recovery and the sheer number of options for help will astound many readers. More importantly he shows that no matter how bad the situation is there is always hope. Reviews… “An easy to read and thoroughly worthwhile book.” Dame Sue Bagshaw, Senior Lecturer of Paediatrics at the Christchurch School of Medicine. "A beacon of hope to the community...Michael’s thorough research is narrated with insightful reflections from practical experience...Highly recommended to those in the Health & Teaching Professions. " Dr. Susan Maree Taylor, rural GP" Michael writes about mental illness and suicide with compassion and hope. His book is useful for people who have personal experience, the people who love them, and professionals who work in the field. It is serious, at times funny, and references up to date research." Kay O’Connor PhD, counsellor "I recently asked a friend I was concerned about if he was suicidal, it turned out he was - and needed help. Without the information in this book I never would have had the confidence to do that. The material in this book could save many lives." Thomas Saywell, Youth Worker