Wayfinding Part 6: Highs and Lows

Wayfinding #6

by Hugh Howey

In part 6 of this series, I tackle depression, its origins, and techniques for dealing with both it and anxiety.

Genres: Nonfiction

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 27, 2015

About the author

I'm the author of WOOL, a top 5 science fiction book on Amazon. I also wrote the Molly Fyde saga, a tale of a teenager from the 25th century who is repeatedly told that girls can't do certain things -- and then does them anyway.

A theme in my books is the celebration of overcoming odds and of not allowing the cruelty of the universe to change who you are in the process. Most of them are classified as science fiction, since they often take place in the future, but if you love great stories and memorable characters, you'll dig what you find here. I promise.

Reviews

[Jeff Koeppen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the penultimate installment in the Wayfaring series, although there is a stand-alone book about nutrition which I may or may not read. This was one of the most interesting episodes for me as Howey addresses how we treat our bodies in ways inconsistent to their design and then followed this up with a long discussion about depression. He presented his personal theory of why humans get depressed (not to be confused with sadness) and the techniques (referred to as his five tools) he uses to manage his own depression. He postulates that depression boils down to a caloric preservation mechanism. It was all quite interesting and thought out on his part, especially his theory of why developed countries have more depression as studies have suggested. He also examines the concept of sleep and the science behind why humans do it, and why we might not need as much as we think. This didn’t click with me, I need my sleep at my age. He backs his claims up with science and sleep studies so I guess maybe he's on to something. I don't know.

One of the examples he used to show how humans don’t treat our bodies consistent in the way they evolved was regarding ankle injuries. This was interesting to me as I’ve had probably a dozen or so over the years from basketball, some serious and some not so much. In short, we humans right away wrap and ice ankles to prevent swelling. A cast may be necessary for more serious injuries. Meanwhile, your body sends blood and fluid to the area to swell and immobilize the ankle to protect it, it's already "wrapping" the injury. And your nerves are a built-in doctor, telling you how much you can move it at any given time during the gradual healing process. Your body is treating and rehabbing the injury naturally.

He finishes by talking about his first sail boat and how he customized it by basically stripping it down and living in it with minimal possessions for two years. The book ends with him getting ready for his global circumnavigation on his new boat, Wayfinder, which he scheduled to begin two weeks after finishing writing this series (he set sail in 2015). He documented his trip on social media platforms and it was something else.

I thought this was one of the better books in the series.

[Kenneth Buff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great entry into the series. In this one Hugh tackles depression. He tells us his theory on how it developed as an evolutionary survival tool, but has since become obsolete to fit our needs. He shares his methods on how we can battle it whenever it rears its ugly head.

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

The further I get into the Wayfinding Series, the less I like it. And I really, really want to like it.

Hugh Howey tackles depression in this series and I realize that what he is speaking of is depression that is NOT serious. But then why not call it something else rather than calling it by the name of a clinically diagnosable disease?

Call it boredom, call it malaise, apathy.

I don't disagree with Howey that depression (at least the way he uses it) and all other emotions, including anger, fear, jealousy, and pride are all biological imperatives. They are a system of feelings that tell you something about the situation you are in. Maybe your anger tells you that someone has done something that threatens you or your fear tells you something is dangerous or your jealousy tells you that either A) you have some work to do on yourself of B) something isn't right about the situation you are in. Emotions are your body's mental warning signs much like pain and heat and cold sensations are physical warning signs. And we owe it to ourselves to listen to our bodies, contemplate what is wrong and how to fix it.

But what I do not like about this book is how he takes something as trivial as boredom and lack of direction and calls it depression. Sure, he makes the distinction in the beginning, but still. The use of the term depression throughout the rest of the book without reminders lulls you into forgetting about that distinction he previously made. And the danger of that is setting up a whole lot of people to view not only their own depression but the depression of others as something that is easily overcome and that one should just get off their ass and get over. Which just isn't how true depression works.

Yes, building self -efficacy (accomplishing things) and reaching out to others are 2 of the building blocks of resiliency. But even if you get some things right in a discussion, and Howey does get many things right, the way you talk about a thing matters, too. And I think he has done a disservice to those who suffer from true, diagnosable depression rather than just a bout of boredom or a couple of bad days.

[Carin Camen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugh Howey's Wayfinding series isn't his highest seller, which in my opinion is a loss to every reader who enjoys this author. It is in this series that you get to know the author on a deeper level. Hugh shares his innermost thoughts of his introspective journey as he sails around the world. I recommend that you read the entire series.

We often look at what Hugh shares online and think it's all fun and games. The Wayfinding series, shares the reality of sailing and the daily struggles one goes through physically and emotionally. It is in his journey around the world, that Hugh gives you access to his fears, insecurities and struggles. He is known for showing the world who he is, Wayfinding takes that concept and expands introspectively.

Some of his philosophies may challenge you to think about your own. Whether you agree with him or not, isn't what's important. It's all about embracing the journey that he invites you to participate in.

Wayfinding Part 1: Rats and Rafts
Wayfinding Part 2: Hell and Heaven
Wayfinding Part 3: Hot & Cold
Wayfinding Part 4: Old World & New
Wayfinding Part 5: Consciousness and Subconsciousness
Wayfinding Part 6: Highs and Lows
Wayfinding Part 7: In-Grouping and Out-Grouping
Wayfinding - Food and Fitness

Thank you Hugh for letting us be a part of your travels around the world. Your willingness to share personal insight and struggles in your Wayfinding journey helps to give hope in overcoming the storms of life, when the waves comes crashing down around you.

While I enjoyed reading this series, I would thoroughly enjoy having this series undergo a rewrite with retrospective thoughts as you conclude your travels.

[Tom Hailand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six good books in a row

Of course all his other books rock as well. But for self there is no competition. Like self help is a competition. I can say some stupid things. Thanks again Hugh

[John-isaac Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

More more more!

Loved this installment in the Wayfinding series. Give us more Hugh!

If you haven't read this series, READ IT. A totally different side of Hugh but one well worth reading.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some interesting, if brief, thoughts on depression. Like all the other books in the series, I wish it had been longer.