Dwarf Planet: A Practical Guide Through Depression

Depression feels like living on a distant dwarf planet. This book is your way out.

You know the feeling. You’re in a cold, lifeless place, and all alone on the fringes of the solar system. Sure, you can see the sun from afar and know other people are having the time of their life, but you’re stuck on this dwarf planet of an illness no one cares about.

That ends now. This book is the result of years of coaching, studying, winning, failing, and talking to hundreds of people. Coming from an organization that’s been named one of the top 100 non-profits in the realm of mental health, we’ll help you discover a hopeful future. Inside these pages, you’ll explore new facts about your depression and navigate obstacles that stand in the way.

If you’re tired of trite books that read like medical dictionaries and want authentic and vulnerable storytelling, Dwarf Planet is the escape pod you’ve been looking for. You’ll complete exercises that challenge you, read stories that inspire you, and finally feel like someone understands your struggle.

Climb in. We’re going to get you off this rock.

—This book is part of the outreach programs of HeartSupport—an organization created by Grammy-nominated musician Jake Luhrs of the metal band August Burns Red. Proceeds from this book will continue to help fund further projects by HeartSupport in the realm of recovery. The author receives no royalties.

Benjamin Sledge is a wounded combat veteran with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, serving most of his time under Special Operations (Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command). Upon returning home, he began work in mental health and addiction recovery. A prolific communicator, Benjamin has authored several viral articles and is frequently featured on Medium.com in addition to being the author of two books. His work ranges from fiction, self-help, investigative journalism, Christianity, and the military. He lives in Austin, Texas with his wife and daughter. You can learn more about him at benjaminsledge.com


About the Mental Health Advisor: Dr. Michelle Saari sits on the Board of Directors for HeartSupport and has served as a mental health professional for over fifteen years. She holds both a PhD and master's degree in psychology and is a licensed mental health provider and board-certified clinical supervisor in the state of Minnesota. She is also a Nationally Certified Counselor through the NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors).