Review A clear understanding of the nature of depression and the struggles associated with it… the most important measure of this book will be whether the reader finds it helpful in recovery; I am confident that many will. --Depression AllianceThis well-written book imparts so much common sense and good advice that members and their carers are recommended to buy it, and keep re-reading it. --Depression UK NewsletterEminently sensible… Full of practical advice, this constitutes a comprehensive self-help programme for what the author describes as the epidemic of depression. --Sane About the Author Richard O Connor is a psychotherapist who has suffered from depression, a dual perspective that gives him a unique foundation to understanding the problem.
M**T
Thorough but too dense and a bit bullying in its tone
There is loads of useful information in here and if you understand it all and put it into practice I am sure you would stand an excellent chance of recovering from your depression! I have found some it very useful and made it part of my recovery plan, and the author obviously knows what he is talking about, both as a sufferer and a doctor and therapist.However there are two things about it I found it hard to get past. One is how dense it is and lots of theory about things which might be fine if you have got a PhD but are a struggle for other people. The other thing is that while in some places this book sounds quite sympathetic, in others the tone of it when describing depressed people's habits sounds quite bullying to me. In the end this has just put me off using this book as much as I might, because (as the author says!) depressed people need understanding. Not to feel any more pushed and criticised than they already do, because they are doing it to themselves.Perhaps I'm being oversensitive because I'm depressed but this is how it comes across to me, and it is not helpful. Perhaps if the book gets revised again he can tone it down a bit!
V**V
One of the best ever books on surviving depression
I have had bouts of major depression throughout my life, and have read all kinds of self help books and the like in order to try to learn how to heal. This is one of the best I've ever come across. It is very comprehensive, going over all the different aspects of depression. It treats it like the complicated thing that it is - there are many different causes for it, and each individual facing depression will have different combinations of symptoms and combined illnesses. It goes over all these things, offering a wide range of treatments. Each person may need to try many things before they find what works for them, but this is a great starting point to see what might work for you. Not only does it depend on the severity of your depression, but whether you also are bipolar, have experienced trauma, have ADHD, have people around to help you, have substance abuse problems, etc. I recommend starting with this book as a great overall guide to help point you in the right direction. Even if you're not sure what will work for you, try the advice in this book and don't give up. There is a light at the end of the tunnel for many of us. I didn't get cured over night but a lot of the things that helped me are in this book.
A**P
Explains much
I am still in the process of reading this book. But as an individual who has cared for a parent with bi-polar and at time suffered from their own depression, potentially as a result. This book explains a lot in an easy and understandable manner.The distinctions between the different forms of depression are clear and it is easy to understand that one person may have different symptoms. But i will say this. I have started to read this book after being diagnosed and i still think that it is important to get a diagnosis as opposed to reading this book and self-diagnosing.
M**R
No Nonsense...
I have read a few books on depression so wasn't really expecting anything different. This book is great. It is honest and clear and helped me to 'get inside' the condition for a more thorough understanding. The author is saying that getting out of depression and staying out of it is hard and requires work. And he's right, it certainly does. Balanced arguments in regard to medications and therapy, which was really reassuring. It's not easy to read how tough it can be to shake depression off and even tougher to read a large percentage of people relapse at some point, but it is refreshingly honest and very hopeful too. Well worth reading.
B**A
What a great book.
I think this book is well written, easy to follow and really understands what depression is. This book has already help me realise things,put things in a different perspective and i am actually enjoying reading it. Highly recommend for people with depression or those trying to understand it to support others. Brilliant!
O**A
Five Stars
Great book, well written, thoughtful, good nuggets of wisdom.
G**H
Four Stars
Good, thanks.
P**R
Great starter
Great book, ideal as a first read on depression for both sufferers and those around them. I'd recommend reading this before reading David D. Burns. Burns is excellent but frankly overwhelming, especially if you are already depressed. This book covers all the key points and will lead onto Burns.
Trustpilot
2 months ago
2 weeks ago