Books on Depression

Drugs can give people a 'breathing space' but do not cure depression and anxiety. Often, people need to address their underlying issues irrespective of any pharmacological treatment. But depression and anxiety aren't single diseases. Each can take various forms and can arise from a plethora of causes. And each can dramatically vary in severity. Sometimes, 'talking treatments' are enough to alleviate mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety - especially if the distress arises from certain identifiable problems, such as bereavement, a phobia or unemployment. This book explores the many faces of anxiety and depression, and the various ways in which they may be addressed. Topics include:* Symptoms* Why depression and anxiety commonly co-exist* Drug treatment* CBT and counselling* Diet for depression and anxiety* Stress management* Exercise* Herbalism, e.g. St John's Wort* Other treatments, e.g. hypnosis, meditation, breathing

As beautifully illustrated as it is touching, this second book from Matthew Johnstone, author of I Had a Black Dog, is written for those who care for those suffering from depression - friends, family members, colleagues, and even therapists. Using wonderful illustrations and the image of Churchill's infamous 'black dog', Matthew and his wife Ainsley offer a moving, inspirational and often humorous portrait of life with depression - not only for those suffering from it themselves, but for those close to them. Living with a Black Dog speaks directly to the carer and offers practical and sometimes tongue-in-cheek tips on helping the depression sufferer, such as 'Socks have little do with mental health. If people could just "snap out of it" they would.' and 'Encourage any form of regular exercise. Fitness robs the Dog of its power'. Based on their own experiences, Matthew and his wife Ainsley treat the subject of depression sympathetically, hopefully and, most importantly, humorously.

'I Had a Black Dog says with wit, insight, economy and complete understanding what other books take 300 pages to say. Brilliant and indispensable.' - Stephen Fry 'Finally, a book about depression that isn't a prescriptive self-help manual. Johnston's deftly expresses how lonely and isolating depression can be for sufferers. Poignant and humorous in equal measure.' Sunday Times There are many different breeds of Black Dog affecting millions of people from all walks of life. The Black Dog is an equal opportunity mongrel. It was Winston Churchill who popularized the phrase Black Dog to describe the bouts of depression he experienced for much of his life. Matthew Johnstone, a sufferer himself, has written and illustrated this moving and uplifting insight into what it is like to have a Black Dog as a companion and how he learned to tame it and bring it to heel.

HIGHLY COMMENDED for the British Medical Awards book prize for Popular Medicine Are you feeling down and irritable a lot of the time? Do relationships with your family and friends seem more complicated than they used to? Do you wish that someone would understand that you aren't just being a moody teenager? If so, you're not alone and this book can help. Depression is more than being sad or in a bad mood and it can make life feel like it is all too much. Depression tells you that there is nothing you can do about it, but with the right help you can turn your story around and rediscover all there is to enjoy in life. This practical guide uses techniques based on Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents (IPT-A) which has been used to help children and young people with depression around the world. IPT-A helps you to develop your own story of what is happening in your life so that you can understand your depression and how to get out of it. You will learn who you can call on to help, even when depression tries to tell you that no one is interested. Don't listen - depression gives bad advice! IPT-A helps you to sort out the problems with other people that are an inevitable part of life when you are growing up and so much is changing around you. With IPT-A, we will get there together.

This ground-breaking new self-help book is based on Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), a therapeutic approach being adopted by the government's nationwide Improved Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme, alongside Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. IPT is commonly used to treat those suffering from depression and eating disorders. IPT is now being used by IAPT therapists nationally and this book will be the first self-help book based on this approach and will be widely recommended to patients. The author, Dr Roslyn Law, is one of the UK's leading authorities on IPT.

Depression can be an incredibly debilitating and isolating condition, with episodes recurring throughout a person's life. However, the good news is that with the right guidance it is possible to make a complete recovery. Drawing on a wealth of clinical expertise, the authors have created an easy-to-use manual that explains everything you need to know about the condition, from how to recognise the symptoms to the range of treatments currently available, including behavioural therapies, professional support, and medication. Individuals suffering from depression, as well as those around them, are encouraged to take an active role in getting better and are provided with the vital tools for staying well.

Depression is one of the most common mental health problems and is estimated to affect around 15% of people at some point during their life. For many people depression is a life-long disorder which starts during the teenage years -around 10% of teenagers are estimated to have an episode of depression and many more experience persistent low mood. This accessible, engaging and age-appropriate self-help guide based on current research and best practice (NICE, IAPT treatment pathways, Books on Prescription, all of which promote CBT) for young people aged 13 to 17 who experience low mood and depression, and their friends, family and health professionals. The book adopts a narrative approach with graphic elements, incorporating case studies and including some interactive exercises. It provides an essential bridge for young people who have not yet asked for professional help as well as support for those who are waiting for treatment.

This anthology of inspirational, heartfelt letters, written by people who have recovered or are recovering from depression, is addressed to those who are currently affected by it. The letters are arranged by themes along with quotes about depression and additional resources for recovery.