How to Heal Depression

by Bloomfield, Harold H.

• ISBN13: 9780931580390
• ISBN10: 0931580390
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1994-05-01
• Publisher: Mary Book / Prelude Pr

Summary

Clears up misconceptions about mental depression, and describes symptoms and treatments

Table of Contents

Authors' Notes	p. ix
About This Book	p. xi
Understanding Depression
You Are Not Alone	p. 4
If You Need It, Get Help at Once	p. 6
There Is No Need to Suffer	p. 8
"I Can't Handle Anything Else!"	p. 10
"Why Bother?"	p. 12
It's Not Your Fault	p. 14
It's Not Anybody's Fault	p. 16
What Is Depression?	p. 18
The Three Primary Types of Depression	p. 20
The Symptoms of Depression	p. 22
Are You Depressed?	p. 23
You Can Be Depressed without "Feeling Depressed"	p. 24
Seeking Treatment for Depression Does Not Imply a Lack of Character, Discipline, Common Sense, or Personal Strength	p. 26
How Did Annie Hall Get Her Name?	p. 28
Other Types of Depression	p. 30
Delay Major Decisions-- Depression Alters Perception	p. 34
The Question of Suicide	p. 36
The Power of Positive Thinking Crashes and Burns in the Face of Depression	p. 38
God and Depression	p. 40
What Causes Depression?	p. 42
The Messengers of the Brain	p. 44
The Mind and Its Negative Thoughts	p. 46
Which Came First?	p. 48
Depression Can Be Hereditary and "Contagious"	p. 50
Depression Related to Age	p. 52
The Ain't-It-Awful Club	p. 56
Physical Pain and Depression	p. 58
Depression Affects the Length and Quality of Life	p. 60
Depression is the #1 Cause of Alcoholism, Drug Abuse, and Other Addictions	p. 62
Eating Disorders	p. 66
Insomnia and Other Sleep Disorders	p. 68
Fatigue	p. 70
Depression Destroys Relationships	p. 72
Romanticizing Depression	p. 74
The Stigma of Depression	p. 76
Why Depression Must Be Treated	p. 78
Treatment for Depression Is a Natural Process	p. 82
Your Treatment Is Unique to You	p. 86
Healing The Brain
Choose a Doctor	p. 90
The Diagnosis of Depression	p. 94
Antidepressant Medications	p. 98
Side Effects	p. 100
The Prozac Rumors	p. 102
The Right Medication and Dosage	p. 104
"You're Not Dealing with Your Pain!"	p. 106
A Good Night's Sleep	p. 108
Nutritional Supplements	p. 112
Treat Your Body Well	p. 114
Healing The Mind
Psychotherapy As Education	p. 118
Cognitive Therapy	p. 120
Interpersonal Therapy	p. 122
Acknowledging Two Pioneers	p. 124
Psychiatrist, Psychologist, or Both?	p. 126
Books, Tapes, and Videos	p. 128
Personal Growth	p. 130
Flexibility	p. 132
Exaggerating Is Absolutely the Worst Thing You Can Do, and It Can Kill You If You Don't Completely Stop It-- Right Now!!!	p. 134
Observe Yourself	p. 136
Heal Thyself First	p. 138
No One or No Thing Can Depress You Unless You Allow It	p. 140
"Yes" and "No"	p. 144
It's Okay to Feel--Anything	p. 146
Hurt, Resentment, and Guilt	p. 148
Forgiving	p. 152
Positive Distractions	p. 154
Straighten Up! Head Up! Take a Deep Breath!	p. 156
Get Things Done or Let Them Go	p. 158
Affirmations and Visualizations	p. 162
Light and Meditation	p. 166
Lighten Up-- Life Is Funnier Than We Thought	p. 170
Music	p. 172
The Opposite of Depression Is Expression	p. 174
Gratitude	p. 176
As Healing Continues ...
Your Healing Has Already Begun	p. 180
Patience	p. 182
Think Big, but Not Huge	p. 184
Healing Has Its Ups and Downs	p. 186
Seek the Support of Others	p. 188
Support Groups	p. 190
Twelve-Step and Recovery Programs	p. 192
Praise Yourself	p. 194
Give Yourself Time to Heal	p. 196
Be Gentle with Yourself	p. 198
View Problems As Creative Challenges	p. 200
Seek Comforting	p. 202
Relationships May Change	p. 204
Enjoy the Good	p. 206
Making Peace with Depression	p. 208
Society and Depression (the Good News)	p. 212
Society and Depression (the Bad News)	p. 214
Giving to Others	p. 218
Thank You and Enjoy Your Journey	p. 220
Organizations	p. 222
Twelve-Step Programs	p. 224
Recommended Reading	p. 225
Author Biographies	p. 226
Acknowledgments	p. 228
Hypericum and Depression	p. 233
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