Defeating Depression

"Blues, stay away from me...." The words of this rhythmic tune, performed by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, could be the theme song of one out of ten adults in the United States this year who will feel the misery that saps their energy and drains their spirit. The 'depression' diagnosis increases with each year, and has been doing so for the last fifty years. "Are you blue? Do you feel low, unusually tired, sad much of the time, depressed? Do you have a family member or close friend who is depressed? Perhaps you are uncertain. Is it depression, or something else?" The book opens asking the question: "Are You Depressed?" It helps readers to understand what depression is (and isn't) through descriptions, examples of real cases, and a handy self-quiz to determine if they have symptoms of depression. The book provides an overview of the faces of depression: physiological, cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal. Depression can be hard to figure out and other maladies can masquerade as depression. Defeating Depression helps readers determine what it is they are experiencing. It looks in depth at each of the four characteristics of depression and provides specific knowledge about ways in which our bodies, thinking, behavior, or close interpersonal relationships may affect our mood. Suggestions are given for ways the depressed and their families can defeat depression and live a more hopeful life. Defeating Depression also examines the close similarity between depression and spiritual desolation. Readers will discover that depression is not just a modern, secular condition, but throughout history has affected religious people as well as those who are not religious. One's own personal values also can have a significant impact upon depression. Re-ordering one's values, and carving out a real sense of meaning and purpose in life can help overpower melancholia and lead to lasting contentment. One chapter focuses on one of melancholia's most tragic consequences, suicide. It offers practical directions-imperatives, in some cases-for dealing with the risk of suicide without delay. Indeed, sometimes self-help is not enough. Unfortunately, the wrong kind of assistance may even make depression worse. Defeating Depression provides nuts-and-bolts information and suggestions concerning how and where to get the best and most effective outside help to combat depression such as: names, addresses, toll-free numbers, and websites of helpful agencies. The last chapter makes the point that, even if you are now depressed or have been in the past, depression does not need to be a signature event. There is no red "D" tattooed on your forehead. Even those who must continue to actively manage their tendency toward melancholia can live happy, fulfilling lives. . Defeating Depression is an easy-to-use self-help guide for both those who are experiencing depression and for their family members. It is written in very approachable language and yet is based on sound psychological principles. Defeating Depression provides specific steps and actions that can be taken to help those experiencing depression to gain relief and find pleasure in life again. Defeating Depression will suggest ways for the reader (the person suffering depression or a family member) to address aspects of depression effectively. It offers explicit, achievable steps to diminish the suffering, and increase joy and satisfaction in life. The author, Howard Stone, Ph.D., is a psychologist, marriage and family therapist, and professor emeritus at Texas Christian University. In addition, he directed a counseling center in Arizona for many years. He is the author of a number of influential books on counseling and has served on numerous editorial boards of professional journals. He has lectured on depression and counseling throughout the United States as well as many other countries.