Depression Books

This is one of the few books about depression treatment that is very specifically about chronic depression. Chronic depression here includes minor depression alone, major depression that never ends, and a variety of combinations of major and minor depression that all fall into the chronic category. Functional (or dysfunctional) similarities between early and late onset types are illustrated. McCullough explains the unique pathology of this version of depression and explains why classic cognitive therapy does not work on it all that well. He lays out an interesting theory of just where cognitive development goes awry in patients like us that to me feels organically true. This developmental screw-up can lead to a lifetime of unconscious behavioral and interpersonal crap that does not correct itself spontaneously, ever.

Most of the book is a manual for therapists in this strictly yet humanely thought out program that has elements of all the therapy types known to be helpful in depression. CBASP, pronounced "SEE-basp", should be more available than it is right now. The author is clearly experienced and kind and patient and wise. Maybe if more of us patients wave this book around we can get more therapists to see that chronic depression is quite a different beast than intermittent depression, that it is qualitatively different for treatment purposes, and that it apparently is curable after all.

While the book is excellent and a significant work in advancing the field of the treatment of chronic depression, it is NOT co-authored by Marvin R. Goldfried. Marvin Goldfried only wrote the forward to the book. The book is a sole authorship by James P. McCullough. Additionally, the copyright date is 2000, not 1999 as stated in the advertisement.

Tarynn M. Witten, Ph.D., FGSA

Treatment for Chronic Depression covers the cognitive behavioral analysis system of psychotherapy, a research-based approach designed to help patients change and develop problem-solving and life skills. Chapters advocate this treatment, citing statistics which show it superior to medicine-based treatments and including case histories which bring clinical experiences alive. An important inspection of a new concept in treating depression.

Until we have a health care system that pays for such treatment, it will only be available to the rich. Given that most of us struggling with chronic depression have spotty work histories and financial problems, it is extremely unlikely that those who most need this kind of therapy will get it. I've had a lifetime of self-rationing medical care, because of the lack of parity for mental health services. Therapists and psychiatrists need to stop writing books and start working toward the political change that would make treatment available to those with chronic depression. Otherwise, your theories are worthless except for a small handful of well-off individuals.

When you think about someone being diagnosed with depression, teenagers might not come first to mind. But teenagers are not exempt from things that can make adults experience an extreme feeling of being overwhelmed and saddened. They are just as vulnerable as adults when it comes to having fights and disagreements with friends or family, and problems at school could intensify their negative emotions. With all the problems teenagers encounter these days, how can you determine whether a teenager's depression is serious enough to warrant treatment?

The book "Understanding Teenage Depression: A Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management," addresses this information. Readers will become more familiar with depression -- how common it actually is; who is likely to be at risk; how to determine if a teenager is depressed; and what treatments are available. Other important information in the book discusses life events that could lead to teenage depression; various therapies; and other disorders that may afflict teenagers.

My ParenTime recommends the book, "Understanding Teenage Depression" by Maureen Empfield, M.D., and Nicholas Bakalar -- it is well-organized, eye-opening, and informs readers about a problem that is much more common today than parents realize.

As a teen with depression I read a lot of book on the topic. THIS IS THE BEST ONE! I was diagnosed with a certin depression, that is hard to find information on -double depression. This book explains all about the differnt kinds of depression, also differtent methods to help feel better. I liked and related so much I would leave the book out with a note teeling my parents or friends to read parts. This book explains all parts if depression, and makes it a good read for a teenager that is depressed, or for some one that knows a teen.

As someone newly trying to grapple with the complicated topic of adolescent depression, from understanding what it is, to thinking about how to cope with it, this book is tops. It is easily readable and yet thorough in discussing every aspect of adolescent depression. Thank you to the authors for publishing this important work.

I dignosed with Depression in my teens and I have read many book out there over the years. THIS IS THE BEST ONE! I realted to it so much and I was able to show other people pages and sections that I tought would help them, help me. This book explains about differnt kinds of depression, and one of them is what I was diagnosed with. This is the only book that I have found that has a whole section of it. I love this book and if you are a teenager, or know a teenager with depression I would recomend this book.

Universe, Disturbed is a collection of poetic writings that certainly lives up to its title. Raw, gritty and angry in some places and soft and fine like silk laced with strychnine and resigned in others.

Perhaps the greatest need arguably that people have is to be loved and certainly running neck and neck with that is to be understood. A glimpse into a world so few wish to know intimately and so many of us have unfortunately walked it's depressive paths, is revealed in this collection of in your face memoirs. Although written primarily when the author was quite young, the pains endured are often displayed in an articulate manner far exceeding what one might think possible based on her earthly years. She is certainly reminiscent of both Plath and Sexton.

So many have taken the path which she so aptly writes about but few can capture the despair, the hurts, and the myriad of thoughts the way this promising and very talented writer has. It speaks honestly of the things we perhaps don't want to hear but it also does so in ways that compel the reader on further down into the depths of despair and in so doing, to greater understanding.

I've always felt that people that commit suicide or contemplate it often, really don't want to die, they just want the pain to stop. Having friends and family members who have unfortunately chosen this path, it gives me greater understanding of the phantoms they faced and the demons that plagued their very minds that I imagine they themselves, couldn't articulate so elegantly or as in this authors case at times, so bluntly.

RELASPE -- December 1998.

Wasting away, unblossomed flower
I lay flat, pressed on the bed
crushed by the sadness
invisible weight upon me
holding me down
the sun dropped below the horizon
on me
I lay here blind in darkness
When did I lose myself?
Get so small in a huge world?
So desolate I can't stand it.

Excerpt from Universe Disturbed by Janice Brabaw

I think there are unfortunately armies of young people now in this world that will relate to this. I also think there are a plethora of people out there who might be older but would gain so much understanding into the trials and tribulations faced by our youth. Particularly with the seemingly constant on going of breaking down morals that is rampant and the ever increasing pressure by the media, to propel children into adult situations and lives through fashion and materialism which is robbing them of what so few now get to have; Childhoods.

I think this is an important addition to great literature and also a portal of sorts for those who can't understand, to have a greater understanding of all those who quite frankly feel, either through peer pressure, rejection, or a medical society that seems increasing only capable of throwing pills at the symptoms instead of addressing the root causes of the actual problems.

If you're depressed because you're penniless, that's one thing. If your depressed because you're picked on, harassed or rejected and treated inhumanly by people you wish only loved you and accepted you, then how many are being shoveled pills to dampen the blow of a senselessly cruel world?

A world where if it bleeds it leads and there are wars and rumors of war and people are more accepted if they wear an in date fashion than they are if they actually have a brain. Not to mention the constant pressure to be like the ones that entertainment bombards us all with daily. Anorexic, bulimic, over weight? Kids have always been cruel but now how many of these things wouldn't exist if there was simply more kindness? That's not to discount the fact that many are truly suffering from mental illness, I myself have PTSD, but how many are cured when they don't have mental issues and they really have, this world can truly suck issues?

Fortunately this author has a voice and an outlet through writing and she excels at it. But for those with no outlet so to speak, I think this author represent the silent voices. Both of those who have moved on and hopefully, those who are currently at risk but with greater understanding, might be saved. Many simply by seeing, that someone feels perhaps exactly the same way, that they do.

Chase Von


Your Chance to Hear The Last Panther Speak

You know, it seems anyone with an even slightly artistic bend was inclined to try their hand at poetry. Some in a Mead Composition book, others in the back of their spiral bound Biology notebook. Fortunately, most of us burned those poems or tossed them in the trash with last year's Social Studies notes. "Universe Disturbed" is just like going back and reading what you wrote back then, or more accurately what you perhaps intended to write, and no doubt thought you wrote.

It runs the gamut, from punk song lyrics, to an exploration of the inner psyche. Ms Brabaw has taken that "[w]rite of passage" and given it back to all of us.

A definite must read for anyone who thinks back to those Halcyon days of high school, that never really existed, in the world of unrequited love, bullying, and homework.

Raw and beautiful. The honesty in this work is something you don't find that often. Brings back emotions of growing up and going through all of the rites of passage that makes us who we are. Everyone should read this book, because we've all been there.

"Universe, Disturbed" may be written by Janice Brabaw, but we all know that at one point in time, we've had our own "Universe, Disturbed". Reading Brabaw's accounts of her own live via poetry is an eye-opening experience that leaves you craving more.

I look forward to read more of Janice Brabaw's work in the future. The rumors of a film penned by Brabaw is exciting and I hope to hear more about it soon!

READ THIS BOOK!

I liked this history book! It is about a girl who is going through the Great Depression. Her dad lost his job during the Depression. They had a boarding house to help pay the mortgage in 1934. There is a picture that shows what Kit's house looked like. That is why I liked it.

This is a nice, basic overview of the depression era that is perfect for introducing grade school children to that time in history. The book is filled with pictures and tidbits of info not only about how people coped, but also how they entertained themslves during the course of the depression. I enjoyed it as much as my children did!

I bought Welcome to Kit's World: 1934 last year when I was faced with a challenge: I was trying to assemble a credible family scrapbook that would feature pictures and stories from the early 20th century - particularly the 1930s - but I realized that I understood very little about that important decade in American history other than what I knew from a few books like Steinbeck's. My grandpa's stories about growing up were priceless, and deserved pages that honored both the look and feel of their time. I needed a quick way to "catch up" on the Thirties (and a source for collage photos to scan).

Thank goodness for Pleasant Company. If you haven't heard about their American Girl books and dolls let me tell you that they may be this generation's solution to getting girls ages 7 to 12 interested in history. Kit is a fictional character in a series of books written to appeal to girls in that age range. Growing up in the 1930s, she deals with issues typical of that generation as well as everything young people from any time deal with, so modern readers can truly relate to her.

Kit is made more real in the mind's eye when put in the context of this Welcome To book. The book's organization takes us from the prosperous late 20s that set it up, through the Depression and onto the New Deal at the end. We find hundreds of era photos of people, places and things that made up the fabric of life back then. Richly supplemented with illustrations, the visuals are grounded with chapter introductions and short blurbs that contain interesting trivia. I can see how it would be a good resource for school reports in grade school, but it's arranged in a fun way for kids so that they'll read it even when they don't "have" to.

Worth owning if you have a grade school child in the house. Check out the other Welcome To books for some of the other fictional girls: colonial times, pioneer days, Victorian era, 1940s, etc; history will come alive for them.
-Andrea, aka Merribelle.

This is not the book I would normally buy but I'm interested in the Depression years in the US and I'm also a publication designer. Using the neat Amazon facility 'Search Inside' the book convinced me this would be a good addition to my design library. The book's production really is first class, so a tip of the hat to Will Capello who art directed it.

Don't be put off by it only being sixty pages long because there is a lot of information in words and images, all presented in an elegant, creative way. The four chapters are divided into themed spreads and each of these uses a scrapbook design style to display the photos and graphics, for instance, pages sixteen and seventeen about the 1932-33 Winter of Despair has a short introduction and ten images with detailed captions. To avoid the feeling that history might come across as being distant and remote a really nice touch is the use of paintings showing Kit and other girls relating to the events described on many pages. If I have a criticism it is that there is no further reading list. The text is such that it will certainly arouse any reader's curiosity to find out more.

'Welcome to Kit's World 1934' is a visual delight and gives a human touch to the dramatic events of the Depression years.

***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

Due to the nature of the diseases, FSH, Cogenial, Limb-Girdle, and Mysenthia Gravis, all of the Muscular Dystrophy family, the medical profession failed to recognize the symptons of these debilitating diseases and diagnosed this condition as depression which resulted in being in several state mental hospitals for years and given powerful anti-psychotic drugs causing hallucinations which reflected to a beautiful childhood. However, with the quick response of a didicated team of drs. from California the correct diagnosis of MD was discovered and treatment was given and the book tells of a beautiful love story as its ending. Not always the easiest read because of such a trauma but it shows the reader the awful consequences resulting from a physical illness such as muscular dystrophy mistaken by outstanding doctors for a mental illness.

I have just finished reading this book and am anxious to see it go to the top of every reading list and a movie, too. It is such a captivating read and also such a revealing study of personal experience in a mysterious world of the mind out of control because of mind altering drugs even if they are being prescribed by doctors. It was so very incouraging to see there is hope and life afterward. Frank Wray, I applaud you!

I found this book to not only be uplifting but also very rewarding. For those who face obstacles in their life, this book will surely be uplifting and rewarding!

It is one thing to have the courage this author has to have survived such a truama and, another to have written this true story and, yet another and most importantly to have the courage and stand up and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. This inspirational book is one that will touch many lives and will live forever in ones heart. It is also a most beautiful love story that will make grown women and men cry.

The Philosopher's Review on "Why Good People Make Bad Choices: How You Can Develop Peace of Mind through Integrity" by Charles Lawrence Allen

Do you believe that you are a "good" person who sometimes makes a "bad" choice? If so, this book may be for you. But hold on to your hat; there are several things you should know before you dive into this two hundred and sixty page self-help tour de force. First, it's a tough read. Second, it requires motivation and persistence. Third, it can change your life--for the better.

The hypothesis and structure of this book hinge on a negative premise: You have a problem, and its name is "Ego." According to Charles Lawrence Allen, the Ego is "a fundamental aspect of who you are" (5) but has an agenda which may or may not coincide with the choices that `you' would actually like to make-- choices that would allow you to develop integrity and peace of mind. Your Ego wants to survive. Your Ego wishes to minimize pain. It likes to maximize gratification. It also thrives on power and control. Hence, the latter two thirds of Allen's book outline the "The Solution," "The Method," and "The Choice" for overcoming the Ego's agenda. In short, this entails creating and following a consciously created belief system. Bear in mind: The belief system ought to be consciously created from your own consciousness, not from other peoples' or culture. You develop integrity when you begin to act consistently in Your Own Best Interest (YOBI). Some chapters offer follow-up exercises; others do not. I successfully changed my behavior by completing, reviewing, and repeating the follow-up exercises.

Philosophically speaking, Allen's book relies on a distinctly modern understanding of the human self and personal identity. While our primitive, ancient, and medieval counterparts identified with the entire cosmos; the early modern era ushered in the masterful, rational, subjective, individual self and corresponding worldview of the Cosmos as a medley of contingencies. This austere perspective discounts the world as a locus of meaning and appropriates the identification and creation of meaning and identity to the individual subject instead. The result of modern subjectivity is the perception of a self that possesses unbounded and unlimited freedom. Consequently, Allen's book is highly evocative and reminiscent of certain aspects of John Locke's theories. Locke viewed the self as a self-defining subject, and his philosophy emphasized control, self-discipline, freedom, and responsibility. Allen's views on personal identity might also align with Locke's; more information on how Allen views memory--in relation to personal identity--is required for such a comparative analysis, since Locke stressed the importance of memory in his own theories.

I view Allen's book as one of the most unique and effective contributions to the self-help genre. It is not for the faint of heart, vocabulary, or reading skills. His view and personification of the Ego interest me, more so than Freud's. Freud and Allen both successfully personify the Ego, but Allen's personification is much more humanistic than Freud's mechanistic analysis. Use caution with Allen's Ego, however, since the persistent monitoring of the Ego and its agenda, as well as the consistent effort to live from a consciously created belief system, rather than the Ego's agenda, may liken your everyday life to a metaphysical battlefield. Conversely, this monitoring is yet another hallmark of our modern culture--a point well addressed by the late philosopher Michel Foucault. If you do want to change your behavior and make better choices, try this book.

We all make bad choices sometimes. We decide that chocolate bars are suddenly part of our healthy nutritional plan. We convince ourselves that since no one will notice, it's okay to leave early from work on Friday afternoons. We watch television instead of spending quality time with our family.

Why Good People Make Bad Choices states that our ego is at fault in all of our bad decisions. The ego is that instinctual part of us all that attempts to protect us from pain while directing us towards pleasure. Unfortunately, the ego does not differentiate between painful experiences that will create growth opportunities and situations that are dangerous. Likewise, there is no distinction between experiences that will create pleasure in the short term but may not necessarily be beneficial to our physical or mental health. In short, our ego isn't always looking out for our best interests. Thus, the key to making good choices is becoming aware of our instinctual behaviours and replacing them with conscious behaviours that reflect personal integrity and how we really want to live our lives.

This book teaches guides the reader to change through awareness one choice at a time. The end goal is simply peace of mind based upon your best interests instead of just seeking experiences that will provide short term pleasure. It also teaches the reader the real meaning of various emotions and how to transform these feelings into more healthy reactions.

Charles Lawrence Allen, MSW presents Why Good People Make Bad Choices: How You Can Develop Peace of Mind Through Integrity, a self-help guide to overcoming maladaptive behaviors that erode one's personal integrity and therefore one's well-being, as well as how to recognize integrity in others. Chapters discuss how human beings are susceptible to near-automatic "instinctual management" behaviors, and teach methods for managing anger, sadness, fear, and other emotions that threaten to overwhelm one's judgment, actions and integrity, thereby transforming unwanted behavior. An uplifting self-help book for improving one's character and regaining control over one's life, one choice at a time.

Reviewed by Susan Pettrone for Reader Views (8/06)

Within the framework of this 19 Chapter book, the author, Charles Lawrence Allen puts into perspective for the reader, the ego, it's agenda within our lives and how we, the reader, can find peace of mind and happiness through integrity. We learn from the beginning how good choices and bad choices can affect our lives to thepoint of destroying integrity. We learn how to recognize, foster and finally keep integrity foremost within our lives. And we learn that when integrity is foremost, our lives are happier and calmer, as well.

Integrity is often spoken of in everyday life, but if truth be known, few know exactly how to define integrity. Integrity is predictable, trustworthy and dependable. Simply put, in the book, "...you can count on integrity". My oldest son takes Taekwondo, and in his training he has been given some wonderful advice by his instructors. Taekwondo is a sport that is built upon trustworthiness and integrity and the instructors teach the students not just the forms of the sport, but also how to apply the tenants to their lives through simple, easy to understand examples. One statement about integrity has often been used in this way, "Anyone can do the right thing when others are watching, but it takes a person with integrity to do the right thing when there is no one there." This is a simple sentence but one that seems to fit the author's description of integrity well. It is oftentimes hard to "do the right thing" when no one is there to judge you but yourself, but the person of integrity does that right thing and he does it without thinking. The hardest thing about integrity is to have it when no one knows it is being challenged.

I was intrigued with "Why Good People Make Bad Choices" and it's take on integrity. The book is a worthwhile read, and one that is filled with important information and advice. However, I feel it could be improved and made more accessible by streamlining some of the excess wordage. That said, I would still recommend this book to anyone who might be looking for a way to find happiness and peace of mind in their lives. It is well organized, expertly researched and filled with lists and examples that will appeal to an array of readers.

This book would be an excellent addition to the library of any counselor, student of sociology/psychology and those who practice martial arts as well. For while the information is definitely written in a "self help" way, this book could easily further cement a strong belief system already in place. As we all are on a constant journey toward bettering ourselves, "Why Good People Make Bad Choices" is a wonderful tool to help us stay on the straight path toward happiness and peace of mind!

"I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I enjoyed "You Me and Apollo: Hope Beyond Bipolar Disorder." It is a wonderful message of hope and encouragement that really helped me understand Bipolar Disorder.

I feel strongly that 'Apollo' can be a real asset
to people needing to understand this illness, whether as a consumer or a family member and I am pleased to support it."

I just finished my third reading of this honest and hope-filled true story by J.D. Stottlemire. With each reading, I have felt a deepening of my awareness about Bipolar Disorder, as well as what it is to be human. The message of hope is for all of us, whether we have experienced Bipolar Disorder ourselves, or know someone that has, or if we just go through depression sometimes...(and who hasn't?) Mr. Stottlemire speaks from his heart, combining humor and seriousness in a very real-life way, that is so easy to relate to, and so easy to read. His story changes lives, by offering that we are not alone, and as he says, "Today there is a great deal of hope."

I never write book review becuase (well...frankly, I'm too lazy)but after reading Apollo I had to get off my duff and tell everyone what a great book this is. Informative, witty, an easy, quick read. If you don't personally know someone who would benefit from this book buy a copy to donate to your local hospital, mental health center, jail or library!!!!
This is the kind of book that could save a life.

J.D. Stottlemire takes us into the surreal world of a mind with Bipolar Disorder. Woven into one man's journey through life is a fascinating comparison to the Apollo 13 mission. Readers of this book will gather insights into the inner sanctum of a brilliant mind, a mind with "a hidden flaw."

This is an eloquently written account of a very personal struggle with Bipolar. Stottlemire humbles himself with grace and style and leaves the reader with real hope that they too can understand and get through the challenges. For all those whose lives have been shattered and broken by Bipolar, I urge you to read this book.

Kristen Baker has a knack for providing the right balance of positive inspiration combined with a game plan, including specific techniques, to make success inevitable. 30 day BootCamp to Eliminate Fears & Phobias is an easy step-by-step program that transforms fear into confidence. Imagine, finally being able to break through into a life of freedom and excitement. I believe anyone fully committed to overcoming his or her fears will benefit greatly from following this program. Kristen's words go straight to my heart - where they do the most good. Thanks!

Dr. Annette Colby, Dallas, Texas, USA
Personal Growth Expert and author of Your Highest Potential: The New Psychology of Understanding and Working with Self

I just finished Kristen's book and feel liberated. Kristen's easy to follow approach to conquoring your fears is so simple to follow. I feel as if a weight has been lifted from me and I am armed to take on any fear I have. Thank you Kristen for giving me back my life!

This book is a definitely helpful tool to free yourself of your fears and live the life you have always wanted with absolute confidence. You become clear on why you have the fears you have and how to work through them. The book also has a lot of interesting and important points on which to reflect and apply to your own life.

Kristen knows what it is like to go through fear and anxiety from her own personal experience, and she wants to help others who also have problems with fear and anxiety.

Kristen is a kind, caring person who wants the best for everyone.

This book encompasses these wonderful personal qualities that Kristen has. If you put in the effort using this book, you will find success.

Kristen is to be greatly commended not only for her achievement in writing this book, but also for the many people she has helped.

It's amazing how many different,simple,yet effective ways this great book offers for combating those "blahs" we all get at times. Not only were there descriptions of little exercises to do which really can change your thinking from negative to positive, but I was surprised, and very pleased, to learn that a few of them are things I already do. For example,I live alone, yet I make my bed every morning. It just makes me feel better. Well,yes, one chapter says, that simple task usually makes anyone feel better! In stopping to think about this, the reassurance was almost as gratifying as all those great new suggestions of things I've never done, or even thought about! I know where to look now, whenever I feel blue.

Although "Bluesbusters" might seem to target women, I found a lot of great stuff in it. It's actually FUN to read...who wants to wade through a tome when you're down in the dumps? The chapters are short and upbeat. I'd call it an "emotional first-aid kit," and think it would be good for everyone to have. Even if you're not in a funk, it's packed with feel-good activities. I did a search, found out it has a web site (bluesbustersbook.com), where you can see the table of contents. Definitely worth the money.

This book is full of great and easy ideas to stop a bad mood in it's tracks. I know from experience that when my "blue" moods hit I can't seem to think of anything positive or uplifting. I usually just wait out the discomfort wasting hours and often days of my life. This book offers a way to break the ugly cycle. Just pick it up and flip to a chapter that speaks to you. It is full of information and practical ideas that can turn my day and attitude around.

If you experience or live with someone who does experience depression then you are all too familiar with the "Hell" part of Lynn Alcock's book "The ABC's for Recovery from Depression: From Hell to Well". This little easy to read book gives solid, practical and easy to grasp real world ways to understand depression and be "Well". I recommend it to the people who seek help from me and I recommend it to you.

Anne Cummings-Bridge
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor

This author provides a good text for people suffering, many times silently, with their stuggle with depressive disorders. I've recommended this book to clients and appreciate this additional tool for comfort. The poems are a nice touch to relate to those who may be feeling hopeless. A good book to read and keep for re-reading again and again.

I found this book to be a good read,written in laymans termilogy so was easy to follow and understand . Very informative and uplifting ,to be able to feel that there is hope to get the old" me "back. Thank you Lynn Alcock