Product 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.Amazon.com Review
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 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

Best I've found to help patients and families
This is the best resource for patients and their families. It is a "must read" for anyone involved with the complicated MH field. I have loaned mine out numerous times and the person usually ends up buying their own copy. It's a no nonsense informative book that allows people to read the many aspects of the disease. Dr. Torrey is an excellant advocate for families and patients. It gives suggestions tofamilies when their loved one is having trouble. If hospitalization is involved Torrey introduces the patient and family with many options they could explore. There is a section that includes websites and other resources which give support, advocacy and not to forget; the continual updates on the disease. I've worked in the MH field for many years and it is one book I constantly go back to for guidance.This book not only provides information it gives encouragement and hope. That is the most important message of all: there is hope.

Surviving manic depression
Arrived quickly and in great shape. Will be a good resource book for work I do.

Survival guide for bipolar
All of that information I already obtain throu the Internet saits. The book was nothing to do about reality of surviving-only main information about desease and main information (very old, thouh, it is another level of medicine already exist , for exsample, abilify). Nothing new for me, mother of bipolar child, who declines her medical help. Again, nothing about SURVIVING. Sorry, Natalia Seregin.

Manual on Bipolar Disorder
This is a really helpful book. Great for trying to learn about this disorder and being supportive. Also very good for helping yourself understand better what's going on with your loved one with this disorder. Very, very good book. The other reviews were extremely helpful in my decision to buy this book.

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. ... Read more

Product Description

Seven years ago, John McManamy was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Through his successful Web site and newsletter, he has turned his struggles into a lifelong dedication to helping others battling depression and bipolar disorder reclaim their lives. In Living Well with Depression and Bipolar Disorder, he brilliantly blends the knowledge of leading expert authorities with the experiences of his fellow patients, as well as his own, and offers extensive information on:

Customer Reviews (42)

Very informative.
Very informative and easy to read. Must have reading for anyone living with someone that has bipolar.

Excellent and essential book
Compared to the many books I have read on depression and bipolar disorder, this is the best and more helpful.

lots of medical studies
This book sites many many medical studies and doctors, but provides little real help in helping you get better if you have bipolar disorder.Lots and lots of medical studies!I read the whole book and took about 1.5 8 1/2 x 11" pages ofnotes.I didn't get that much out of this book at all.The best part of the book starts on page 345 at the back of the book.It lists lots of websites which can help you and family members with bipolar disorder.I think you would be much better off running a search on Google for bipolar disorder and checking at you local public library if you really want to read this book.I would check into other books first.I give this book about a two out five.Lots and lots of clinical data that means little to the patient.

Over the top
The book has some good information in the first part, that provides useful insights into the problems faced by bipolar people.Beyond the first part I found the book to be lacking of much useful information. Some parts of the book seems more like a rag written by big pharma.

Better then I thought
This is actually better then i thought originally i was going to return it thinking ok whatever this is just this dude's opinion and im not learning anything new. But flipping through it I was able to find stories of others that have shared similar experiences to myself and this guy has picked out some key info from various reference books on the subject. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
A collection of 450+ Depression Era recipes, including hints, measurements, poetry, & era descriptions. Illustrated, 166 pgs., glossy boards. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Down to earth
Shows just how things can be made on a really tight budget. And the meals are really good.

Depression Era Recipes
This is the perfect gift-giving recipe book.My good friend had been looking at the flea markets for this book.I found it on Amazon, very reasonably priced.I give to my friend as a gift.She had been looking for recipes that her mountain- folks used to make, and also wanting to save money on the ingredients, dueto her lay-off from her job.This book is a valuable addition to any recipe collection.Shipping with lightning-fast.

Depression is proper title
The Depression Era Cookbook will cause depression if you purchase it.It is obviously a self published cookbook with common recipes available most anywhere.Nothing new or interesting here. Many self published cookbooks done by church groups for fund raisers have much better recipes than this poorly written book.Save your money during this depression!

great history/recipe book
Very impressed with the pictures and the recipes of the book.
Everyone loved the recipe book because it gave you the sensation that you were in that era.
Well done.

Cook book
I gave this as a gift to my mother, who grew up in the Depression.She enjoyed it and remembered some of the items in it.The construction of the book was poor and she had to reinforce all the holes to keep the pages from tearing out. ... Read more

Product Description

In Rebuild from Depression: A Nutrient Guide, Including Depression in Pregnancy and Postpartum, Amanda Rose, Ph.D. and Annell Adams, M.D. identify the seven nutrients most commonly associated with depression in the medical literature, including Omega 3 in fish oil, B vitamins, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, and zinc. They provide readers with tools to: (1) Identify a nutrient deficiency, (2) Locate the best supplements / vitamins for depression, and (3) Select and prepare foods to maximize those nutrients in their diets.

Customer Reviews (9)

A thoughtful and well researched "healing from the inside out" book on depression
Having a number of friends and family members who suffer from depression and having had four babies who have grown from my nutrient stores, I found this to be an enlightening book. It is thoughtful and well researched. It is not condemning to the different ways of treating depression but offers a way to heal from the "inside-out". The book lays a good case for depression being the result of deficiency in nutrients that our body needs to do it's job. And it presents good information for how we can get restore those nutrients and keep it from happening again. It also explains why depression ends up being "hereditary".

Excellent resource for those interested in a holistic approach.
This informayion is useful and insightful. It is a comprehensive version of what is available on the blog.

Very Grateful for this book

As a person who has suffered from anorexia, depression, and food allergies, and has long been aware of the relationship between food and mental health and frustrated by mainstream healthcare's general refusal to acknowledge this, I am delighted that Amanda Rose has written this book. As a person who 'opted out' of mainstream healthcare for a long time and made several bad decisions about my health 'going it alone' and too sick to make proper decisions for myself, I am full of awestruck admiration for her singleminded quest to improve her health, even in the grip of depression. As someone who loves to see true facts uncovered in an accessible way that will not put people off, or come across as 'quackery' or magical thinking, I am enthused by the rigor, thoroughness and general user-friendliness of her book.

It is a fairly short and very readable book (just over 200 pages including helpful appendices, references and basic index), that is part memoir of Dr Rose's own recovery process and lifestyle changes implemented, and part how-to and sharing of what she learned along the way. So, it reads like a journey of discovery of all the nutrients/deficiencies implicated in depression, and all the lifestyle changes one can undertake to help not only to cure the depression but to keep it gone.

In her discussions of culturing foods to enhance nutrient availability and seeking out wild game rather than farmed meat, she echoes - perhaps unwittingly - the recommendations of the Weston Price Foundation (cf. 'Nourishing Traditions' by Fallon and Enig). Some people have been put off by the ideological background to this Foundation's approach. It is thought-provoking indeed that Rose has arrived somewhere similar from such an experiential path, with such thorough scientific investigation and self-experimentation. She also shows both sides of a picture, especially in her discussions of soy and phytates. For these reasons as well as others, I would be far rather to introduce skeptical folks to some of these concepts with her book than with the Weston Price literature. In fact, there are several friends with whom I am sharing this book, none of them 'post partum' (and nor am I)!

Amanda Rose also maintains a blog with ongoing research and lifestyle notes, but the book is worth reading for all the detailed discussions, references, sources and comprehensive coverage of the material.

I am grateful for the book's having been written and for Amanda Rose's healing journey!

A very important book for ALL mothers and their families
I read Rebuild From Depression the month after I weaned my second child (she was just over three).At the time I didn't admit it, nor was I clinically diagnosed, but I was experiencing extreme acute depression during certain times in my cycle and I was looking for some answers or relief.I have a family history of depression that is not openly discussed.Dr. Rose's book spoke to me on so many levels.The book is well-researched and grounded in scientific evidence but it is an easy, interesting read.It offers the background necessary for understanding WHY with very straight forward steps to begin changing my diet and rebuild the nutrient deficiencies that likely existed before I got pregnant.Dr. Rose is able to take an overwhelming situation (indeed a potentially incapacitating one) and break it down into do-able pieces, without any pressure.With plenty of resources and recipes to get me started, I have kept this book close at hand to refer to regularly and I am excited to know that I am not only making myself better but possibly breaking a family cycle of nutrition deficit in the process.Now that's rebuilding from depression!

The missing link to dealing with depression
Amanda's book was the missing ingredient that I needed to help manage my depression.Her web site is fantastic and I was so pleased when her book finally came out.Yep, those extra nutrients helped me.If I neglect my diet and taking the supplements that she suggests than I don't do nearly as well.As it is, I sometimes feel I can cope better with life's stresses than the average person since I am conscious of my diet now.My depression has been a very arduous struggle, starting in my teens and still a force to be dealt with today at age 38.My case is a severe one, but with meds and diet I am a walking success story.Thanks Amanda!God used you to make me a vessel ready for His service!
Pam ... Read more

Product Description

New Way of Thinking About Depression

Customer Reviews (6)

A Phenomenal Book and a Phenomenal Writer
I bought this book after seeing Dr. Honos-Webb speak on a different topic (parenting). She spoke with such wisdom and insight, and addressed some of the most important questions and fears regarding parenting today -- and she did it in such a simple way. I am a lifelong lover of learning and I can honestly say that I have never seen a speaker come at a topic so directly yet so intimately. It was a life-changing talk.

It made me want to hear more of Honos-Webb's take on the world - so much more that I went home and ordered all of her books (which is a lot to say for a single mother watching every dime!): The Gift of Adult ADD: How to Transform Your Challenges & Build on Your Strengths, The Gift Of ADHD: How To Transform Your Child's Problems Into Strengths, The Gift of ADHD Activity Book: 101 Ways to Turn Your Child's Problems into Strengths (Companion) as well as this one.

Her books are more than I had hoped for. Honos-Webb approaches depression, ADD and ADHD in a uniquely positive way. There are new insights and food for thought on every page. She is also a wonderful writer. I am a writer and an editor myself and I was continually impressed with not only the beauty of the ideas she expresses but the beauty of her words as well.

Honos-Webb sheds extraordinary light on these topics. Her books should be required reading for everyone who cares about the human mind.

PS And if you ever get a chance to see her speak, seize the opportunity. This woman should have her own TV show! (Could she be the next Oprah????? We can only hope.)

Excellent book
Dont know where to start, if you have had counseling and treatment for depression you may benefit the most from reading this book.

Especially the concept of why would you want to be returned to a mental state prior to the onset of depression for it was from that point you gotdepressed to begin with.

But the book is a valuable reference to review in light of our own lives, and asking ourself the questions that naturally occur, or reviewing the images we think about as we read it.

I admit this book may have had more value for myself for it validates a lot of what my work in counseling had suggested for years. This time it stuck and had the most meaning, and it was most likely been the timing.

Breakingfree of your depression and despair to be the best you can be!
If you are a self-help aficionado like me who has read hundreds of books, but the result has only been an increase in knowledge about a particular problem, but never finding a clear map through the quagmire of self analysis, this is the book for you!This book is tailored to find what works for you and is free of the "one size fits all" type of advice found in many self-help books.The exercises provided in the book pushed me to go beyond treating my symptoms and expand how I viewed the purpose of my life.The exercises were great at pushing me beyond the typical focus on weaknesses and helped me find my unique strengths and make begin to put them into use.

"Listening to depression"-a balm for the soul.
Poetically written and gentle, this book offers an insight into a different way of looking at a "diagnosis."
Holistic and pragmatic at the same time, offering inspiration to those who need it the most.

If you are depressed, here is the way to turn the experience around!
Around in 2 ways: Depression can be an opportunity to look at your past and present life for clues as to your "slowing or shutting down." Once you find what's out of balance in your life, you can slowly turn your life around, and start anew. Not easy to do, but this book can help. Easy to understand exercises and personal reviews. I highly recommend this book! ... Read more

Product Description
A National Book Critics Circle finalist: "The definitive book about Depression culture for our time."—San Francisco ChronicleHailed as one of the best books of 2009 by the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, this vibrant portrait of 1930s culture masterfully explores the anxiety and hope, the despair and surprising optimism of distressed Americans during the Great Depression. Morris Dickstein, whom Norman Mailer called "one of our best and most distinguished critics of American literature," has brought together a staggering range of material-from epic Dust Bowl migrations to zany screwball comedies, elegant dance musicals, wildly popular swing bands, and streamlined Deco designs. Exploding the myth that Depression culture was merely escapist, Dickstein concentrates on the dynamic energy of the arts, and the resulting lift they gave to the nation's morale. A fresh and exhilarating analysis of one of America's most remarkable artistic periods, with Dancing in the Dark Dickstein delivers a monumental critique. A New York Times Notable Book, Los Angeles Times Favorite Book, San Francisco Chronicle Best Book of 2009, and Huffington Post Best Book. 24 black-and-white illustrations ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

The title is misleading and so is the rest
Had the title of this book been: "A history of the Depression literature",it would have rendered the exact message and content it presents to the reader. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The main corpus of the text is about books and poems but not about the other cultural aspects,which are not discussed in any proportion to the literary bulk is contains.
Second,its message could have been shortened and the many repetitions the book has makes it extremely difficult for the reader to finish it. I gave it up after 150 pages.

I enjoyed the book but.........
it has some problems. Most of all it is over done to the extreme! A lot of shooting gnats with cannons going on. The writer leaves little room for the reader. There is no room to breath of think, he does it all for you! The writer is way too enthued with his own opinions. As mentioned in another review there is no mention of Country, Country & Western or Blues music. A glaring error! On the other hand, if you can wade through it it has a lot to offer. I had never thought of the 30's in this context. I am aware of the various books, movies, music, etc. that are discussed but have never read a book about their collective impact. For that alone it was well worth reading.

Thrilling and inspiring
Although I am too young to have experienced the Great Depression first hand, I have a passion for all things of the era.When people ask my why, Ireply "Because it seems to me that it was the last time that our nation possessed a soul."

I love this book.I found the author's critical assessments to be so sane, humane, and wise.The book led me, as I was reading, to explore its many topics.A friend burned me three CDs with 100 Cole Porter songs.Then he sent me 100 Irving Berlin.Ibought the Bing Crosby boxed set that the author recommended.And I watched at least five of the movies that Morris Dickstein recommended.One downside:What am I to do with my new crush on SylviaSydney?

I think this is what criticism should be.It should inspire the reader to engage with the subject.Itshould enhance the art, not compete with it, or, worse, crush it.

Making the Depression Boring
I didn't think it was possible to make a social history of the depression this boring. I finish every book I start, but not this one. It's a shame because I was really looking forward to reading it. The author brings no humor, no human touch to his subject. I just thank God that I've never had to take one of his classes and endure his yawn-enducing pedantry for a whole semester.

Dancing in the Dark

Dancing in the Dark is a remarkably insightful account of the changes imposed on various media by the Great Depression of 1929-1939. A fine sociological work illuminated by great artistry. ... Read more

Product Description

Unholy Ghost is a unique collection of essays about depression that, in the spirit of William Styron's Darkness Visible, finds vivid expression for an elusive illness suffered by more than one in five Americans today. Unlike any other memoir of depression, however, Unholy Ghost includes many voices and depicts the most complete portrait of the illness. Lauren Slater eloquently describes her own perilous experience as a pregnant woman on antidepressant medication. Susanna Kaysen, writing for the first time about depression since Girl, Interrupted, criticizes herself and others for making too much of the illness. Larry McMurtry recounts the despair that descended after his quadruple bypass surgery. Meri Danquah describes the challenges of racism and depression. Ann Beattie sees melancholy as a consequence of her writing life. And Donald Hall lovingly remembers the "moody seesaw" of his relationship with his wife, Jane Kenyon.

The collection also includes an illuminating series of companion pieces. Russell Banks's and Chase Twichell's essays represent husbandand-wife perspectives on depression; Rose Styron's contribution about her husband's struggle with melancholy is paired with an excerpt from William Styron's Darkness Visible; and the book's editor, Nell Casey, juxtaposes her own essay about seeing her sister through her depression with Maud Casey's account of this experience. These companion pieces portray the complicated bond -- a constant grasp for mutual understandingforged by depressives and their family members.

With an introduction by Kay Redfield Jamison, Unholy Ghost allows the bewildering experience of depression to be adequately and beautifully rendered. The twenty-two stories that make up this book will offer solace and enlightenment to all readers.

The writers' descriptions of "dwelling in depression's dark wood" (William Styron) are disturbing and haunting, laden with vivid imagery. "My heart pumped dread," writes Lesley Dormen. David Karp describes his depression as sometimes a "grief knot" in his throat, sometimes chest pain like a heart attack, sometimes "an awful heaviness" in his eyes and head. From her teenage years, Darcey Steinke would wrap herself in an old comforter and lie in a fetal position on top of her shoes in the closet (her brother called this her "poodle bed"). Nancy Mairs describes being institutionalized: "Lock [a woman] into a drab and dirty space with dozens of other wayward souls, make sure that she is never alone, feed her oatmeal and bananas until her bowels are starched solid, drug her to the eyeballs so that she can scarcely read or speak, and threaten to shoot bolts of electricity through her brain." If you want to know depression from the inside, from thoroughly gifted writers, you'll find it here. --Joan Price ... Read more

Customer Reviews (33)

knowledge of depression
I do not suffer from depression, but have always been interested in knowing what it is like, what people feel like, how do they go on? The depictions here are as varied as people are and there is no one way of feeling or looking at depression. Some of the chapters are chilling and frightening in the manner that the people either manage to cope or delude themselves that they are coping. Larry McMurty's desciption of loss of "self" after surgery was terrifying. Do not read it all at once. You need to dip in and out or it becomes, well, depressing. Each writer has his or her own strengths and some are strong and a few fairly weak in the writing at times, selfish. It is as if they have not yet found a reconciliation to the depression. I suppose that is one point. William Styron followed by his wife Rose Styron are beautiful writers, William fierce and curious and Rose soft and melodic. It is unavoidable to think, however, that they lead such a privileged life, one wondered how anyone could succumb to depression. Lee Stringer was laugh out loud and weep at the same time in his efforts to move forward. There are no answers, but definitely some clarity and grateful acceptance of where we are at in this life.

Moving and True to life
I am 33 years old and have lived with the "Unholy Ghost" of Depression for over half of my life. My depression is chronic, and has been somewhat resistant to treatment. I had seen this book a few times before, but had never bought it. But when it I saw it recently at a thrift store, I knew I had to get it. I'm not really sure what I was expecting from this book, but it far exceeded my expectations. I could relate to so much of what is written here. As I read, I frequently found myself thinking "I've experienced that." "So, I'm not the only person in the world who has thought that or experienced that.""I know all too well what that is like" This book encouraged me and challenged me. It helped me see my depression from a completely new perspective. This book helped me feel less alone. Depression is a subject that is not discussed openly often enough. Even in this day and age, there are still misconceptions and stigma associated with having a mental illness. I've noticed (both from hearing about the experiences and my own experience) that this stigma is especially prevalent with depression. Simply put, depression is one of those things that you simply can't understand unless you've experienced it yourself. Even though I am a writer and feel very comfortable expressing myself through the written word, depression is very difficult, if not impossible to explain to someone who hasn't lived through it. When talking with others who have experienced it, no explanation is needed. I would highly recommend this book to people with depression, but also to friends and family members of a person with depression. If you want to get a deeper understand of what depression truly feels like, then this is a great book.

I do, however, have one complaint about this book. Out of all the essays, there is one that really rubbed me the wrong way. It is the one by Susanna Kayson (author of the best-selling book "Girl, Interrupted." It is obvious from reading her essay that she has no idea what true depression is like. Her essay comes across very condescending. She tries to make the absurd argument that depression is a good thing. She says that most people who think they have depression really don't. To be honest, this essay just left me angry and scratching my head. I didn't really get the point of this essay, and didn't think it fit very well at all with the other essays. Susanna writes that people who think they are depressed are really just very sad. I can't speak for other people with depression. But I have experienced grief, sadness, and depression in my life. Sadness and depression are completely different. There is no way they are interchangeable, as Ms. Kayson seems to suggest. This essay just left me with a bad taste in my mouth all around.

But other than that, I would highly recommend this book.

Uneven
About: Writers who have suffered from depression as well as some of their friends and relatives write essays on their experiences.

Pros: Interesting mix, I liked that other folks besides the writers chimed in to give another view of depression experiences

Cons: VERY uneven. Some essays are good, others boring

Grade: C

Well, That Certainly Was Depressing
The objective of this collection by Ms. Casey is noble. The essays are a mixed bag of writing styles. As a male who suffers from depression, some of the pieces resonated for me. The companion essays which gave the suffer and their significant other's perspectives were especially helpful. A few of the womens' perspectives, however, were too wordy and nebulous for my tastes. Informative for people that suffer from depression as well as the more fortunate readers who don't have this demon on their back. Worth reading, but a tough book to plow through because of its constant drumbeat of misery. You're darn tootin' the next book I read is going to be a comedy.

Essays by Writers Who Have Struggled with Depression or Bi-Polar Disorder
I am a clinical social worker and sometimes one of my clients suggests a book to me.That is how I came to read 'Unholy Ghosts: Writers on Depression'.

I found this to be an articulate and very interesting book by writers who struggle with affective disorders or love someone who has this illness.Most of the essays were right-on.I have loaned this book to several of my clients who have depression or love someone with depression.

I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Millions of Americans try drugs or talk therapy to relieve depression and anxiety, but recent scientific studies prove certain alternative treatments can work as well or better-often bringing on a cure.

In this extraordinary international bestseller, award-winning psychiatrist and neuroscientist David Servan-Schreiber, M.D., Ph.D., presents seven natural approaches, each with proven results, that together form a treatment plan that builds on the body's relationship to the brain, yielding faster, more dramatic, and permanent changes. People who want to leave suffering behind now can live joyful, happy lives. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Perfefft
One of the best books I have ever read. I have had major depression for 3 years and the things in the book really work!

The Instinct to Heal sent to a friend of mine by Amazon.com where I chose the dealer A1Books. Perfect Brand New Condition.
Excellent book on how to handle stress.Written by a French psychiatrist, I discovered it in France some 5 years ago.Not only the author quotes many examples of stress related discomfort and diseases, but he guides his readers to recovery.He indicates combined medications which can help.He shows diagrams and photos of what stress generates in the brain. Ever since I read that book, I feel better and can face life with self-control.I have sent that book to friends and relatives.They all praised it and thanked me for it. I use Amazon.com and choose there the best dealer.In that case it was A1Books

Outstanding book - appropriate for the health care professional or the layman
I've recommended this book to several of my family and friends.I've had personal experience with most of the techniques he describes and have had positive results.

My family physician asked me to read this book...
I have been struggling with anxiety for a few years and just recently also started suffering from depression too.My family physician recommended that I read this book.I am always open to any alternatives to medicine, especially when it comes to anxiety.I wouldn't say this book changed my life, but I did walk away with a lot of good information.Some of the things I was already aware of from ready other books like this one, but I like how this author backs it up with scientific research.I thought it was easy to read, yet very informative.You may not agree with all of the methods used in this book, but I bet you will find at least one that will help you deal with depression/anxiety.

The secret of good health
This is an amazing book written by a Professor of Psychiatry and practising psychiatrist who thinks outside the box.Yes, a pill or medical procedure relieves pain but this good doctor wants to understand the source of a patient's pain.In treating emotional disorders he might try acupuncture, EMDR (eye movement therapy), or nutritional supplements and personally if I was out of control I would prefer taking fish oil to having someone tamper with my brain. The author relates many personal experiences and his encounters with patients are always compassionate. Ultimately he tells us that the secret to health is stress management, exercise and improved nutrition.
... Read more

Product Description

A Compassionate and Spiritual Approach to Rediscovering Joy

Customer Reviews (18)

A loving and practical look at a Zen approach to depression
An excellent and gentle approach to a difficult subject. The book contains very short essays (no fluff or jargon) that can be read easily. This is particularly valuable as depression can make long concentrated reading difficult. A wise and truly compassionate book.

The Best Book I Have Read
I admire but don't understand the mildness of the reviews of "The Zen Path Through Depression."Replace "depression" with "existence" and you've got it about right.This is the most challenging, compassionate tough minded work I have ever gotten to really know.Yeah, it is written in gentle language, but it is a firm, direct call to nothing less than the toughest kind of anonymous heroism. Both of my copies are underlined extensively. A message I have gotten that I find most helpful, "If you are afraid the best thing you can do to find safety through effectiveness is stay absolutely present."
Also: Love your "self", if you get lucky it might get bored and go away.

Both Compassionate and Practical!
Starting with my mother's depression when I was small, depression has shadowed my life.I'm almost 70 now, and I've read a lot of books on depression. One thing I want in a book on depression is the "milk of human kindness." _The Zen Path through Depression_ is special that way.The author's dharma is, indeed, one that affords refuge.He has learned to be unafraid of depression - he doesn't have to fearfully control it or "fix" it.He has faith that, although joy is impermanent, depression is as well

The Zen Path Through Depression
This book in phenomenal.I have never wanted to take meds for depression so have just lived with it.This book taught me how to deal with it (or more accurately-accept it).It it very straight forward and easy to understand with practical excercises at a the end of each chapter.My life is much improved.

Incredibly Valuable
This book is enormously valuable for anyone who is depressed.The short discussions and exercizes can offer real relief, and they work well with or without the other things one does for depression--therapy, anti-depressants, or psychiatry.The best part is that it gives you a way of coping yourself; something to cling to in your darkest times.I recommend it very very highly. ... Read more

Product Description
Each year more than 17 million Americans suffer from a depressive illness, yet few suffer in solitude. How You Can Survive When They're Depressed explores depression from the perspective of those who are closest to the sufferers of this prevalent disorder--spouses, parents, children, and lovers--and gives the successful coping strategies of many people who live with a clinical depressive or manic-depressive and often suffer in silence, believing their own problems have no claim to attention.

Depression fallout is the emotional toll on the depressive's family and close friends who are unaware of their own stressful reactions and needs. Sheffield outlines the five stages of depression fallout: confusion, self-doubt, demoralization, anger, and finally, the desire to escape. Many people will find relief in the knowledge that their self-blame, guilt, sadness, and resentment are a natural result of living with a depressed person.
        
Sheffield brings together many real-life examples from the pioneering support group she attends at Beth Israel Medical Center of how people with depression fallout have learned to cope. From setting boundaries to maintaining an outside social life, she gives practical tactics for handling the challenges and emotional stresses on a day-to-day basis.Amazon.com Review
"Depression fallout" is the emotional upheavalsuffered by the friends and family members of someone who'sdepressed. Because at any given time, 17 million Americans aresuffering from depression, there's a huge number of people sufferingfrom this, says author Anne Sheffield, the daughter of adepressive. She compassionately recalls situations discussed in hersupport group at New York City's esteemed Beth Israel Hospital to illustratehow "co-sufferers" can successfully cope with their grief,confusion, guilt, and reduced self-esteem.

One of the mostoverlooked yet thoroughly damaged lots of depression fallout victims,she says, are the toddlers and children of depressed mothers. Childrenwith behavioral problems at home and in school may be struggling forattention they don't get from a depressed parent. She writes,"Although a depressed parent of either sex creates problems for achild, the bulk of the research on parental depression and its effectson young children has zeroed in on the mother, because she is thecenter of a young child's existence: the primary nurturer, teacher,and emotional and social contact. Ideally, a mother is a goodlistener, communicator, and problem solver; authoritative withoutbeing authoritarian; warm and consistent; and tolerant andpatient. Mothers in the grip of depression are often just theopposite: harsh, critical, impatient, irritable, andunaffectionate. And because one in every four women will sufferserious depression at some time in her life--more often than not,right in the middle of her prime childbearing years of twenty-five tothirty-five--the research findings are applicable to a verysubstantial number of children."

Without being flippant,Sheffield inserts bits of humor into the book. She describes what shecalls "sticky-flypaper depressives" as those who blamethemselves for everything and anything that has ever gone wrong,whether it be a relationship, or, as one psychiatrist recalled from onepatient's session, "the bad Broadway season of 1947." Shealso gives a thorough analysis of the many causes of depression,illustrates the five stages of depression fallout, and considers thebenefits and downfalls of psychotherapy and how a fallout victim maybe affected by it. Sheffield offers reassuring advice on howfallout victims can defuse stress and rebuild their self-esteem andsocial lives, abundant resources and references for support groups andinformational organizations, and an extensive list of medicationscommonly used for the treatment of mental disorders. No matter whatthe age or relationship of the fallout victim, How You Can SurviveWhen They're Depressed will prove to be a much-needed dose ofsympathy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (36)

How You Can Survive When They're Depressed
This book was recommended in an advice column recently and I have found it to be very helpful.The style of writing is very personal and easy to read.I have even ordered a second copy to give to a friend who deals with her daughter's depression.The descriptions, case studies and observations in the book help to understand the depressed person; practical suggestions are very useful.

Changed my life . . .
I wish I had known about this book years ago . . .it has truly changed my life and my attitude towards the depressed and bipolar people in my family. It explains why people with this disease act the way they do and how you can help them AND yourself cope with it all. I just received this book days ago and have already highlighted half of it! As well as being a very informative book I find it comforting as well.

good information
Allot of good information to help you relate to your loved one. Sadly it did not save our realtaionship but it did save my sanity. Best lesson from this book is you cant help them if they dont want it. Good luck and best wishes!

Great help for those of us with a depressed loved one
I also have read "Undoing Depression" which is a good self help book for the depressive.But even it didn't give me the depth of information that this book has.I love her style, and reading it has given me some perspective that helps to keep my anger and less friendly emotions at bay when dealing with my depressive.I highly recommend it for anyone who even suspects their loved one might be depressed.

somewhat hostile & divisive
I found the book to be negative and in some circumstances, over-exaggerated. There are frequent uses of "many", and "most", and this book generally paints depressives as being difficult, demanding and fault finding. People can have ongoing problems with depression and not be selfish monsters. I think this book drives people apart and looks for blame. I even get the feeling that the author has a deep seated hostility for people suffering from depression.There are much better books on the subject that are much more constructive and STILL focus on the needs of those who are dealing with depressed loved ones. ... Read more

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Book Specs

Customer Reviews (4)

A must have if you or someone you love has depression!
This book is a must have for anyone dealing with depression or anyone who knows anyone with depression!Dr. Nedley proposes that depression is not something that just must be endured but claims it can be cured and takes you step by step how it can be cured!Highly recommended!

Depression..... A Cure
Depression is one of the leading unknown and unrecognised illnesses of the century. As a mental health professional I learned during much research that by the year 2021 depression would be the biggest killer by instigating the causes of other illnesses besides its own.
How can that be you ask? and rightly so!
Depression originates within the brain, and the brain is a major body organ. It containes billions of neurons that communicate with each other via electrical impulses. Like every other organ the brain needs to be in good health to funcion at it's fullest capacity. If it is not healthy then problems arise. One of these problems is depression, both acute (short term) and chronic (long term).
Dr Neil Nedley MD is a brilliant man (in my view) and one who competely cares for the total wellbeing of his patients. Because of this he researched and formulated an understanding of the root causes of depression and how it may be sucessfully treated. This book contains these answers.
Depression diminishes quality of life.
It sinks the sufferer into the bleakest hole where the way to escape seems impossible.
Besides this, it can lead to the termination of life by means of suicide, cancer, heart conditions, diabetes and thyroid complications to name a few.
Hopefully this review will stimulate a well deserved recognition of the authors knowledge and treatment to cure.

Very comprehensive book
Wow, a very comprehensive book, utterly well researched from a physician that is what every physician should be: interested in curing the cause of the problem not just covering up the symptoms.I have learned a lot.Complete with great recipes to help you boost your mood.

A must have for those seeking alternatives/adjuncts to meds.
This book, written by a physician, is an excellent work on depression, it's causes, and varoius treatments. Dr. Nedley gives extensive research-based information on the many causes of depression, and then offers several lifestyle changes that can help improve or even eliminate many forms of depression. He speaks of depression as it is comorbid with other physical diseases, and also as it relates to various lifestyle habits and thinking patterns. This is the book for those who are on medication and wish to make changes in lifestyle that will help them to eventually eliminate the need for meds, or for those who do not wish to, or need to use medications to treat their depression. ... Read more

Product Description
Based on his conviction that children with Attention Deficit Disorder are gifted in unusual ways, the author provides strategies for dealing with problem behavior and low self-esteem in children with ADD and the stress it brings. Original. 25,000 first printing. IP. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Very helpful
I found this book to be a life saver for me at a time when I thought my 8 year old was going to harm himself or another family member.He has since been diagnosed with cyclothemic disorder butat that time he was having severe reaction to anxiety medication causing him to appear bipolar.The book helped me identify factors causing his behaviors and to seek out appropriate clinical help.I still continue to refer to this book when the going gets rough and recommend it frequently to others who have children having similar difficulties.

This Book is a True Blessing!!
I am a single mom , and both my sons have been diagnosed with ADHD.This book is truly a survival guide.It is very well written and understandable.It has answered all the questions that I had that no one else seemed to fully explain.I now have an incredibly deeper understanding of how my sons perceive this world of ours.I highly recommend this book to any parent looking for answers.It is like a bible and I am so grateful that I found it. The tips,charts,helps, and personal experiences make this book a must!!!

Parents, you can do it!
This is a wonderful book that can literally change the lives of despairing parents of children with attention problems.It doesn't just present coping strategies, it addresses the heart of the problems by exploring two main questions:how can parents move from seeing their child as an terrible trial to seeing him/her as a challenge that can be met?And how do they move from seeing only the child's behavior to understanding what's going on inside?After these two central underlying issues are addressed, parents can move on to strategies to help their child learn new behaviors, such as identifying when stresses are building, practicing relaxation and focusing techniques, and finding satisfying activities.The book also helps parents understand the strains on their marriage and their other children, and find ways to regain some peace and pleasure.I came away from this book feeling more equipped to be an appropriate teacher for my child, helping her to identify and meet her own needs, rather than another adult voice telling her to "behave properly."The book could use a little editing, but the ideas and strategies can help any parent move from feeling helpless and desperate to feeling capable of supporting, loving, and helping their child.

A Gentle Hand Reaching Out
After coming to your site today to order yet ANOTHER copy of this book, it dawned on me that I need to write a review also!I probably should just order a CASE of them next time as I am continually recommending this book to others.When you receive a diagnosis that your child has one or more of the "differences" that George Lynn writes about, it can be so frightening and you often feel hopeless and very much alone.This book is like a gentle hand reaching out to you in the darkness.He not only gives you the important clinical information you may need to move forward, but more than that, when you come to the end of the book you feel affirmed, encouraged, empowered and with the deep belief that "yes, my child may have these issues, but just look at his wonderful gifts as well!" In my work as a pastoral counselor I time and time again find mysaelf sharing this book with weary and often very frightened parents.I too know this feeling of despair as I am the mother of one of these wonderful, wild children!Thank you George Lynn for reaching out your hand to me and to my son through this healing book.You have saved our lives, and I am eternally grateful.

Full of positive, useful information.
Finally, a book that explains ADHD and all related disorders in one book.I appreciate the simple, easy to understand language, as well as, the techniques the author suggests.This book is the best one that I have readon the subject!A must for one's personal library! ... Read more

Product Description

Mary Southerland had a successful ministry, a husband who led a growingchurch, and two kids who were the joy of her life. She kept all these things inbalance until clinical depression brought her world crashing down.

In Hope in the Midst of DepressionMary recounts her difficult journey and offers readers biblical advice and encouraging words to help them:

• understand what depression is and isn’t
• experience right and godly thinking
• know that life beyond the pain exists

For anyone who struggles with depression, knows someone who is, or who needsencouragement, this is a source of light that will lead them to the hope and healing of Christ.

Formerly titled Coming Out of the Dark.

Customer Reviews (1)

Life-changing practical advice
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (5/07)

Depression is one of those illnesses that can strike anybody at just about any time. Its causes are diverse and the symptoms not always easy to recognize. Worst of all, it is so difficult to "get back on track," or as Mrs. Southerland aptly termed this, to get out of the pit of depression.

It is refreshing to see a book on this difficult subject, written by somebody who has been through it and who managed to get out of the pit. It is even more refreshing when such a book is written with ample common sense and spiced up with a large dose of humor. While it is clear that the book is geared towards women; to be more precise, actually Christian women, it is by no means something other people suffering from depression could not use - and with good results. Mrs. Southerland does a great job explaining what could possibly lead us into depression, how we could recognize the symptoms and how we could deal with them and finally overcome depression. She lists the common fears and the common problems that could get us depressed. She also included some quite useful exercises at the end of the book. Each chapter contains some concise and uplifting words of wisdom and on most every page you will find something to laugh or at least chuckle about. Take this example,

"The spoken word is powerful, and spoken words of encouragement can bring great comfort. The idea is not to speak many words, but the right words. Consider this:
· The Lord's Prayer contains 71 words.
· The Gettysburg Address contains 272 words.
· The Ten Commandments contain 139 words.
· The Declaration of Independence contains 1323 words.
· A U.S. government order setting the price of cabbage contains 26,911 words."

Quite frankly, I wish this book would have been available to me years ago when I was in one of those bottomless pits myself. I certainly would have climbed out of it faster using the techniques and advice in Mary Southerland's "Hope in the Midst of Depression," which is very aptly subtitled "How to Embrace Life Again." Between the practical, sound advice, flowing writing style and positive attitude, this is a winner. I would highly recommend it to anybody struggling with depression - or just wondering if what they are going through could possibly be depression. While this book is clearly geared towards Christian women, I feel that it transcends the genre and religious affiliations and could be of great help to just about anybody. ... Read more

Product Description
Here's an all-new, revised and updated edition of the most readable book on depression. Folks who are feeling really depressed often don't feel much like reading, but YOU CAN BEAT DEPRESSION is a very reader-friendly self-help guide. This important resource has been recognized by the National Mental Health Association. Readers will find all-new information on bipolar disorder diagnosis and treatment, along with helpful material on prevention of depression, prevention of relapse after treatment, brief therapy interventions, exercise and other non-medical approaches, the Prozac controversy, and much more. Includes an up-to-date consumer guide to medications. An invaluable self-assessment device, carefully guiding readers to figure out when and how they can help themselves, when they need to seek professional treatment, and what to expect along the way. The American Library Association Booklist calls this an excellent self-help guide… [which] could help anyone beat the blues quickly and effectively. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Outstanding book!!
I am a long term sufferer of depression for over 20 years.This is the first book that I've ever written that truly "gets" it.From beginning to end I felt that the book easily acknowledged and explained everything I've ever gone through in relation to depression.It was such an easy and interesting read from cover to cover.It was quite helpful in explaining the things that you needed to do in order to get well.I was so impressed that I had my husband read the book and it was ah AHA! moment for him, as well.He finally was able to understand the things that I had been going through, understand my mood swings and understand how some of the things that he would do and say were not only not helpful but hurtful.It has put my life on a different track and shown him some better ways to be supportive.I highly recommend this book for anyone who is suffering from depression.

Useful Information Presented Simply and Clearly
Unlike may authors in his field, John Preston set out to write a book that conveyed useful information that could easily be understood by a reasonably intelligent reader. He has succeeded.

At the outset, he divides depression into two separate categories, Psychological Depressions and Biological Depressions, pointing out that the former lend themselves to self-help treatments and psychotherapy to get rid of cognitive distortions (negative thoughts), while the latter generally require medical treatment including medication. Perhaps most importantly, he provides useful checklists for quickly determining the difference between the two.

For the majority who suffer from cognitive distortions, he provides several suggested treatments to break free from the whirlpool of despair that accompanies depression. These are designed to restore perspective to the person's life, and generally succeed.

At the more serious end of the spectrum, Biological Depression, he discusses the relative merits of various medications and provides a useful overview of Bipolar Disorder (formerly known as Manic-Depressive Illness), which is becoming increasingly common.

My only criticism is that he fails to say that a person who uses medication is likely to have trouble obtaining health insurance in the future because of the excessively high cost of these medications. While that information would discourage people from seeking treatment, it is a fact they should know.

After receiving this book, I noticed that it is published by Impact Publishers, a small publisher located in Atascadero, California. I previously read another of their books ("Luck Is No Accident" by Krumholtz and Levin), which was also excellent. Judging from the listings of their other publications, they specialize in publishing high quality, clearly written, self-help and psychology books. Certainly this book fits that description.

Highly recommended.

Valuable Self Help Guide From Physician
You Can Beat Depression By Dr. John Preston is a thorough discussion of the causes and signs of depression. The book is in lay language to help you determine if you yourself or your loved one are experiencing a natural sadness which will pass or if the depression is clinical and need's the treatment of a physician.Dr. Preston discusses the reasons many times depression is not correctly diagnosed because it seems simple to pop a pill and feel better.However, Americans are over-medicated and proper diagnosis of depression will give real help, not just a cover-up. Sometimes talking with a loved one or a counselor will solve the problem, and sometimes an illness needs to be treated.Whatever the root of depression, this book will help you interpret the signs and causes and seek the proper help and cure. You don't have to live with depression.This book offers the hope and help you need.

An easy beacon to follow
If you're suffering from depression or know someone who is, this slender resource is a quick read packed with solidly researched info and advice. Preston makes it immediately clear he understands the horrible apathy and inertia of depression, structuring his expertise in small bites that are easy to digest. It takes very little effort or energy to find a nugget of help or hope in this book that might literally be enough to save a life. If you're not sure where to turn, if you're feeling helpless, this clearly written, compassionate guide is an excellent place to start finding your way out of darkness.

The focus is on understanding depression and its various subtypes, relieving it as quickly as possible, restoring a sense of personal power, and preventing relapse. Preston deftly guides readers through the process of determining which of several methods he briefly describes might work best for them, identifying circumstances that respond well to self-help and those that demand professional intervention. His review of medications is up to date and straightforward, and his admonition to readers to be patient with their prescribed regimen is a responsibly reiterated point. Dr. Preston emphasizes the hopeful points of each therapeutic mode and gently mobilizes readers to be active partners in their own recovery.

Simple exercises for defining and tracking depressive symptoms and behaviors help draw specific battle lines for what might otherwise be an overwhelming enemy. The coping skills Preston teaches can be absorbed as second-nature reflexes for staying on an emotional even keel long after you finish reading the text. You can track your own progress with the checklists he suggests, adjusting your approach where necessary and monitoring your improvement. No effort toward reaffirming life is too small to be noted as a victory. This warm, reassuring book underscores the choices we all have in how we respond to events in our lives, and offers realistic options for a highly treatable condition. See the light for yourself.

You can beat depression


I believe the book answers most of the questions people have when diagnosed with depression.
Dr. Preston wrote three chapters explaining the many causes of depression.He believes that making sense out of what caused our depression can improve our chances for recovery.
The author includes existential losses as a cause.One of these is the disillusionment or loss of a dream.This often starts when one finally loses hope for a change in our life.
Although brief, the book covers many treatments including self-help, exercise, cognitive therapy, and journaling.His chapters on contolling our negative thoughts are excellent.

... Read more

Product Description
Overcoming Depression will provide healing and freedom for millions of Christians who suffer silently from depression. This Christ-centered road-map to recovery balances spiritual and physical symptoms, leading those with depression and those in the Church who must help them to both a thorough understanding and a comprehensive treatment. Now is the time to get Overcoming Depression into the hands of Christians everywhere, helping those who are desperately in need of its powerful and life-changing message. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Disappointing
This is a good book up to a point. However, it has not serious advice for people who must take medications to manage depression. Becoming cured is not as simple as the book makes it sould. I threw the book away.

this book saved my sanity....................
i have done the most internal healing of my adult life by use of this book......... i was at the point where i thought i might need medicine to help me overcome this black cloud that took residence over my head.... but through this empathetic, well written book, i was able to allow God to reveal things to me that i had not dealt with and lead me to healing, rather than covering up the root of my depressions with things and actions.......... i read it from cover to cover, underlined throughout and took notes.... i am just starting overcoming addictive behaviors next and expect more healing to come from studying that one as well

EMPOWERING....
This book was extremely powerful in a soft yet christian way. I could not put this book down. Once I was finished I was looking for more to read. The author's are excellent with the manner in which they used the bible to help you understand depression...Wonderful book.

Outstanding!!!!!!!!!
I have been dealing with anxiety and depression for almost 4 years.As a Christian, this book reconnected me with God and I was set free from many lies of Satan that I have been believing about myself and God for years.It is a must read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

overcoming depression
I am the Director of a Freedom in Christ minsitry in California.I used this book in conjunction with the video series entitled "Finding Hope Again" in an eight week seminar.Each week the attendees read one chapter, viewed the corresponding video and discussed what they were learning. This book was a very effective way of reinforcing the videos. People attended the seminars because they were suffereing from depression. Most attendees admitted to learning something helpful that they did not previously know about depression.Some attendees followed up with counseling and visits to medical doctors for assessments concerning the possible need for medication.Some have requested to be led through the steps to freedom as a result.In my opinion "Overcoming Depression" is a book of great value on its own merits, but when used in conjunction with the corresponding videos it is extremely helpful to people suffering from depression or for those who are trying to help others who are suffering. ... Read more

Product Description
A passionate argument against our romantic acceptance of depression—from the internationally bestselling author of Listening to Prozac

In his landmark bestseller Listening to Prozac, Peter Kramer revolutionized the way we think about antidepressants and the culture in which they are so widely used. Now Kramer offers a frank and unflinching look at the condition those medications treat: depression. Definitively refuting our notions of "heroic melancholy," he walks readers through groundbreaking new research—studies that confirm depression’s status as a devastating disease and suggest pathways toward resilience. Thought-provoking and enlightening, Against Depression provides a bold revision of our understanding of mood disorder and promises hope to the millions who suffer from it.Amazon.com Review
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 Lightner ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

Against the myth of depression and artistic creativity
If you are looking for a source of practical information on the disease called unipolar major depression and are interested in learning about how this condition is medically treated and personally managed, Peter D. Kramer's «Against Depression» may not be the book you are looking for. The author himself states as much in the prologue: "But I think it is only fair to say up front that this book is less about what to do, here and now, than about meaning." Although the book does discuss depression and its treatment, its primary aim is to criticize the myths that romanticize depression, especially as they pertain to the popular image of artists and other creative individuals. In fact, a more descriptive title for this book would have been «Against Romanticizing Depression», that being the author's chief concern.

The book consists of three parts titled "What It Is to Us", "What It Is", and "What It Will Be". The second part provides the kind of practical information many readers will be seeking; it is very readable and to the point. The other two parts devote more attention to the idealized and largely erroneous conception that associates depression with artistic talent and genius. These discussions are erudite but tend to be detailed and lengthy, perhaps more appropriate for a specialized audience than for a general readership, most of whom do not possess the author's extensive knowledge of literature and the fine arts.

Readers interested in manic depression (bipolar affective disorder) should consider looking elsewhere. The book does give a brief overview of five pages although the author makes clear that "to do the topic justice would require another book".

Deeply humane
This is in some respects an uneven book, and I wonder whether Kramer's purpose wouldn't have been better served with a less overtly polemical approach.But his powerful intellect -- and equally powerful capacity for empathy -- shine through on every page.I realized, having finished the book, that I had much underestimated our pseudo-admiration for depression, and the toll that takes.Kramerhas written a searching and deeply humane book, and I highly recommend it.

Reviewers, PLEASE
Have some respect for the authors and the people reading what you write, and please review a book on its own terms. The fact that you were mistaken about what sort of book it was when you bought it, or that you would have preferred if the author had written a different book with a different purpose and focus, are not valid criticisms. If it really makes you so angry to spend money and time on a book that isn't what you expect it to be, then perhaps you should spend more time and effort when choosing your reading material.

This is not a self-help book. It doesn't address itself to depressed people in particular. It doesn't advise on treatment alternatives. It is not an alternative to Richard O'Connor's books. What it is is a plea for depression to be treated as the serious, progressive, frequently fatal illness that it is, and treated aggressively. In particular, Kramer discusses and refutes the ideas that depression is romantic, that it makes its sufferers better or deeper people, or that eradicating it would deprive humanity of works of art. This discussion ranges through science, literature, philosophy and biography. Although I have suffered from depression all my life, I don't think you need to have a personal connection with the subject to find it interesting and enlightening, or to be persuaded by its arguments.

Understanding is the first step to healing
Peter Kramer helps us understand our level of human suffering.There are not many of us who have never felt depressed.The first step is to accept that depression is not a bad thing.It is a warning that you must deal with it or it will grow deeper and deeper within.

By acknowledging our depression we are taking the first step to healing.By not acknowledging we escape into drugs, alcohol, food, sex and many other addictions.

Pain is part of the human condition, we cannot erradicate pain 100%.One must learn to live with painful emotions and go beyond the ego and acceptance leads to letting go.This is not burying your pain but making it part of your human journey.

Other books for your consideration:
The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis
The Pain of Being Human by Eugene Kenneday

Good research amidst the fluff
The fluff: Kramer indulges his avocational interests in art and literature by presenting a pet thesis that society is reluctant to cure depression because we've romanticized it.We like to think of geniuses as being eccentric and a little mad, and we like to hope that eccentric and mad people have a little bit of genius.Interesting, but not to the extent that Kramer pursues it.
Worth the purchase price, however, is the middle section which summarizes the decade of research since Listening to Prozac.Very readable and accessible to the average consumer, Kramer's review makes an irrefutable case for treating depression by whatever means necessary. The extent of recent advances in brain imaging and neurochemical modeling are truly impressive. There are not just chemical but structural changes in the brain - brain damage -with repeated bouts of major depression.The research is compelling and Kramer effectively advocates for better understanding, more persistent treatment, and less romanticization of the disease of depression. ... Read more

Product Description

Anxiety and depression are the two most common emotions that plague people, causingemotional distress and feelings of inferiority, loneliness, and despair. Help is available for these peoplein pain—help from God, from His Word, and from the experience of gifted men and women who seek to lead people to wholeness.

Readers will readily identify with licensed family counselor Bob Phillips as he providesdescriptions of the potentially debilitating effects of these difficult emotions. He reveals the root causes ofanxiety and depression, which are fear and anger, and he helps readers acknowledge and deal with these drivingforces in an effective, godly way. He includes a gentle and helpful presentation of spiritual issues and thegospel that will benefit believers and nonbelievers alike.

This hands–on, user–friendly approach is written with the lay person in mindand includes plenty of practical and effective self–help exercises that readers can use to find freedom.Christian counselors will recognize that Bob’s system is built on a solid foundation of scripturalprinciples and up–to–date technical research on mental health.

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent book and author.
I have been suffering from (bipolar) depression for over thirty years.I have good doctors who supervise my medicine, but still am searching for additional help in my everyday life.I finally located a therapist who I can talk to on a weekly basis, which will be very helpful with helping me to learn how to improve my daily life.I have been reading Bob Phillips book and learning a lot from it about anxiety and depression.His advice and wisdom is invaluable.I have found his spiritual advice most helpful and agree with him wholeheartedly from a biblical point of view.If we apply what Bob Phillips suggests in this excellent book, we can live a life capable of dealing with our anxieties.His advice to apply the Bible's principles at all times and to pursue peace in our hearts and minds is truly wonderful.The book is easy to read, yet very, very interesting.Anyone could apply the advice Bob Phillips has chosen to share with us who are desperately searching for guidance dealing with anxiety and depression. A great learning tool and spiritual inspiration.A knowledgeable, interesting author who speaks truth and wisdom.Thank you Bob Phillips.Wonderfully priced also. ... Read more

Product Description
In Healing from Depression, Douglas Bloch shares his struggle to stay alive amidst overwhelming despair and out-of-control anxiety attacks, and explains how the power of prayer and other holistic approaches ultimately led to his recovery. As one of the millions of Americans who suffer from depression, Bloch could not be helped by so-called "miracle" drugs. Therefore, he had to seek out conventional and alternative non-drug methods of healing. The result is a 12-week program that combines his inspirational story with a comprehensive manual on how to diagnose and treat depression, offering new hope and practical strategies to everyone who suffers from this debilitating condition. Complete with worksheets and goal sheets to customize individual plans, Healing from Depression is an accessible self-guided program for managing and recovering from depression. Acclaimed as a "life-line to healing," this important book stresses the importance of social support, on going self-care activities like relaxation, nutrition, exercise, prayer, meditation, support groups, therapy and keeping a daily mood diary and gratitude journal.26 graphs & diagrams ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A must read for those who want to heal themselves from their broken spirits
Depression is a funk you need to pick oneself out of, but that's easier said than done. "Healing from Depression: A Body, Mind, and Spirit Recovery Program" is a guide for recovery from depression and what one can do to combat one's own problems. Organized as a twelve week self-help program, Douglas Bloch gives readers a fascinating and insightful look at depression and how to lift oneself out of it. With tips on dealing with multiple types from a mild case of the blues to serious thoughts of suicide, "Healing from Depression" is a must read for those who want to heal themselves from their broken spirits.

Absolutely one of the books ever written on depression!
I read this book as part of my work as an editor for [...] It is definitely one of the best books I've ever read on the topic of depression. So much good information, I would recommend it to anyone who wants to escape the pit and darkness of the depressive experience. Here is a link to my interview with Douglas Bloch, [...]

Good story of overcoming agitated depression
A well-written account of coping with very deep depression combined with anxiety and agitation. The author spends a fair amount of time talking about how religion and spirituality played a major role in helping him, so if this is a major turnoff for you for some reason keep that in mind (interestingly he describes himself as having grown up in a middle-class Jewish family but the spiritual awakening he undergoes seems to be within the context of Christianity, although I don't remember if he ever gives more specific descriptions of it along theological lines). He spends the first half of the book talking about his suffering, roughly, and the second half about his recovery program. His prescription for recovery, in rough order of importance, seems to be exercise, spirituality, social support, medication, therapy and diet. (Don't take this as an absolute description it's off the top of my head.)

Also talks some about his struggles to find a long-term inpatient program, and his inability to do so under current insurance schemas (he winds up doing a day program, and recommends it for others.) Is not shy about talking about his own shortcomings, such as his divorce and the fact that he used to write self-help books, but was unable to follow his own advice when struggling with depressive symptoms.

Spends the obligatory amount of time paying lip service to biochemical and genetic theories of mental/emotional distress. Also discusses suicide, both in the context of his own impulse(s) towards that act as well as people close to him who acted upon it (the book is dedicated to one of them).

A useful complement to the genre of personal accounts of psychiatric suffering.

Lakey seal of approval
Douglas Bloch has written a clear, thorough and wonderful book. Anyone dealing with depression or who knows someone who is will benefit greatly from the presence of this book. Written with heart and knowledge, this is truly a gem. ... Read more