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No Way Out But Through
No Way Out But Through is the written account of Graham Aitchison's journey from mental illness to a true sense of clarity and peace. This book takes the reader through the darkest parts of Graham's soul through the various tools and thinking methods he has used to help himself to heal and into a realm of insight that can only come through surviving the darkest parts of life itself.
During a free promotional period, No Way Out But Through made it to #9 on Amazon.com under Christianity and has so far received very positive reviews.
During a free promotional period, No Way Out But Through made it to #9 on Amazon.com under Christianity and has so far received very positive reviews.
127 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2012
6 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Graham Aitchison
1 book52 followersMy first book, titled No Way Out But Through, is about my journey from mental illness to health and clarity. It's just been picked up by Creation House Publishing in Florida, USA.
I have a passion for writing and speaking into the lives of others through my own experiences. I hope to become a recognized name in the literary world. My goal is to make a difference in the world and to leave an indelible mark on the world after I have passed on.
My other interests are computers, football, writing and playing music, motorcycles, psychology, guns and online gaming.
I have a passion for writing and speaking into the lives of others through my own experiences. I hope to become a recognized name in the literary world. My goal is to make a difference in the world and to leave an indelible mark on the world after I have passed on.
My other interests are computers, football, writing and playing music, motorcycles, psychology, guns and online gaming.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 3, 2014
Graham Aitchison’s latest book No Way Out But Through is the story of one man’s lifelong battle with mental illness and his iron-clad determination to overcome this devastating affliction. Graham’s firmly held belief is that the darkest and most painful areas in one’s heart and life must be walked through in order for them to heal, rather than avoided, hence the title of his book.
Raw, powerful and brutally honest, this book gives a look at mental illness not often seen from the perspective of one who has not only walked through it but made enormous strides in defeating the power of mental suffering over his life. Graham opens up his whole life without holding back in the hope that his story of overcoming such adversity will give insight, inspiration and hope to those who have also suffered from mental illness or know someone who does.
Raw, powerful and brutally honest, this book gives a look at mental illness not often seen from the perspective of one who has not only walked through it but made enormous strides in defeating the power of mental suffering over his life. Graham opens up his whole life without holding back in the hope that his story of overcoming such adversity will give insight, inspiration and hope to those who have also suffered from mental illness or know someone who does.
May 2, 2013
Have you ever read a book and thought while reading it , I can relate to this or I've been in that exact same boat or even a similar situation ? That's what I found while I read Graham's testimony No Way Out But Through.
No Way Out But Through is separated into three different parts - The before , during and after though of course they aren't labelled like that .
We have Part One- "The Way Things Were". In this section we readers go on a journey all the way back to the early days of Graham's life. He talks about Addictions which is something that we all have encountered one way or another be it a physical addiction like Drugs, Alcohol or something that goes unnoticed which brings us to the second section Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. This was a subject that I could identify quite strongly with as I have a minor case of this in the way I have to have everything tided at work , I can't stand having a messy desk and the fact I have to shelve everything at work as to me , it's unnecessary mess. I can leave it at times , but it will find a niggly way to get on my nerves. However in Graham's case, the OCD played a huge part in his life as we read ancedotes of having to miss the bus as he couldn't remember if the door was locked or not. With OCD , the needs to be a perfectionist and have a strong sense of pride come hand in hand , in which Graham discusses his emotions and the need to be perfect. With Depression , more often than not comes the need to have that quick fix , the high to keep you happy before you sink into your next low. Many people who suffer from Depression fall into the trap of victim mentality , the mindset of "poor me" and find it hard to escape. Graham goes into a lot of detail about the victim mentality and I found that it gave me personally a clearer insight into the way a person could easily fall into that mindset.
A major thing, that I recognised when reading Part One and a theme that moves into the other two parts was that Graham's personality due to what he was going through was very eerily similar to that of a Dr. Jekyll/ Mr. Hyde as he was able to switch so easily from one set of emotions to another and switch almost personalities with playing both the Bully and the victim. All topics that are covered in Part One .
Part Two is "Learning to Heal" - this is the time where Graham gave his life to the Lord and started to learn about his ways , the spiritual journey of forgiveness , honesty and discernment- all the characteristics that God loves us to have. I found this part really interesting and something I am going to have to research more into was the learning of spiritual ties from generational links. As some of the ancedotes Graham used again ring true in my own life. The other part that I really enjoyed and I know alot of people will find it helpful to read and understand is the complexity of mental illnesses and the Christian faith as it is very rare that you will see or hear the church touch that topic, yet it is a topic that affects so many people - Christian and Non-Christians alike. He also talks about having the ability to journal and correctly, this is one of the things that I strongly believe in and have found on my personal journey through life that it has been one of the main things that kept me going and not sucumbbing to the darkness of depression, as in my own life it could have been so easy so many times to go there and not come back up.
Last but not least , Part Three talks about the Observations and Theories that Graham experienced. It is a section where as a Christian we can read and understand how God is working through our lives and how he can help you , no matter what you have been through God is always there for you. As remember readers, no matter what you are going through there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and not to be cliched but you can get through it and you will :)
No Way Out But Through by Graham Aitchison is an inspirational read which I recommend that every person whether you are Christian or Non-Christian, though you might find it more relevant if you are a Christian or deciding to become one . What I loved most is that it's not written by an Old person , no-one big and famous -yet :P . It is a testimony written by someone in his 20's , a testimony that could have easily been you or me in the situation.
No Way Out But Through is separated into three different parts - The before , during and after though of course they aren't labelled like that .
We have Part One- "The Way Things Were". In this section we readers go on a journey all the way back to the early days of Graham's life. He talks about Addictions which is something that we all have encountered one way or another be it a physical addiction like Drugs, Alcohol or something that goes unnoticed which brings us to the second section Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. This was a subject that I could identify quite strongly with as I have a minor case of this in the way I have to have everything tided at work , I can't stand having a messy desk and the fact I have to shelve everything at work as to me , it's unnecessary mess. I can leave it at times , but it will find a niggly way to get on my nerves. However in Graham's case, the OCD played a huge part in his life as we read ancedotes of having to miss the bus as he couldn't remember if the door was locked or not. With OCD , the needs to be a perfectionist and have a strong sense of pride come hand in hand , in which Graham discusses his emotions and the need to be perfect. With Depression , more often than not comes the need to have that quick fix , the high to keep you happy before you sink into your next low. Many people who suffer from Depression fall into the trap of victim mentality , the mindset of "poor me" and find it hard to escape. Graham goes into a lot of detail about the victim mentality and I found that it gave me personally a clearer insight into the way a person could easily fall into that mindset.
A major thing, that I recognised when reading Part One and a theme that moves into the other two parts was that Graham's personality due to what he was going through was very eerily similar to that of a Dr. Jekyll/ Mr. Hyde as he was able to switch so easily from one set of emotions to another and switch almost personalities with playing both the Bully and the victim. All topics that are covered in Part One .
Part Two is "Learning to Heal" - this is the time where Graham gave his life to the Lord and started to learn about his ways , the spiritual journey of forgiveness , honesty and discernment- all the characteristics that God loves us to have. I found this part really interesting and something I am going to have to research more into was the learning of spiritual ties from generational links. As some of the ancedotes Graham used again ring true in my own life. The other part that I really enjoyed and I know alot of people will find it helpful to read and understand is the complexity of mental illnesses and the Christian faith as it is very rare that you will see or hear the church touch that topic, yet it is a topic that affects so many people - Christian and Non-Christians alike. He also talks about having the ability to journal and correctly, this is one of the things that I strongly believe in and have found on my personal journey through life that it has been one of the main things that kept me going and not sucumbbing to the darkness of depression, as in my own life it could have been so easy so many times to go there and not come back up.
Last but not least , Part Three talks about the Observations and Theories that Graham experienced. It is a section where as a Christian we can read and understand how God is working through our lives and how he can help you , no matter what you have been through God is always there for you. As remember readers, no matter what you are going through there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and not to be cliched but you can get through it and you will :)
No Way Out But Through by Graham Aitchison is an inspirational read which I recommend that every person whether you are Christian or Non-Christian, though you might find it more relevant if you are a Christian or deciding to become one . What I loved most is that it's not written by an Old person , no-one big and famous -yet :P . It is a testimony written by someone in his 20's , a testimony that could have easily been you or me in the situation.
August 8, 2012
Graham Aitchison’s No Way Out But Through, is a read that demonstrates, there by the Grace… in this author’s journey through self discovery of torment to internal peace. It really matters not what one believes or of what faith one prescribes to when reading this poignant story, for what is important is the journey and lessons,not the source, for non-Christians will argue this point. But anyone who reads it can find no fault in sitting at the seat of one’s demons and coming out the other end having gained insight and perspective. There is a lot of good to learn from this read. It was Krishnamurti that said, Trust is a pathless land, which seems valid when one understands the mysteries that are pervasive though all religions and as Joseph Campbell states it is that which all the religions have in common (to paraphrase), the mystic, the untouchable, unseen, unheard, un-sensed, phenomenon that exists somewhere, that the heart of knowing embraces. It is in this space a reader can appreciate the Christian calling that Aitchison writes about as one of the many approaches to an open minded acceptance of something that may serve as differing from that readers belief system. Beyond belief, this is a helpful read. Within belief, it is a worthy Christian read. Regardless of whether one chooses to like the story or not, we can like that one man came through and wants to tell his story, to help others.
July 16, 2012
Graham's "No way out but through" is an honest account of how deep and raw the pain of mental illness can go. It was exciting to be able to go on the journey through this insightful biography that depicts Graham’s path to healing through Christ. It is a reminder to us all, that no matter how grim things look, we can always find a way to work through it with Christ, Jesus!
November 4, 2013
Great book. Very honest and open. I have been able to understand and be more aware of people with similar problems.
September 23, 2012
Have you ever read a book and thought while reading it , I can relate to this or I've been in that exact same boat or even a similar situation ? That's what I found while I read Graham's testimony No Way Out But Through.
No Way Out But Through is separated into three different parts - The before , during and after though of course they aren't labelled like that .
We have Part One- "The Way Things Were". In this section we readers go on a journey all the way back to the early days of Graham's life. He talks about Addictions which is something that we all have encountered one way or another be it a physical addiction like Drugs, Alcohol or something that goes unnoticed which brings us to the second section Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. This was a subject that I could identify quite strongly with as I have a minor case of this in the way I have to have everything tided at work , I can't stand having a messy desk and the fact I have to shelve everything at work as to me , it's unnecessary mess. I can leave it at times , but it will find a niggly way to get on my nerves. However in Graham's case, the OCD played a huge part in his life as we read ancedotes of having to miss the bus as he couldn't remember if the door was locked or not. With OCD , the needs to be a perfectionist and have a strong sense of pride come hand in hand , in which Graham discusses his emotions and the need to be perfect. With Depression , more often than not comes the need to have that quick fix , the high to keep you happy before you sink into your next low. Many people who suffer from Depression fall into the trap of victim mentality , the mindset of "poor me" and find it hard to escape. Graham goes into a lot of detail about the victim mentality and I found that it gave me personally a clearer insight into the way a person could easily fall into that mindset.
A major thing, that I recognised when reading Part One and a theme that moves into the other two parts was that Graham's personality due to what he was going through was very eerily similar to that of a Dr. Jekyll/ Mr. Hyde as he was able to switch so easily from one set of emotions to another and switch almost personalities with playing both the Bully and the victim. All topics that are covered in Part One .
Part Two is "Learning to Heal" - this is the time where Graham gave his life to the Lord and started to learn about his ways , the spiritual journey of forgiveness , honesty and discernment- all the characteristics that God loves us to have. I found this part really interesting and something I am going to have to research more into was the learning of spiritual ties from generational links. As some of the ancedotes Graham used again ring true in my own life. The other part that I really enjoyed and I know alot of people will find it helpful to read and understand is the complexity of mental illnesses and the Christian faith as it is very rare that you will see or hear the church touch that topic, yet it is a topic that affects so many people - Christian and Non-Christians alike. He also talks about having the ability to journal and correctly, this is one of the things that I strongly believe in and have found on my personal journey through life that it has been one of the main things that kept me going and not sucumbbing to the darkness of depression, as in my own life it could have been so easy so many times to go there and not come back up.
Last but not least , Part Three talks about the Observations and Theories that Graham experienced. It is a section where as a Christian we can read and understand how God is working through our lives and how he can help you , no matter what you have been through God is always there for you. As remember readers, no matter what you are going through there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and not to be cliched but you can get through it and you will :)
No Way Out But Through by Graham Aitchison is an inspirational read which I recommend that every person whether you are Christian or Non-Christian, though you might find it more relevant if you are a Christian or deciding to become one . What I loved most is that it's not written by an Old person , no-one big and famous -yet :P . It is a testimony written by someone in his 20's , a testimony that could have easily been you or me in the situation.
No Way Out But Through is separated into three different parts - The before , during and after though of course they aren't labelled like that .
We have Part One- "The Way Things Were". In this section we readers go on a journey all the way back to the early days of Graham's life. He talks about Addictions which is something that we all have encountered one way or another be it a physical addiction like Drugs, Alcohol or something that goes unnoticed which brings us to the second section Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. This was a subject that I could identify quite strongly with as I have a minor case of this in the way I have to have everything tided at work , I can't stand having a messy desk and the fact I have to shelve everything at work as to me , it's unnecessary mess. I can leave it at times , but it will find a niggly way to get on my nerves. However in Graham's case, the OCD played a huge part in his life as we read ancedotes of having to miss the bus as he couldn't remember if the door was locked or not. With OCD , the needs to be a perfectionist and have a strong sense of pride come hand in hand , in which Graham discusses his emotions and the need to be perfect. With Depression , more often than not comes the need to have that quick fix , the high to keep you happy before you sink into your next low. Many people who suffer from Depression fall into the trap of victim mentality , the mindset of "poor me" and find it hard to escape. Graham goes into a lot of detail about the victim mentality and I found that it gave me personally a clearer insight into the way a person could easily fall into that mindset.
A major thing, that I recognised when reading Part One and a theme that moves into the other two parts was that Graham's personality due to what he was going through was very eerily similar to that of a Dr. Jekyll/ Mr. Hyde as he was able to switch so easily from one set of emotions to another and switch almost personalities with playing both the Bully and the victim. All topics that are covered in Part One .
Part Two is "Learning to Heal" - this is the time where Graham gave his life to the Lord and started to learn about his ways , the spiritual journey of forgiveness , honesty and discernment- all the characteristics that God loves us to have. I found this part really interesting and something I am going to have to research more into was the learning of spiritual ties from generational links. As some of the ancedotes Graham used again ring true in my own life. The other part that I really enjoyed and I know alot of people will find it helpful to read and understand is the complexity of mental illnesses and the Christian faith as it is very rare that you will see or hear the church touch that topic, yet it is a topic that affects so many people - Christian and Non-Christians alike. He also talks about having the ability to journal and correctly, this is one of the things that I strongly believe in and have found on my personal journey through life that it has been one of the main things that kept me going and not sucumbbing to the darkness of depression, as in my own life it could have been so easy so many times to go there and not come back up.
Last but not least , Part Three talks about the Observations and Theories that Graham experienced. It is a section where as a Christian we can read and understand how God is working through our lives and how he can help you , no matter what you have been through God is always there for you. As remember readers, no matter what you are going through there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and not to be cliched but you can get through it and you will :)
No Way Out But Through by Graham Aitchison is an inspirational read which I recommend that every person whether you are Christian or Non-Christian, though you might find it more relevant if you are a Christian or deciding to become one . What I loved most is that it's not written by an Old person , no-one big and famous -yet :P . It is a testimony written by someone in his 20's , a testimony that could have easily been you or me in the situation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2016
The story here is great--a man opens up totally and in raw form about the battles he has faced his entire life. Through his long and painful journey, he discovers that doctors, medications, and routine therapies are NOT going to cure him and only limit the symptoms of ocd and depression, as well as some other mental disturbances. Of course, the beauty of his story begins when he realizes that God--and only God--can really break down those demons and release him from this dark life he has been dealing with.
This is something that people NEED to hear. We can pay a therapist to listen to our problems or we can sit with God--the greatest counselor of all. We can take one prescription after another, and yet still feel hopeless and empty--because we are missing something bigger and deeper.
I personally know people who have tried just about everything possible to cure their mental ailments--drugs, docs, yoga, therapy, meditation...and yet, years and even decades later...are right where they started. Thats why this story--the ideas presented here--are so important. We NEED God. We ALL do. We can block Him out, but we will suffer for it.
Therefore, I commend the author for writing about this and sharing his story. My reason for knocking it down two stars is due to the writing itself. It feels amateur. It struggles to hold the readers' attention. Despite the beauty of the story...the writing struggles deeply to really process the story and present it to readers for all its worth. Instead of bringing the story to life, it shoves it down. There was much potential here.
Update:: After thinking about the book a bit more...I want to add that the theology in this book is spot-on. The author does not try to sugar coat the Bible in order to please the readers. He instead understands who God is--and is wise enough to realize that God does indeed allow trials and suffering as a way to build character and bring us close to Him. For example, the author realized that it was God who allowed him to have some deep struggles in the workplace and after praying for a release from the trial, learned that God was going to instead allow the trial to continue, out of love and discipline, for Hutchinson. God had him where he needed to be.
I am adding this to the review because I love that the author speaks the truth here. Following God is not always all "peaches and cream," and just because we follow Him, does NOT mean we will be automatically saved from hardships. Real Biblical testimonies are often hard to find today due to many preferring to think of God as Santa Claus and have little knowledge of who God is and what the Bible says. Despite what Christian movies often show us, God often does NOT come in and immediatly rescue us from any trial the second we ask for help. There is a purpose behind our experiences, good and bad.
That being said, the book improves as it goes on and I personally did appreciate being able to relate to a real, raw story.
This is something that people NEED to hear. We can pay a therapist to listen to our problems or we can sit with God--the greatest counselor of all. We can take one prescription after another, and yet still feel hopeless and empty--because we are missing something bigger and deeper.
I personally know people who have tried just about everything possible to cure their mental ailments--drugs, docs, yoga, therapy, meditation...and yet, years and even decades later...are right where they started. Thats why this story--the ideas presented here--are so important. We NEED God. We ALL do. We can block Him out, but we will suffer for it.
Therefore, I commend the author for writing about this and sharing his story. My reason for knocking it down two stars is due to the writing itself. It feels amateur. It struggles to hold the readers' attention. Despite the beauty of the story...the writing struggles deeply to really process the story and present it to readers for all its worth. Instead of bringing the story to life, it shoves it down. There was much potential here.
Update:: After thinking about the book a bit more...I want to add that the theology in this book is spot-on. The author does not try to sugar coat the Bible in order to please the readers. He instead understands who God is--and is wise enough to realize that God does indeed allow trials and suffering as a way to build character and bring us close to Him. For example, the author realized that it was God who allowed him to have some deep struggles in the workplace and after praying for a release from the trial, learned that God was going to instead allow the trial to continue, out of love and discipline, for Hutchinson. God had him where he needed to be.
I am adding this to the review because I love that the author speaks the truth here. Following God is not always all "peaches and cream," and just because we follow Him, does NOT mean we will be automatically saved from hardships. Real Biblical testimonies are often hard to find today due to many preferring to think of God as Santa Claus and have little knowledge of who God is and what the Bible says. Despite what Christian movies often show us, God often does NOT come in and immediatly rescue us from any trial the second we ask for help. There is a purpose behind our experiences, good and bad.
That being said, the book improves as it goes on and I personally did appreciate being able to relate to a real, raw story.
April 7, 2013
This book was a marathon to write - from the first evening I sat at the computer and decided to begin writing to the paperback being delivered to my house, it was nearly 3 years in the making. I wrote this book during a very dark time in my life and I believe the darkness is reflected in the writing. However, I believe there is powerful insight that can really be used to speak into people's lives as a result.
Aside from the financial side of things, this book cost me a massive amount emotionally and even physically as the worst event of my entire life (and the amazing breakthrough which came as a result) is recorded in these pages and was written only a few weeks after it was experienced. I am pleased that this book has now been signed with Creation House publishing in Florida, USA as I believe it will give me a greater stage to be able to share my story with others and hopefully bring breakthrough into their lives as well.
Aside from the financial side of things, this book cost me a massive amount emotionally and even physically as the worst event of my entire life (and the amazing breakthrough which came as a result) is recorded in these pages and was written only a few weeks after it was experienced. I am pleased that this book has now been signed with Creation House publishing in Florida, USA as I believe it will give me a greater stage to be able to share my story with others and hopefully bring breakthrough into their lives as well.
April 7, 2013
Okay started this book not really knowing what to expect and it truly blew me away. This book touched me very deeply and at times I felt like I was reading about myself. This book is very honestly and beautifully written and left me with nothing but admiration and respect for the Author. Graham thank you for sharing your story. I think you are possible one of the bravest people I know and your book is very moving and a truly unmissable read....5 big stars that are very well deserved...Well done Graham x
June 16, 2013
If it weren't for the third section of the book., it would have received only two stars. 66% was basically repeating the same stories over and over.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews