Life in Limbo

This memoir, based on diary entries, is a frank, moving and at times humorous account of Matt Barwick's struggle with infertility, and diagnosis with bipolar disorder triggered by family suicide. At twenty-nine, still childless after a year of trying, Matt and his wife Ali realised that starting a family was not going to be the 'cinch' it appeared to be for most of their friends. The couple start a crash course in conception from a straight-talking fertility guruand the journey towards more serious medical intervention begins. Already feeling the strain of infertility and the recurring cycle of disappointment, Matt's world comes crashing down when he loses his only brother to suicide, resulting from depression that was largely hidden from the world. Shortly after his brother's funeral, the unthinkable happens, and Matt finds himself in a mental facility dealing with his own diagnosis of bipolar and beginning a battle with the demons of depression that will test him, his marriage, relationships and career; creating an uncertainty that threatens to destroy everything. Told with refreshing honesty, Life in Limbo offers a rare perspective on the topics of infertility, family suicide and mental illness diagnosis from the perspective of a self-deprecating, young, Australian man. Keen to remove the stigma attached to mental illness, particularly for men, and bring the subject out into the open, Matt's story is an inspiring message of courage, hope and unwavering love. What readers are saying, "I suffered from depression and I think that everybody has someone close to them that has suffered from it too. ...'Life in Limbo' is a great read and shows ...there's always light at the end of the tunnel even though you don't know it at the time." Mark Occhilupo - 1 x World Surfing Champion "I understand from experience the journey to have a family is not always easy. I admire people like Matt and Ali, who have the courage and strength to take on the challenges and ...share their experience in the hope it will help others." Mark Richards - 4 x World Surfing Champion, 1 x World Masters Surfing Champion "Matt has written a heart aching, open and honest account of his and Ali's long journey to parenthood and the complexities of Matt's own struggle with depression following Steve's (his older brother) suicide. Talking about life's challenges and leaning on those who care about you can help navigate tough times." Nic Barwick