Some call it the blues or a storm in their head. William Styron referred to it as "darkness visible." Whatever the description, depression is a disorder of the mind and body that affects millions of adults at some point in their lives. In Take Control of Your Depression, Dr. Susan J. Noonan provides people experiencing depression with strategies to take stock of their mental state, to chart a course toward emotional balance, and to track their progress on the journey to well-being.
Writing from her personal experience as both a recipient and a provider of mental health services, Dr. Noonan explains how to obtain care from professionals, outlines what medical options are available, and lists everyday things people can do to feel better. Integrating medicine, psychology, and holistic care while exploring the basics of mental health, she touches on diet, sleep habits, physical activity, and mindfulness techniques.
This useful and compassionate workbook, which is specifically designed for people who find it difficult to focus and concentrate during a depressive episode, includes
proven relapse prevention and resilience techniques
targeted cognitive exercises
daily worksheets that can be used to track your progress and response to therapy
the fundamentals of Cognitive Behavior Therapy
advice on dealing with family and friends
guidance from remarkable people on depression
a discussion of how technology and social media can be used to manage well-being
a section on treatment-resistant depression
specialized tips aimed at women, men, adolescents, the elderly, and people dealing with chronic illness
The only workbook on depression that combines a discussion of medical options, talk therapy techniques, and established self-help strategies, Take Control of your Depression empowers individuals to participate in their own care, which offers them a better chance of recovery and of staying well.
Praise for Other Books by Susan J. Noonan
"This practical and compassionate handbook is perfectly suited to individuals living with depression: in accessible language, it offers firm, specific advice and quick cognitive tests and self-assessment metrics that even those in the deepest of doldrums will find helpful and relevant... a valuable volume for those suffering from depression, as well as for loved ones who are fighting the fight by their side."'Publisher's Weekly
"From defining a baseline of depression to charting moods and preventing relapses, this workbook is a top pick for any depression sufferer!"'Reference and Research Book News
"This practical guide is an important contribution to the growing genre of self-help works on this topic."'Library Journal
"This text is a much-needed addition to mental health literature, as depression is stigmatized and few understand how to support friends and loved ones who frequently do not obtain help on their own."'American Reference Books Annual
"This book offers useful insight for any health professional working within mental health... It is of enormous value to the layperson, hungry for knowledge about how best to interact and help their loved one face the dreadful ravages of depression."'Nursing Times
Foreword, by Jerrold F. Rosenbaum, MD, and Timothy J. Petersen, PhD Acknowledgments
Introduction Chapter 1. Mental Health Basics The Basic Steps Sleep and Depression Sleep Hygiene Diet and Nutrition Physical Exercise Routine and Structure Avoid Isolation Chapter 2. Mood Disorders Major Depression Bipolar Disorder Making the Diagnosis of a Mood Disorder Symptoms of Depression Symptoms of Elevated Mood Mood Chart Depression and Anxiety The Stigma of Mood Disorders Fatigue and Depression Chapter 3. Common Obstacles in Depression Feeling Defined by Depression Fear of Getting Better Rumination Chapter 4. Defining Your Baseline Chapter 5. Managing Your Mood Disorder Follow Your Treatment Plan Talk Therapy Medications Inpatient Care What to Do When You Can't Afford Treatment The Relationship with Your Therapist Managing Depression and Bipolar Disorder Additional Tips for Managing Your Mood Disorder Chapter 6. What Is the Goal? Wellness as the Goal Steps to Wellness Chapter 7. Relapse Prevention Overview of Relapse Prevention Triggers Warning Signs An Action Plan for Relapse Prevention What If I Feel Suicidal? Chapter 8. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors How You Think about the World Affects How You Feel How You Think and Feel also Affects How You Act Should Statements Challenging and Changing Your Thoughts Evidence For and Against Pleasure and Mastery Chapter 9. Strategies to Get You through the Tough Times Coping and Stress Mindfulness Distress Tolerance Communication Skills Talking with Your Doctor Tips for Family and Friends Chapter 10. Dealing with Family and Friends Family and Friends Who Are Supportive Family and Friends Who Are Not Supportive People You Choose Not to Tell When to Disclose Your Illness How to Disclose Your Illness Managing Relationships Can Be Tricky How to Survive the Holidays with Family Chapter 11. Pulling It All Together Chapter 12. Collective Wisdom Advice from Some Remarkable People Technology in Mental Illness Helpful Websites Books of Interest Conclusion Appendix Glossary References Index
""The book is well written and engages the reader in both medical knowledge and the personal account of the author as to what life is like living with depression. Each chapter is brimming with compassion and encourages the reader to consider how depression can impact on the ability to 'be yourself' and the need to appreciate self-worth.""
