Customer Reviews

The Depression Workbook: A Guide for Living with Depression and Manic Depression

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The author early on in the book says that her problems (she was diagnosed as Bipolar like myself) were found to be due to a thyroid problem, and that in the ten years since she's taken the thyroid medicine to correct the problem, she has not had another episode of mania or depression. She then goes on to write a book purporting to be an expert on mood disorders and how to help yourself. The reality of the situation is likely that she only knows how to manage her own life without a mental illness and knows what strategies (generic to all people even if not ill) help her to feel better and organize her life.

She doesn't seem to think medications are necessary (something common among both the newly diagnosed and people without a true mood disorder), but acknowledges with much resistance that they have "some" value. She strongly implies (or seems to) that one has a weaker moral character for taking the medications. It's a self-help book, though, so I can understand why it has to push the idea that you can help yourself.

As a basis for her expert knowledge in the book, she put together a survey of 120 people (75% bipolar, 25% depression-only) from which she draws examples to use and quote from. And after the first few pages, that's what at least 50% of the book is - quotes or symptoms taken from respondents to the survey. The people reporting the description of the symptoms are not scientific experts, and there not much scientific/medical input into the book. I did find value from the one section (maybe 1/2 a page) written by a doctor where I learned of a new medication which I was able to find more information on-line about (geodon). As a result of that one little piece of knowledge, I don't feel I wasted my (Money), but the other 149.5 pages I've read so far are hardly worth the paper their printed on.

A workbook that requires your partipication but it is extremelly well written on touchy subjects.Very easily written and a must for everyone who has or had depression

On the recommendation of my spouse's therapist we purchased this book. I read the whole thing in one evening, but my spouse is reading it slowly.

One of the biggest changes is hearing my spouse say "I have a goal now" or "I need to keep charts." This would never have happened without the book "telling" him to do it. After 3 years of dealing with the wrong diagnosis and medications it finally seems as if we are on the right track and there is some hope and light at the end of tunnel. I don't know if we will ever exit this long tunnel, but now at least I know my spouse wants to try and the book gives us logical steps to work in that direction.

On the recommendation of my spouse's therapist we purchased this book. I read the whole thing in one evening, but my spouse is reading it slowly.

One of the biggest changes is hearing my spouse say "I have a goal now" or "I need to keep charts." This would never have happened without the book "telling" him to do it. After 3 years of dealing with the wrong diagnosis and medications it finally seems as if we are on the right track and there is some hope and light at the end of tunnel. I don't know if we will ever exit this long tunnel, but now at least I know my spouse wants to try and the book gives us logical steps to work in that direction.

As a workbook, this is very good, and works very well. The author seems to have a chip on her shoulder about the medical community, which is her right; however, I take her opinions with a grain of salt.

This is an extremely practical book that everyone suffering from depression or manic depression should own. It reminded me of Miklowitz's "Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide" in that it was filled with hands on, useful suggestions for how to cope with these mental illnesses. The suggestions aren't always obvious, especially if you're depressed. This book should be used in conjunction with therapy and/or medication. Avery Z. Conner, author of "Fevers of the Mind".

I've owned this book for several years and I refer back to it again and again. It not only contains tips for helping yourself out of a depression, but its checklists and forms actually encourage you to do the work you need to do. This book is also good for someone who is not depressed but just needs help with their lifestyle. Wonderful book. I think it will help anyone who actually uses it.

A must for those dealing with depression or manic depression. This book is one of the few that answers the question: What can I do other than solely taking medication to get well and stay well? Whether using meds or not this book will help you. One should be suspicious of the source of any negative comments about this book. It is filled with truth and tools that truly work. Bravo to the author! This review by: Paul Wider, MA, Author of Overcoming Depression and Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder) A Whole-Person Approach.

I started reading this book when I was newly diagnosed, and it was not helpful. It seems to be aimed at a grade school mentality, and the "exercises" are condescending and patronizing. If you feel that you need this type of care, this should be a good resource for you. But for people who desire a little more intellectual stimulation and who prefer to be treated as adults, I do not recommend this book. Unfortunately, there is not much alternative out there at present; the profession seems to prefer to treat down to the lowest common denominator. Sadly, no change seems to be in sight.