Growing from Depression, by Neel Burton
ISBN 978-0-9560353-4-9, RPR £9.99
Published June 2010
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Highly Commended in the British Medical Association Book Awards
Happiness is good for the body, but it is grief which develops the strengths of the mind.
- Marcel Proust
Growing from Depression is a counterintuitive, perhaps even provocative, title for a self-help guide on depression, but I chose it for what I think are three very good reasons.
First, I wanted to challenge perceptions of people with depression. Rather than being ‘lazy’ or ‘losers’, they are often among some of the most ambitious, truthful, and courageous of all people.
Second, whereas getting ill is never a good thing, depression can present a precious opportunity to recognise and to address difficult life problems. This can lead not only to a better future, but also to a more refined perspective and deeper understanding of one’s life and of life in general.
Third, and perhaps most obviously, the journey out of depression is one of learning: learning about oneself, of course, but also learning about the many life skills that are covered in this book, skills such as defeating thinking errors, managing stress and anxiety, developing confidence and self-esteem, building relationships, eating healthily, and getting a good night’s sleep. These skills should not only help you to get better, but also to stay better and to enjoy a better quality of life than ever before.
Reviews
...this book is a comprehensive, sympathetic, and thought-provoking guide for those who want to explore their depression in more depth and who are motivated to make long-term changes in their ways of thinking and their lifestyle. It can also be recommended to carers of people with depression and to junior doctors in psychiatry.
- The British Journal of Psychiatry
...I would recommend this book to anyone in touch with patients suffering from depression as an introduction and practical guide. It does not overwhelm the reader and can be re-read and used as a 'what can I do now?' guide for those suffering from depression and their carers. The book brings understanding and encourages independent solutions. It is remarkable in its concision and practicality - pragmatic yet empathic.
- The British Medical Association
