Depression Books

I found this a dense book and difficult to read (that may have been my depression, which makes it hard to think)
AND WORTH PERSISTING WITH.

Such a relief to find someone who understands and explains.

THANK YOU David - this is the first book i have read that makes sense. So many ideas in this book here are
some of the gems -

*You can survive suicidal feelings if you do either of two things: (1) find a way to reduce your pain, or (2) find a way to increase your coping resources. Both are possible.

* He describes accurately a symptom that my doctors, and psychiatrist, have ignored.
AND explains this symptom:- exhaustion -as being from the struggles with pain and trying to live when living is too hard. Now i dont have to feel guilty for sleeping "too much" anymore :).

*he also explains why my drs are looking at me blankly when i ask for a rehabilitation team.... ingrained prejudice against the suicidal. (they cannot believe i might know what i need )

*treatment of physical pain and illness / disability is important.

* everyone who is depressed/suicidal is feeling that way for different reasons and will need different distress relief. (confirming my idea that i need a "rehab team" - and giving me ideas of how to start forming it)

*there really is prejudice and fear about the suicidal - which explains so much about why i have had so much trouble getting help that HELPS.

THANK YOU DAVID - i am not mad or bad or weak or even mentally ill, - i am in pain from many sources and i can relieve my pain bit by bit. (it is do able !!!)
NOW i have realistic, concrete hope. this is the greatest gift.

Dr. David Conroy's Book "Out of the Nightmare - Recovery from Suicidal Pain" was the definitive source of "reason" for me, at a time when nothing made sense. The idea that people caught in suicidal pain could break out of their own hell to see some light by removing social stigma and aversion one piece at a time was as remarkable as it was refreshing. Now that I have this information, I can see through the accusations that the suicidal are manipulative, vengeful, aggressive people choosing between life and death like deciding which shoes to wear. That pain, be it physical or psychological, can be relieved through careful selection of coping resources. I agree that the book appears to attack mainstream psychology, and could be initially distressing to someone in suicidal pain, but the reader will quickly discover that the attacks are not about them but about the fears that drive society to such hostile aversion for those in pain. Once the reader realizes the absurdity of society's notion that "every human being has sufficient will power to tolerate any level of pain for any length of time" then the book takes on a new perspective. The author systematically addresses each pain, laying it bare and exposed for the myth that it is, and offers clear direction on how to remove their power of hopelessness and despair. It also provides excellent information about how to get the most from your psychologist meetings, and how to know when it's time to find better help. Suicide, for the majority of humanity, is not a solution with motives and goals that are ruthlessly pursued. Depression, driven by psychological pain, is not the cognitive thought process as so many "experts" try to model. There are no successes or failures when it comes to self-harming events. If you really want to find out what is driving the madness, this book will guide you into the nightmare head on, but won't let you go until you've reached the shore of life and recovery. As much as you want to reduce pain for life and love again, I recommend Dr. Conroy's guide as the ultimate processing session to supplement your medication(s). Be sure to take a highlighter along - by the time you've finished the book, I guarantee that 40% will be colored in!

We have a cultural mythology that oppresses the suicidal. The mythology adds to their pain, makes it harder for them to get help, and greatly contributes to suicide. Suicidal people suffer pain on more than one level: not only the emotional pain that makes them consider ending their lives, but pain that is unintentionally inflicted on them by well-meaning people who say terribly unhelpful things to them. "That's not enough to be suicidal about." "He only took 15 pills, he wasn't serious." "Anyone who tries to kill himself has got to be crazy." "I thought you were stronger than that." "You're just looking for attention." "Cheer up, it's a beautiful day." As if suicidal persons weren't feeling bad enough already, our thoughtless attitudes can cause them to feel guilt and shame, and keep them from getting help in time. Dr. Conroy blasts apart the myths of suicide, and looks at suicidal feelings from the inside, in a down to earth, non-judgmental way. This is a book that will save lives by washing away the stigma of suicide and opening the door to a real way out of the nightmare.

Conroy ruthlessly debunks suicide myths: that it is volitional, that it is morally wrong, that the suicidal are weak and selfish. He helps us understand the fears of the suicidal - and our own fears that drive the stigma of suicide.

The book is a pretty dense read. It requires patience because there are a lot of ideas packed into this book. If you are a suicidal person, read it in small bites; the ideas are so radical that they may send you reeling with relief. But you will know right away that the author understands, and doesn't blame you for what you are feeling. And you'll find out that there are people out there who really can help.

"Out of the Nightmare" is primarily responsible for my recovery from twenty years of suicidal pain. I have read many books on suicide, but David Conroy is the ONLY author who obviously understands first-hand what it feels like to be suicidal. He states: "Suicide is not chosen; it happens when pain exceeds resources for coping with pain." That simple approach relieved me of the burden of guilt that most suicidal people feel about being suicidal, which exacerbates their pain. It helped me understand that by simply increasing my coping resources, and working on the individual sources of my pain, I could untangle the web of darkness that leads to suicidal feelings.

Dr. Conroy understands the thoughts and fears of suicidal people, and offers a clear, non-judgmental, morally neutral path to recovery.

Dr. Conroy also shows how many people - including therapists, counselors, and loved ones who intend to be helpful - often actually make a suicidal person's pain worse, and deter them from seeking help. He offers concrete suggestions from his vast experience for how to help a suicidal person, and empowers the suicidal with permission to resist the harm that is unwittingly inflicted on them.

I am alive today because of this book. Many therapists and counselors have "theories" about suicide that were formed in classrooms and laboratories. David Conroy's approach was formed in the real world, and it's a real-world, practical approach to true relief from the nightmare of suicidal pain.

Clif Cormier's humble beginnings in Cajun country provide the launching of a young man who became a career Marine as well as a career newspaperman. He fought in WWII and Korea, led his men through dangers, and lived to write about his experiences with great clarity and vivid details. When he retired from the military, Cormier attended and graduated from the University of Florida and became a news reporter and later a city editor of a major newspaper. His story gives people insight into perseverance and adherance to values. He describes his travels in both the Pacific and later throughout the world. Cormier's writing makes this book a must for people who want to read about US Marine Corp life as well as life after the military. Excellent book that holds reader's interest! Semper Fi!

I read this book in one night--A very interesting look into the life of a military man during World War II, and also the typical life for a boy growing up in Louisiana during the Depression. It is well written, and has a very informative prologue. Highly enjoyable; at times sad, and at times very funny.
He has led a very interesting life; I have recommended this book to a number of people, and will continue to do so.

Captain Clif Cormier was my Battery Commander, at Hotel Battery 3rd. Battalion 10th Marines when I was a young 2nd Lt. in 1959. I found him to be an outstanding leader, firm but fair with those who served under him.

I was fortunate to recieve one of his books directly from Captain Cormier and am ordering 2 more for my children to read. It is a story of what it was like growing up in the depression and being a Marine through World War II, Korea, the peacetime Marines and what opportunities retirement can bring.

When Captain Cormier retired, his officers pooled their money (which we didn't have much of) and bought him a second hand typerwriter. We knew he would be as good a journalist as he was a Marine and we wanted to show our respect for him.

I recommend this book for all who have served in the Military,
those who love history, and those who just like a good story about a real life hero.

Captain Clif Cormier was my Battery Commander, at Hotel Battery 3rd. Battalion 10th Marines when I was a young 2nd Lt. in 1959. I found him to be an outstanding leader, firm but fair with those who served under him.

I was fortunate to recieve one of his books directly from Captain Cormier and am ordering 2 more for my children to read. It is a story of what it was like growing up in the depression and being a Marine through World War II, Korea, the peacetime Marines and what opportunities retirement can bring.

When Captain Cormier retired, his officers pooled their money (which we didn't have much of) and bought him a second hand typerwriter. We knew he would be as good a journalist as he was a Marine and we wanted to show our respect for him.

I recommend this book for all who have served in the Military,
those who love history, and those who just like a good story about a real life hero.

This is the story of an extraordinarily bright and gifted teenager having a bad day. His doctors turned a common painful teen experience into a nightmare and nearly cost him and others their lives! Be sure to read to the end for a big surprise! The moral of the story is .. don't just accept what your doctors tell you .. do some research .. and trust your instincts.

This book makes you question placing all of your trust in doctors. I just couldn't stop reading to find out what happened next as I became more overwhelmed with what was happening. This is a real eye opener into antidepressents which I would have never thought twice about before reading this book. ANyone with kids on any type of long-term prescritions should read this book.

This is a true, believeable story. At what point do you stop blindly listening to people who don't give hope a chance? Chris is a good person who blindly accepted attempts to cure him, when he was much better off just listening to himself! Everyone should read this book!

Prescription for Madness is a gutwrenching must read. I could barely keep reading, yet I had to find out what happened to Chris. The teen's downward spiral echoed events in my own family's life. Prescription drugs for depression have saved many lives, but daresay have destroyed just as many. If you or your family members are taking antidepressants or considering them, please read this book, and ask lots of questions! You could save everybody's sanity and possibly somebody's life.

PTSD: Pathways Through the Secret Door is a fantastic book written by a "Joe" for "Joe's". It is written at the level any individual can understand. It is important to get the word out and educate individuals! When written by someone who has "worn the boots" so to speak, there is more of a chance military personnel will pick it up and read it and know they don't have to feel judged and alone because "someone else has been there too"-Patricia Curry, LCSW

This book is not just for those who suffer from PTSD; it is a great guide for anyone needing a little help working through negativity, fear and/or melancholy. While the author has no doubt seen horrific things, it is a comfort and inspiration to read such positive words of courage and triumph. Anyone who can function that well after such a level of trauma must know a little something about which they speak! Great tips for staying positive and not letting life get you down - I highly recommend reading this if you need a little reminder of those things from time to time.

This book seems to have been written as a catharsis for a person who has been through hell. But, the author's simple, straight-forward self analysis touches every person who reads it. Kendrick has found a way to express himself that is quite profound in its directness.

If you have ever had a question about how to gain better control of your life, this book is for you.

PTSD Pathways Through the Secret Door is an absolute must read for ANYONE who suffers from PTSD. Timothy Kendrick touches every subject from fear, the subconscious mind, and depression, to creating a positive outcome including tools to find your own happiness. This book is the "real deal" written by a man who has suffered from PTSD, unlike most therapists that try to tell you how to cure something but have never actually been through it.

Two thumbs up and a big thank you to this wonderful new author!

I read this book more than 15 years ago and I still use the strategies today. In fact, now that my own teen is dealing with depression issues, I've taught him to use the strategies as well. I read the book after about 2 years of psychotherapy. While the therapy was VERY helpful, this book gave me very concrete skills and within a month, I no longer felt the need to continue therapy. If you faithfully complete the exercises, you can learn great techniques that make a difference.

Here's what I like:
pages 20-21 list of factors in dealing with
feelings
pages 25-26 list of mental blockage indicators
pages 30-31 kinds of resistance to change
pages 40-48 emotional strategies ==> how
to improve emotional intelligence!!!
pages 136-138 list of inappropriate communication
techniques.
The general strategies developed in pages 1-96 are
applied later to anxiety, anger, loneliness, depression.
An appendix expands this list to confusion, disappointment,
envy, facial tics, frustration, guilt, and helplessness.

Among the hundreds of serious and not-so pop psych books I've read, "Rapid Relief" actually works. Particularly useful is the "emotional scale" which can help you understand what you or others are going through as you go through your ups and downs.

However "Rapid" is NOT a substitute for deep work with an qualified, experienced and insightful therapist. Instead it's an execellent source of day to day coping stratgies. For eight bucks, that's quite a deal.

i have a copy of this book i have referred to many times since the 80's. i do not know the authors, nor do i have any vested interest in a submitting a complimentary review. i have never submitted such a review before. i attest that this book is the single most helpful self-help book that i have ever had the good fortune to read. in one's darkest hour, it can help you INSTANTLY...i am happy it is still available, and i am buying a copy for a friend in need (not wanting to part with my own!)

I read this book after my wife was admitted twice to the hospital with serious depression. This book helped me to understand first of all what depression is (a physical brain illness), second, how can it be treated, and third, how it affects the sufferers spirituality, and feelings. This book should be read by anyone who is depressed or has a loved one who is depressed, particularly if you are LDS. It really helped me to understand what my wife is going through, and what I can do to help her.

This book has saved my marriage. I think the biggest struggle with my depression was that my husband had no clue or desire to understand what depression is. He told me once that I can have a bad day but not a bad month. We read this aloud during a 12 hour drive and I had to stop every 2 pages and defuse because is felt so good to have the author say the same things I have been saying. It saved my marriage bacuase my husband could see the similarities and it at least opened his mind that it is a clinical disease. After reading the chapter on cognitive/behavioral therapy, I used it the next day and felt like I had accomplished something. This book doesn't get too clinical but is soothing to the soul of the depressed person and enlightening to those who haven't gone through it. If you are an LDS woman who suffers with depression, buy it and "do something". Try. I was impressed how well they encorporated their testemonies. If you are a bishop who needs to understand it, buy it and comfort those who stand in need of comfort.

I have a teenage daughter who has suffered depression and a dear friend who has dealt with clinical depression for twenty years. This gave me incredible insight into what they experience. I've read several books in an attempt to understand and help my daughter. This was by far the most helpful in explaining the pain of depression and offering hope for learning to live successfully with the disease and in many cases, overcoming it. I would highly recommend this to anyone dealing with it (you're not alone) and to family and friends of those who are dealing with depression.

Excellent book. Where was this three years ago when I first experienced this dis-ease????????????????

Senator Smith's book is an easy, well written read about a wonderful son, a close knit family and the joys and heartache of life. The overlay is realizing that ones child is battling mental illness before you the parent fully understands. Senator Smith lovingly talks about Garrett's "angel mother" and his self doubts (and guilt) about what he should have realized; what he could have done better. The book ends with a reach out to encourage others in the same situation to recognize the signs of depression and to get help early. By telling his family's story Senator Smith honors Garrett, travels the road of healing, and brings compassion to the thousands of families that find themselves in the same boat after a precious child's suicide. You really don't want to miss this book!

This was a heartfelt telling of one family's struggle with coping with their feelings of guilt in missing the clues to their son's severe depression, which ultimately lead to his taking his own life. It shows us how easy it is for those closest to someone to not see how much that person is struggling with their depression, and how a family can heal after the loss of that child. Keep the tissues nearby, but no matter your politics, you have compassion for the depth of dispair this family reached in dealing with their loss. For a public figure such as Sen. Gordon Smith , writing this book exposing their heartache, took a great deal of courage, but was a big step in their healing.

The book was excellent. Very well written. An excellent story and eye opener of where depression and mental illness can lead if unchecked. I thouroughly enjoyed the book and will re-read it many times. cp

I must admit. I didn't vote for Gordon Smith last time around. As a "dyed-in-the-wool" Democrat, I usually support my party candidates. Yet, he was re-elected, and is currently serving as a Republican senator from Oregon. In 2003, his son Garrett committed suicide, ending a long struggle with depression. Immediately my interest was peaked, as someone who suffering from episodic depression from time to time. With his usual composure, Senator Smith remained quiet about this intensely personal matter. And now, a few years later, Gordon Smith has written a book about his son, a stunning, personal memoir, "Remembering Garrett".

The book is partially a recounting of the amazingly normal life of Garrett Smith, the struggles he had with dyslexia, and the few brief successes he had with his church. Smith writes as lovingly and honestly as any parent could; reflecting upon his son's life with a familial quality that is pleasing to read. What even surprised me more about the book was how Smith wrote about questioning himself after Garrett's suicide. Smith has always appear strong and resolute; this event clearly shook him to the core.

Much too often, it appears that our politicians act without much forethought of the consequences of their actions. Clearly, this has changes Senator Smith's thoughts and actions as he has become a tireless advocate for the prevention of depression. While clearly parents who have suffered the loss of a child will relish every page of this book, most everyone, especially those of us who experience depression, will find some gems of wisdom in this beautiful tribute to Garrett. This book is a must-read.

"Right Behind You" has to be without a doubt one of Gail Giles' best novels. The story of a boy making a mistake that would affect him for the rest of his life. His mistake was murdering a child. Now, of course, you think, 'What a monster?!', but would you opnion change if you found out that he was a child when he murdered the other boy? Would youe opnion change if you found out that it was an accident? When you hear stories of young boys going to mental hospitals, you angry and feel as though they're getting off easy, but do you ever consider what he as a human being is going through? The inner battle that he/she has to go through for the rest of their lives? That's all answered in "Right Behind You".

This novel by Gail Giles is an excellent read for teenagers and adults alike. It captures you in so easily and you won't be able to put it down. The only problem it has is that it was too short, I just wish it could've gone on longer, it was that great! The first page and the last chapter all come together in the end and I'll definitely try to read this superb book again. I absolutely recommend this to anyone over the age of 13.

5 stars

Reviewed by Michaila Hamilton (age 17) for Reader Views (12/07)

"Right Behind You" starts off with the murder of a young boy in Alaska. Kip McFarland sets his friend on fire over a silly birthday gift: a baseball glove. The boy dies an agonizing three days later and Kip is sent to a psychiatric institution for the criminally insane. He undergoes years of therapy and is released. When he is released, all of his family has to change their names because of vigilante justice. People have burned the family's home, chased his dad out of town, and deliver horrible threats. When Kip is released from the hospital the family moves to a small town in Indiana. Soon, Kip (now called Wade) makes friends. He does great in school, has a girlfriend, and is a star swimmer on the swim team. It all comes crashing down though, when Wade spills his secret at a campfire one night.

Once again the whole family is targeted with threats. The swim team refused to swim with a child murderer, his stepmom is fired from her teaching job, and his dad is forced to leave his job. The family moves again, this time to a beach in Texas. Wade decides not to go to public school. He stays home and keeps to himself in the hopes of not hurting his family again. But, there is a girl next door with her own set of secrets. Over time, she teaches him to sail and to trust. She also learns to trust him. After she confides in him about her past, he decides that he must tell her. With the support of his family and therapist, he writes his whole life down and gives her the stacks of books. After many days, when he is preparing to move away by himself, he finds out that Sam is "Right Behind You."

The book "Right Behind You" has the reader hooked from the very beginning. The format is in short diary-like chapters, but with titles instead of dates. It flows very nicely and is easy reading. I like the fact that everything is in chronological order. The only thing I didn't care for was about Wade's homeschooling in Texas. As a home-schooled student in Texas, I know the law. There is no set amount of credits or classes needed for a home school, high school diploma. Texas does not strictly govern their home schools. Ms. Giles writes an outstanding book, and I really bonded with the characters, almost immediately. I highly recommend "Right Behind You" and look forward to reading more from this author.

Gail Giles is the queen of psychological thrillers for teens. And I know that with her last release, I stated that What Happened to Cass McBride? was my new favorite Giles book. However, I've taken the liberty of changing my mind (yes, again!) and saying that RIGHT BEHIND YOU tops even that great read.

Kip McFarland lived in Alaska with his dad. His mother had gotten sick and died. His Aunt Jemma, his mother's sister, tried to insist that Kip's dad stop living like an animal in the wilds of Alaska, and instead move somewhere proper to raise her nephew. And then he did, because nine-year-old Kip killed Bobby Clarke by setting him on fire.

In Indiana, he was Wade Madison, and he lived with his father and stepmother, Carrie. He became best friends with Dave, a teacher's son. He had a pretty hot girlfriend, Lindsey (also known as AC, for Absolutely Cutest). He was the star of the swim team. And then he couldn't take his own happiness anymore, went slightly ballistic with a group of his friends, and admitted to murdering a child. It was time to leave Indiana.

Carrie's own stepfather had died, leaving her a house in Texas. In Texas, he was still Wade, but he wasn't the Wade from Indiana. And then he met Sam, a girl with tragic secrets of her own, and life changed yet again. He didn't want to be Wade, he wanted to be Kip. But not the Kip that the newspapers had made out to be a monster, and not even the Kip who had once been Wade who was friendly and outgoing and happy-go-lucky. All he wanted was a life that allowed him to accept what he had done without dying from the guilt.

Get a copy of RIGHT BEHIND YOU. Read it and cry, and read it and think. Kip isn't a monster, but neither is he innocent. Kip is a boy who made a costly mistake, and has been paying for it ever since. This is his story, and it's an unforgettable one.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"

Funny and exhausting. I think I slept a week after I read this. Thompson takes us across America in search of love, success and a few extra bucks.

The underlying tale is how Jim tried to come to grips with his relationship with his father and himself. Luck always intervenes -- sometimes Good and sometimes Bad. As one of the kings of the character novels, Thompson does a great job on himself and his family and friends.

This is a classic, sometimes funny, sometimes uplifting, sometimes sad but always real.

It is also a great history of the America of the 1930s, 40s and 50s.

-Mike

This is an autobiographical account of Jim Thompson's life (obviously embellished)from sometime in his 20s up to his later 30s when he arrived in New York City and managed to get a novel accepted by a publisher. He survived a lot, including the Great Depression. He took whatever jobs he could find (some of the accounts are funny) and sometimes was paid for writing. He had to deal with family responsibilities, con artists, deadbeats, bosses hard to work for, and various ventures that did not pan out. He also went through various injuries, illnesses, and alcoholism. Somehow he made it.

It has always been hard to earn a living as a writer. Some are successful, but most are not (the same could be said for musicians and artists - keep your day job). The book is worth reading. It provides a look at an era in the history of the United States. Prices were cheap, but who had any money. You could buy a lot for 25 cents, if you happened to have 25 cents.

Thompson's life in his own words, what could be better? Of course, a lot of it is obviously apocryphal, but its a great ride.

Roughneck pretty much takes up where Bad Boy left off. It was originally published in 1954. In Roughneck, as was the case with Bad Boy, we get a sort of creatively enhanced autobiography of the king of noir pulp. Follow Thompson through early adulthood, marriage, fatherhood(his description of his own children is hysterical), hobo jungles and more. He describes employment ventures that leave no doubt why he always had more ideas than time to write. He goes through stints as a collector, baker, morgue employee, writer of the labor history for the W.P.A., etc. You will love the story behind the writing and publishing of Thompson's first novel(Now & On Earth). The man was never short on audacity or irreverance. Roughneck is an absolute page-turner. Here's an added bonus for us Thompson fans...this book is absolutely coherent all the way through. There are no lunatic throw away chapters in Roughneck.

If you enjoy the work of Jim Thompson, then you must read this book! As it states on the back of the book: Hard times have never sounded so good!

I found this book to be very readable with another viewpoint on treating SAD. Lights and medications have not worked for me, so I am cautiously optimistic about trying this approach. It almost sounds too simple...but my psychiatrist supports trying it. This next winter will tell the story...
Mary Karen

This is a tremendously helpful book for anyone who is looking for relief from winter's short days. The authors describe how to identify the signs and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder and suggest treatment options, including drug and non-drug approaches as well as practical coping strategies. It's written in a reassuring style that's easy to read and understand. I highly recommend this book.

Yes i was very pleased with this purchase. I bought this book for my sister-in-law who has this disorder, she was very impressed with all of the information inside. Very easy to understand also.

There aren't many books on this subject, and this is certainly the best one I have come across. Well researched, and well written; the authors do a good job at communicating not only the causes and effects of SAD, but proven and innovative therapies to help people through what is a wide-spread disorder. The authors also do a good job at making the content simple and engaging for different audiences. This will be the go-to resource for both patients and therapists looking to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).