Getting Your Life Back : The Complete Guide to Recovery from Depression

by Jesse Wright; Monica Ramirez Basco

• ISBN13: 9780743200493
• ISBN10: 0743200497
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-04-18
• Publisher: Free Press

Summary

In this powerful new self-help program, Doctors Wright and Basco show you how to blend together the best methods of scientifically tested treatments to win the battle against depression. By following their step-by-step instructions, you will be able to develop a Personal Plan for Recovery that you can use to get well and stay well. While other self-help guides champion a single-treatment approach, in effect telling only part of the depression story, Getting Your Life Back integrates the effective methods of cognitive-behavioral therapy, drug treatment, exercise, and spiritual approaches into the Five Keys of recovery. Wright and Basco's program, built on years of clinical research and practical experience, demonstrates how different and complementary approaches can be used as partners rather than competitors in your recovery process. The Five Keys can open your path to wellness. The Thinking Key helps you reverse hopelessness, self-criticism, and other common types of depressive thinking. The Action Key gets you moving to break out of depression, solve problems, and enjoy life again. The Biology Key explains how you can work with your doctor in getting the most from biological treatments and teaches you natural approaches to recovery. If you are struggling in a difficult relationship, or coming to terms with grief or other life changes, the Relationship Key may be what you need to get back on track. The Spirituality Key adds depth and purpose to your recovery. The flexible plan lets you learn about and master the Keys in the sequence that's best for you. Some people may want to work through all Five Keys; others may find they are able to achieve the level of health they want with just a few valuable options. Whether you learn the self-help strategies of cognitive-behavior therapy, rely on prescription anti-depressants, try herbal remedies, work on mending relationships, focus on spiritual growth, or use a combination of methods, the Personal Plan for Recovery is a breakthrough tool that allows you to take control of your own treatment. Conversational and rich with guided exercises and strategies that work, Getting Your Life Back is an empowering book that plays to each person's strengths and potential.

Author Biography

Jesse H. Wright, M.D., PH.D., is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Louisville and Medical Director of the Norton Psychiatric Center. He developed the first multimedia program for computer-assisted therapy of depression and is the founding President of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

Table of Contents

Author's Note	ix
Preface	xi
Acknowledgments	xiii
Getting Started	1	(14)
Charting a Course for Recovery	15	(26)
The Thinking Key
Change Your Thinking---Control Your Depression	41	(28)
Rules of Depression---Rules of Wellness	69	(32)
The Action Key
Taking Action	101	(23)
Developing Positive Coping Strategies	124	(31)
The Biology Key
The Biology of Depression	155	(26)
An Insider's Guide to Medications for Depression	181	(16)
Antidepresents and Other Biological Treatments	197	(28)
The Relationship Key
Can't Live with You, Can't Live without You	225	(28)
How to Grow Stronger When Relationships Change	253	(28)
The Spirituality Key
Finding Meaning	281	(20)
Making the Spiritual Connection	301	(28)
Making Your Plan Work	329	(22)
Appendix I Personal Plan for Recovery Worksheets	351	(8)
Appendix II Recommended Readings	359	(2)
Appendix III Web Resources	361	(2)
Appendix IV Mental Health Associations and Professional Organizations	363	(2)
References	365	(10)
Index	375