Reviews (5)

Excellent book on Depression & Anxiety
This book was very easy to read. It was helpful to know how the author felt during his depressive episodes and how he managed his symptoms. I learned a lot about the different Depressions (and its symptoms). And how to find help and support while I am battling my Major Depression and Anxiety. I feel that I am not the only one who suffers from Depression. The Depression and Anxiety rating chart is an excellent idea and it helps me track my moods on a daily basis.

Thank God For This Book
Thank God for this book. I am going through hell with anxiety and clinical depression. This book has coping strategies. I think most readers know something about clinical depression. Yet it is the combination of clinical depression and anxiety that is so devestating. This book attacks the combination.
Very comprehensive and compassionate
I appreciated his thoroughness.Lots of web sites to contact for all types of depression.Also a strong focus on spirituality.It gives everyday help. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anxiety    2. Clinical Psychology    3. Depression    4. Depression, Mental    5. Neuropsychology    6. Popular works    7. Psychology    8. Biography: general    9. Coping with illness   

Reviews (37)

Constrict Your Anus 2 - "Electric Boogaloo"
I can't wait until the sequel to this book comes out - "squeeze your nipples 423 times a day to relieve headaches".Until that time, I must be content with this modern-day Godsend.Originally I have heard that this book was a cast-aside chapter of the New Testament.Apparently, some idiot thought that this wouldn't be prudent as Bible-material.Well, it sure is prudent to me.I've been teaching my dog to obey this book as well.In fact, I'm working on a technique to teach dogs how to constrict their anuses at your command.So useful, really.This book is wonderful.Praise the mighty anus, master of all that is anti-depressent, helpful, brown, and a little stinky.

Male Pelvic Floor Exercises!
Yep, anal constriction is basically Kegels, or the male version of pelvic floor exercises.And the abdominal constriction is a common qigong movement.He is right.This should improve your sexual functioning, and if that doesn't bring a smile to your face, what will?

Bummed Out
Incredible! I read this book 8 times already. My therapist, however, has suggested that to read it one more time would be simply assinine. I'm completely bummed out. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. General    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Psychology    6. Humor   

Reviews (15)

Fantastic Book
I work in the mental health field and therefore see depression all too frequently.This book is a fabulous resource that I lend to my patients, but have also enjoyed it on a more personal level.Everyone goes through ups and downs in life, and Huber does a good job of normalizing depression, while communicating that sometimes it's *okay* to be in a rut.Rather than looking for a fast and temporary solution (i.e., medication), she directs people toward developing insight into why they feel the way that they do and allowing themselves to feel it.A fantastic book that I highly recommend!

A "New" Way to Deal With Depression
This is one of those books that, after you read it, you're glad you ordered it - and glad you read it (instead of putting in that "I'll get to it later" pile)...
This book changed my life
I see various reviews that don't like that it is hand written with doodles and other pictures, I found it especially appealing as I am an artist.I believe that if you are looking for a 'fix' the book won't 'fix' you any more than any other type of mental cognitive approach. If you find yourself in that boat, I strongly recommend seeing a psychiatrist and seeing if an anti-depressant will help.Read in conjunction with medical supervision and an anti-depressant might create enough space to really get in touch with yourself and allow the healing to begin.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Depression    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Religion    5. Self-Help    6. Self-Help / Spiritual   

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Depression, Mental    3. Depressive Disorder    4. Etiology    5. Medical    6. Psychiatry - General    7. Psychology    8. Treatment    9. Coping with stress    10. Neurology & clinical neurophysiology   

Reviews (15)

Lighthearted fun
First of all, those who gave this book low ratings (such as the gentleman who called it male-trashing filth) must not "get it."This isn't supposed to be deep and heavy...so of course the text is simple and to the point (it's a picture book, for heaven's sake, people).This book is not meant to seriously bash males...it's more like a caricature portrayal.Men and women are different, and we should just laugh at it because that's not going to change anytime soon.Greive helps us to do just this.As a man, I'm sure he wouldn't go around bashing men in a serious way...how many times have female comedians stood onstage poking fun at the female stereotypes of being emotional, or catty, or in love with shoes??Sure not every female is like that, but there are certain stereotypes in our world that make for great humor when it's done in fun.This book is both humorous and inspiring.I bought it when i was single, and I also gave it as gifts to friends -- single & looking, recently single, and even married.My boyfriend saw it on my coffee table this weekend and started looking through it...he thought it was hilarious!The vintage pictures are great, and although it pokes some light fun at the guys, by the end of the book the message is serious and poignant - don't try to be anything but who you are, and in doing so everything else will fall into place in its own way and time.This is a great gift for any girlfriend going through a breakup, as well as those who are single and feeling a little disenchanted.My only regret is that there are only 5 stars, because this book deserves many more!

Hysterically funny!
and unfortunately, soooo accurate! Any woman who has loved or tried to love a man will love this book. A side-splitter!

Disgusting, anti-male garbage
This piece of filth was written by a self-loathing male and is bought by misandric, self-centered imbeciles. It's nothing but a grocery list of men's faults and an insinuation that women, in contrast, are perfect. Even violence against men is joked about: suggestions of women shooting men and even severing their private parts.
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Subjects:  1. American wit and humor, Pictor    2. American wit and humor, Pictorial    3. Dating (Social customs)    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family/Marriage    6. Humor    7. Inspirational    8. Inspirational - Gifts    9. Love & Romance    10. Man-woman relationship    11. Man-woman relationships    12. Photoessays & Documentaries    13. Topic - Relationships    14. Marriage & relationships    15. Marriage, family & other relationships    16. Self-Help / Depression   

Reviews (16)

Best book for ANYONE that has ever been depressed or Anxious
I have suffered ppd for the last 1.5 years. It was so bad I had to go on medication and since then had to up my dose. This book has helped me see why this has happened to me and how a person gets depressed in the first place. IT is NON judgemental and also validating but besides that it tells you how to RECOVER! It is a wonderful book. It doesn't leave anything uncovered. I want Valerie Raskin to know THANKYOU for saving my life and my marriage from the demon of ppd. I also got your book This isn't what I Expected and it is a wonderful addition to this one for the PPD sufferer. Big hugs and big thankyou to you Valerie. So true
This was the best book I have ever read on depression.

Great for anyone who wants to learn more
This book was easy to understand and very helpful. I myself already had some knowledge about depresssion so it was not as useful to me as it would be to most people. I really learned some very interesting new things though. It clearly described the types of depression and how to know the difference. It gave me some new knowledge about hormones and their role-which is KEY. I definetly recommend if you have a relative with depression(like me) or you feel you may be depressed- even if you don't want to admit it (like me.) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anxiety in women    2. Depression    3. Depression in women    4. Mental Illness    5. Mental health    6. Popular works    7. Psychology    8. Reference    9. Women    10. Women's Studies - General    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / Reference   

Editorial Review

In the space of a few months, 11-year-old Alex Raeburn is bounced among seven psychiatrists and prescribed even more drugs, among them Lithium and Depakote, after lashing out at his 5th-grade teacher. The doctors are swift to prescribe pills but slow to provide therapy, despite varying opinions on what the diagnosis may be--maybe depression, ADHD, or an anxiety disorder. While the family finds little relief from the medical establishment, author Paul Raeburn, Alex's dad, slowly admits that his lack of parenting and anger-management skills may have exacerbated his son's condition. Some of his temper tantrums, one of which involves flooding their kitchen, are as frightening as his son's manic episodes.Read more

Reviews (26)

Compelling reading
I could not put this book down.Within Paul Raeburn's personal story are a few critical and quotable summaries of the dilemmas that all parents of "different" children face, especially in regards to diagnosis and medications.Parents of bipolar children should read this book not as a "how-to" story, but to understand that we are not the only people living with this challenge.Every piece of information helps us put together our own life puzzles.

Brutally honest, most effective in showing America's mental health crisis
This book was hard to get through, not because of the writing, which was excellent, but because it was so relentlessly honest and upsetting.I don't think I've ever read a book where the author was quite so hard on himself or made himself out so poorly.I think he took on more blame than he needed to for his childrens' problems.
First Half Great, Second Half Defensive
The first half of this book is just wonderful.Written by an author with great skill, the book has the drama of a nonfiction book as he weaves together all the charcters and elements in the plot.His research about the disease brought out things I'd not learned yet in my journey with friends and loved ones with bipolar disorder. (Although he also left out some basic elements which, if included, would have balanced the presentation a bit more.)That he and his wife would divorce was "foreshadowed" powerfully.
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Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Child Psychiatry    3. Children with Special Needs    4. Developmental - Child    5. Mental Depression    6. Mental Illness    7. Psychology    8. Specific Groups - Special Needs    9. Medical / Psychiatry / Child & Adolescent   

Reviews (7)

Hardly covers the cause of depression
Like all we need is another book justifying why people need to stay on these dangerous psychotic drugs.Well educated and informed people know already that imbalances in brain chemistry are due to imbalances in the chemistry of the body.Start educating people about outstanding nutrition and "miraculously" the chemistry of the brain changes and improves as well.
Mediocre/Dubious
One glaring omission is that he fails to mention that SSRIs can cause permanent sexual side effects even after discontinuance. Long overlooked by the medical community. Do google search for details.

Helpful BUT...
Dr. Hedaya gives some good advice.He points out how important antidepressants are for the well-being of many of us.He also discusses, rightly, how the SSRI's are far from being side effect-free.Finally, he gives some good tips on coping with these problem.
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Subjects:  1. Antidepressants    2. Depression    3. Depression (Psychology)    4. Depression, Mental    5. General    6. Health & Fitness    7. Health/Fitness    8. Psychology    9. Psychopharmacology    10. Side effects    11. Health & Fitness / General    12. Popular medicine    13. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Subjects:  1. Clinical Psychology    2. Depression    3. Depression, Mental    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Psychology    6. Psychopathology - Compulsive Behavior    7. Psychopathology - General    8. Abnormal psychology    9. Psychiatry    10. Psychology & Psychiatry / Clinical Psychology    11. Psychotherapy   

Reviews (5)

I bought it for the title, but thoroughly enjoyed the book
I saw this book discussed on the Yarn Harlot's web site, and because I am a fan of southern writers, I thought it would be a good read.I was right.
Hmmmmm?
This book was really not quite what I expected. The author races from topic to topic; most which deal with her unstable family history and these interludes are repeated throughout the book, but from different angles so you never quite get the sense about whom each character really is in her family and why they relate to the story. Surprisingly, to me, I thought this book really did not focus on the post-partum depression of the author. Yes, she speaks of it and gives a very vivid account of being on a mental ward for a bit due to PPD and added to this are excerpts from her journal directed at her newborn that seem to be thrown in with the mix as an extra or filling to her struggles to describe her story. But to say that she constantly cried about being pregnant, having her baby, trying to nurse the baby etc...really doesn't jive with me considering she lets on that she cries about almost every facet of her life, and has for quite some time. Hence, the need for anti-depressants earlier in her life.
Pointed, down to earth, affecting
I'm a new mother who thankfully did not suffer from postpartum depression. I lapped up Martini's honesty at her birthing experience and at being a new mother. I felt the same way, underwhelmed, terrified of how dramatically my life had changed, and deeply angry at all the Internset sites, books, experts, friends etc. who let you know exaclty what you're doing wrong. Who are so preachy. It was so so heartening for me to read this that I praise Martini for her honesty.
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Subjects:  1. 1971-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Family Psychology    7. General    8. Literary    9. Martini, Adrienne,    10. Mental Depression    11. Mental Health    12. Parenting - Motherhood    13. Patients    14. Personal Memoirs    15. Postpartum depression    16. United States    17. Women    18. Biography & Autobiography / Literary   

Editorial Review

Another book that seeks to help the depressed change their brainchemistry without medication, Read more

Reviews (14)

At last
In my more than twenty years of dealing with depression, I've tried many strategies - talk therapy, drugs, herbs, psychological spelunking, spiritual practices, and cognitive or goal-setting approaches. I've read dozens of books. Most either talk about brain chemicals from a overwhelmingly clinical perspective (with pharmaceuticals as the answer) or try to pinpoint the root emotional causes (as if to identify them is to solve them) - without offering small remedial steps that seem do-able to a severely depressed person. Robertson's book not only shows the links between our brain chemistry and our life experiences, he offers modifications in diet and habit that can result in rectifying the chemical imbalances.
Important to read
I have long term depression and this book spells out in simple (overly simple?) terms what goes on with ones brain chemistry.I began to pay attention and become more aware of the effects of serotonin on my daily activities.This could be psycho-somatic, but it makessense to me.
Hopeful.....yet a long term battle
I cannot picture myself defeating (if that's the right word) my depression in the near future, but I do find books like this helpful as a sort of longterm dream to strive for...but even when you know the root causes of your depression maintaining stability is still difficult. Antidepressants are helpful for those times when you really do need them - but they are drugs, and as such they have their negative side. I hope that I can find a natural solution - but fighting the battle is hard - and I admire anyone who has the power to meet the struggle. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Therapies    2. Alternative treatment    3. Depression    4. Depression (Psychology)    5. Depression, Mental    6. Diet / Health / Fitness    7. General    8. Health/Fitness    9. Mental Depression    10. Pathophysiology   

Reviews (1)

Surprisingly worthwhile read
I am a licensed counselor and have been reading professional literature since the late '70's, had run into Lowen here & there, but never paid him much attention, assuming he would be dry and theoretical. I just picked up Depression and the Body and found it quite helpful. Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Mood Disorders    3. Psychology    4. Reference    5. Coping with personal problems    6. Popular psychology    7. Psychology / Depression   

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Depression, Mental    3. Popular works    4. Problems, exercises, etc    5. Psychology    6. Self-Help    7. Social aspects    8. Treatment    9. Coping with personal problems    10. Coping with stress   

Reviews (1)

A fine anthology
Philosopher Radden culls the works of 32 authors, preceded by an excellent 50-page introduction to the topic, once a commonplace idea, now "an insignificant category, of little interest to medicine or pscyhology..."The pleasure in learning from this valuable work is a modicum of joy in the midst of sorrow.
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Subjects:  1. Cognitive Psychology    2. Depression    3. Emotions    4. Movements - Phenomenology    5. Philosophy    6. Psychology    7. History of specific subjects    8. Philosophy & theory of psychology    9. Philosophy / Phenomenology    10. Philosophy of mind    11. Philosophy | Human Nature   

Reviews (1)

Positive Options for Seasonal Affective Disorder
I found this book to be helpful. Somebody finally put into words what I feel. It was like reading about my life. I gave it to my husband to read also, so that he would understand what I am going through. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Health & Fitness    3. Health/Fitness    4. Healthy Living    5. Mood Disorders    6. Popular works    7. Psychology    8. Seasonal affective disorder   

Reviews (1)

Clear, understandable explanation of SAM-e
This book answered my questions about SAM-e in an easy-to-read format. I like the fact that there are references at the end of each chapter...I like to know I can check on the research studies mentioned. Nicely done ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adenosylmethionine    2. Alternative Therapies    3. Depression    4. Depression (Psychology)    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Osteoarthritis    8. Pharmacology    9. Psychology    10. Reference    11. Therapeutic use    12. Treatment    13. Health & Fitness / Reference   

Reviews (3)

SACRED SORROWS: Embracing & Transforming Depression
This is the definitive, readable book on depression that runs the gamut from personal experience of it, to listing medical symptoms, categories and conservative to alternative cures, to embracing the process of it as the spiritual initiation and psychological rebirth that it can be.Each of the many authors who shared either personal experience, knowledge, medical or alternative healing techniques or understanding of the process of depression offer the reader a rich tapestry of information to include concentration camp experience, mid-life depression, substance abuse and depression, treatments of depression from shock to antidepressant medication, medical causes that may bring it on and varied approaches to transforming it as well asunderstanding its regenerative value.The book has three segments: Living with Depression, Transforming it and Embracing it filled with twenty-seven insightful and often compelling essays by a wide variety of authors.This book will grow your understanding by leaps and bounds of this ailment that not only touches all of us at some point in our lives but is also the USA's thirdmost prevalent medical problem.The book is suberbly informative.

A helpful resource including many perspectives
Most books on depression focus on the author's pet approach to depression,naturally enough, but that can be frustrating for those of us who figurethat there's probably more than one factor contributing to our depressionand more than one way to understand and deal with ourdepression. Enlightening, thoughtful, ecclectic
I bought this book for a friend in the hospital who never returned it -- he loved it so much.With excerpts on the experience, nature, degrees, causes, and alternative treatments for depression, this anthology reallyCAN make a sick person well.I found the chapters on grief extremelyhelpful.This book revitalized my confidence in the workings ofpsychotherapy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative treatment    2. Depression    3. Depression (Psychology)    4. Depression, Mental    5. Emotions    6. Mental Depression    7. Moral and religious aspects    8. Psychology    9. Religious aspects    10. Coping with illness    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Reviews (3)

Easy Strategies to Feel Better
I really like the way this book is formatted.It makes it easy to read any segment and not feel overwhelmed by overly wordy text.The topics are grouped under the following topics:
OPEN IT ANYWHERE, EVERY PAGE A MOTIVATOR
I'm a therapist and lend this book to clients who are feeling hopeless and after just a quick flip to any page they are often hooked. In brief focused chapters there is a lot of excellent information and practical suggestions on exactly what to do to help yourself to get well and feel better.It's a winner!

A Gold Mine of Great Tips
This is a great little guide for anyone suffering from depression, or their family members. It offers up many practical tips backed by the latest research on brain/biology links to depression. It also discusses how to overcome negative thinking, low self-esteem, and emotional traps that contribute to depression. I took a neuropsychology course from the author, a renowned depression expert from California. Dr.Preston really knows his stuff, but also knows how to write in an easily understandable fashion. This book is written in such a way that someone suffering from depression can actually read and enjoy it, and apply the advice right away. A terrific guide book worth its weight in gold. Highly recommended.Read more

Subjects:  1. Affect (Psychology)    2. Depression    3. General    4. Mood (Psychology)    5. Psychology    6. Self-Help    7. Personal Growth   

Reviews (23)

A must read for any Black woman coping with depression!
As a 20-something Black woman who has suffered from depression since adolescence, I found this book to be completely validating.The author pens a story that so many of us wish we could.In our community, issues of mental health tend to be taboo.So those who suffer, often do in silence.However, Ms. Danquah writes with such a bold honesty that I for one was inspired to face my struggle with this illness head on!This book will definitely move you as well!

This was a great read
After experiencing several bouts with depression throughout my 30s--I am now 38 and the daily battle continues, this book caught my attention from another message board. I checked it out from my local library and finished it within 2 days. I could so relate to the author. Her story was very poignant and I appreciated her honesty. While medication has not worked for me I am trying a daily balance of selfcare to work with my depression. This is a book I will buy. Continued success to the author, her family and circle of friends.

Excellent
I bought this book and didn't want to read it at first. I thought it would be too sad. But I read it anyway. I am sure glad I did. This book gave me the courage I needed to go find help for my own depression. Thanks Meri. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Afro-American women    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Depressed persons    6. Depression    7. Depression (Psychology)    8. General    9. Patients    10. People of Color    11. Psychology    12. United States    13. Women    14. Coping with illness    15. Self-Help / Depression   

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Depressed persons    4. Depression    5. Depression, Mental    6. Religion    7. Religion - Christian Life    8. Religious aspects    9. Religious life    10. Religion / Christian Life