Depression Books

This book was such a relief to me. Every other book I read on prozac, paxil, or zoloft was negative. Essentially, there are a lot of authors making big bucks writing about all of the negative aspects of these drugs. The effect is to make the depressed person feel even more guilty about taking a drug, and to make their families even more judgemental "You really shouldn't be taking those pills. What's wrong with you!"

After reading some of these books I had to ask myself, if these drugs are so bad why are so many doctors prescribing them?

This book answered the question. It's about EXPERIENCE. Only a person who has taken the medication can truly judge it's effectiveness. And only a doctor who has treated many patients can make an educated decision about which medication to try. Everything else is just an opinion.

If you suffer from depression, I recommend that you read this book first.

After searching the net and bookstores alike for accounts of what others go thru while on anti-depressant medication, this book has been a Godsend. With personal accounts of how others encounter and perceive depression, and it's alleviation through Prozac and other SSRI's, the book seems to illustrate that the various maladies of the disease are uniform. The book will remain in my library as a reference AND inspirational source. I look forward to Elfenbein's LIVING WITH LITHIUM, which is said to be next in the series.

Continuing along the same general reading theme this week, I finished Living With Prozac by Debra Effenbein. This is a compilation of personal accounts of people who took Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil. Each personal account is one to three pages long, and covers a very wide cross-section of situations and conditions. The author is very up-front about this not being a scientific study, and she also recognizes that these are most likely examples from the extreme ends of the experience scale. Still, a reader of this book will start to see some trends..

Most of the stories had individuals coming from severely depressed conditions and hitting rock bottom before going on Prozac. Quite a stretch from dysthymia and where I started from. For many of these people, the effects mirrored my own... It took a few weeks for the effects to kick in, but one day you wake up and think... I'm different. I am finding pleasure in life again. I'm not living at the extremes anymore. I may still be sad at times, but it's "normal" sad. On the other side, there were a number of situations in the book where people started with Prozac and went from bad to worse. The drug exaggerated their existing conditions, and they had to discontinue it before they lost it completely.

You'll also read about the wide range of side effects that may or may not affect a user. Some people had nausea, some didn't. Some people had problems sleeping, some didn't. Some had more vivid dreams (I've noticed this one), some didn't. Some had a marked decrease in their libido (especially women), some didn't. Some lost weight, some gained weight. About the only effect that I have (and that was mentioned by one other person) was a slight ringing in my ears. This whole area of side effects reminds me of one of the statements in the book... "Prozac can make you healthy generally, and make you sick locally." While the overall effect of the drug can be a lifesaver, there are areas in which you'll be worse off than before (sleep, nausea, sex, etc.) It then becomes up to you to decide whether the "local" should take precedence over the "general". Treating conditions such as depression with pharmaceuticals can be as much an art as a science.

The book was published in 1995, so it's been awhile. But the drug is still the same one, and the dosages are still the same. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand the real-life experiences with SSRI drugs.

Not only has this book been helpful but it arrived sooner and in better condition than I had expected.

As a parent if you see any of the lonely, sad or angry behaviors in your child this is a great book to add to the shelf. Reading it early on could help you help your child in getting through these rough and tough times of life. This is a book that I am going to pass around to teachers and relatives to read before bringing it back to my shelf as a reference. It is comprehensive as well as easy to read and understand about what the child and family are experiecing. Let it be an impressive key to help dispell the myths about childhood depression and get them the medical help, and family support they truly deserve. Our child has great frustrations due to learning difficulties so the self-esteem issue is always under fire. It is a daily battle to keep a child like this on the positive side of life.

I've read it cover to cover, and will keep it on the shelf as a reference, and give one to the school, and buy a copy to loan out to friends. When you instinctively know something is wrong for your child, you face these huge questions: Is there something so wrong that he "needs professional help"? How do I explain what is wrong? Are they going to want to give him drugs? Are we doing something wrong at home? This book explains different types of depression and other mood disorders and also describes how various symptoms look in children, and even different at different ages. It explains different types of treatment options objectively so YOU can figure out where to start to understand and help your child. Unexpectedly, it has also explained some parts of my own childhood; didn't change anything for me now, just makes more sense. But MOST importantly, now I think I can help my son.

My own personal observations about this program are:

*It's worth the price
*It really works
*It can change your live, as it has changed mine.

I had panic attacks and anxiety in my 20's and bought the tape version of this program in the late 90s. I used it to cure my panic attacks, and learn how to calm anxiety.

A lot of the tips could also be used for depression or anger. In fact, there are individual sections on anger and depression.

I gave my program to a friend after I was done with it, and he enjoyed it, too. It's a really good way to deal with your emotional and social needs, if you have anxiety, depression, or anger, and help someone out when you have outgrown the program yourself.

I've been thinking about buying a copy again, because it seems like it's time to brush up on the essentials. But just looking at the program headers, I can visualize what she said, and I almost don't need to.

No complaints here, it's helped me about 100% through my life, and I'm glad to have been of help to someone else.

Lucinda Bassette's Program is quite impressive. Bassett is the CEO of the Midwest Center for Stress and Anxiety. She speaks often of her own health situation which prompted the book and she does have guidance from other experts. If you are ordering the set from the company, it varies with cassettes, DVDs, CDs, or Videos. So, if you purchase an item from a seller on Amazon, know what you are getting. The sessions include;

Lesson 1: Symptoms, Causes and Fears
Lesson 2: Six Steps That will Put a Stop to Anxiety Attacks
Lesson 3: Self-Talk, Key to Healthy Esteem
Lesson 4: Expectations, Expect Less & Get More

Lesson 5: Eat & Diet to Rid Yourself of Anxiety & Depression
Lesson 6: Stop Being Angry & Control Your Mood Swings
Lesson 7: Assertive Behavior, Speak Confidently and Gain Respect
Lesson 8: Put An End to What If Thinking
Lesson 9: Get Off the Guilt & Worry Treadmill
Lesson 10: How To Stop Obsessive, Scary Thoughts

Lesson 11: Anx & Dep, The Truth About Medication and Alcohol
Lesson 12: The Courage to Change
Lesson 13: Time Management 12 Steps Toward a Balanced Life
Lesson 14: How To Keep Stress From Becoming Anxiety
Lesson 15: Getting Beyond a Growth Spurt.
Relaxation CD

Each CD has average 20 minutes of Objectives; about 30 min of Group Session and few minutes on Summary.

The Book is very helpful with plenty of text and study guides, insightful information into what lurks behind depression and anxiety. This program will take some comittment, as one didn't get anxiety and depression overnight, the healing will not be overnight.

There are cards that you can carry with you for extra coaching. Many times she does allow patients to speak and sometime it may not be all for you to listen, but these are examples that may always fit someone.

There is a program by Lucinda Bassett that does cover just the ANXIETY if you feel that is something you need to focus on.

I have listened to this as an aid for a few people, and I am impressed by the text and her entire program. ....MzRizz

I found this program to be extremely helpful. Alot of great information. Covers everything from eating correctly, dealing with obsessive scary thoughts, cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, and dealing with guilt among many other topics. The midwest center also has a free web sites where you can post messages and get helpful hints from others going through the program at www.stresscenter.com. I can't say enough about this program. It really changed my life.

Amazing book--a must read and one that I will re-read--she touches on everything and it touched my heart and soul!Thank you, Dr. Leonetti for such an honest book! Love, Linda

AFTER MEETING THE AUTHOR, I RECOMMENDED THIS BOOK TO MY GOOD FRIEND. SHE HAD SOME AGE RELEVANT ISSUES. SHE CAME BACK WITH RAVE REVIEWS ON THE SUBJECT MATTER, THE IDEAS & THE KNOWLEDGE IMPARTED IN THIS BOOK. MOST IMPORTANTLY SHE FOUND EFFECTIVE METHODS OF SELF EMPOWERMENT & SELF IMPROVEMENT. I BELIEVE THIS BOOK TO BE A MUST READ FOR FOR EVERY WOMAN.

As a patient of Dr. Leonetti's, I found the book to be a true reflection of her, her beliefs and ideas. This book does not just talk about menopause, it talks about life and how to make the most of yours through good health and good attitudes. It also makes it clear that it is never too late to correct poor choices one has made. A must read for women and men can learn much from it as well.

Speaking as a former board member of a community psychiatric center, I recommend this book as a worthwhile reference for understanding the problems associated with depression. This book deals realistically with the kinds of situations that confront people with depression and their families. This book answers important questions regarding the problems and the hope now available. There are so many more resources available than there were in the past. A good buy.

I am the webower of Mental Health Today.

This book includes the latest information on depression: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, latest treatments - medication, complementary & alternative. Families, children, work, suicide prevention, new hope through research and much more.

I highly recommend this book to consumers and families if you are looking for facts needed in order to recover.

This book is written without bias.It is intended to bring the many facets of clinical depression and its treatments to the attention of those experiencing this common, human, and misery producing condition, and/or to those with more than a passing interest in it.
It is a fair( today so necessary)and impartial exposition of the many notions concerning perpetuating and precipitating forces that impinge on people from within and without.
The author emphasizes that "chemical imbalances"occur within living,breathing, and feeling people who are more than a collection of synapses and what passes between them ; hence, there are no quick fixes(e.g."take this TV advertized happy pill") This should help people to appreciate that there are many approaches to treatment rather than just a pill .
This book should be read as well by medical students,primary care physicians,and specialists.It would help them remember that patients are people("bio-psycho-socially" based)and hence capable of active and broad (e.g.psychotherapy)participation in their own treatment programs.This would help avoid patients' being encouraged, however non-verbally,to become passive participants in treatment and thus more impersonalized(feeling impotent-read hopeless/helpless)than they are already feel.It would also add to the interest physicians could have in treating people rather than symptoms.As importantly it would then lessen the burden that physicians so often feel to be totally responsible for treatment formulations and their delivery.

Billy describes how his father just seemed less interested in life at first, but then things deteriorated to the point of severe depression including weight loss, lack of communication, insomnia, and thoughts of suicide. THE OPPOSITE OF MUSIC tells the story of a family dealing with depression.

Billy's mother finally decides that her husband needs to seek medical help. Dr. Fritz is nice, but his attempts to help are frustrating. The first medicine he prescribes makes Billy's dad break out in disgusting sores. The next medicine causes paranoia and frightening dreams.

After failed attempts to use medicine to treat the depression, Billy, his mother, and his sister become determined to treat the problem themselves. Each researches the therapy they think would be best, and then they work together to cure dad. Some of their treatment involves diet, exercise, light therapy, aromatherapy, etc. Everyone sacrifices their own life to devote time to dad.

When it is obvious that their theories are not working and thoughts of suicide surface, it is decided that a new psychiatrist must be consulted. The new doctor recommends electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Research tells Billy the therapy could be effective, but he also reads horrific tales of brain damage and torture. Will this help, or is his father's recovery a hopeless dream?

Janet Ruth Young offers an extremely realistic portrayal of depression and its effects on a family. It is definitely a book to recommend to teens living a life like Billy's. They will know that they are not alone.

Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"

Several times, I had to remember that the author hadn't been a teenage boy herself, because it was such fun to read this book.

The nuances of how boys think at that point in their life were so wonderfully captured. Many times, I found there was no was I could try to zip through this book. As I was reading, I'd think "oh, this is so sudden, so delicious", and I'd reread the line, or the paragraph. I found myself savoring the words at times.

This was a wonderful journey back to my teen years, and a wonderful journey to my 20's & 30's in Boston, as a few references are cleverly hidden, references that will make the locals smile.

Admittedly, at times the father's condition wasn't very comfortable to work with, but then, that was exactly the situation the family found themselves in. A wonderful piece of work, thank you Ms Young.

Janet Ruth Young's debut novel, The Opposite of Music is being marketed as a young adult novel because the protagonist is a teenager, but this is a book for all ages. The Morrison family lives on the North Shore of Massachusetts. Besides Mom and Dad, there is Billy and his younger sister Linda. One day their life turns upside down as their Dad succumbs to a severe depression. Alternatively embarrassed and terrified, Billy and his family do everything they can to help their father. As they do so, Billy becomes cut off from his friends, unsure of what to even say to most of them. So while his longtime friends wonder what his problem is, Billy finds that the only person outside his family that he can turn to is Gordy, relatively new in town, who recently lost his mother. Here is a book that explores a family dynamic as well as friendship in times of trouble.

Each of the characters in Young's novel is vividly drawn. Family members will seem as familiar as your own as the pop off the page and come to life. Even the supporting characters, like Dad's co-worker June, a well-meaning friend who tries unsuccessfully to help share the family's burden, and Uncle Marty, Dad's brother who's been down-on-his-luck of late, but offers his brother what help he can, are beautifully realized. There's a lot of valuable information here as well, for anyone who has a family member or friend who suffers from depression, and Billy travels a winding and surprisingly realistic arc that Young explores despite the difficult subject. This one comes highly recommended.

Dr. Seligman has put much effort in the writing of this book. The materal, although aimed for parents, I found it very beneficial as a primary care pediatrician. I encounter depression among children almost daily. Dr Seligman helps me to understand the problem with great case discussion and practical strategies. Especially, the questionnaire used in his study was also included in the book and it was very useful. I enjoy reading the book and parents are please that I can offer help for them and their children.

This is the most helpful book I have ever read for helping your children cope with anxiety and pessimism. It provides you with tools and techniques for building a solid foundation of optimism. A psychiatrist recommended this to me, and I have since recommended it to friends.

I had read this author's book "Learned Optimism" which was oriented to adults. The Optimistic Child gives an emphasis to the parent-child relationship instead which is a great addition to his prior work. I found it a little more technical in its writing than the adult version, but not too difficult to read. I highly recommend it for parents trying to help their children to be positive and optimistic in life.

In 1934, life has turned into a dangerous adventure for Hildy. Her family just plain ran off, leaving her alone, in the Ozarks.
With the help of her cousin, Ruby, they go on a treacherous journey together, that's packed with obstacles..... which is complete with their very own merciless pursuer.

With all the commotion going on, Hildy is also undertaking the experience of strengthening her lost relationship with God.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The storyline is very original and each chapter's cliffhanger make the book all the more tempting!

I really liked this book because of all the suspense happening. I wanted to keep reading after every chapter. Hildy's family seems to be almost torn apart, because of the Great Depression. It makes matters worse, when everything seems to go wrong, as they try to escape from....

The Overland Escape is a story of a young girl who tries to track down her family after they left her in the Ozarks. This story will have you thoroughly intruiged and on the edge of your seat. Great for boys or girls!

I recently received a copy of this book from one of the authors. It is not only extraordinary in its focus and scope, but exceptional in that it addresses such issues at all. The challenges of parenting are well known, but undertaking them while experiencing depression is hardly ever discussed - despite the fact that depression is one of the most common health complaints in our nation. Learning to cope with the negative emotions, and still be the best parent you can, involves recognizing behaviors and developing skills - and this book shows you how. I highly recommend this to any parent who feels the burdens of their life are impinging on their ability to parent. If you think you might need help, this is a good place to start.

I found this book to be an excellent resource for my practice as a mental health attorney. This book is written in an easy to read format with helpful pointers for parents with depression and those who work with these parents and families. In addition to its useful hints, the book also lets parents with depression and other mental health issues realize that they are not alone. I highly recommend this book to parents, families, and mental health providers.

I found this book to be extremly helpful and insightful. I am not a parent but do have a bi-polar mental illness.
The book has shown me a way to better manage my illness. Most of the chapters deal with subjects such as how to put together a self-care plan,a crisis plan (such as going into the hospital),how to make better use of finances as well as the importance of keeping a balanced life.
I believe very strongly that not only parents with a mental illness but parents without a mental illness and childless couples with or without an illness can also benefit from reading this book.
This is a must read book for anyone who wants to improve any area of their life.

Perinatal and Postpartum Mood Disorders is an excellent, welcomed addition to this important field of maternal mental health. Written by some of the field's most renowned experts, each book chapter lends a unique view, resulting in a well-rounded picture of these disorders and the approaches which heal them.
--Shoshana Bennett, PhD, former president of Postpartum Support International

Postpartum depression continues to splash the headlines with dramatic impact. The upside to this is that it significantly increases public awareness, which is always a good thing. The downside is that media exploitation often leads to the perpetuation of misinterpretations and misunderstandings, which can impede treatment and recovery.

Although the availability of PPD self-help books and moving personal accounts continues to expand, books that address issues crucial to healthcare professionals who treat postpartum women has been lacking. Susan Dowd Stone, MSW, a pioneer for support and legislation within the postpartum depression community for some time, and Alexis Menken, PhD, another great PPD authority, provide a solid foundation for a book that fills this critical gap in the literature. Together, with the most respected and expert voices in the PPD community, they have succeeded in creating a must-have resource for any healthcare practitioner who works with pregnant and postpartum women. Those of us who work in this field are eternally grateful to Susan Dowd Stone's dedication and hard work which has paid off in this indispensable resource!

This is an excellent book. Mental health professionals, OB-GYNs, women's health nurses and others don't get near enough training on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Susan Dowd Stone's book provides the kind of research-based knowledge needed on order for healthcare professionals to provide the proper support to women who may be going through antepartum depression, postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis and related illnesses.