Getting Your Life Back: The Complete Guide to Recovery from Depression
Reading this self-help book is a little like getting a lecture on depression from a friend who cares, but has never endured the illness herself. The authors list five "keys" to understanding and alleviating depression: thinking; taking action; addressing one's biology, relationships and spirit. Each section of the book is devoted to an explanation of how each key plays into depression and written exercises for understanding its role in one's illness. Although the idea of a methodical, step-by-step approach to eliminating depression is appealing, not much here is new or inspiring, and the authors' tone is alternately condescending and chirpy. For example, they advise readers to "try not to get down on yourself"; to "try to lighten up a bit and look for a vein of humor in your situation"; that "the only real way to know whether you can solve a problem is to give it a try"; and that "having questions about your antidepressant therapy is a good sign." Additionally, some of the writing is careless. In a section called, "How not to vent your emotions," the authors suggest, "Don't argue with a cop or your mother-in-law." What about your spouse? The most valuable passages are the stories of specific patients and how they struggled with the illness.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.