Book Description
As he did for frontier children in his enormously popular Children of the Wild West, Russell Freedman illuminates the lives of the American children affected by the economic and social changes of the Great Depression.Middle-class urban youth, migrant farm laborers, boxcar kids, children whose families found themselves struggling for survival . . . all Depression-era young people faced challenges like unemployed and demoralized parents, inadequate food and shelter, schools they couldn't attend because they had to go to work, schools that simply closed their doors.Even so, life had its bright spotslike favorite games and radio showsand many young people remained upbeat and optimistic about the future. Drawing on memoirs, diaries, letters, and other firsthand accounts, and richly illustrated with classic archival photographs, this book by one of the most celebrated authors of nonfiction for children places the Great Depression in context and shows young readers its human face.Endnotes, selected bibliography, index. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

At least one in five was hungry
I thought this was an excellent introduction to the Depression years for younger readers.Russell Freedman writes in a straightforward style and nicely avoids contractions ('did not' instead of 'didn't') popping up throughout his text.There are two stories in these pages, the Depression and life in the Thirties and the same years as they relate to children, so there are chapters devoted to 'In and out of school', 'Kids at work' and 'Boxcar kids' for example.

What really makes the book come alive for me are the excellent photos, all with captions including the date and photographer.Virtually all of them are from the now famous FSA files in the Library of Congress.Russell Lee, Dorothea Lange, Arthur Rothstein and Ben Shahn have the most and they perfectly work with the text.As well as great photos the design of the book is simple and elegant with the photos printed in a sepia green, there is a bibliography and index.

Another worthwhile childrens book about the same period is 'Welcome to Kit's world: 1934. Growing up during America's Great Depression' (ISBN 158485359X) beautifully designed with the story told as extended captions to the hundreds of photos and period graphics.This title is really aimed at young girls.

For a photobook of FSA children images have a look at 'Children of the Depression (ISBN 0253340314) a large format, one photo to a page book that probably has the best of what is available from the files.This book is mentioned in the bibliography of 'Children of the Great Depression'

All three books explore the lives of children in hard times with sympathetic words and powerful pictures.

***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.
... Read more

Amazon.com
Written as an answer to the question, "What if van Gogh had been on anti-depressants," Against Depression manages to be more of an exploration than a polemic, regardless of its title. While author Peter Kramer (Listening to Prozac) expresses a definite opinion--that disease of any sort should be treated as effectively as possible--he manages to express sympathy along with frustration about the recurring idea that soulful creativity often goes hand-in-hand with depression. Without ever being dismissive or particularly angry, his writing makes his point abundantly clear after the first chapter: The pervasive idea of depression serving a creative purpose is preposterous, as well as highly damaging.

While he draws from a number of recent studies on depression, the book is not meant to assist in the diagnosis or treatment of individuals, except in a very general sense. Instead, Kramer adds the findings of those studies into his thoughts on how patients modify medication doses for depression as they wouldn't for purely physical diseases, and looks into future possibilities of genetically modified stress hormone transmitters that could work to prevent a slide into chronic depression. In the arts, he examines the work of philosophers, painters and writers in relation to the reputation their personal lives have earned (critics and consumers alike believe that pain equals genius and lack of pain equals lack of depth). Adding Dineson, Bellow, Updike and Kierkegaard to the list headed by van Gogh, Kramer shows a variety of ways we live with the assumption that creative genius does not function without severe emotional strain.

While he does include a few stories from a patient to illustrate specific treatments, most of the book is slow and thoughtful, without ever being dry or pedantic. Useful to families or individuals who have encountered depression, this book offers excellent support for anyone--creative genius or otherwise--who struggle to define their talents as existing separately from their illness. Jill LightnerBook Description
A revolutionary exploration of mood disorder by the author of the landmark bestseller Listening to Prozac.

Abridged CD - 5 CDs, 6 hours ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

another great book from Dr. Kramer
I'm a big fan of Peter Kramer's books, especially Listening to Prozac, which is a psychopharmacological classic.Against Depression does not disappoint either, and in it he dispels the modern notion that depression should be held in esteem and even romanticized.He instead sees depression as simply an ugly, biological disease of the brain, that can also have negative effects on the rest of the body.He cites evidence that depression can be associated with damage to the brain, which is a frightening possibility.On the other hand, it should be noted that within the last decade or so it has been shown that the adult human brain can generate new neurons, so perhaps the brain can heal itself from potential damage due to depression.A mild criticism: perhaps Dr. Kramer should draw a distinction between someone who's a bit melancholic and wistful--where these two traits may be viewed as appealing by some--and someone with overt major depression, including sleep disturbance and other highly unpleasant symptoms.The former person may not have anything truly "wrong" with his brain, whereas the latter probably does.Overall, a very well written book, with a philosophical bent, that should appeal to anyone interested in depression.Author of Adjust Your Brain: A Practical Theory for Maximizing Mental Health.

Debunking the myths
While I found Edward J. Maher's review entertaining and with some good points,I have to disagree with the notion that thisauthor refers to artistic figures just for the sake of showing off.It did not seem to me that the book was particularly heavy on art and literature, at least not in a meandering way. I find the connections that Kramer makes between depression and certain writers and artists to be relevant and helpful.They demonstrate just how entrenchedthis idea of depression as being "deep and romantic" is in our minds. (Emo, anyone?)Kramer gives useful insight into how damaging this ideal is to the depressive by showing how depression is not the necessary ingredient to creativity and art(as has been the popular myth,) but rather it is a debilitating physical sickness like any other that should receive treatment-- but often does not because of the depressive's fear of "losing" a part of the self.

Like other reviewers have remarked, Kramer's explanation of the progressive physical effects of depression is surprising and alarming. This cannot be said enough, because there is still a prevailing notion that depression is a character flaw: Depression is not just psychological.Rather, depression itself seems to be a biological issue, a symptom of a biological issue, even both. In other words, depression is an illness with real effects on the body.We don't think of cancer as "romantic," it is horrible and painful and we get treatment for it.Why should depression be any different?

While Kramer definitely comes across as a proponent of medication, I did not feel like that was presented as THE option.However, those who have not yet weighed the pros and cons of medication from current information might be persuaded to go the medication route after reading this book.I would not use this book as the beginning step to researching whether medication is right or wrong for you.
Overall, I think this book is an inspiring and forward-thinking look at depression. I got a lot out of it.

Staying focused is important
Great Caesar's Ghost, he's even read Thomas Carlyle! To ask a rhetorical question: Isn't this book supposed to be about depression? In many excellent ways it is just that, offering sincere, intelligent, and well-researched glimpses both into and out of that paralyzing state of body and mind. The information about early-stage genetic research is astounding and perhaps a bit frightening. And to my mind, the author certainly fulfilled his task of debunking the idea that depression is a character flaw (and/or character asset). But there are pages, CHAPTERS, where he maintains only a fleeting contact with his theme, embarking instead on an invitation-only, narcissistic memoir of favorites from his (gosh almighty!) extensive and sometimes only marginally-relevant reading history.

Being acquainted with much of the referenced literature, I can well appreciate how familiarity with its style and implied themes, and the subsequent conjecture about authors' motives, affords welcome and mostly important insight into the book's theme: depression. In the same manner, I might appreciate the writer of a book about sexual dysfunction having had direct experience with Kama Sutra positions and their various energy flow patterns, kareeza, and Western Tradition sex magic. But if and when that imagined book reverted into a pelvic thrust by pelvic thrust account of the writer's collegiate dorm exploits (however interesting they may be), I would wonder whether I had mistakenly began to read a different book. The matter of digression is, in Peter Kramer's case more distressing, because his purported topic, depression, is by his admission an extremely serious and, in terms of human suffering, devastating one.

When the award is given for "Most Literarily Astute Psych Writer", he will have my vote. But frankly, I don't give a rip about that. I am depressed! And though I understand that this book was not written specifically for me, nor was it written as a "instant fix" for anyone - still depressed people will be attracted to this book, with either a covert , or more likely an overt, hope that the information therein will offer a way out. Something to be done to HELP. To help them climb out - however slowly - from a seemingly ever-deepening abyss whose sides are caving in. Readers with the emotional poison coursing through their veins might well get impatient with this book. I did.

Imagine that you are hospitalized. The doctor is on his rounds, and you hear him approaching. You anticipate some good news, or at least some further clarification of your brokenness. As he nears your bed, he decides to have a leisurely chat with a colleague - about last Wednesday's golf game. Or to be kinder, let's say his leisurely chat is about something vaguely related to your case - the theme of emotional poison in Balinese Shadow Plays. For that moment he seems to have forgotten you. But aren't those puppets interesting!!

Is Peter Kramer a caring, often-effective psychotherapist. Probably. Is Peter Kramer an avid reader with impeccable tastes. Undoubtedly. Is Peter Kramer an egotistical blowhard?

If you are going to read any book about Depression, then make it this one.
I have read several books that are able to describe the hell of major depression. This is the first book that is able to describe the day-to-day slow wearing down of hope that "minor" depression causes. You do not have to be suicidal or an addict for depression to destroy everything in your life...while you stand by watching.
Dr. Kramer makes his point about how important it is to understand that depression (any kind) must be taken seriously and completely eradicated in a person as well as in society as a whole. It is not genius, it is not romantic, it is not lazy. It is a disfiguring, terminal, disease.

Depression Is a Progressive Brain Disease!
This is not a book about the treatment of depression or how to deal with one's depression better. Rather, it introduces an important conceptual shift on how to look at depression: The author convincingly argues, based on very recent research, that there are anatomically measurable physiological changes in the brain tissue that are associated with depression, very likely causing it. These changes seem to become worse over time when the depression is untreated.

This means that depression is not just caused by a "wrong way of thinking", for which simply our mental habits are responsible. It also means that we should have little tolerance for depression and should treat it aggressively, in order to stop the negative organic changes in the brain as soon as possible. The author further argues that our cultural attitudes towards depression may have to and will change as a result of not seeing depression just as a "mental" illness but is an organically based disease.

In general, Peter D. Kramer is extremely knowledgeable with a wide cultural and psychological scope *and* he is an excellent writer. This made the book, in addition to its important content, a wonderful read.

... Read more

Book Description
St. John's Wort, Prozac, psychotherapy, support groups--today's individual suffering from depression has a laundry list of treatments to choose from.For many, Paul Gilbert's self-help manual Overcoming Depression--based on the highly effective technique of cognitive behavioral therapy--will provide a lifeline to recovery and a better future, as a way to understand and thus resist the downward slide of depression, and as a resource to supplement therapy or medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which treats emotional disorders by changing negative thought-patterns, is now internationally established as a key method for overcoming conditions such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and eating disorders. The principle behind this form of therapy is that our thoughts have a major impact on our emotions: a person who goes through life thinking "I am unlovable," or "I'll never achieve anything," will find constant evidence to support his or her beliefs.In Overcoming Depression, Gilbert explains the many forms and causes of depression and lays out clinically proven techniques for dealing with this debilitating condition.This book will help people gain insight into problem areas such as perfectionism, shame, anger, and aggression, and how these areas can become exacerbated by depression.Overcoming Depression illustrates a systematic program of treatment by which people can monitor their thoughts, learn to recognize negative patterns, and challenge them.With step-by-step suggestions, case examples, thought-monitoring sheets, and practical ideas for gaining control over depression, Gilbert offers a course of action for those suffering from depression to change the way they think about themselves and their problems.The Second Edition of Overcoming Depression presents new statistics and findings from the last three years, and offers new chapters on causes for depression including "Biology and Stress," "How Evolution May Have Shaped Depression," and "Early Life, Psychological and Social Aspects." In a new chapter on guilt Gilbert differentiates between guilt and shame, and examines the relationship between guilt and depression and how to deal with those who make us feel guilty. Finally, a new preface and a new brief discussion of St. John's Wort complete the text. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A very intellectual approach which works for me, perhaps you too.
This is one of the best books I have ever read on the subject of depression.Paul Gilbert uses a very rational, intellectual approach, that of cognitive behavior therapy, which may not appeal to some people.Gilbert makes sense to me, and appeals to my rational mind as I try to figure out my own thought processes which can lead me to spiral down into depression.

One small critique I have is that he stresses evolution too much throughout the book.The third chapter is "Causes of Depression: How Evolution May Have Shaped Depression."You can skip this chapter if you also do not give much credence to the theory of evolution.It will add nothing to your quest to recover from depression.I do not believe that depression in people evolved; I believe that we are created "as is" and that being separated from God is a root cause of many of the ills people suffer today.That "hole in the soul" causes pain and we try and fill it with all sorts of substitutes, including alcohol, drugs, porn, gambling, cheating, and possessions.So I believe that depressives are actually more sensitive to the pain of life that is the truth.I don't believe that life here on Earth was ever meant to be joyous, that we are to find our ultimate joy in Heaven.

That being said, I also don't think God meant us to be miserable!How can we work for His purposes when we are not even able to crawl out of bed and take a shower?This book may take more energy to read than most people will have when they are in the grips of depression.If you are being medicated, and you feel you can explore the reasons your mind betrays you and helps you slide into the black hole, do read this book.I think it would help tremendously, in conjunction with physical help from medications and perhaps counseling.

Stop Bullying Yourself
Many self-help books seem to repeat themselves explaining the theories and characteristics of depression.However, Paul Gilbert goes two steps further.He speaks in everyday language and most importantly, he offers ideas to turn off the negative breathing dragon, which I call depression.

I have fought depression and its affects since first taking myself to an emergency mental health clinic in November 1991.Until, then I knew I was having problems, but I could not identify what was bothering me.Putting down the bottle and the drugs was only the beginning.

I also sought help from numerous psychiatrists.The counseling offered by social services was limited.Although the psychiatrists and the counselors were helpful, they were only interested in keeping people out of what I call the Red Zone, which ispromising them that I will not hurt myself or others.In addition, I worked many twelve step programs.Yet, I kept feeling bad at times.My anxiety also increased.

Paul Gilbert's "Overcoming Depression" is not the quick fix; I don't think anything is'however, Chapters 9-12 of Overcoming Depression is helping me stop feeding my negative self-image. I am not the helpless, jerk I thought I was.I am not the weak bumbling cry baby my ex-girl called me.Because I did not have other choices, I also criticize myself for not making the progress I thought I should make.Gilbert calls this self-bullying.

He also tells me to stop seeking approval from others.In response, I am going to start telling myself the good things about myself and rely on myself for confirmation about myself.Gilbert not only offers me hope, but shows me what I was doing wrong and what are the right things to do.
I highly recommend this book to everyone with depression and those who love those who have depression.

[..]

Great book if you are depressed and skeptical
This book treats the reader very well.He acknowledges the problem of getting started with a program to overcome depression, and even suggests which chapters to skip if you want to get going quickly.Mr. Gilbert never talks down to the reader.For its focus on practical results and its thoughtfully organized, compassionate approach to the reader, I say this book is a cut above all others I've seen and a great thing to have if you would like to overcome depression.If you are depressed, then you will know that many writings on this subject speak an alien language that makes it clear that the author doesn't really understand depressed people.This book is the opposite of that. It anticipates your skepticisms and doubts in a straightforward way that are incredibly useful in keeping your mind applied to the goal of overcoming depression.

Every depressed or insecure person should read this book - and I should know.
I know the guidelines asks us not to comment on other reviews but I signed up to write a review specifically because I was afraid the last review might turn off someone like me who really could benefit from reading this excellent book. I don't know why the last review mischaracterized the book - I wonder if she's got the right book, because she doesn't mention a single thing about what this book is entirely about: recognizing the negative leaps in logic that we make that bring us down. It's very rational and well-thought out and it's the first thing that's given me any hope in a very long time. It's all about normal mental habits and trying to break them when they aren't helping us. Warm milk? Naps? If they're in there somewhere, I must have missed them. I don't know what that person has against this book but it sounds like they didn't read it.

The book's author seems to understand a lot about what it's like to be depressed, much more than any of my clueless therapists ever have. The first thing I saw from it is that most of my depression and sadness isn't a result of what happens to me - it's a result of my *reactions* to what happens to me, and the conclusions I draw from them without questioning. I don't know how this sounds to someone who hasn't read it, I know I'm usually really skeptical about things, but this book really helped me, and nothing else ever has.

I was thumbing through this book in the store, and the example that convinced me to buy the book goes something like this... Let's say you're expecting a phone call from a friend/lover and they don't call. Your line of thought might go something like this:
"He/she hasn't phoned.
This is because he/she has forgotten about me.
Maybe he/she had better or more fun things to do.
If he/she cared about me, he/she would have phoned.
Therefore, he/she doesn't really care.
I don't ever seem to be able to find someone who cares about me.
What's wrong with me?
Maybe I am just too boring and unattractive.
I'll never have a good, long-lasting relationship.
I'll always end up abandoned.
Life is completely pointless and empty."

Well, I saw that, and I said, omigod, that's ME... 20 years of medication and therapy and nobody ever pointed out to me that I do that. I take one possibly negative thing, and make a quick cascade of negative conclusions about it, and those conclusions get me down, maybe more so than whatever set them off in the first place. It's almost subconscious but I see it now, it's notthe person not calling that's getting me down - it's me doing it to myself!

And that's just the starting point. It's in the introductory first part of the book's three parts. For the rest of the book he has specific exercises aand concrete suggestions to help you see exactly where you habitually do things to bring yourself down worse than you would be otherwise. Hey, maybe life really *does* suck - but that doesn't mean you have to make it even worse for yourself. And that's sure what I was doing.

After 20 years of chronic depression, with no help from medication or therapy (and I've been through a LOT of both) this book was the first time I ever saw light on the horizon. I'm far from being free of depression, but for the first time since I was 14 it at least seems possible.I strongly recommend checking it out.

So, if any of this sounds at all like you, here's what I think you should do... Ignore what total strangers on some website say. I hope Amazon will allow me to say something like this on their website, because I'm saying it in the hope it will help someone like me... But what you should do is go to your local bookstores,find a copy of this book and thumb through it yourself just to see, then if you decide you want it, come back and and order it from Amazon! But please, don't let that one weird review dissuade you from checking it out. I highly recommend it. I found it completely amazing, I'm really glad I found it, it's the first thing that's helped give me hope in a very long time.

Warmed-up fare
I find "Overcoming Depression" an uninspiring read. It feels too flabby. And like another book I've read in this series (the Melanie Fennell), it can sometimes come across as fairly trite. Here are some examples: "Don't worry about not getting enough sleep. Margaret Thatcher only slept for four hours a day!" So that's alright then. "A milky drink before bed may help." And yet it may not: is this cold or warm milk we're talking about here? don't some kinds of milk actually stimulate the brain? "Also don't catnap during the day. If I sleep for longer than fifteen minutes during the afternoon, this can really mess up my night's sleep." First he says don't catnap, then he says he does catnap, then he doesn't give any advice on how to avoid catnapping which is surely the essential bit. This might seem like nitpicking but these sample quotes are just from a couple of pages, and turning the page I see we have the following howler on antidepressant drugs: "Many people worry that these drugs are addictive, but they are not." Not a word about the major issue of withdrawal symptoms, something which can occur even when the drugs haven't worked. The later chapter on drugs is also silent on the matter. Maybe this is all straightened out in the American edition, or the revised edition (I admit I got hold of the English edition from 2000). It needs to be. As it stands it feels at best uninformed and at worst irresponsible - a book about depression written by someone who doesn't appear to know about antidepressants, not good is it."Overcoming Depression" could simply do with a going over by a semi-intelligent editor's red pen. It's a shame really, because cognitive behavioral therapy is such a gold mine. Hence the two stars - it's not worthless, just not very well written. Self-help books can be intelligent, informative, *and* feature inspired and interesting writing. Check out "Essential Help for your Nerves" by Dr Claire Weekes. If you have nervous fatigue, or want to overcome stress, fear, panic attacks, you couldn't do better. It just feels as if it's written by someone who's not copying out of the manual, who writes as if they're setting down their life's work, who writes advice in an interesting and unpatronising way that will stay with you, that you'll remember - which is the point really. Mind you, she mentions the milk thing too. ... Read more

Amazon.com
If knowing one's enemy is key to surviving a prolonged encounter, then Surviving Manic Depression should prove essential reading to those who suffer from this brain disease's horrific highs and lows. Having immersed themselves in the topic, E. Fuller Torrey, M.D., and Michael B. Knable, D.O., offer a comprehensive resource for those afflicted with--or responsible for treating--manic depression. Unfortunately, a surprisingly small amount of data exists regarding its prevalence, and existing studies show conflicting results.

Torrey and Knable's emphasis on dissecting all that is known about the disease clearly indicates that "survival" entails neither escape nor eradication; rather, it requires a lifelong pledge to undertake an effective course of treatment. The first step: learning every suspected cause, symptom, risk factor, and treatment strategy. Sprinkled among statistic-laden paragraphs, touches of empathy arrive via articulate quotations from sufferers including Patty Duke and Kay Jamison. But the crux of Torrey and Knable's work is its compilation of all the informative bits and pieces readers need to build an effective action plan. Most helpful are the chapters that address special problems (including alcohol and drug abuse, violent behavior, medication noncompliance, and the seduction of mania); and their no-holds-barred reviews of books, selected Web sites, and videotapes. --Liane Thomas Book Description
Surviving Manic Depression is the most comprehensive, up-to-date book on the disorder that affects more than two million people in the United States alone. Based on the latest research, it provides detailed coverage of every aspect of the disorder.

All aspects of the disease are addressed: symptoms, with many direct descriptions from patients themselves, risk factors, onset and cause, medications (including drugs still in the testing stage), causes, psychotherapy, and rehabilitation and how the disease affects children and adolescents. Here too are discussions of special problems related to manic-depressive disorder, including alcohol and drug abuse, violent behavior, medication noncompliance, suicide, sex, AIDS, and confidentiality. Surviving Manic Depression also includes special features such as a listing of selected websites, videotapes, and other resources. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Not so fun to read but some good information
Although there is a lot of good information in this book, getting beyond the first chapter is a challenge.When you begin reading, there is no engaging narrative style, just a series of subtitles with factual information underneath.If you are like me, this isn't the first information you are looking for...statistics on how many people have the disease (depends upon when and how you define it)...statistics on how many people are being treated in urban vs. rural settings...To make a long story short, this book does not grab you at all.You have to push through, as if you were reading an academic paper, to get information.There are no uplifting case histories referred to throughout the book that keep you interested (cases mentioned are usually one or two paragraph examples).Nor are there any new theories presented here - just a disjointed summary of the (disappointing) research that has been done thus far.The medication section is not up to date, since there was no mention of Lamictal as a treatment.I bought this book because of the good review here on Amazon, and was somewhat disappointed, so I felt compelled to add me own feelings for the benefit of those who might do the same.

A Frustrating Book About a Frustrating "Illness".
To begin with, this book is mistitled.If you are looking for a book of practical advice for how to get through day to day struggles while in the throes of this illness, this book offers very little.If you are looking for practical advice for how to deal with someone (a loved one perhaps) who may have this illness, this book does not really offer much of this either.And, if you are looking to validate your experience by reading about accounts of individuals who have had similar experiences, this book does not include much of this either.This book is really more for psychiatrists and medical professionals who try to define the illness.Thus, it includes discussions of what exactly constitutes the illness, various studies, and the endless wrangling among experts over where to draw the lines and which theories of the illness are correct.After reading this book, I have concluded that not only do psychiatrists know very little about the human brain and the human mind, but they may know nothing at all.Much of the definition of the illness seems entirely arbitrary, as even the author points out, and most of the research into the physiological causes of the illness remain poorly understood and open to multiple interpretations.Furthermore, for any given individual who exhibits symptoms of either mania or depression, there is really no predicting the illness.Some may go on to cycle rapidly between the two for the rest of their lives.Others may never experience an episode again.The author claims that certain medications (e.g. lithium) work to either prevent or dampen the effects of mania and depression, but they don't work in all cases, the reason why they work is poorly understood, they may or may not have harmful side effects, and furthermore there is no proof that improvement is necessarily due to the medication at all.Then, there is the issue of diagnosis.Despite the fact that the diagnostic criteria appear to be exact, closer inspection reveals them to be almost completely arbitrary with no clear limits as to what qualifies as illness and with the limits that are written into the criteria themselves being arbitrarily set.In addition, it would appear that while certain individuals exhibit classical symptoms of the illness (oscillating between the two extremes in various amounts), the majority do not.Which leads me to believe that in many cases the illness is being overdiagnosed and used as a catch-all to explain any bad, eccentric, or otherwise unexplainable behavior.My personal experience with psychologists and psychiatrists also leads me to believe this.I have found that psychologists and psychiatrists tend to be normal people with a fancy degree.This means that they are just as prone to misunderstand behavior that falls outside the norm as anyone else.In addition, I have found that psychologists and psychiatrists tend to see what they look for in people.If a psychologist or psychiatrist has a preconceived notion of an individual's experience, they will tend to perceive their behavior so as to confirm their own theories about that person.I have no further evidence to support my belief that psychologists and psychiatrists do not possess any extraordinary insight, but my hunch tells me that they really do not.How could they?

To sum up, here is my understanding of manic depression.We all have ups and downs throughout the day, week, and year.It's part of being human.However, psychiatrists seem to be obsessed with these ups and downs.And they want you to be obsessed with them too.Some people have really high ups and really deep downs.Obviously the people who have the highest ups and the lowest downs need some sort of treatment.The only question is what sort of treatment should that be.Psychiatrists like Torrey would argue that the only really effective treatment is a drug like lithium (perhaps with various other drugs including anti-depressants and anti-psychotics or even other more drastic treatments such as ECT in extreme cases).Many psychologists would argue that they need psychotherapy (the talking cure) of one form or another.Torrey contends that in the case of manic depression psychotherapy really is optional and may or may not do any good (at best it can help a person become more aware of their illness and offer practical advice).Furthermore, Torrey contends that some forms of psychotherapy may even be harmful, particularly Freudian therapy.On this point I tend to agree wholeheartedly with Torrey on both points.I agree that Freudian therapy is definitely not beneficial in the least and is possibly harmful.(Freud has really offered humanity very little despite his eminence.See Torrey's much better book, _The Freudian Fraud_ for more on this.)And at least in my personal experience I have found psychotherapy to be largely a waste of time, money, and energy.At best a psychotherapist can serve as a friend in a time of crisis or offer some very simple commonsense practical advice, but beyond this I really doubt they can be very useful.In addition, I have often found that talking to a psychotherapist is like talking to a Martian, they really don't get what you have to say and they interpret everything you say within a certain framework that makes it very difficult for you to have any sort of real conversation with them.I have also found some psychotherapists to be downright hostile to things you might say and to be remarkably arrogant.

Another frustrating thing about manic depression for me at least, is that I really can't relate to the descriptions others give of their illness very well.For me, the illness has never been about spending sprees or sex, etc.It has always been for me about increased energy, extreme nervousness, sleeping problems, heightened senses, and intense religious/mystical experience.When I hear other people describe their experiences with the illness I really can't relate because they seem so little like mine.This has only added to my doubt about the usefulness of diagnosing this illness to begin with.I also find it frustrating that some have attempted to link this disorder with creativity or high achievement.Particularly noxious I find are romanticizers like Kay Jamison, who not only try to link this illness with creativity, but also would seem to give the impression that it is a social status thing (an illness high achieving or upper crust individuals are prone to), and in doing so give the impression that it is also a lot of fun.There is nothing fun about the psychic pain of depression, and I have found little fun about "mania" either to be honest.Furthermore, it is definitely not fun to see the kind of destruction that follows in the path of this illness for some people.Torrey seems to give some credence to Jamison's theories, though to his credit he is much more conservative than her.

Finally, there is one other point.The author says that you should tell people that you have this illness.I disagree.Nearly everyone I have told that I have been diagnosed with manic depression, I have lived to regret later.If you tell someone, you may meet a sympathetic person who can understand that you have been through a hard time.(Most people can relate to "depression" of some sort, but they really do not understand the true agony of the thing.)On the other hand, you may go from being treated with respect to being treated little better than a common criminal.You haven't changed but they have.Mania in particular is so far outside of most peoples' understanding that they will find it difficult to comprehend what you really mean.Furthermore, I have found that people tend to be very cruel and prone to all sorts of prejudices and superstitions when this topic is brought up.My own experience with other people and this illness has been so negative, in fact, that I have been left with a permanent fear of people and a nagging feeling that I am being subtly criticized by nearly everyone I meet.

A final point, I think that there is a tendency by many to become totally obsessed with this illness and every detail surrounding it.This book is a good example of that kind of obsession, by both psychiatrists and ill people alike.I don't think this obsession is beneficial at all, and endless wrangling over details seems utterly pointless.I must conclude after reading this book that psychiatrists still know very little (definitely far less than they pretend to know or that they'll tell you) and that much of what they do know is entirely arbitrary.It remains a mystery.

Reading the Definitive Authority on Manic Depression
Very well written and presented. I would recommend this book to anyone I know with Manic Depression. It was very helpful to me.

Excellent book highly recommended.
This is an excellent book about all aspects of Bipolar Depression. It is a terrible disease and the depression isquite dangerous. There is a new FDA approved procedure for depression called vagus nerve stimulation. I would recommend another excellent book; "Out of the Black Hole: The Patient's Guide to Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Depression". It's ISBN number is # 0974848417. I found both books very helpful forthe treatment plan with my psychiatrist. As far as I am considered, the more information you have, the better.

Surviving is the best we can do?
An easy to read, well written, thoroughly researched book on manic-depressive illness.Hmm... Wonder what Koch would say about that? He's the guy who postulated Koch's postulates, a set of criteria to prove that the disease (in this case anthrax) was caused by a particular bacterium. Bipolar disorder is too complex for a simplistic application of Koch's postulates. But then, what about an infection like Lyme disease that was regretfully omitted in the book? Perhaps that disease should be included in "secondary" mania. The authors did admit that mania from syphilis was once manic-depressive illness before it became secondary mania. Some believe it is all secondary, secondary to different biological anomalies that just haven't yet been identified. More humility about the limitations of our models and our medications would have been helpful, as would a discussion regarding the restorative role of nutrition. Save for a small section on omega-3 fatty acids, this was left out. I also would have liked to have read something on the links betweenLyme disease and subtypes of diseases currently diagnosed as MS, ALS, and "manic-depressive illness."What if symptoms akin to MS, ALS and mania had similar etiologies that met the requirements of Koch's postulates?I recommend the book, particularly for the discussion on infections. However, while a reader may, with some effort, imagine the implications for the future, the authors have still kept us stuck in an obsolete typology that ensures a revolving door into the hospital for all too many patients who believe they have a disease called "manic-depressive illness."For them, surviving is about all that can be asked of them.
David Moyer, Author, Too Good to be True? Nutrients Quiet the Unquiet Brain ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (8)

Good for the clinician, not the help-your-selfer
Four starts for the clinician, two for the help-your-selfer. I felt that this book was well written; clinical, yet readable. This is a great book for the clinician or the clinician-in-training to give them a good overview. After reading this, the clinician would be ready to be trained in the techniques described in the book. This book does not give any practical skills, it describes the historical background for depression and MBCT and outlines the research that the authors conducted and the training they received.

Because it has no real practical skills (no how-to), it is a poor choice for anyone that wants to learn how to do this stuff on your own-DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY! Jon Kabat-zinn has a book on the same subject that IS a how-to and I would recommend that you look there, particularly since these guys received all of their training in the subject from him and his program; you might as well get it from the original source of the process (OK so Buddha was the REAL first, but JKZ has made it a simpler program and tied it to depression).

Cognitive Therapist Essential
This book is an excellent exposition of Segal, Williams, and Teasdale's therapy using a combination of Meditation, Yoga, and Cognitive Therapy.
It very generously shares their program and patient homework notes and would give any therapist the basis for development of their own program.

CBT rips off the Buddha
CBT theorists tend to present in a lucid fashion ideas that have been therapeutically effective for centuries, or in the case of Mindfulness, millennia.Unfortunately, the authors of this book, in fine CBT tradition, manage yet again to misappropriate the work of others and call it 'a new approach'.There is nothing new in what CBT does, other than to re-label as 'evidence-based' the ideas of other innovators after some dubious random-control trials.If the reader wishes to avoid supporting the political recycling of every other therapy ever created, he/ she would better serve patients, clients and self by reading original texts from, for example, Buddhism, which are more authentically authored than CBT's eclectic bag of techniques.However, as with any heavily funded political movement, I suspect that the CBT movement will continue selling old rope as new as long as we want knowledge served up as fast food. It's enough to make any self-respecting therapist relapse into depression!

Depression researcher
A fantastic book explaining the basics behind previous research and how we've come to arrive at the new mindfulness-based concept.Highly recommended for new clinicians wanting to further expand their understanding to a brief background of the cognitive aspect of relapse of depression as well as the direction future research appears to be heading.

Excellent Book Used in My Dialectical Behavior Therapy Class
We are using this book in my dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) class and it has been extremely helpful in understanding mindfulness. I highly recommend this as an addition to DBT for consumers of borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder. Wonderful! ... Read more

Book Description
Depression is a secret pain at the core of many men's lives, and one that goes largely undiagnosed and untreated. The consequences of not treating male depression are extremely serious.Studies show that suicide is more common in men than women, and tha the male suicide rate is three times higher at midlife than at any other life stage. In Unmasking Male Depression, Dr. Archibald Hart explores the many forms of depression and gives tools for coping with and healing depression in men. Hart also examines the lives of Christian leaders who struggled with depression, such as Charles Spurgeon, Martin Luther, and John Calvin, to reveal the myths surrounding this illness ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Unmasking Male Depression
This may very well be a good book for every male to read, except those who are happy, content, and never have anything in life disrupt those attributes.:)It may also be instructional for every woman married to one of those men.

This is an easy read, and although it has scriptural underpinnings, it should not by discounted by those with agnostic or atheistic beliefs.It is easily palatable to those with and without religion as part of their lives.

I highly recommend it!

Evangelical
Dr. Hart is an Evangelical minister, he says so in the forward, there are entire sections of the book you can skip if you are not Christian (Depressed males in the bible, and was Jesus emotional), but there's better information than in "I don't want to talk about it". There's real tratment options and sypmtomology, things your doctor should be looking for. It doesn't quite make suggestions for what questions you should ask your therapist, or psychiatrist, (Depression Fallout DOES do that though!)
Now it was published in 2001, there are new Anti-depresseants out now that aren't mentioned, new treatments that weren't being used yet when it was initially published. It'd be great if Dr. Hart could update it and republish it without the religious claptrap, or do two versions, one for the Xian male and the one that is strictly clinical.

Not what I expected
I was very dissapointed with this read. The tone and diction for the book came across as overly religious, while the grammar is off-key and at times annoying(exclamation points come early and often). I never questioned the author's sincerity or background on the subject, but found myself putting it down after only a few short sessions.

Thank You Dr. Hart
I am a Christian.If you are not a Christian please, please buy this book and just ignore the "Christian" references.The research and conclusions are valid and helpful regardless of your particular faith (or lack of it!).

I am not only a Christian but, more importantly for this review, I am a deparessed male who's symptoms did not match the traditional diagnostic characteristics of depression.This book points out why.Male depression generally presents different symptoms than female depression.This is confusing because most clinical studies and subsequant literature about depression has been based on research that centered on women.

Dr. Hart explains that, for most depressed women, anger and other related emotions are turned inward against self.In most depressed men, however, anger and other related emotions are turned outward against others . . . especially those who are in emotional relationships such as a wife or girl friend.For many depressed men this anger can be expressed in yelling and arguing and blaming (as in my own case) or, more seriously, in physical violence.

I am convinced by my own experience (and interaction with other men who suffer from depression) that many men who are in need of "anger management" are actually suffering from depression (sometimes enhanced or triggered by alcohol or drug abuse).If you are a wife, girl friend, child or parent of an angry male I urge you to read this book and share it with him.I would also encourage you to acquire William Styron's "Darkness Visible--A Memoir of Madness."These two books helped me tremendously to accept the fact that I actually was suffering from depression and to motivate me to get professional help for it.

My wife is glad I did.

Male depression is REAL !
This book deals with depression in an honest manner. It segments the differences between female and male depression and makes things obvious as to the differences It is a good investment ! ... Read more

Book Description
Depression is one of the most common of all psychological problems -- nearly all of us experience mild forms of it at sometime during our lifetime. But now, with this easier-to-understand edition of a bestseller that's helped thousands regain their zest for life, you too can learn to feel better without necessarily seeking professional help.Control Your Depression first gives you a clear understanding of the nature of depression -- what it is, what it isn't, and how much is really known about this widespread problem. This valuable guide then helps you pinpoint specific areas related to your own depression: Do you have difficulty dealing with others? Do you often feel anxious or tense? Do you have troublesome thoughts? Are you unhappy at work or in personal relationships? Because not everybody experiences depression in quite the same way, you'll develop a personalized therapeutic program unique to your own situation. Through any number of proven techniques, including relaxation, social-skill enhancement, and modification of self-defeating thinking patterns, you will conquer your feelings of helplessness and alleviate the causes of your distress!Filled with dozens of examples that clearly illustrate difficult yet essential points, Control Your Depression helps you gauge your progress, maintain the gains you make, and also determine whether you need further help. No one who has ever been immobilized by depression should be without this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

With a bit of self-discipline, this program really works!!
I used this book several years ago, maybe three, and it was so helpful.It is much more than a pep-talk, it is a specific how-to manual that gives you concrete ideas about the steps you must take to lift yourself out of your slump/minor depression.

First, you have to get a handle on whether you are depressed (it could be something else making you blue), and how severely you are depressed.The book is designed for people whose depression scores are between 5-15 on the Beck scale (provided).If you are higher than 15, the author recommends that you give the book a try, but keep in mind that you MAY need professional assistance.I was a 23, but this book worked wonders for me, without any assistance.

The book has a behavioral approach to depression.This means that the authors believe your depressive behavior and feelings can be changed by first identifying/focusing on antecedents (what precedes your behavior or feelings) and consequences (what follows a behavior).The next step is to consciously change the antecedents and consequences of your behavior, rewarding yourself as you do so, and thereby slowly and steadily lift yourself out of depression.

A behavioral focus also means that this book will not help you analyze how you got started in your depressive behavior patterns.The authors believe it is not necessary to dig through all that stuff that in order to change yourself.

So in a way, this book is the antithesis of "talk therapy" -- I'd call this "do therapy".

The authors acknowledge that there are multiple roads to depression, that every depressed person has a unique set of problems.However, many of these problems can be lumped into broad categories, each of which is given a chapter clearly explaining strategies for improving your skills in that area.The strategy chapters include:"Learning to Relax", "Pleasant Activities", "Learning How to Be Socially Skillful", "Using Your Social Skills", "Controlling Thoughts", and "Constructive Thinking".

For my bout of depression, the two chapters I needed to focus on were "Pleasant Activities" and "Constructive Thinking".

The idea behind "Pleasant Activities" is that you are depressed because most of your interactions with your environment do not have rewarding outcomes and/or have dissatisfying, unpleasant, or distressing outcomes.So, to change your depression, you need to change the balance so that you get more positive than negative payoffs from interacting your environment, every single day.

I actually had to rate a list of 320 activities (provided) with how pleasant I found them and how frequently I was able to do them, and then use that to create an activity list with 100 things I like and am able to do.I added a few of my own that were not included in the list.Then I had to make a daily plan that made time for several of those activities every day, and I had to chart my daily mood so I could see if I felt better when I did more of those activities.

This was incredibly valuable to me, and highly effective.When I start feeling depressed I want to hole up and sleep, doing only the most "necessary" activities (which often tend to be quite unrewarding - dishes, laundry, etc...).The authors insist that you do activities you LIKE to do, regardless of their actual utility.

For me, my list includes things like carve stamps, write reviews on Amazon, watch Voyager episodes, make stuff with beads and/or fabric, talk on the phone with a friend, etc...When I feel that slump coming on, it is too easy to view these activities as TIME WASTED, something to beat myself up about.The thing I now keep in mind is that the small things that energize me and make me happy are actually IMPORTANT in and of themselves, just because I like to do them.

"Constructive thinking" was also very helpful to me, because I realize that I have these ongoing monologues in my head that are very critical and very hurtful -- I say things to myself I would NEVER say to my children, things that I know would be devastating to say to children -- and yet, I listen to myself say horrible thing after judgmental thing after critical thing to myself!!

Well anyway.It may sound like this book has a simplistic view of depression, but actually, I think it is quite well rounded.It provides the framework for an action plan to combat depression, but you fill in the details.

There are a few potential problems with this book.First, you have to know yourself pretty well in order to use the book.You have to know what actually rewards you, what your strengths and weaknesses are.You have to be able to assess yourself with the tools the book gives you.Some people may need help to do this.

The second issue is that it takes a fair amount of work to set up these monitoring and behavior programs for yourself.It takes a fair amount of self-discipline to keep following through (although you are supposed to be rewarding yourself for the steps you take).Some people may need help to do this.

Finally, I think that some people's brains may not be wired to think in quantitative terms.I tried to explain the "Pleasant Activities" list to another friend who felt depressed, and she was aghast.She said she could never rate activities, that her brain didn't work that way.So if she wanted to try this book, she would probably need help to work through it, to think about her problems in a behavioral, quantitative way.

For me, I think this was a little easier because we used ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) with my son years ago when he was 3, so I was very familiar with the concepts driving this book, and quite experienced with the work involved in keeping up behavioral programs.

Oh, one more thing, this book directly doesn't address existential dispair.But to my way of thinking, even people who are agonized over world events or "what it all means" -- these people still have to live in and interact with their environment.The more rewarding those interactions are, then, at least for me, the less crushing the "big picture" things become.And in fact, if you can get beyond despair and hopelessness, you might actually become an instrument for change, you might actually be able to do something meaningful about other people's suffering, to somehow put your compassion and angst into action.

Well anyway.That's my 2 cents about this book, for what its worth.I loved it, I credit it with preventing my downward spiral and bringing me back in touch with some of the things I need to do in order to enjoy and appreciate life.

excellent in combination with 'feeling good'!
This book provides much more detail about how to overcome your depression-reinforcing *behaviors* than David Burns' excellent books do. It's a nice complement to the Feeling Good titles for anybody trying to make cognitive-behavioral therapy work without a therapist. Expertly written by the leading researchers on behavior therapy for depression. Fills in the 'behavior' part of the cognitive-behavior approach!! ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (19)

Best book on depression EVER.
I'm a psychologist. I've read a lot of information on how to "treat" depression. When I read Cheri Huber's book many years ago, it was my first experience with the idea that this isn't something to be fixed, but instead is something to experience, learn from, and hear as a message--STOP. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is in the throes of depression, or anyone who is around someone else who is experiencing that difficult, challenging, rich state.

Wonderful book!
I got this book after going through a very bittersweet period of my life. I was intrigued when flipping through the book randomly and noticed the interesting style of text and the illustrations throughout the book. When I got home to read it I found it very easy to read and though I had been thinking about looking into zen/Buddhism the book doesn't push it but may give a slight introduction. After I told my therapist that I had this book she says that she owns it as well. I notice many similiarities in the book and her style of helping me through my journey. I would highly recommend this book. It certainly gives you an interesting dive into depression and the feelings surrounding it.

Easy Reading and to the point
I really liked the book, it sums up depression and its compassionatley written. The author has been through this so you know she can relate and empathize with you, the reader.

Lemons to lemonade
Refreshing to see depression as an opportunity.It is so hard in the midst to see the positive.Huber does a good job of providing both ways to cope and ways to change how we view depression.

Fantastic Book
I work in the mental health field and therefore see depression all too frequently.This book is a fabulous resource that I lend to my patients, but have also enjoyed it on a more personal level.Everyone goes through ups and downs in life, and Huber does a good job of normalizing depression, while communicating that sometimes it's *okay* to be in a rut.Rather than looking for a fast and temporary solution (i.e., medication), she directs people toward developing insight into why they feel the way that they do and allowing themselves to feel it.A fantastic book that I highly recommend! ... Read more

Book Description
Based on the latest scientific findings, a comprehensive guide to the diagnosis and treatment of teenage depression.Each year thousands of American teenagers are diagnosed with clinical depression. If ignored, poorly treated, or left untreated, it can be a devastating illness for adolescents and their families. Drawing on her many years of experience as a pychiatrist working with teenagers, Dr. Maureen Empfield answers the questions parents and teens have about depression, providing detailed information on:*Identifying the different types of depression*How depression is diagnosed*Which teenagers are most at risk*Suicide*The effect of depression on other teenage problems*How depression is treated and by whom*The drugs used to treat teenage depression - what they are and how they work*When a teenager needs to be hospitalized for depression*and moreUnderstanding Teenage Depression provides the latest scientific findings on this serious condition, and the most up to date information on its treatment.The book includes numerous vignettes drawn from Dr. Empfield's clinical practice as well as first person accounts from teenagers who have themselves suffered from depression. Understanding Teenage Depression is a book that anyone who's been touched by this disease - whetherparents, teachers, family members or teens themselves - will find invaluable. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

If you are or a loved one is suffering from depression, you should read this book.
As someone newly trying to grapple with the complicated topic of adolescent depression, from understanding what it is, to thinking about how to cope with it, this book is tops.It is easily readable and yet thorough in discussing every aspect of adolescent depression.Thank you to the authors for publishing this important work.

A Teenager with Depression
As a teen with depression I read a lot of book on the topic.THIS IS THE BEST ONE!I was diagnosed with a certin depression, that is hard to find information on -double depression. This book explains all about the differnt kinds of depression, also differtent methods to help feel better.I liked and related so much I would leave the book out with a note teeling my parents or friends to read parts.This book explains all parts if depression, and makes it a good read for a teenager that is depressed, or for some one that knows a teen.

As a Teenager with Depression
I dignosed with Depression in my teens and I have read many book out there over the years.THIS IS THE BEST ONE!I realted to it so much and I was able to show other people pages and sections that I tought would help them, help me.This book explains about differnt kinds of depression, and one of them is what I was diagnosed with.This is the only book that I have found that has a whole section of it.I love this book and if you are a teenager, or know a teenager with depression I would recomend this book.

Well-organized, eye-opening, and informative!
When you think about someone being diagnosed with depression, teenagers might not come first to mind. But teenagers are not exempt from things that can make adults experience an extreme feeling of being overwhelmed and saddened. They are just asvulnerable as adults when it comes to having fights and disagreements with friends or family, and problems at school could intensify their negative emotions. With all the problems teenagers encounter these days, how can you determine whether a teenager's depression is serious enough to warrant treatment?

The book "Understanding Teenage Depression: A Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management," addresses this information. Readerswill become more familiar with depression -- how common itactually is; who is likely to be at risk; how to determine if a teenager is depressed; and what treatments are available. Other important information in the book discusses life events that could lead to teenage depression; various therapies; and other disorders that may afflict teenagers.

My ParenTime recommends the book, "Understanding Teenage Depression" by Maureen Empfield, M.D., and Nicholas Bakalar -- it is well-organized, eye-opening, and informs readers about a problem that is much more common today than parents realize. ... Read more

Book Description

From the cutting edge of natural antidepressant research, here is new information on St. John's wort, SAMe, bright light therapy, and other proven natural remedies for depression. This fully updated second edition explores emotional health, including mood-enhancing fats and herbal antidepressants.

Customer Reviews (7)

THE book on depression
If you're looking to treat depression without using drugs, this is the book to get.The book is packed with almost every type of therapy known to cure depression.If there's any academic research on the subject, Baumel mentions the study and also tells us whether it's an uncontrolled or controlled study (something I appreciate as an academic).He usually explains how the study was conducted in enough detail that it can be replicated at home.This means that he included supplement dosages and length of time needed to see results.He also mentions how to purchase St. John's Wort and light therapy devices, which could save hundreds of dollars.

The way to use this book is to read the therapy, see if it matches your symptoms, decide whether you're willing to make the commitment (e.g., am I willing to take B6 for the next 6 months?), and then to try it.I had to try several different therapies until I found ones that worked for me.If one didn't work for me, I would read another section of this book and choose a new therapy to try.One problem with the book is that it covered some therapies in limited detail, and sometimes I needed to look up additional information in other sources.

Before getting this book, I tried looking up information online, but there was too much noise rather than real information to get any use out of what I was reading.This book cut through the noise and gave a concise summary of therapies that I could use to help myself.

In summary, the book is well-researched and an excellent resource.Using this book plus some free online information, I cured my moderate chronic depression in three months without drugs.Thank you, Syd Baumel, for writing this book!

Fixes a lot of myths, a must have for Dr's and smart people
This is defintely an overall positive book on a very negative topic. The author here explains a lot of different ways that you can get the serotinin back to normal without having to deal with drug therapy.

The one problem about this book is that at times it is hard to get thru. The author throws in a lot of information that I'm sure a lot of us wont understand. I wish it was just a little more simplified. FOr example, in one chapter, he explains how a vitamen b6 can be more effective then an antidepresent in treating severe depression. However, he doesnt list the dosage or the amount of vitamen b6 that might be required to take. (that can be a bit of a problem for some).

Yet, this book is amazingly written, anaylized, and hopeful. Its good to know that someone really researched all of these facts and figures. He had a much different outlook on the whole deal as he broke down several vital stastics that the mass media and drug conpanies would never want to admit.

Despite its uplifting appeal, This is more of a book for a professional therapist rather then a client. I'd suggest for the client to read some important parts of this book to the therapist. A lot of this information is complicated and since Syd doesn't list the dosages and the "How exacltys" to get rolling on the correct bandwagon. Almost all of these methods are hard to persue solely.

Butagain this is a good book and I hope it gets more recongition then it has gotten in drugged america.

BEST OF THE CHOICES
As a psychologist wanting my clients to be educated on the biochemistry of depression and possible solutions, I have found this to be the best of all the alternatives I have read.It discusses all the treatments rather than focusing on one alone, as many books do.It is well written, easy to understand, and treats the reader as if he or she is intelligent enough to grasp a good deal of information.I think this book would help everyone in therapy, and would also help therapists in their attempts to help.

Excellent Book!
The best book available for anyone desiring to treat depression naturally.

Before you take prozac
Forget about "touchy feely" talk about herbal remedies. If you're a skeptic, this book will change your mind about St. John's Wort and what BRAND you buy. Covers a staggering number of therapies in great detail: some you probably know like electric shock therapy, Prozac and cognitive therapy. Other lesser known therapies include Omega-3, 5-HTP, SAM-e, and Tyrosine. The author did his homework. Citing numerous clinical trials, studies, and on-line news groups, I found this reading a bit overwhelming or too dry at times, but only because of the author's thorough investigation. All in all, it was well worth it. Makes your doctors sit up and take notes when you talk about how YOU want to treat your depression. (that alone is worth it). An excellent reference that grows with you as your treatment for depression evolves. ... Read more

Book Description
It's a great blessing when a new mom with postpartum depression (PPD) is fortunate enough to be diagnosed early by a knowledgeable medical practitioner or therapist. But without guidance, it isn't always clear where the boundary between normal baby blues and PPD lies. As with any other illness, the quicker that PPD is identified and treated, the faster the woman will recover.

Postpartum Depression For Dummies can help you begin the process of determining what’s going on with you and give you a better idea of where you fall so that you can get yourself into proper treatment right away. The book covers all aspects of PPD, from its history and its origins to its effects on women and their families to the wide variety of treatments available—including conventional Western medicine, psychological therapy, alternative medical treatments, and self-care measures. Postpartum Depression For Dummies reveals:

• Why some doctors may be hush-hush about PPD
• How to distinguish between pregnancy hormone changes, "baby blues," and PPD
• The difficulties of getting a proper diagnosis
• The role and importance of a therapist
• The benefits of medication for depression
• Alternative treatments with  a successful track record
• How to find the right balance of psychological, medical, and alternative treatment
• Ways you can help foster recovery
• The nutrition you need to care for yourself properly
• How to help your partner help you

Postpartum Depression For Dummies also provides the additional resources you need—web sites, organizations, and further reading—to help avoid the unnecessary suffering caused by undiagnosed and untreated PPD and survive and thrive as a new mom. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

This book changed my life!
I suffered PPD after the birth of my second son.As a stay-at-home mom caring for two small children, I felt overwhelmed and lost.I was suffering, as were those around me.After reading Dr. Shoshanna's book, I was able to make positive changes to bring balance to my life and overcome my PPD.I stopped beating myself up for not being able to "do-it-all."I started caring for myself by putting good nutrition in my body, taking breaks to have "me" time, and asking for help with housework and childcare.By doing these things, I saw changes immediately and I feel better than I have in a long time.And this book helped my family understand how I was feeling and how to support me.I wish I would have read Dr. Shoshanna's book before I had my first child.Now that I am pregnant with my third child, I plan to continue with the changes I've made and have a much happier experience with my newborn and my family.Thank you Dr. Shoshanna for writing this book and for helping so many women.All mothers (whether first time or not) should read this book.

BEST RESOURCE TO ASSIST IN OVERCOMING OCD AND POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
IF YOU ARE A SUFFERER OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AND / OR HAVE THE HORRIBLE EXPERIECE OF OCD AS A RESULT OR AN ADDED PROBLEM AS I DO, THIS BOOK HELPED ME TO SEE THAT THE PROBLEM IS MANAGABLE AND MADE ME NO LONGER AFRAID AND AWARE OF WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME MENTALLY.THE AUTHOR DR. SHOSHANA BENNETT, PHD. HAS WRITTEN THIS BOOK IN A WAY THAT IS PRACTICAL AND HELPED ME IN AN ENOURMOUS CAPACITY BY SHOWING ME THAT OCD IS MANAGABLE AND NOT DANGEROUS.IF NEEDED, I HIGHLY SUGGEST, MAKING AN APPOINTMENT TO SPEAK WITH DR. BENNETT (SEND HER AN E-MAIL, ADDRESS IS IN THE BACK OF THE BOOK) AND HAVE A SESSION WITH HER OVER THE PHONE.IT TRULY HELPED ME SEE THE LIGHT ON MY ROAD TO RECOVERY.I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU ALSO GIVE A COPY OF THIS BOOK TO YOUR DOCTOR AND/OR PSYCHOLOGIST/PSYCHIOTRIST/SOCIAL WORKER AND HIGHLIGHT THE SECTIONS THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING AND THIS WILL ALSO EDUCATE THEM JUST IN CASE THEY ARE NOT FULLY AWARE OF ALL OF THE SYMPTOMS, OR THIS IS GREAT TO GIVE TO FRIENDS OR FAMILY TO EDUCATE THEM AS TO WHAT IS GOING ON.

Anyone suffering from PPD needs this book!
Once I picked this book up, I couldn't put it down.I finished it in 2 hours!I honestly think it's the best book I've read on PPD.Dr Bennett explains PPD in a way that anyone, not just professionals, can understand.I felt very comforted reading the book and realizing that I was not alone in dealing with this.I especially felt comforted knowing that Dr Bennett herself had experienced PPD and could speak first-hand about what she went through.I would highly recommend this book to anyone suffering from PPD or anyone who knows someone suffering from PPD.

Buy this book
As a psychiatrist I'm thrilled to have this book available to my patients.It offers invaluable information and guidance for new parents, other family members, and professionals on diagnosis and treatment of problems that arise after the birth of a baby.In fact, any mother would appreciate the thorough, poignant, and heartfelt help in sorting out the emotional roller coaster that is new motherhood.

Finally! Postpartum Help For Women AND Men
Finally, a book on postpartum depression for both women AND men! And it's not just any book; it's the best one, written by the leading expert on the subject. Not only does Dr. Bennett discuss how men play a critical role as partners of women with PPD, but also how men suffer too from this crippling condition. For new dads with PPD, this book has just the tools they'll need to begin repairing their lives. It's also an invaluable resource for health professionals who want to best help women, men and families affected by this painful - yet treatable - condition.

Dr. Will Courtenay
Licensed Psychotherapist Specializing in Helping Men With Postpartum Depression
Dr.Courtenay@PostpartumMen.com
... Read more

Book Description
"What do you have to be depressed about?" Bet you've heard that one before. Or how about, "You're depressed? Just get over it!" Easier said than done, right? Or here's a favorite, "They have a pill for that now, you know."

Unfortunately, such naïve armchair psychology rarely works for someone suffering from the very real plight of depression. All it does is seek to trivialize depression and characterize depressed people as "whiners" who have nothing better to do than to "complain about their lives." But the truth is, depression is a very real problem. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that, on any given day, 121 million people worldwide suffer from depression. And depression rates continue to increase – for example, kids exhibit depression at nearly ten times the rate of previous generations. Theories abound as to why depression rates are increasing, but regardless of the cause, this scourge continues to rob its victims of happiness, joy, and the capacity to give and receive love.

So why Depression For Dummies, when there's already a glut of self-help books on the market peddling so-called cures and remedies for depression? Because this book satisfies the need for a straight-talking, no-nonsense resource on depression. The only agenda of Depression For Dummies is to present you with the facts on depression and explain the options for dealing with it. Rest assured, this is no infomercial in a yellow and black cover.

Here's just a sampling of what you'll find in Depression For Dummies:

• Demystifying the types of depression
• Discovering what goes on in the body of a depressed person
• Detecting and diagnosing depression
• Seeking help through therapy and medication
• Modifying depressed behavior and solving life's headaches
• Dealing with depression resulting from grief and relationship issues
• Cutting through the hype of alterna