About the Author
Lẹwa Ubunifu, a resilient entrepreneur and multimedia specialist, born into African American and West African heritage, embodies creativity with a name that means "beautiful" in Yoruba and "creative" in Swahili. Over three decades, she navigated Circumstantial Depression, chronicling her journey in the groundbreaking book "Caged and Locked." As the first worldwide to address this specific type of depression, Lẹwa's multimedia work inspires healing, and her commitment to mental health advocacy includes speaking at conferences and offering Unconscious Bias Training to address disparities. Her life exemplifies the transformative power of creativity, resilience, and advocacy in shaping the narrative on mental health.
Author Insights
What Inspired You To Write This Book?
I was inspired to write Caged and Locked: My Personal Experience with Circumstantial Depression out of a deep need to find resources and understanding for my own struggle with this specific type of depression. When I sought help, I was astonished to discover a glaring lack of literature on circumstantial depression, especially in libraries. It seemed unfathomable that no one had published a book addressing this condition, which is triggered by life events rather than chemical imbalances and thus cannot be healed by medication alone.
This realization fueled my determination to share my story. Firstly, I wanted to get my personal experience out there, to give voice to the pain and challenges I faced. Secondly, I aimed to let others in similar situations know that they are not alone—there are many who endure the same struggles, and there is hope. Lastly, I was driven by a desire to educate people about circumstantial depression, highlighting its unique characteristics and the importance of understanding that healing requires more than just medication. By writing this book, I hope to fill the gap in resources and foster a greater awareness and empathy towards those dealing with circumstantial depression.
What is the greatest benefit the reader will find by reading this book.
The greatest benefit readers will find in Caged and Locked: My Personal Experience with Circumstantial Depression is a profound sense of connection and understanding. The book offers validation for those experiencing similar struggles, showing them they are not alone in their journey. Readers will gain insights into the nature of circumstantial depression, learn practical coping mechanisms, and find inspiration in the author's resilience and recovery. Ultimately, the memoir fosters empathy and encourages open conversations about mental health, contributing to the destigmatization of depression and the promotion of emotional well-being.