Product Description

This book is directed toward the caregiver or "strengthened ally" of any of the more than seventeen million Americans who suffer from this common but often misunderstood affliction. Woven throughout are the personal experiences of Mitch Golant, who spent most of his childhood with a mother who was seriously depressed, an experience that not only catapulted him into his work as a clinical psychologist, but also informs this book with a tone of compassionate understanding.

Among the many subjects addressed are:
* the warning signs of serious illness
* how to distinguish between real depression and a normal case of the blues
* how to comfort a depressed person
* how to maintain intimacy and communication
* how to deal with the mental health community
* the most successful forms of treatment
* specific things to do and say that will help
* what to do when someone threatens suicide

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #227049 in Books
• Published on: 1998-03-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

Review
"Will bring hope and comfort to the loved ones of those who struggle to overcome this most common of mental illnesses."--Rosalynn Carter
-- Review

Review

From the Inside Flap
Filled with compassion and understanding, this guide covers caring for someone who has the blues as well as dealing with someone who is clinically depressed, even suicidal.

Customer Reviews

Helpful but sometimes incomplete
I bought this book for my husband and his family and for my family to help them understand my depression and gather some better methods for supporting me. It is helpful, as it is very informational about all facets of the disorder: what a depressed person experiences, different types of depression, medication options, etc.

One thing I was excited about was the list of "depressed people's sayings" and the list of responses NOT to give and alternative, better responses. This is a helpful list, since this is one of the problems I encounter the most ("You shouldn't think that way," "That's silly," "You're hurting those who love you"). However, the responses are repetitions, mostly of "I know you feel that way now, but we will get through this together." And, even though this is a good response, saying it as a response to everything someone says just sounds silly. However, the concept of the list is wonderful, since it serves the purpose of showing people flaws in their responses.

As is the case with this example, other advice/information is good and beneficial, but incomplete or repetitious. I suppose the excuse is that it's impossible to analyze a disorder that is different for everyone, hard to pin down, and extremely difficult for a non-depressed person to understand.

However, for a general overview and introduction to depression for non-depressed friends or family members, this is a good book to buy.

Great starting place
I bought this book second; and loved it. The first book I bought "How to Survive When They Are Depressed" was awful. This book is a great overview. One important thing; this book giveing insight into what the depressed person is thinking and feeling; both about the depression and when depressed. This book could go more in depth; for exaple the list of things depressed people hate to hear, is waaay too short; there is so much more that could have been added. However, what is there is great and well worth it. I am the depressed person in our family and have had my parents and boyfreind read it.

Thank You ! Thank You ! Thank You !
My love one and me were is a very low situation before I started reading this book. He has slight depression and taking Paxil as a medication. Aside the side effect of the pills, depression also changed some of his behavior, and his attitude toward our daily life. I felt negleted, and suspect that our love is no more there.

The worse thing is I don't know what is happending, how to deal with that, and should I talk to him.

After reading this book, it clearly explained everything I need to know. From what kind of symptoms he may has, what kind of medication will result to what kind of effects, to how to deal with the situation, and how to conduct a positive communication.

I am grateful about reading this book. Becuase of it, those depressive conversations during a big disagreement, I was able to calm myself and really see through the heart of the one I love, to see behind it was just a inconfident and insurced heart which need a strong ally. Instead of arguing over nonscence, I gave him a hug and kiss, and reassure my love one we will go throught whatever turmoil together.

This book saved our relationship, saved my love one, and saved me. Like a lighthouse, it points a direction with light. I am very grateful.