Acing Depression

Chronicling the tumultuous life of the original bad boy of tennis, this engaging memoir describes one man’s public battle with clinical depression. Cliff Richey was best known for the 1970 season in which he won the Grand Prix, the Davis Cup, and was first in the American tennis ranking. He was also well known for his tantrums and boorish behavior that served to mask an internal, dark struggle. Describing torturous days in which he would place black trash bags on the windows and lay in bed crying for hours, this brutally honest narrative stresses that depression is a mental disorder that can affect anyone. Documenting his 10 year fight for control of his mind, aided by antidepressant medication, the determination and strength that afforded him the nickname of “The Bull” is highlighted. Expressing the joy of feeling stable for the first time in his life, this deeply moving story of nightmare and redemption serves to encourage and inspire anyone whose life is touched by mental illness.

"Cliff Richey brings to you an insight that will benefit not only those that battle depression, but people that face difficulties every day. A champion in every sense of the word, Cliff puts you on and off the court with his challenges. A must read for all."  —Johnny Bench, member, Baseball Hall of Fame

"An inspiring story of how a man can still make meaning out of even the most savage and unrelenting depression . . . an entertaining yet serious read."  —Psychology Today

"The Richeys inspired a whole generation of kids to believe in themselves and strive for excellence. Cliff's story gives people hope when life has dealt them darkness."  —Lynn Rutland, executive director, MHMR

"Cliff Richey approaches his recovery from depression with great passion and determination. He provides hope and understanding through this powerful memoir."  —Lynn Lasky Clark, president and CEO, Mental Health America of Texas

"Enlightening, highly entertaining, extremely informative, humorous, oftentimes melancholy and downright gross at times."  —San Angelo Standard Times

"Real men do get depression—even champion athletes. Cliff’s story is an inspiration to all those who are battling mental illnesses and a wake-up call to the public." —Jackie Shannon, past president, The National Alliance on Mental Illness

Cliff Richey was ranked the number-one professional tennis player in the United States in 1970, the most valuable player of the victorious 1970 U.S. Davis Cup team, and has won 45 tournament titles over the span of a 26-year career. He currently plays on the celebrity golf tour and organizes charity tournaments to raise mental health awareness. He lives in San Angelo, Texas. Hilaire Richey Kallendorf, PhD, is an associate professor of Hispanic studies at Texas A&M University and the author of Conscience on Stage and Exorcism and Its Texts. She lives in College Station, Texas. Jimmy Connors is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all-time. He won five U.S. Open singles titles and stands alone as the only player to win the U.S. title on three different surfaces (grass, clay, and hard court). He was No. 1 in the world for 263 weeks.