Shortlist of Recommended Self-Help Books |
|---|
When you make orders
from our site, your
cost is exactly
the same
as if you logged on to
Amazon directly!
| The Guide to Self-Help Books |
Depression Self-Help Book Reviews Depression Article by David Yarian, Ph.D. Depression |
|||
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|||
Depression Self-Help Book Reviews |
|||
 |
Against Depression Peter D. Kramer "What if van Gogh had been on anti-depressants?" Author Peter Kramer (Listening to Prozac) makes the compelling case that depression is a physical disease and should be treated as such. The van Gogh question expresses a cultural myth: that creative genius necessarily requires severe emotional strain. This book offers excellent support for anyone struggling to define their talents as existing separately from their illness. 2005, Viking Adult This book was a Self-Help Book Pick of the Month! Read David's full Book Review. |
||
 |
The Beast: A Journey Through Depression Tracy Thompson Investigative reporter Thompson tells her own story of depression. Drawing on her journals from adolescence onward, she details her emotional and mental history in brief impressionistic scenes, creating a mosaic of the mind’s emotional complexities. She educates the reader about depression which affects millions and costs the U.S. economy $43.7 billion annually in medical expenses and lost productivity. The book gives hope of recovery from recurrent depression and provides tools that anyone can use. 1996, Plume Books | ||
 |
The Bell Jar Sylvia Plath This autobiographical novel was published by the prize-winning poet a month before her suicide. It describes her hospitalization for severe depression, including shock treatments. A literary classic that is painful to read, but an important book. 1995, Buccaneer | ||
|
Beyond Prozac: Antidotes for Modern Times Michael Norden The author, a New York psychiatrist, suggests that the stresses of modern day life tend to deplete our natural supplies of serotonin, a brain hormone. He suggests a series of lifestyle approaches to buttress our serotonin system. Chapters discuss light therapy, melatonin, sleep patterns, exercise, diet and vitamin supplementation, as well as previewing the next generation of antidepressants. 1996, Regan Books | ||
 |
Breaking the Patterns of Depression Michael Yapko Depression is the most common psychological problem in America. The first part of this book explains the causes of depression, its diagnosis, and its treatment with psychotherapy as well as antidepressant medications. The second part explains the patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that signal depression. Yapko uses case histories as well as more than 100 exercises to assist the reader in building the skills needed to manage depression. While there are many other titles on depression management, this book departs from the widely-held view that depression is mainly a biochemically-based disease treatable with medication. 1998, Main Street Books | ||
 |
The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Depression: A Step-by-step Program William J. Knaus Rational emotive behavioral therapy changes irrational thoughts using techniques for replacing negative behaviors with positive ones. This REBT workbook is written in an easy-to-use, step-by-step format. It offers you powerful strategies for overcoming depression and simple, direct language, amply illustrated with stories and reinforced by techniques you can practice right away. 2006, New Harbinger | ||
 |
Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders Aaron Beck One of the founders of cognitive therapy, Beck writes a clear and comprehensive guide to the basis of emotional disturbance and highlights such important concepts as learning the meaning of hidden messages; listening to automatic thoughts; the role of sadness, anger and anxiety; understanding and overcoming depression; and applying the cognitive system of therapy to other specific problems. Dr. Beck explains clearly and persuasively how and why cognitive therapy works. 1979, Plume Books | ||
 |
Control Your Depression Peter Lewinsohn, et. al. This best-seller has helped thousands regain their zest for life. It gives the reader a clear understanding of the nature of depression and helps you pinpoint specific areas related to your own depression. Because not everybody experiences depression in the same way, the reader is guided to develop a personalized therapeutic program. Proven techniques including relaxation, social skill enhancement, and modification of self-defeating thinking patterns help the reader conquer his feelings of helplessness and alleviate the causes of his distress. 1992, Fireside | ||
 |
Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness William Styron Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Styron describes his battles with suicidal depression. A fascinating portrayal of the loneliness and despair of major depression, this book may be particularly useful for family members struggling to understand the patient’s experience. This meditation on Styron’s serious depression at the age of sixty evokes with detachment and dignity the months-long turmoil whose symptoms included the novelist’s “dank joylessness,” insomnia, physical aversion to alcohol, (previously “an invaluable senior partner of my intellect”), and his persistent fantasies of self-destruction which led to psychiatric treatment and hospitalization. 1992, Vintage | ||
 |
Depressed and Anxious: The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Workbook for Overcoming Depression &
Anxiety Thomas Marra DBT begins with the assumption that psychological problems are the result of emotional responses that are in conflict. It integrates a range of therapeutic techniques to tease apart and resolve the competing internal needs and urges that generate anger, depression, and anxiety. Exercises focus on assisting readers to become more responsive to uplifting aspects of their environment and tolerant of unavoidable emotions. 2004, New Harbinger | ||
 |
The Depression Workbook: A Guide for Living with Depression and Manic Depression Mary Ellen Copeland This best-selling workbook provides interactive exercises that help readers take responsibility for their own wellness and teach essential coping skills, such as tracking and controlling moods, building a support system, increasing self-confidence and self-esteem, avoiding conditions that can exacerbate mood swings, and using relaxation, diet and exercise to stabilize moods. Included is a step-by-step process to help readers develop their own plan for managing symptoms and staying well. 2002, New Harbinger | ||
 |
Ending the Depression Cycle: A Step-by-Step Guide for Preventing Relapse Peter Bieling and Martin Antony Most books on depression focus on crisis control during the acute phase of mild or severe depression. This book deals instead with the period after recovery when as many as half of those who have defeated depression will suffer relapse. The book includes self-assessment tools and engaging exercises; practical advice about clinical options including antidepressant medication and continuing psychotherapy. The book encourages the reader to think realistically, have fun, be physically well, and to develop a new set of values that allows imperfection in your life, but at the same time protects you from vulnerability. 2003, New Harbinger | ||
 |
Exercising Your Way to Better Mental Health: Combat Stress, Fight Depression and Improve Your Overall Mood and Self-Concept with these Simple Exercises Larry Leith Revealing the link between physical fitness and psychological well-being, the book includes many practical strategies designed to improve the reader’s enjoyment of and adherence to an exercise program. Useful self-monitoring forms are included in the book. 1998, Fitness Information Technology | ||
 |
Feeling Good: the New Mood Therapy David Burns This updated self-help classic teaches a cognitive therapy approach in combating depression. It includes techniques to identify and combat faulty thinking, self-assessment techniques, self-help forms and charts as well as a section on anti-depressant medications. An outstanding self-help book. 1999, Avon Books, revised ed. | ||
|
The Feeling Good Handbook David Burns Sequel to Feeling Good. Burns applies cognitive therapy approaches to the entire range of mood problems including feelings of insecurity, procrastination, guilt, frustration, etc. with application to marital and couple relationships. This book covers a wider range of problems than the original book. 1999, Plume, revised ed. | ||
|
Get Creative Not Depressed Louis Birner Dr. Birner is a psychologist specializing in the treatment of creative block, depression, and identity crisis. In this book, he explores the resistances to creative effort which may lead to depression. The book describes the issues that hound many creative persons – bad habits, uncertainty, doubts, and procrastination. 1997, Xlibris Corporation | ||
|
Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life: The New Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Steven C. Hayes This book offers a five-step plan for coping with painful emotions such as anxiety and depression. You can learn to engage with painful thoughts and feelings through step-by-step acceptance and mindfulness-based techniques, discovering how to let go of control, and develop compassion and flexibility. 2005, New Harbinger | ||
 |
The Healing Power of Exercise: Your Guide to Preventing and Treating Diabetes, Depression, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Arthritis and More Linn Goldberg and Diane Elliott Goldberg and Elliott describe how using a combination of aerobic activities and strength training can reduce your risk of certain diseases as well as alleviate symptoms. The book is filled with examples and stories from their sports medicine practices. 2000, Wiley | ||
 |
I Don’t Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression Terrence Real Many men may hide the reality of their depression from themselves as well as from family and friends. This unacknowledged depression may lead men to hurt the people they love most. Real tells his own story of depression as the son of a depressed father and as a father of young sons. This book teaches men how to acknowledge their pain and restore healthy relationships. 1997, Scribner | ||
 |
The Interpersonal Solution to Depression: A Workbook for Changing How You Feel by Changing How You Relate | ||
 |
Lincoln's Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness Joshua Wolf Shenk Author Shenk believes Lincoln struggled with persistent clinical depression. The unique contribution of this book to our understanding of depression is Shenk's assertion that depression was actually a source of Lincoln's greatness. His famed sense of humor was compensatory, and he also took refuge in poetry. His prophetic pessimism prepared a nation for the rigors of Civil War. 2005, Houghton Mifflin | ||
 |
Listening to Depression: How Understanding Your Pain Can Heal Your Life Lara Honos-Webb Dr. Honos-Webb helps you see periods of depression as opportunities for growth and introspection. Depression can be the start of a reorientation in life, a step in the search for meaning, or a chance for letting go of hurtful aspects of the self. This book shows you how to understand what your pain may be communicating. 2006, New Harbinger | ||
 |
Listening to Prozac Peter Kramer In this fascinating look at the new generation of SSRI antidepressants, Dr. Kramer reports that the changes in brain chemistry brought about by Prozac had a wide variety of effects, often giving users greater feelings of self-worth and confidence, less sensitivity to social rejection, and even a greater willingness to take risks. He addresses ethical and value-laden questions regarding the use of these powerful drugs which also may have some (positive) effects on the user’s personality. For anyone considering taking antidepressants or wanting a better understanding of the effects these drugs are having on our society, this is a very important book. 1997, Penguin Books | ||
 |
The Loss of Happiness in Market Democracies Robert Lane This book by economist Lane draws on extensive research in many fields to show that the main sources of well-being in advanced economies are friendships and a good family life. Income has little to do with happiness once a person rises above the poverty level. He calls attention to the surprising finding that in prosperous market democracies today large numbers of people regard themselves as unhappy. This book provides a useful backdrop to understanding some of the cultural values which may contribute to depression. 2001, Yale University Press | ||
 |
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A New Approach to Preventing Relapse Zindel Segal, et. al. This book presents an innovative eight-session program that has been clinically proven to bolster recovery from depression and prevent relapse. Developed by leading scientist-practitioners and solidly grounded in current psychological research, the approach integrates cognitive therapy principles and practice into a mindfulness framework. 2001, Guilford Press | ||
 |
Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think Dennis Greenberger and Christine Padesky This hands-on workbook uses case examples and written exercises to help therapy clients understand and use cognitive therapy methods. Step-by-step worksheets teach specific skills including using mood questionnaires to identify, rate, and track changes in feelings; exercises to change the thoughts that contribute to problems; and specific strategies to improve moods and take action to improve daily living and relationships. 1995, Guilford Press | ||
 |
The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression Andrew Solomon The Noonday Demon traces a long, brambly path through the subject of depression – exposing all the discordant views and “answers” offered by science, philosophy, law, psychology, literature, art, and history. The result is a sprawling and thoroughly engrossing study, brilliantly synthesized by author Andrew Solomon. A longtime sufferer of severe depression himself, Solomon willingly shares his life story with readers. This is a stunning contribution to our understanding of the human condition. 2002, Scribner This book was a Self-Help Book Pick of the Month! Read David's full Book Review. | ||
 |
On the Edge of Darkness: America’s Most Celebrated Actors, Journalists, and Politicians Chronicle Their Most Arduous Journey Kathy Cronkite Kathy Cronkite gives voice to dozens celebrated professionals who have endured – and conquered – the hopelessness of chronic depression. The book provides an overview of effective new treatments and the latest therapeutic options to lift the burden of depression. 1995, Delta | ||
|
The Optimistic Child: A Proven Program To Safeguard Children From Depression and Build Lifelong Resilience Martin Seligman According to noted psychologist Seligman, thirty percent of American children suffer from depression. His studies demonstrate that pessimistic children are at much higher risk for becoming depressed than optimistic children. His purpose in this book is to teach parents how to instill in children a sense of optimism and personal mastery. He proposes that self-esteem comes from mastering challenges, overcoming frustration, and experiencing individual achievement. The book offers a concrete plan of action based on techniques of self-evaluation and social interaction. 1996, Perennial This book was a Self-Help Book Pick of the Month! Read David's full Book Review. | ||
 |
Peaceful Mind: Using Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Psychology to Overcome Depression John McQuaid and Paula Carmona The authors write, “a life shaken by depression is also a life open to the possibility of deep transformation.” This book recommends a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and meditation. CBT teaches you to track your thoughts, observe behaviors, and notice how these affect depression. By changing thoughts and behaviors you learn how to change your emotions and mood. Meditation trains you to observe your life and thoughts. Both approaches help you identify and then change core beliefs that influence depression, thereby resulting in new core beliefs based on your values. 2004, New Harbinger | ||
 |
Prozac Diary Lauren Slater In 1988 at age 26, Lauren Slater lived alone in a basement apartment in Cambridge, depressed, suicidal, and unemployed. Ten years later she is a psychologist running her own clinic, an award winning writer, and happily married; the transformation in her life was brought about by Prozac. Prozac Diary is Lauren Slater’s incisive account of a life restored to productivity, creativity, and love. Yet this book is no hymn to a miracle pharmaceutical. It is a frankly ambivalent quest for the truth of self behind an ongoing reliance on a drug. This is the first memoir to reflect on long-term Prozac use, and it is written with beauty, honesty, and insight. 1999, Penguin | ||
 |
Sacred Sorrows: Embracing and Transforming Depression John and Andrea Nelson This highly readable collection of essays help the sufferer of depression and the healer to better understand themselves, each other, and the condition itself. Through compelling case histories and scientific research, contributors show how depression can ultimately give those affected more than it takes away because transformation comes with extreme suffering. They make an impassioned plea to change our view of depression as solely an illness to be cured, because pathologizing depression inhibits any transcendent powers. 1996, Jeremy P. Tarcher | ||
 |
Speaking of Sadness: Depression, Disconnection, and the Meanings of Illness David Karp This sociological consideration of illness and disease in contemporary America comes from a Boston College professor who uses his own suffering, treatment, and theory along with reports from 50 others who volunteered to talk with him about their major depressive episodes. Karp addresses psychological, chemical, and cultural perspectives and blames “self-help” as shallow ideology in a time of advancing anomie. Highly recommended for sufferers, healers, and anyone interested in the effects of depression. 1997, Oxford University Press | ||
 |
Ten Days to Self-Esteem David Burns Dr. Burns presents innovative, clear and compassionate methods to help the reader identify the causes of mood slumps and develop a more positive outlook on life. The book emphasizes that negative feelings do not result from the bad things that happen to you but from the way you think about these events. Burns provides a ten-step program to self-esteem, and the book is filled with logs, charts and step-by-step guides. 1999, HarperCollins | ||
 |
Thoughts & Feelings: Taking Control of Your Moods and Your Life: A Workbook of Cognitive Behavioral Techniques Matthew McKay, Patrick Fanning, Martha Davis This book offers a simple and easy to understand discussion of how to use the principles and techniques of cognitive behavioral therapies to help control anxiety, depression, moods and build self-esteem in your life. 1998, New Harbinger | ||
 |
Transforming Depression: Healing the Soul Through Creativity David Rosen Dr. Rosen applies Carl Jung’s method of active imagination to treating depressed and suicidal individuals. Having dealt with depression in his own life, Dr. Rosen shows that when people learn to confront the rich images and symbols that emerge from their struggles, they can turn their despair into a fountain of creative energy. 2002, Nicolas-Hays | ||
 |
Undercurrents: A Life Beneath the Surface Martha Manning Manning is a clinical psychologist who sank into a crippling depression in 1990. She was obsessed with images of death and plagued by suicidal thoughts; antidepressant medications and psychotherapy provided no relief. She finally agreed to her psychiatrist’s recommendation to submit to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). She credits electroshock with lifting her out of a life-threatening depression, though she concedes some memory loss and confusion. This edgy memoir is informative and adds to the debate over this controversial therapy. 1995, HarperSanFrancisco | ||
 |
Undoing Depression: What Therapy Doesn’t Teach You and Medication Can’t Give You Richard O’Connor In this book psychotherapist Richard O’Connor shows us how to “undo” depression, by replacing depressive patterns of thinking, relating, and behaving with a new and more effective set of skills. His approach is truly holistic, synthesizing the best of the many schools of thought about this painful disease. 1999, Berkley Publishing Group | ||
|
When Feeling Bad is Good Ellen McGrath Twice as many women suffer from depression as men (APA Task Force on Women and Depression, 1990). Dr. McGrath believes this higher incidence is related to the stresses of being female in modern society. She distinguishes culturally-based healthy depression from biologically-rooted unhealthy depression which requires professional treatment. Both conditions are affected by a core of traditional values and expectations that influence women’s behavior; if unchecked, healthy depression may lead to unhealthy depression. Dr. McGrath identifies six types of healthy depression and examines the social and cultural sources for each and offers strategies and activities that promote a positive self-image. 1994, Bantam | ||
 |
When Someone You Love Is Depressed Laura Rosen and Xavier Amador Psychologists Rosen and Amador explain the mechanisms of depression that can cause communication breakdown, increase hostility, and ultimately destroy relationships. They teach concrete methods that you and your loved one can use to protect yourself and your relationship from depression’s impact. They give sensitive guidance about how to recognize your needs, how to provide the best kind of support, and how to encourage the depressed person to seek treatment. 1997, Free Press | ||
 |
Winter Blues -- Seasonal Affective Disorder: What It Is and How to Overcome It Norman Rosenthal This book defines and describes seasonal affective disorder and includes a self- assessment test to determine the level of SAD. Light therapy, anti-depressant medication, Saint John’s wort and diet and nutrition strategies are reviewed. 1998, Guilford Press | ||
 |
Yoga for Depression: A Compassionate Guide to Relieve Suffering Through Yoga Amy Weintraub Weintraub makes a viable case for incorporating yoga in the treatment of depression. As a veteran yoga instructor and sufferer from depression, she found that yoga was helpful in freeing her from depression. 2003, Broadway Books |
||
|
|
|||
| Depression Links |
|||
