Review: Bare Bones
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 16, 2014
This book may be a helpful gift for someone you know who is struggling with a mild case of the blues...this isn't a book I would give to someone who is suffering from major depression.  I mean, I wouldn't NOT give it to them, but I also would not expect that a book like this would be the cure for someone really in the depths of darkness.It is a quick read; a common sense guide to shaking off a funk that lingers or before it sets in and becomes a more serious problem.  Some examples are being mindful and setting goals, that kind of thing.If you've ever suffered from depression, real depression -- like it have -- then you know the difference between a little down period and a serious problem.  I tried prescriptions for a short period but that felt like failure (which it is NOT a failure to those who really need them) so through other therapy and mindfulness training I learned and am constantly learning how to be healthy and happy again.  However, I still occasionally feel that darkness gnawing somewhere in the back of my brain -- that's when a light read and reminder like this book can be helpful.For $0.99 this is a worthwhile read.If you need more than a light dusting and a deeper cleaning of the symptoms of depression, I can't express strongly enough how in depth mindfulness training was the ticket for me.  Practice, practice, practice mindfulness.  I've gotten to a place where I can quietly and discretely repeat my little meditative mantra and almost instantly completely shift from a dark place to a present and peaceful, happy mind frame.  It saved my life -- the exact same life and circumstance, but with an entirely different perspective.