If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, you know what a challenge life with this condition can be. Some days your depression probably feels insurmountable; other days you may feel okay, but still something's not quite right. In short, depression can become a controlling force in your life. But it doesn't have to be. There's never a
Researchers are making significant inroads into understanding the causes of depression. This is the first step toward a cure. It may seem that a cure is a long ways off, but life — and science — move quickly these days; today's commonplace items were yesterday's wild dreams. Where science is concerned, it's a good idea to keep current. Any day that one item you've been hoping for may come along.
Also, the medical community and society at large are more tolerant and accepting of the idea of depression as a legitimate condition than ever before. Dismissive reactions and harsh stigmas are fading away. People are more eager to seek help for depression, as well as to offer it to those in need. There are countless books out there on the subject, and new medications and therapies are emerging every day.
Depression is not all in your mind. You know that, because you feel lousy all over, and now science agrees with you. Depression involves both your brain and your body. It's called the mind/body connection. Treating depression, then, becomes a holistic endeavor. Today there are antidepressant medications that work quite effectively to manage many kinds of depression, and psychotherapy, called talk therapy, can help you find the root causes of your depression. Together, antidepressants and psychotherapy, combined with positive lifestyle changes, work well to keep depression under control and manage its symptoms.
If terms such as “psychotherapy” are still a bit foreign — and frightening — to you, don't worry. This book will give you an introduction to depression, the various ways to deal with it, and all the details in between. You'll read about choosing the right therapist for your needs, the benefits and risks of alternative therapies, the necessity of exercise, and the importance of a good diet. And you probably have questions about how you'll cope on a daily basis. What about work? Will your job be in jeopardy if you can't keep up your former level of productivity? What about your relationships? Will they survive such a test? These are honest questions that deserve compassionate and realistic answers. In this guide, you'll find those answers. Remember, knowledge is power.
Acknowledging that you need help is the first step toward getting that help, and just picking up this book is a step in the direction of a better life. There's no time like the present to make a change for the better!