Editorial Review:

This bestselling workbook provides interactive exercises that help readers take responsibility for their own wellness and teach essential coping skills, such as tracking and controlling moods, building a support system, increasing self-confidence and self-esteem, avoiding conditions that can exacerbate mood swings, and using relaxation, diet, and exercise to stabilize moods.A major feature of the second edition is a new chapter that details a step-by-step process to help readers develop their own plan for managing symptoms and staying well. The second edition also contains an updated list of resources, including an extensive list of helpful web resources, as well as expanded material on specific treatment strategies and updated resources for mental health professionals.

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

Customer Reviews:

Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0

Non bi-polars beware:

This is a great book but I found that it was suited more for people with bi-polar issues or manic issues. In addition, if done alone at home, it can bring up some really difficult issues. I think this is great to use in a group setting or in a partial or full hospital program, but I found it to bring up too many emotions and prefer to use it in group settings only.

Somewhat helpful:

I found that this book was heavily skewed to bipolar depression. While the information and exercises given are no doubt helpful to those with bipolar depression, I found that they did not really pertain to my unipolar (postpartum) depression. I would look for different resources if you are suffering from unipolar depression.

Great Help for Depression:

Depression is a horrible illness that I would not have survived if it were not for books like this one. I researched and sought information endlessly when in the black hole of this horrible illness. This book provides resources and information that is necessary for anyone suffering from depression or those working with the suffering individuals. Always remember there is help and its not as bad as it seems. Depression is an illness that effects your entire being so treatment is necessary. You cant just shake... more info

Practical Options for Managing Bipolar:

Some of the reviewers have stated that the book made them more depressed because they were so depressed they couldn't follow the suggestions in the book. I will be the first to admit that you can be so depressed that you can't do much of anything including reading. This book does contain useful suggestions for times when you are not at the extremes of mania and depression when you can follow through on ideas in the book. It also addresses how to make some practical plans for what to do when these mood... more info

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