Defy the Darkness: A Story of Suicide, Mental Health, and Overcoming Your Hardest Battles

By: Dylan Sessler

Narrated by: Dylan Sessler

Length: 5 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

On August 12th, 1996, Dylan Sessler found himself facing the hardest moment of his life at just six years old. The unexpected trauma of loss broke the innocent nature of his childhood and left behind an unending storm of confusion, pain, and hard truths in its wake. Defy the Darkness is a raw account of how Dylan processed his way through his trauma and offers guidance on how others can do the same.

This audiobook was written to discuss the things people have always been afraid to talk about. From depression and PTSD to grief and suicide, this audiobook dives headfirst into the taboo nature of mental health and delivers a path forward that few have been able to describe. Now as a Mental Health Coach, Dylan himself is able to reach into a place of human consciousness and deliver reality in a way that clarifies the pain, informs with perspective, and develops a clear sense of purpose in the face of some of the hardest questions life has to offer.

Fun facts: Dylan wrote 90 percent of Defy the Darkness in the first months of the Covid-19 shutdown while also posting daily on Tik Tok. His social media presence alone helped hundreds of thousands of people keep fighting for life. From zero to nearly half a million followers in just 18 months, Dylan is a walking paradox as an introvert and influencer. He wrote this audiobook to show others the things he wished he had understood growing up.

©2021 Dylan James Sessler (P)2021 Dylan James Sessler

Great book

I myself suffer from complex post traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) cause of child hood trauma of sexual abuse, mental abuse, physical abuse, virbul abuse. On top of that I was bullied at school cause I was the only bi-racial kid in my at the time school. After years of trauma I joined the United States Marine Corps in 1999 while America was somewhat was at peaceful times. Then 09/11/2001. So now with all my Complex PTSD from my childhood that I haven't dealt with, now you throw in combat related PTSD into the mix. I'm in really good therapy right now. But with your book, it has opened up so much to me and has given me a better out look. My wife started following you and pointed you out to me and your book. thank so every much for what you have done. You are truly a warrior in every aspect of the word

What I didn’t know I really needed

This book is amazing. Dylan gives you steps to take to heal yourself, and work on yourself while using his life and experiences to explain, describe, and demonstrate why these things were necessary for him to be able to break free of his darkness. And you can tell from this book and what he writes that he just wants to help as many people as he can get through their darkness. He’s turning his darkness into a beacon of light through this book, and the many other avenues he uses to help as many people as he possibly can. And countless I am sure he doesn’t know he has helped. I love the off script words of wisdom, I love the sincere tone to this book, and his courage for putting his experiences out there for the world to reach others in their darkness and help pull them out. If you are trying to decide if you should read or listen to this book, this is your sign to do it now! Thank you Dylan Sessler for this book you poured your heart and soul into. It was truly a blessing.

Great book!

This book was an easy listen. Great information packed into a short, but memorable book. I'll listen again with pen and pad in hand.

Blessed

This book has caught me somewhat off guard. It Blessed me. worth your read.

LIFE CHANGING

Dylan, as a veteran this book spoke volumes more than were written. Your story and your words open feelings and views in my life that have been shut off for years. It is easy to hide who we are but difficult to open that up to even those we love the most. Thank you for opening my eyes to a new perspective. God bless you brother.

I will be listening to this more than once.

I originally bought the Hardcover but due to eye issues I never started it. I knew that I needed it. I ended up getting the audible and so happy I did. I am in the car a lot and this will be one of the books that I listen to more than once to help me. I love how this was written. It helped me analyze different aspects of life that I was missing. Our stories are different but it is for everyone. Trust me.

Great book especially for men

I thought the basis of the book was great. I love how he really gave you depth into his life and thoughts. It was a little harder for me to relate at times because a lot of it was geared towards military and analogies with guns that I know nothing about. But think it would have a way bigger impact on men and others who relate to these things. I would definitely recommend this book. It’s helped me even though I didn’t totally get the analogies.

A must read!

Dylan has an incredible way of speaking to things that most people ignore or sweep under the proverbial rug. If you are struggling with your own darkness and are looking for hope and some light in your darkness, get this book! I promise you will find something for yourself through this book.

Easy Listening

Great book. Very easy to listen to. As a Veteran it was in some areas super relatable.

Find The Pieces To Your Puzzle

I loved the audio version of this book and the additional content that was added. Even if you've read the book, I recommend listening to it. It's a different experience than reading it yourself, although I found both to be beneficial. I always like listening to Dylan. His voice is calm and comforting. I've been listening to him every day (multiple times a day) since April 2020. I followed his voice because I was lost and needed guidance. I got so much more. His words always resonate clearly with me. In the book he says, "Learn who you are by recognizing your reflection in others. You will find people you love because they share a piece of you. Search for the pieces of your puzzle by searching for those who complete you." Dylan is an immensely important piece that has been missing from my puzzle. In fact, he makes a lot of the other pieces that have been there fall in place, even if they are bent, tattered, and torn. The picture is forming. It's my picture.

I hope his words can help you put your pieces in place too. ❤