Overcoming Depression : a Self-help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioral Techniques

"To potential buyers of this book

In the last two years I suffered from mild depression after a major incident and the way those people at that period that surrounded me i.e employer, the police and boyfriend at that time. The chose to behave rather abnormal towards me during the aftermath. It really shocked me to the core that I was experiencing horrid people outside of my family. I am not naive enough to say that evil people do not exist, just when you personally experience only then can you absorb the reality of it. I needed to be shown compassion, caring and supportive emotions. In the end all I received emotionally was ultimate selfishness from parties.

I was so distraught I seeked professional counselling and it did assist me rather than not attending. It made me see elements why these people treated me so badly. Asked further question and without discussing it with them. Figure out feasible outcomes to explain their behaviour with my counsellor.

Now two years from passed and I felt upset though not depressed as before. I thought I would approach it differently on this occasion. I would purchase a self-help book on the natural and common disorder we all as human beings will identify and more than likely encounter.

This in comparison is more benefitical to me because it has scientific answers to why the human brain reacts as it does. Like with the counselling within the book there aren't answers for everything. If we could answer every question in life generally we would be laughing.
After explanations withing chapters that seem very long, though it you have the a real interest in the topic you can wizz through them at speed. It made me realise that I am normal to feel depressed after all I have experienced and no one will know how I do unless you have experience the same. What I loathe is people having that reassuring saying 'I understand what your going through' to be kind. I prefer it people admitted that they didn't and re-phrase it as 'I don't know exactly it is like your bad experience, though I am trying to understand. If they use the cliche I understand what your going through during a traumatic time. For me it devalues your sorrow and makes it seem that your making a mountain of a mole hill situation.

Prior to submitting a review. I have already recommended the self-help book to my friends. Personally in comparison with counselling I benefitted more from this self-help book than counselling. Though it hasn't discouraged me from counselling I would balance both. Life is a balancing act with every element.

Worth every page this book!

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~ Written on 2010-03-19

"Great self-help guide to overcoming depression, written in an easy-to-read format, containing worksheets.
The book is CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy)based and a useful tool in managing and conquering depression.
I' am a therapist for the NHS myself and recommend this to my patients as an add-on to our sessions, plus it is one of the titles our Primary Care Trust has on it's 'Books on prescription' scheme, available through certain libraries."
~ Written on 2010-03-15

"I bought this book based on other people's review.
I was a little dissapointed.
This is like a text book, yes, it covers most aspect of Depression.
But I found only thing which was usable for me was pages about anti-depressant.
Just information is so standard, it is not helpful to over come depression.
This is for somebody studying depression in University, but not for people who is suffering it.

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~ Written on 2010-03-15

"For someone suffering depression to any degree, I recommend this book. It covers the reasons behind depression, the effects it can have, methods for coping, and gives examples to show you you are not alone!
Reading this book has made depression understandable, and shown me that there is a light at the end of the tunnel - it's definitely worth a look."
~ Written on 2010-02-22

"It is very good for anyone who suffers from any kind of depression, it helps you to break things down and gives you ways to self-help. It's best to read it slowly to understand. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to help themselves."
~ Written on 2009-12-02