[.ca] The Depression Workbook: A Guide for Living with ... (ISBN 157224268X)

From Amazon.com:
It may be difficult for those suffering from depression to add a little work into their day; simply getting out of bed can seem like plenty of work. But if you are newly diagnosed or experiencing moderate problems with depression or bipolar disorder, The Depression Workbook might be a literal lifesaver. The first section is especially useful to new patients just learning to navigate the signs, treatments, and vocabulary of depression. Clearly written overviews of specific symptoms are coupled with space for you to write in your own thoughts on treatment, prognosis, and your ultimate goals. Checklists and daily planners help to identify both areas of difficulty and positive experiences; later in the book, you'll find charts for tracking medications, diet, and doctor visits. A full section is devoted to the establishment and maintenance of a support group. Ideas range from open discussions with family members to seeking out volunteer work, and it's this section that may be the trickiest for the depressed to work through. Finding the strength to make new friends may seem impossible at first, but author Mary Ellen Copeland spreads plenty of warmth, encouragement, and personal experience among her directives. --Jill Lightner

This book is not for everyone:
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.

It is helping:
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.

Practical-with a grain of salt:
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.

It is helping:
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.

Helped me get through the day:
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".