Product Description

Not all depressions are alike. And despite the attention given to Prozac and other drugs, there quite literally is no magic pill. Instead, writes Dr. Gabriel Cousens, someone who suffers from depression needs a customized, individual program, one that attacks the personal, biochemical roots of the problem.

In Depression-Free for Life, Dr. Cousens shows how to heal depression safely by synergistically rebalancing what he calls "the natural drugs of the brain," using a five-step program of mood-boosting substances, vitamin and mineral supplements, and a mood-enhancing diet and lifestyle. Grounded in cutting-edge science, yet accessible and safe, this book shows how to regain your optimism and energy through balancing your own biochemistry.

• Helps you customize your approach through easy self-assessment exercises
• Outlines a five-step program for harnessing your own body chemistry
• Incluedes a seven-day menu plan
• Features thirty savory but simple recipes

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #22527 in Books
• Published on: 2001-04-01
• Released on: 2001-04-03
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Cousens, a psychiatrist and family therapist, and Mayell, former editor-in-chief of Natural Health magazine, offer a drug-free program for alleviating the symptoms of mild to chronic depression by treating the underlying physiological imbalances that are major factors in the disease. With a myriad of depression remedies on the market, from prescription drugs to herbs, and a rapidly increasing number of people seeking relief from depression, Cousens contends that his program incorporates the best of both conventional and holistic techniques. Cousens's five-step program aims to restore balance to disrupted biochemical processes by increasing the intake of mood-boosting amino acids, vitamin supplements and essential fatty acids and by creating a diet and lifestyle that promote physical and mental well-being. Cousens also discusses the reasons why women are more prone to depression, the limitations of antidepressants and how the suggestions in this book can help people break addictions, including alcoholism and related disorders (ADHD, eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder). Anyone who has struggled with depression and found little relief with prescription drugs (Cousens reports that some studies indicate that people who receive no treatment fare as well as those who receive counseling and drugs) will find a lot to consider in this far-reaching look at what remains a debilitating element of many lives. (Apr.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Cousens is a psychiatrist and holistic physician who founded and directs the Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center in Patagonia, AZ, which is dedicated to "the integration and renewal of body, mind, and spirit." Here he presents, in enormous and sometimes tedious detail, his "drug-free" regimen for treating depression. His premise is that all depressions are different, having multiple causes, including physical ones. He proposes an individualized five-step program for modulating brain neurochemistry in order to combat depression. This requires taking mood-enhancing amino acids, optimizing dietary supplements and essential fatty acids, eating a diet suitable for mental health, and living a lifestyle that includes exercise, a social network, a sense of humor, and relaxation. The information Cousens presents about depression, its causes and manifestations, and the need for dietary supplementation is plausible; however, it is questionable whether there is sufficient and compelling evidence in support of his program. Furthermore, customizing his directives for any given individual is complicated, and many consumers may find it difficult, if not impossible, to do so without a physician's supervision. Recommended for large alternative medicine collections.
-Linda M.G. Katz, Florence A. Moore Lib. of Medicine, MCP Hahnemann Univ., Philadelphia
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews
Can you beat depression through dietary supplements and lifestyle changes? These are fine resolves, but it is essential all the same to get the help of a knowledgeable practitioner who can help to set up an individual plan. Psychiatrist Cousens (founder of the Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center in Arizona) offers a five-step program combining conventional and holistic techniques to treat depression. Cousenss basic points are well-taken: first, we just dont know enough about the physiological causes of mental illness; and second, part of the reason for his programs efficacy is that it involves self-responsibilityrather than simply the blind adherence to a drug regimen. Cousens first describes what is known of the role of neurotransmitters in the brain, and then he sorts out how various deficiencies are related to different types of depression (for instance, depression accompanied by anxiety and insomnia indicates a lack of serotonin; depression with fatigue and lack of pleasure points to low levels of dopamine or noradrenaline). He explains which supplementary amino acids to try, discusses the role and supplementation of fatty acids, and describes other lifestyle adjustments that can help (such as exercise, interpersonal connections, artistic outlets, and a sense of humor). Intriguing, useful suggestions for helpbut readers seeking to follow the program will need a professional guide. -- Copyright ©2000, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Customer Reviews

More medical than mental
I don't review books that I don't like. This one was a bit too medical for my taste (I discovered that I generally crave a psychological take on depression) but it is a book everyone who feels depressed, or ill, should have as a reference. As a result of reading the book I started taking vitamins every day and felt instantly much better. I noticed that I have been concentrating on depression so much from the "how-do-I-feel?" point of view that I have just about ignored all the physical things that affect the mood. While the book was a bit dry to read, it gets the job done. I feel that now I have a whole view on depression and I can address it from all the angles.

very lucid, clear and helpful
Dr Cousens has brought to awareness natural methods to address mental health issues and illnesses that should be considered first line of defense before the option of pharmaceutical drugs that are still experimental and can alter brain chemistry in ways that we are still learning about. Natural methods have fewer risks, side effects and deserve to be given a chance before more drastic measures....

If you are depressed, it's a tough read
I read this book and tried to follow along while I was experiencing a pretty bad depression. I was hoping to find some immediate steps I could take to alleviate my symptoms, but by the time I got to the end of Part 1, which is supposed to help you identify your personal deficiency that may be causing depression, I was completely frustrated and had no idea what category I fall into based on all the redundant symptom lists that are given (for example, if you feel tired all the time, does that classify as "fatigue", "lack of energy", "apathy", or "exhaustion"?).

The author is obviously really knowledgeable on the subject and I am glad I read it. I have taken from it some things I am going to try and hopefully they will help. I just think it should be presented in a way that is more in tune with its intended audience...a depressed person who feels tired and has trouble concentrating! There is SO much technical information and background about brain chemicals, supplements, hormones, etc., that by the end of the chapters, I had no idea which "type" I was or what steps to take.

I'm sure if I were feeling better, I'd get alot more out of all the detail...but then again, why would I be reading the book if I were feeling better?