Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #78487 in Books
• Published on: 2008-07-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 305 pages

Synopsis
There are hundreds of books on the market that try to help readers 'overcome' or 'put a stop to' depression. But what if depression isn't a 'thing' to be gotten rid of? What if depression is a behaviour that, in the context of the life of someone who is depressed, serves an important function or acts as a signal that something needs to change? Learning to understand the function and interpret the signal of depression would, then, be a much more important goal than finding out how to simply make it go away. Living well even with feelings of depression would be a more productive-and probably more attainable-goal.This workbook marks a major development in the treatment of depression. Based on the acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), an emerging new model of psychotherapy, "The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Depression" offers a new approach to depression. The central idea is that feelings of depression are not problems in themselves. What is a serious problem is the avoidance of pleasurable, productive activities.

At first depression may set the sufferer up for this avoidance, but sooner or later the process becomes a cycle, and the avoidance behaviours start causing more depressed feelings. When readers use the techniques in this book to evaluate their own experiences of depression, they will find out how to make changes that may or may not decrease their depressed feelings but will most certainly enrich and improve their total life experience.

Customer Reviews

Good book for Therapists
This book provides a very good introduction to relational frame theory and ACT for professionals who are interested in finding out about the use of these in clinical work.

My impression is that it too complex for most people who want a self-help book. The Happiness Trap: Stop Struggling, Start Living by Russ Harris is more accessible.

use this resource if you suffer from depression
I am halfway through this book - I suffer with anxiety and lifelong episodes of depression - I have found it an excellent book - I totally disagree with the previous review which suggested it was too difficult for the lay person - I have read 'THE Happiness Trap' which the previous reviewer recommended and although found it very good - this book has been much more helpful in challenging my depressed outlook and lifestyle - I have read many hundreds of books on the subject and this truly makes the most sense to me - the only other book I recommend which complements this book is ' Complete Self Help For Your Nerves' by Dr Claire Weekes who began the whole approach of dealing with psychological problems with her approach of Facing/Accepting/Floating and Letting Time Pass which was wonderful in helping me with my panic attacks/anxiety - this book is specifically related to Depression and it's many manifestations and it's an immensely practical wonderful resource for those who may be struggling to cope with this isolating condition alone - Buy It !!