Coping with / advice about depression and other mood disorders Books

Book Synopsis'People affected by depression tell me this is the most powerful and helpful book ever written on the topic. I keep meeting people who say this book changed their lives.' - Jeremy Vine, BBC Radio 2Do you have depression?Firstly, stop blaming yourself.Secondly, don't struggle on alone - read this book instead. It has helped thousands of people just like you.Dr Tim Cantopher knows two essential truths about depression and depressive illness. One: it's strong people who are most vulnerable to it; people whose standards are high, whose ethics are powerful, who want their lives to be meaningful. Strong people, like you.Two: depression is a physical illness, and this book explains just that. Depressive Illness will explain all the above in detail, and more importantly, give you effective ways to get well and stay well. It covers symptoms, what to do when you get ill, medication, recovery, lifestyle changes, psychotherapy and problem-solving skills, including mindfulness. Most of all, take heart - people recover from depressive illness and remain mentally well, and you can, too.Trade ReviewIf the response to his Radio 2 broadcast is anything to go by, Tim Cantopher is saying something uniquely powerful to people with depression. People affected by depression tell me this is the most powerful and helpful book ever written about the topic. I keep meeting people who say this book changed their lives. -- Jeremy Vine, BBC Radio 2This book should be read by everybody... It offers invaluable insight into depression. * Depression Alliance *In the battle to beat depression, this book represents the definitive weapon. -- Ruth Lavery * DEPEND *

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Book Synopsis'Poignant and fiercely intelligent, this is the best work of creative non-fiction I have read in years' FIONA MOZLEY'Profound, moving and courageous' NICHOLAS ALLEN, IRISH TIMESIn April 1931, modernist poet Hart Crane arrived in Mexico City. Between mood swings, dire financial difficulties, and a rotating series of personal estrangements, Hart was struggling to make the parts of a fragmentary world cohere. This move to Mexico was one in a long list of attempts to find security. In just over a year he would be dead.In July 1932, Grace Crane picks up the morning paper. Scanning the headlines, she is halted on page five. Her son's eyes stare back at her, tinted pink by the thin paper: 'POET LOST AT SEA FROM SHIP'.Hart Crane's death has accrued a morbid mythology, often overshadowing discussions of his work. In Stronger than Death Francesca Bratton focuses instead on Hart's vivid life and his turbulent final year among the vibrant artistic and political communities of Mexico City. Interwoven with Hart's story is that of his mother, exploring Grace's lifelong frustrated creativity and, after his death, her attempts to reach him through seance. Finally, the book explores Hart's legacy as a queer man and as a poet, informed by Francesca's responses to his work during her own periods of mental illness. Part-memoir, part-biography, Stronger than Death is a profound and lyrical meditation on grief, mental health, enduring love and the power of poetry.Trade ReviewBrilliant and unsettling . . . Bratton's observations of Crane, mental suffering and re-entry to the world as being like the sight of the white tip of a rolling wave, are profound, moving and courageous -- Nicholas Allen * Irish Times *Francesca Bratton is a brilliant writer on Hart Crane * Shane McCrae *I wholeheartedly recommend . . . this interesting, very modern and compelling, emotional reading of a poet's life -- Will Burns

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Book SynopsisPerinatal psychiatry is a new area of research developed in the last 15 years, focusing on the study of women's psychopathology in this stage of life. This book is an update of recent clinical research in this field, including: epidemiology and risk factors, the role of genetics and epigenetics, personality factors and coping strategies, mother-infant bonding, and paternal perinatal depression, as well as current and novel treatments for perinatal depression and trajectories of postpartum depression.Table of ContentsPreface; Post-Partum Depression: An Overview on the Disease and Diagnostic Impact on the Womens Life and Infants Development; Genetic and Epigenetic Aspects of Postpartum Depression; Role of Oxytocin in Postpartum Depression; Facial Emotion Recognition in Postpartum Depression; Mother-Infant Bonding in Postpartum Period; Paternal Perinatal Depression: A Family Affair; Personality and Perinatal Depression; Postpartum Depressive Symptoms and Coping Strategies; Psychopharmacology for Perinatal Depression; Trajectory of Major Postpartum Depression; Index.

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Book SynopsisMost people diagnosed with bipolar disorder are sent home with the name of a doctor and multiple prescriptions. However, few people with bipolar disorder are able to find long-term stability with medications alone. Bipolar disorder researcher and expert Julie A. Fast, who was diagnosed with the illness at age thirty-one, and specialist John Preston, PsyD, offer the pioneering Take Charge program used around the world to help readers promote stability, reduce mood swings, increase work ability, decrease health care costs, and improve relationships. The book guides those with bipolar disorder and their loved ones toward a comprehensive personal treatment plan by incorporating:* Medications and bipolar-safe supplements* Lifestyle changes that help manage bipolar symptoms naturally* Behaviour modifications that reduce and prevent symptoms* Guidelines on assembling an effective support team By helping readers gather powerful strategies, Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder delivers a dynamic program to treat this difficult but ultimately manageable illness.

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Book SynopsisAn osteopathic physician and practitioner of Integrative Holistic Medicine debunks the myth of neurochemical imbalances to explore the true roots of depression and offers practical wellness exercises to help readers nourish, heal and restore balance in mind and body. Original.

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Book SynopsisFrom New York Times bestselling author and expert on neuroscience, memory, Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, anxiety and human behavior, The Small Guide to Depression provides a comprehensive overview of depression, negative personality traits and anxiety -- along with the latest treatment solutions from conventional and alternative therapies to new scientific discoveries and interventions. Over 300 million people worldwide live with depression; in 2014, around 15.7 million adults age 18 or older in the U.S. had experienced at least one major depressive episode in the last year. This accessible guide starts with providing readers with an overview of depression: What it is, who gets it, how to recognize it, major causes (genetics, environment, etc.). Dr. Small discusses the various types of depression General therapeutic approaches used for all depression disorders How to know when it’s time to seek professional help. Each of the chapters will cover a specific type of depression and open with a case study example. Small will describe: Causes, symptoms, conventional treatments (e.g., medications, psychotherapy) Alternative therapies (e.g., exercise, meditation, yoga, homeopathy) Novel therapies (e.g., transmagnetic stimulation [TMS]) New scientific discoveries and interventions coming down the pike (e.g., focused ultrasound). In addition to case studies and patient interviews, all chapters will include side-bars with factoids, lists, and other helpful information.

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Book SynopsisHelp, I’m Failing as a Mom! helps mothers handle their child’s mood disorder without feeling like a failure as a parent. Tanya Trevett is a mental health coach, teacher, and certified Reiki and IET® Practitioner, as well as the mother of three daughters with mental illnesses. In Help, I’m Failing as a Mom!, she guides mothers through the eight-step WELLNESS Process that teaches them how to handle their child's mood disorder without feeling as if they are failing. Written for parents who want to learn how to live with their child's mood disorder in a healthier way, Tanya shares what she has learned in her fifteen-year journey to help mothers: Learn the secret to letting go of guilt so they can be a better (and happier) parent Understand the complexities of mood disorders and why it takes a village Learn methods and activities for hope and healing Rediscover the joy, pride, and unconditional love they have for their child

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Book SynopsisTraversing the wild landscapes of the American West, prose and photography combine to create a lucid, dream-like vision of visitations and allegorical animal encounters with Snake, Owl, and Dragonfly, among others. The Spring tells a stirring, elegiac tale of death, love, rebirth, survival, and resilience.

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Book SynopsisWhimsical Illustrations with a Powerful Message#1 Bestseller in Women ArtistsBroaching the subject of mental health. It’s not easy to discuss mental health, even though it affects everyone. We want to believe we can handle anything that comes at us, but the reality is we all have good days and bad days. Because of this, it is important to check in with our mental health. Through guided illustrations, author Kate Allan opens the door to discussion about mental health in an approachable and unassuming manner.Pep talks for any occasion. Whether you deal with social anxiety, depression, or are simply going through a rough patch, Allan is here with her friendly animals to help. Negative thoughts can keep us from reaching our full potential, not to mention hold us back from attaining happiness. This book is a source of validation and encouragement for those moments when we need a reminder of our worth.A journey to wellness. The focus of this book is personal growth, both the reader’s and the author’s. With her beautiful illustrations, Allan guides us through how she went from rock bottom to managing her mental health quite well. By zooming in on mindfulness and prioritizing self-care, Allan expresses how we can get through the hardships we face and come out stronger.Read Kate Allan’s new book, You’re Strong, Smart, and You Got This, and find… Tips for when you’re feeling inadequate, overwhelmed, or down on yourself An emotional first-aid kit in the form of whimsical colors and friendly, smiling animals that heal invisible wounds and make heavy subjects easier to face Messages of hope for all ages, coming from a place of understanding and empathy If you’ve enjoyed reading titles such as The Happiness Trap, Mind Over Mood, and You Can Do All Things, then you’ll love the expressions of encouragement found in You’re Strong, Smart, and You Got This.

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Book SynopsisFind Your Daily Peace and Relax Your Mind With TheLatestKate’s Art Therapy ActivitiesA gently supportive and encouraging coloring book by Kate Allan, creator of TheLatestKate and author of You Can Do All Things, perfect for those dealing with anxiety.Soothing art therapy from an empathetic source. In You Deserve Nice Things, Kate draws strengths from her own struggles with depression and anxiety. Each design gently argues against negativity that can come from low self-esteem and helps you on your journey towards managing anxiety. Experience real anxiety relief through art therapy activities. Each page of the You Deserve Nice Things coloring book offers a supportive animal friend with a message of comfort, understanding, and mindfulness. Find inner peace and tranquility while coloring these uplifting, cute animals.Inside, you’ll find: 96 coloring pages, full of inclusive illustrations suitable for all ages and skill levels. A collection of fun and sweet drawings that sparkle with comfort and provide anxiety relief Stress-relieving art therapy activities that will help you find relaxation from the daily grind of life If you enjoyed coloring books that help with managing anxiety like Amazing Dogs: Adult Coloring Book or Mindfulness Coloring Book for Adults, you’ll love You Deserve Nice Things. Check out Kate Allan’s affirmation books You Can Do All Things, You’re Strong, Smart and You’ve Got This and It’s Your Weirdness that Makes You Wonderful, as well as her Thera-Pets card deck!

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Book SynopsisYour toolkit for managing and overcoming the worst symptoms of depression—quickly and effectively.In an increasingly stressful world—filled with fear and uncertainty—the prospect of effectively managing your depression can seem overwhelming. Add to that the all-consuming grind of day-to-day life, and things can get overwhelming in a hurry. Everyday tasks can seem like insurmountable challenges, your symptoms pile up, and relief slips further out of reach. Your mood becomes darker, your sense of isolation more extreme, and your motivation falls through the floor. What you need is relief—and STAT!Written by a veritable dream team of mental health experts, this short, easy-to-use guide offers evidence-based skills grounded in mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and behavioral activation to help you effectively manage negative thoughts, get motivated, rediscover hope, and develop healthy habits. Designed to get right to the point, this book wastes no time in giving you the tools you need to quickly improve your mood, get unstuck from difficult feelings, and stay on top of symptoms before they build up and get the best of you. The sooner your symptoms are under control, the sooner you can get back on track—happier, more motivated, and looking forward with hope.If you’re the type who likes to cut through the clutter and get to the heart of the matter, pick up this book, and pick up the tools inside—relief is only pages away.

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Book SynopsisPowerful and customizable tools grounded in process-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you heal emotional pain and live a vital, values-based lifeDo you struggle with overwhelming emotions, such as anger, anxiety, sadness, shame, or self-blame? Emotions—even intensely distressing ones—are a natural part of life. But if your emotions are so intense that they’re hurting your relationships or getting in the way of your happiness, it’s time for a change.Written by a team of mental health experts, Healing Emotional Pain Workbook is a step-by-step guide to understanding your emotions and enhancing your overall well-being. Rather than a one-size-fits-all treatment, this workbook takes a tailored approach to help you treat the root cause of your emotional pain—whether it’s avoidance, internalization, or rumination. As a result, you’ll create a personalized plan to help you overcome intense emotions and live the life you want.With this workbook, you’ll learn to: ·Stop avoiding and start showing up to your life ·Replace self-blame with self-compassion ·Make decisions based on your values, not your emotions ·Break free from repetitive negative thinking ·Increase psychological flexibility ·Accept your thoughts and emotions—rather than trying to outrun them! When our emotions spiral out of control, they can result in chronic mental suffering. This workbook can help you change the way you react to emotions, before they negatively impact your life.

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Book SynopsisIf you have a loved one who is experiencing suicidal thoughts, you may feel deeply afraid-both of loss and of saying the wrong thing and making matters worse. Based on decades of clinical experience in suicidology, this compassionate guide gives readers the essential communication techniques and coping skills they need to support a loved one in crisis, while also taking care of themselves. If you love someone who is having suicidal thoughts, you may struggle with the profound fear of saying or doing the wrong thing. You want to help, and you may even feel a kind of desperation to make sure your loved one is safe, but are unsure of where to start. This book can guide you as you support your loved one-without sacrificing your own needs and well-being. You'll find the answers to some of your most urgent questions, including: - What are signs, symptoms, and clues of suicide risk? - How do I talk with my loved one about their suicidal thoughts? - When should I call the police? - What treatments are available? - How can I help the person I care about stay safe? - What can I do to help them feel better? - What can I do to cope better, too? - What happens after a suicidal crisis? Written by a psychotherapist and based on decades of clinical experience in suicidology, this compassionate guide offers essential communication techniques you can use to help your loved one, as well as coping and self-care strategies to help you navigate intense stress, worry, fear, and anxiety. Drawn from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindful self-compassion, the tools in this book will assist you in navigating difficult or painful conversations with your loved one, as well as manage your own emotions. If someone close to you is experiencing suicidal thoughts, you may feel afraid-both of loss and of saying the wrong thing and making matters worse. This book will help you recognize warning signs, improve communication, create a safety plan, know when to seek professional help, and support a loved one in crisis.

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Book SynopsisPositive life changes lead to positive brain changes. Drawing on the huge success of his groundbreaking book, The Upward Spiral, neuroscientist Alex Korb offers actionable, step-by-step skills to help you reshape your brain and create an upward spiral towards a happier, healthier life.Depression is defined by a collection of symptoms. You feel crappy most of the time. Nothing seems interesting, and everything seems overwhelming. You have trouble with sleep. You feel guilty and anxious and have thoughts that life isn't worth living. Each symptom reinforces and inspires new symptoms, and this is a sign that your brain circuits are caught in the downward spiral of depression. So, how can you reverse it?In his first book, The Upward Spiral, neuroscientist Alex Korb demystified the intricate brain processes that cause depression and outlined a practical and effective approach for getting better. Based on the latest research, this evidence-based workbook takes the theory behind Korb's breakthrough book and distills it into concrete, actionable exercises and skills.Just as one small trigger can drag you down, an effective intervention can start enough momentum to carry you back up.Exercise, attention to breathing, gratitude, sleep hygiene, and positive social interactions are just some of the offerings in this workbook that can help alter activity in specific neural circuits, setting you on the path toward an upward spiral to happiness and well-being.

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Book SynopsisDon’t let anxiety and depression keep you from living life to the fullest. If you suffer from co-occurring anxiety and depression, you may experience an overwhelming urge to avoid difficult emotions and emotional experiences. The last thing you want to do is kick the hornet’s nest you carry around with you. However, the latest research in psychology emphasizes the importance of approaching—rather than avoiding—your emotions. Avoiding emotions works in the short term, but in the long term it only teaches you to believe you can’t handle your feelings. What you need is a solid set of tools that will allow you to feel a full range of emotions with confidence. This book will provide just the tool set you require. In this workbook, psychologist Michael Tompkins offers evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) skills to help you target and tear down the emotional avoidance barriers that drive your anxiety and depression. By engaging with the emotions you’ve been seeking to avoid, you’ll learn, “I can handle this feeling.” You’ll also find strategies to help you stay calm during emotional situations; and discover relaxation and mindfulness techniques to deal effectively with difficult thoughts and feelings, and improve your mood and well-being. The tools in this workbook help you learn this important lesson: You can handle emotions, even unpleasant ones. When you believe you can handle feeling anxious and depressed, you’re less likely to avoid those feelings, creating space for you to be more willing to do the things that you want to do in your life.

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Book SynopsisWrite and chart to restore emotional balance with this evidence-based diary. Do you struggle with intense emotions? Difficult emotions like anger, fear, sadness, guilt, and shame are part of being human; but when they get out of control, these emotions can also cause us severe pain. When you’re in the grip of an emotional storm, it’s all too easy to overreact, lash out at others, or become angry with yourself. Fortunately, there is help. Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, can help you find inner calm when your feelings become too painful or out of your control. And one of the key elements of a DBT treatment protocol is keeping a diary to chart your emotions. From the authors of the self-help classic, The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook, this diary offers daily writing prompts to help you master and chart your progress using the core skills of dialectical behavior therapy—mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance. Most importantly, you’ll find practical ways to put these skills to work, every day. With this fully revised and updated second edition, you will: ·Learn new techniques to use when you feel overwhelmed ·Observe and record your progress each day ·Find out which coping strategies work best for you ·Discover nutrition and lifestyle changes that can make you feel better The diary also includes new skills based on recent DBT research; exercises using exposure-based cognitive rehearsal (EBCR); and space for you to monitor your successes, chart your progress, and stay on track making productive changes in your life.

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Book SynopsisThe essential go-to workbook for shy and socially anxious teens-now fully revised and updated with skills for dealing with social media anxiety and "social perfectionism."Do you feel shy when meeting new people? Do you freeze up when speaking in front of a group? Do you worry about what others think of you? If you struggle with shyness or social anxiety, you may try to avoid situations that cause you to feel uneasy. The problem is, avoiding stuff can also lead to missing out?on friendships, fun, and opportunities. If you're ready to stop hiding behind your shyness and start enjoying everything life has to offer, this workbook is your guide.The fun and easy worksheets and exercises in this fully revised and updated second edition of The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook for Teens will show you how to handle any kind of social situation with confidence, so you can connect with others and create great friendships. Based in proven-effective cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), the skills in this guide will also help you speak up for yourself when you need to, and stop dreading situations that put you on the spot-whether you're called upon in class, interviewing for a job, or introducing yourself to new people.This new edition also includes tons of tips to help you navigate the world of social media; and self-compassion skills to help you stop comparing yourself to others, deal constructively with criticism, and stop worrying so much about what other people think. Most importantly, you'll learn how to move beyond "social perfectionism," and set realistic goals for yourself.So, why let shyness and social anxiety run your life? With this workbook, you can discover a more confident, outgoingyou.

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Book SynopsisKick Poor Sleep Hygiene Out of Bed!Dr. Kristen Casey, TikTok’s “Insomnia Doc,” brings her sleep solutions right to you, so you can get the restful sleep you deserve! We all have sleep issues and you’re not alone. Whether you suffer from acute insomnia, sleep maintenance insomnia, or even depression insomnia, we all have experienced sleeplessness brought on by poor sleep hygiene, emotional factors, or physical barriers that keep us just out of reach of a healthy sleep schedule. But don’t fret, you can learn the tools to help you sleep well every night!Mental health plays a huge role in our sleep patterns. Our mental wellness can greatly affect our quality of sleep. If we are feeling anxious, depressed, or tired, we may struggle with making those choices that promote healthy sleep hygiene, and we instead get stuck with the outcomes of poor sleep hygiene. Dr. Casey will teach you how to improve your mental health through better sleep for more restful nights. Inside, you’ll find: Practical and methods for trading in your poor sleep hygiene for good sleep hygiene and optimal sleep health Expert advice on the best ways to fall asleep, how to stay asleep, and how to sleep soundly without the white noise machine CBTI-based techniques to help you set up a successful night routine to help you sleep like a baby and finally get a good night’s rest If you’ve enjoyed books like Why We Sleep, The Sleep Solution, or Sleep Through Insomnia, then you’ll love The Insomnia Doc’s Guide to Restful Sleep.Trade Review“Dr. Casey provides valuable information and tangible tips on improving sleep. She breaks things down in an easy-to-understand way and does so with humor. She makes learning about sleep into something you’ll look forward to.”—Janelle Hettick, LMSW, mental health therapist and speaker“Dr. Kristen Casey continuously explains the process of sleep and how to improve sleep hygiene in tangible, digestible ways that all of us can incorporate into our hectic lives.”—Dr. Justin Puder (@amoderntherapist), licensed clinical psychologist"(1) This is a book that you want to have on your bedside table when your awake at 3 a.m. because it for sure is going to help you fall asleep; (2) Dr. Casey has found a way to take a topic that is rooted in science and biology with terminology that only those with an interest would get, but has created a book that breaks everything down in and informative and relatable way (even with a few jokes here and there) that actually makes you want to learn about sleep instead of making you feel like you are ten years old again with your mom yelling from your doorway telling you to go to bed."—Kristen Gingrich (@notyouraveragethrpst), LCSW, CADC, CCS"Dr. Casey is my #1 recommendation for qualified sleep help! Her presence on social media has helped so many find the peace they need, and I'm glad that we have gotten to work together. If you're looking for an easy-to-understand, frustration-free guide to getting your sleep back on track, THIS IS IT!"—Jesse Lyon (@LyonMentalHealth), MS, CCHt, LMHC, QS. Chief Dream Scientist at DreamApp"Dr. Kristen's knowledge and passion for insomnia is evident in her book as she breaks down the research on sleep and insomnia and presents it in an authentic, digestible manner. She is inclusive in her work, provides helpful suggestions to readers, and will make you laugh as she shares her unfiltered thoughts and experiences about sleep, as both an expert in the field and a human being that has struggled with sleep just like the rest of us."—Jessica Rabon, PhD, licensed psychologist"Dr. Kristen Casey is super smart, funny, and so relatable. Her wisdom prevailed as she walks the reader through the many nuanced layers related to sleep. Everyone should read this book, and partners should read it together. Sleep plays an integral role in the quality of our mental, physical, relational, and sexual well-being. Dr. Casey offers practical solutions, with the heart necessary to grant yourself (and your sleeping mates) some extra humanity. This book will put you to sleep—in a good way!"—Dr. Kate Balestrieri, licensed psychologist, certified sex therapist, and founder of Modern Intimacy"Kristen's approach to sleep is done in a humorous and humanistic way. I now get why sleep is more important than coffee."—Shani Tran, LPCC, therapist, influencer, speaker, The Shani Project PLLC"This is for someone who wants to learn (and laugh) about their sleep habits. Professional and insightful tips, tools, and takeaways from the sleep expert I trust the most!”—Courtney Tracy, LCSW, PsyD, clinical entrepreneur, and creator of The Truth Doctor"Dr. Kristen Casey's work speaks about insomnia in a humorous, relatable, and down-to-earth way. Her work makes the science of sleep fun and easy to understand and is a perfect read for the modern day insomnia sufferer looking for practical tips for a more restful sleep."—Carrie Jackson (@dr.carriejackson), PhD, child psychologist"This book is such a gift to those struggling with sleep. No longer do folks have to feel in the weeds and overwhelmed by the current insomnia literature. Dr. Kristen Casey is a true professional at transforming this dense information and research to be practical and easy to digest, making restful sleep that much closer to a reality."—Emily Marriott, licensed mental health therapist (WA state)"Break out your highlighters and sticky notes—this is an incredible resource for anyone trying to improve their sleep and mental health. As a sleep coach, I know that insomnia can be complex and lonely. I love Dr. Casey's straightforward, honest, and sometimes hilarious writing. She provides clinical information to help you understand, and the actionable guidance you need."—Teresa DeNike, BS CCSH (New York)Table of ContentsContents How I (begrudgingly) Got Involved in Insomnia Treatment Why You Should Care about Your Sleep Different Types of Insomnia Consequences of Sleep Deprivation Insomnia Myths & Common Questions Can I Catch Up on Sleep? The More Sleep, the Better Does Alcohol Help Us Sleep? Does Napping Help with Insomnia? Is Insomnia Difficult to Treat? More to Come Daylight Savings Time, Jet Lag Basic Ways to Increase Quality of Sleep Medications / Supplements Cannabis – Helpful or Unhelpful for Insomnia? My Sleep Routine Creating Your Sleep Plan

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Book SynopsisHealthy Habits to Become the Strong Black WomenMarita Golden, a prominent interviewee of Oprah Winfrey, wrote this mental and physical health guide for women to learn who they are, to set healthy boundaries, and to jump into health related fitness practices to balance out their daily lives.Know Yourself. Jump start your relationship with yourself. Renowned author Marita Golden goes in-depth on how using meditation, silence, prayer, affirmations, and reflections allows for internal trust and confidence to blossom in your daily life. Set Boundaries. Setting boundaries can be difficult but they are necessary to living life as a strong woman in today’s world. Everyone else’s burdens are not yours to carry and no, you don’t have to fix everyone you come across! Learn how to set emotional boundaries, physical boundaries, and other boundaries to live freely.Inside, you’ll find: Healthy habits to reconnect with your inner self, your body, and those around you An empowering book for women to learn how to take back their lives one day at a time A mental health guide for women, black women affirmations, and reflection points to develop holistic wellness If you're looking for mental health books for young adults and/or the strong black women in your life, this book is for you! If you enjoyed Set Boundaries, Find Peace, How we Heal, This Is How You Heal or You Are Your Best Thing, you’ll love The New Black Woman. Trade Review“Love—whether it is loving others or yourself—is the most important thing. It is a doorway for compassion, kindness, gratitude and well-being. Marita Golden’s moving personal narrative invites you to step through a new door; to be with yourself, and ultimately, to love yourself in only the way you know how.” —Bridgitte Jackson-Buckley, blogger, interviewer, memoirist, and author of The Gift of Crisis “Golden is adept in her prose and delivers a bold, honest, unflinching gaze at the myriad issues impacting Black women. She emboldens her readers to become New Age Strong Black Women who prevail over their history and rise from the ashes of the past with a brave understanding of what it means to be Black and female in the world today. These essays are creative, inventive, and necessary.” —M.J. Fievre, educator, editor, playwright, and author of the Badass Black Girl series “Golden’s journey is along a road that, in the end, is filled with trees bearing fruit of a very special life and lives, thankfully shared by one of our most powerful writers.” —Charlayne Hunter-Gault, American civil rights activist, journalist, and former foreign correspondent for NPR, CNN, and PBS “It illuminates the present while scouring the past, and points to a future where Black women can be vibrant, healthy, and equally considered members of society.” —Karen Arrington, coach, mentor, philanthropist, and author of NAACP Image Award-winning Your Next Level Life “Bravo for writing a book that will long benefit us all.” —Zelda Lockhart, author of the novel Fifth Born “Black, White, man, woman, and child—who wants to remain healthy and survive in a world that wants otherwise.” —DeNeen L. Brown, award-winning writer for The Washington Post and producer of the documentary Tulsa: The Fire and the Forgotten “Marita Golden brings us full circle—to the hard, joy-filled, secret, fragile and fierce spaces within us—to bestow that love, that care and empathy we are known to so readily share, back to ourselves.” —Erica Vital-Lazare, editor of the McSweeney’s series Of the Diaspora “Golden has come with this new powerful and transformative book to help us break through, to unmuzzle ourselves, soothe our souls and sing a song filled with joy and victory—to sing our own Freedom Song.” —Jonetta Rose Barras, author of Whatever Happened to Daddy’s Little Girl?: The Impact of Fatherlessness on Black Women “Golden asks readers to humanize Black women; we aren’t unfeeling superheroes, but women who need to be listened to, supported, and respected. She also leaves them with an important challenge: lighten the load for the Black woman in your life. It’s a challenge that, should it be met, can create a society that benefits all people, especially those who have borne the brunt for centuries.” —Monique L. Jones, author of The Book of Awesome Black Americans “We experience her tears as she shares her story and stories of Black women to unpeel layers of complexities, traumas, grief, and closeted taboos, ranging from colorism and obesity to sexual assault. Saying their names and reimagining stories of Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer and Patrisse Cullors, Golden breathes triumphant humanity into lives of Black women who made Black America matter and made America a better nation. Golden creates a path for all those who heed her call to search for joy.” —Marilyn Holifield, senior partner at Holland & Knight LLP, cofounder of Miami MoCAAD, and coauthor of Seven Sisters and a Brother: Friendship, Resistance, and Untold Truths About Black Student Activism in the 1960s “I have been waiting for a well-researched and thoughtful book that provides a deep look into the experiences of Black women. Marita Golden gives us that book, one in which she develops the vision and possibility of a woman who is self-reflective enough, gracious enough, and self-loving enough to heal and be healthy. A book that is a call to arms. A book that will empower any man or woman reading it.” —Dr. Goldie Byrd, director of the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity at Wake Forest University “This book is gonna save some sisters’ lives. Hallelujah!” —Patrice Gaines, author of Laughing in the Dark “The New Black Woman is so important for Black Women today. I love this book because it gives Black women permission and tools to learn how to take better care of themselves, particularly in a world that discourages them from doing so. Marita Golden's work is refreshing and enlightening, as it encourages more Black women to deeply know their worth and understand what self-care practices can look like. I'm so happy for more women to have this knowledge and these strategies.” —Dr. Amber Thornton, clinical psychologist specializing in motherhood mental health

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Book SynopsisBadass Affirmations for Women: the Coloring Book EditionBecca Anderson of Badass Affirmations created this coloring book for adults to empower women everywhere to relax, unplug, and refresh themselves!Beautiful adult coloring pages for every day. Becca Anderson believes in the power of affirming yourself to get out there and conquer the day, so each page has a beautiful design and affirmations for women to unwind and relax after a long day of hard work.Badass affirmations for women for every season. Positive affirmations can shift your mood and take your mind to the next level. Conquer each new season with these affirmations for women and coloring pages. Ignite your inner boss and find your inner peace with this coloring book for adults.Inside, you’ll find: Beautiful coloring pages and affirmations for women suitable for all ages and skill levels A collection of positive affirmations and quotes to empower you to thrive every day A coloring book for adults, free your mind from stress and just color in this book of peace If you're looking for adult coloring books or fun games for adults, add this to your cart today! If you liked Bloom Adult Coloring Book, Out of Your Mind, or You Deserve Nice Things, you’ll love Badass Affirmations the Coloring Book.

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Book SynopsisAustralians know Libby Trickett as one of our golden girls of swimming. Winner of multiple Olympic gold medals and setter of world records, Libby wasn't just a champion, she was Australia's girl next door, the humble superstar from suburban Brisbane with the infectious grin and sunny nature. Yet what we saw on the surface - the confidence, competitiveness and warmth that were her hallmarks - belied the very private battles she fought in her own head. Beneath the incredible achievements and that trademark smile, Libby suffered from crippling depression. During her swimming career she managed to keep her demons more or less at bay, but when an injury forced her to retire in 2013 Libby was suddenly thrust into an unfamiliar world. With few, if any, qualifications to handle it, her self-doubts began to overwhelm her. The birth of her first baby added further complications to her fragile mental health, and she suffered intense postnatal depression. When she finally recognised the depression for what it was, and sought help for it, it was a major turning point in her life.Libby's memoir is an extraordinarily candid, revealing and inspiring account of both her public life as one of our greatest swimming champions, and her struggle to overcome her mental health challenges.

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Book SynopsisDiscover a powerful tool in your journey to overcome depression and heal from trauma with 52 Proverbs to Fight Depression and Trauma by Fiann Ó Nualláin. This exceptional book follows on from the successful 52 Proverbs to Build Resilience Against Anxiety and Panic. It merges the timeless wisdom of Irish proverbs with practical techniques in mindfulness, positive psychology, and cognitive behavioural therapy. Ideal for readers searching for practical books on depression and trauma, this self-help guide offers 52 proverbs, each a beacon of ancestral wisdom tailored for the modern struggle against mental health challenges. These sayings, deeply rooted in Irish tradition, provide insightful strategies and exercises for navigating through the complexities of depression and past trauma. Whether you're coping with depression and seeking to heal from past wounds or looking for a path to greater happiness and calm, 52 Proverbs to Fight Depression and Trauma is a must-read. Its unique blend of ancient insights and contemporary therapeutic methods makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to improve their mental well-being. Embrace the journey towards a more fulfilling and peaceful life with the wisdom of 52 Proverbs to Fight Depression and Trauma. Take the first step towards healing and resilience.

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Book SynopsisFrom the New York Times bestselling author of Yoga Girl and "international force in the world of yoga" (Allure), a moving and inspirational memoir on how to cope with tragedy, adversity, and change through yoga. To love and let go, love and let go, love and let go...it's the single most important thing we can learn in this lifetime."Rachel beautifully illustrates that loving fiercely and grieving deeply are often two halves of the same whole. Her story will break you down and lift you up." -Glennon Doyle, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Love Warrior and founder of Together Rising"Take the time to clear your mind and mellow out with Rachel Brathen's endearing and inspiring memoir of a misspent youth, rebirth on the mat, and epic adventures in the Costa Rican jungle. Along the way you'll find . . . yoga routines and healthy recipes."-Bustle"An international force in the world of yoga."-AllureWhile on her way to a yoga retreat in the Caribbean, Rachel Brathen collapsed in the airport and was rushed to the hospital for an emergency appendectomy. When she opened her eyes following the surgery, her boyfriend was at her bedside weeping and she immediately knew something terrible had happened. She soon discovered that at the same time as her collapse, her best friend was killed in a car crash. Over the next two years, which should have been the happiest time of her life with her engagement and growing career, Rachel experienced trial after trial. From the overwhelming loss of her best friend, to the illness and death of her grandmother, and a shocking suicide attempt by her mother, Rachel found herself in a deep depression. When she discovered she was pregnant, Rachel decided to use her pregnancy as a time to heal and an opportunity to be reborn herself. Now, in this evocative and remarkable memoir, Rachel shares the tools she used to cope with and overcome her depression. She invites you to share in her eye-opening epiphanies and realizations about life and death, love and fear, what it means to be a mother and a daughter, and the restorative power of yoga. Perfect for fans of Gabrielle Bernstein and Glennon Doyle, this unforgettable memoir will move and enlighten you.Praise for To Love and Let Go"Breathtakingly honest, Rachel beautifully illustrates that loving fiercely and grieving deeply are often two halves of the same whole. Her story will break you down and lift you up."-Glennon Doyle, author of the #1 New York Times Bestseller Love Warrior and founder of Together Rising Praise for Yoga Girl "Take the time to clear your mind and mellow out with Rachel Brathen's endearing and inspiring memoir of a misspent youth, rebirth on the mat, and epic adventures in the Costa Rican jungle. Along the way you'll find . . . yoga routines and healthy recipes." -Bustle "The book was like a perfect yoga class-it left me inspired, relaxed and at the same time gave me tons of ideas." -Elephant Journal "An international force in the world of yoga." -Allure

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Book Synopsis'Boldly ambitious, deeply affecting, and magisterial in scope' Steve Silberman, author of Neurotribes'Expansive and thoughtful, it illuminates the complexity and elusiveness of his subject' New StatesmanDepression is a leading cause of disability around the world today, a growing health crisis that affects us all. It is a complex and diverse condition. But it is also highly treatable.In this profound and sweeping history, Alex Riley charts the macabre, ingenious, and often surprising developments in the science of mental healthcare over the last 2000 years. In the pursuit to understand his own experiences with mental illness, Riley interweaves his own family history with fascinating stories of biological and psychological treatments which illuminate the past, question the current state of diagnosis, and investigate the hype and hopes for future treatments.From the re-emergence of long-forgotten therapies to a group of grandmothers who stand at the forefront of a revolution in mental healthcare, A Cure for Darkness is an essential exploration of one of the most pressing problems of our time.

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Book Synopsis*A 'BOOKS OF 2021' PICK IN THE GUARDIAN, FINANCIAL TIMES AND IRISH TIMES CULTURE*After two prize-winning collections which examined the intimacies and intricacies of the physical body, McMillan's third book marks a shift: both inward, into the difficult world of mental health, and outwards into the natural and political world.Keeping his trademark breath-space and lower-case lines, but more formally experimental, incorporating sequences and sonnets, the poems in pandemonium explore the fragility and depth of the human mind - in its panic and its troubled retreat - and map this turmoil onto the chaos and abundance of the garden. Depression is mirrored in the invasive, seemingly untreatable knotweed that slowly suffocates the garden, while the sky conspires in its sudden, terrifying clarity, 'as though the root of the world were ripped clean off'.McMillan has been celebrated for his unflinchingly frank depictions of the body and sexual love, but these new poems are raw dispatches from a mind in freefall, a body in trouble. Addressing a period of acute depression, they are less about physical union and completeness and more about fracture and distance: tender, savagely moving poems which stare, unblinkingly, into the sudden havoc and hurt of this world, searching for - and finally finding - some redemption.Trade ReviewA moving exploration of mental health. * i, Entertainment to look forward to this Spring *A fascinating collection - troubling and moving to read... McMillan has mastered the art of self-reproach... [an] exceptional vigil of a book. -- Kate Kellaway * Observer, *Poetry Book of the Month* *

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Book SynopsisAn interactive manual for when being an adult is a bit too much, featuring stickers and pull-out postcards.You know those things you're supposed to know how to do as an adult, but you really don't know? Ever been in that situation where you're looking for the adult in the room, and then you realise YOU are the adult? Yeah, that. There's adulting, then there's adulting for the messy mind. Sometimes you just need extra maps and a GPS. This manual is for adults that sometimes need a little extra help.From top small talk tips to use next time you're at the hairdressers to advice on how to ask for help, this interactive journal offers a safe place for people to explore their mental health and express themselves.Written by Milly Smith, a mental health and body acceptance advocate and public speaker. Milly uses her Instagram account @millykeepsgoing to send positive messages to her 170,000 strong following.Milly's wise words are accompanied by the whimsical and quirky illustrations of Katie Abey. Katie's motivational and pun-filled illustrations have a huge appeal to adults.Milly's wise words are accompanied by the whimsical and quirky illustrations of Katie Abey. Katie's motivational and pun-filled illustrations have a huge appeal to adults.

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Book SynopsisLearn to talk to your child about their big feelings We can all feel overwhelmed by big feelings, and this is especially true for children. They are still developing their emotional awareness and may struggle to manage their moods. While there’s nothing wrong with an emotionally sensitive child, it can make life a little more difficult for them if they become easily frustrated, cry more readily and experience low self-esteem and feelings of powerlessness. This guide will teach you the skills to nurture your child’s ability to notice, regulate and articulate their feelings in healthy, adaptive ways. Instil good sleeping and eating habits Help your child create a list of calming actions for when they feel angry or upset Introduce simple relaxation exercises Know when to seek support

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Book SynopsisShane Carthy writes frankly and eloquently about the downward spiral which saw him wake up in St Patrick's Mental Hospital only days after producing a man-of-the-match display in Dublin's 2014 Leinster under-21 final win over Meath. An inspiring story of resiliance and rebuilding.

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Book Synopsis“Ingenious, great fun, and wholly original” - Fay Weldon CBE, on The Seventh Train What if you can’t stand where you are because there’s nothing there? What if you don’t want to end up anywhere else in case that’s empty too? When life has lost its road map, sometimes the only way to get back on track is to get back on the rails. The Seventh Train is a ride - a ‘road movie’ on the railways. It’s a journey that Elizabeth invented; the only original thought she has ever had in her previously uneventful life. Unbeknown to her, she is not travelling alone. If only she’d pretended that the spare seat was taken. With a wonderfully eclectic cast of characters, The Seventh Train takes its passengers on a journey from the tragic to the strange, arriving finally at hope. By turns heart-breaking, thought-provoking and hilarious, this tale is a life-affirming exploration of the human spirit via the British railway timetable!

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Book SynopsisMichael Nangla was the first of his family to be born in England and has always been torn between two cultures; that of his mother''s homeland and that of the country he grew up in.Finding freedom for the first time at university, Michael discovered an exciting world of love and lust. But when love turned to heartbreak one too many times, Michael''s world shattered. Vivid hallucinations forced him down a road he had never been on before; through hospitalisation to cures from mystics.His identity fractured, Michael kept trying to find himself, turning to family, friends and love for answers.A brutally honest look at what it means to be bipolar and bicultural, Love and Other Gods is a journey through the mind of one man as he learns to define himself.

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Book SynopsisThis book will assist therapists in easily implementing the concepts of strategic and solution-oriented applications into one’s therapeutic work with depressed clients. The focus of these brief therapy approaches is on the clients’ resources and potential rather than on their deficits and pathology. These ideas have their roots in the work of Milton H. Erickson, the Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto, California, and Bill O’Hanlon’s Solution Oriented Therapy. The methods and applications recognise the significance of how clients perceive their problems, the importance on assisting clients to be validated and understood in the realm of their experiences, and the creation of change in their views and actions concerning their individual situations. Perceptions and Possibilities is designed to assist therapists in finding new ways of moving their therapy sessions away from an entrenched focus on client pathology. Instead, therapists are encouraged towards brief and effective interactions with a focus on future-oriented possibilities. Paul Leslie presents established and cutting-edge research, colourful case studies, and stories told in everyday language to engage, educate, and aid mental health professionals. The aim is to enable them to understand how to easily adapt and apply creative and resourceful therapy interventions to help clients who are suffering from depression. This book is highly recommended for psychologists, counsellors, and psychotherapists, particularly those who are interested in exploring brief therapies, postmodern/Ericksonian approaches, and solution-focused, systemic, and strategic therapies.Trade Review‘In Perceptions and Possibilities, author Paul J. Leslie takes the reader into a realm of perceptual creativity and clinical intelligence. Using fascinating case examples that show how it is done, spiced with insights from respected colleagues, Leslie demonstrates unique ways to tailor treatment to the differential needs of each individual. Starting with clear descriptions of currently vetted modalities, the author guides the reader into a world where strategic possibility and solution-oriented approaches offer new hope. In Perceptions and Possibilities, you will discover clinical wisdom that will help your clients stop chasing their tails – and begin their recovery.’ -- Bette Freedson, LICSW, LCSW, CGP, author of Other Realms, Other Ways: A Clinician’s Guide to the Magick of Intuition‘This book is a breath of fresh air, in a time when research is weaponized, and used to persuade mental health practitioners to choose the best golden procrustean bed. Paul Leslie seems to hold the secrets of a flexible magic of change, which he generously and skillfully shares with us. Complex things are simply exposed without over-simplification, and Paul's optimistic and pragmatic vision energizes and gives hope. The book invites us to change our perceptions, by looking in between strategic and solution-oriented approaches, on the background of their Ericksonian roots, enabling us to discover new possibilities, simple and actionable strategies for mobilizing things from the stuckness of depression. I highly recommend this book to my colleagues and students.’ -- Bogdan Cezar Ion, PhD, lecturer, Department of Applied Psychology & Psychotherapy, Bucharest University‘Paul J. Leslie’s latest work on the phenomenology, genesis, and treatment of depression reads like an artful tapestry of interwoven materials: from psychoanalysis to behaviorist and cognitive approaches, the progression leads to Milton H. Erickson's solution-focused psychotherapy. Like all good hypnotherapists, he vividly and movingly describes cases, stories, and strategies, especially creative play with realities. This reminds us once again of the importance of the sensitive use of words. A stimulating, inspiring book that not only benefits clients, but also helps therapists to proceed in a lively way and – yes! – with joy, always remaining optimistic on this serious subject.’ -- Andreas Steiner, Dipl-Psych, MA, SEPT Institute CologneTable of ContentsAcknowledgments About the author Foreword by Bob Bertolino, PhD Introduction Chapter 1: Strategies, solutions, and depression Chapter 2: Theoretical foundation for a strategic and solution-oriented approach Chapter 3: Assessment and intervention planning Chapter 4: Changing perceptions Chapter 5: Altering and interrupting patterns Chapter 6: Using metaphors, analogies, and stories Epilogue References Index

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Book SynopsisIf you are watching your partner, daughter, sister or friend struggle through postnatal depression (PND) it can leave you feeling powerless and unsure how best to help. This book shows you how to best support your loved one in this overwhelming and frightening time.Specialist maternal mental health psychologist Dr Jenn Cooper first explains what PND is and what it might look like. In many cases, the initial challenge is identifying that your loved one is struggling with something more than the 'baby blues'. Often mothers simply don't have the capacity to notice that what they're feeling is beyond the 'normal'. So, that is where you, as their support system, come in – with the benefit of some distance and objectivity that will allow you to see more clearly whether mum might be struggling.Dr Cooper then moves on to equip you with practical strategies to help your loved one, drawing on insights from mums with lived experience of PND. Through the advice in this book, you will learn how you can play a vital role in your loved one's recovery and, ultimately, help them enjoy motherhood in the way they deserve.

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Book SynopsisWhen recovering from addiction and managing a mental illness, it can feel like both have the ability to take over your life. By applying the principles of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to the 12 Steps addiction recovery approach, this workbook equips you with the tools to regulate your emotions, develop self-management skills, reduce anxiety and stress, and feel yourself again.DBT is a combination of CBT, mindfulness, and distress tolerance skills tailored to those who feel emotions very intensely. Exploring skills and strategies drawn from DBT that work in tandem with your recovery program, this book provides a new roadmap to reduce symptoms of emotional distress and to support your sobriety and mental health.Written by clinical psychologist, Laura Petracek, this ground-breaking workbook draws on the author's clinical and lived experience of addiction recovery, bipolar disorder, and other mental health challenges.Trade ReviewThe connection between mental health challenges and addiction is strong, complicates recovery, and is regrettably still associated with much stigma. In The DBT Workbook for Alcohol and Drug Addiction, Dr. Petracek helps readers to understand their struggles with mental illness and addiction, and to address those struggles through a combination of AA/NA and DBT skills. Drawing on her own personal experience, Petracek's warmth and compassion will make these ideas and skills more approachable for those in recovery and will remind people that they are not alone on their difficult journey. -- Sheri Van Dijk, MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist, international speaker, and author of several DBT books, including The DBT Workbook for Emotional ReliefDr. Petracek provides a step-by-step guide to DBT for anyone struggling with alcohol or drug addiction. This book is accessible, comprehensive and practical. A truly valuable resource! -- Elaine Beale, author of Write for Wellness: Write Your Way to Health, Happiness and HealingLaura Petracek, Ph.D.'s work on connecting the evidence based, effective psychotherapy treatment of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous is a great addition for extra tools for people recovering from addiction. The 12 Steps are predicated on giving oneself over the process and following the program, and adding in DBT skills can help provide additional tools for supporting one's work through the 12 steps and deepening one's understanding of the Steps. The author's use of her own experience and how DBT added to her recovery is a great use of the values of AA/NA of being open, honest, vulnerable and using one's own process to allow others to take what they need and leave the rest in finding their ways through the 12 Steps. -- W. Keith Sutton, Psy.D. - Psychologist - Director of the Institute for the Advancement of PsychotherapyTable of ContentsTable of ContentsForeword by Gillian Galen, PsyDPart 1: Introduction1. Pain is Inevitable; Suffering is Optional.......................................... 2. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Explained ...................................... 3. Core Concepts of DBT and the Twelve Steps .................................Part 2: The Twelve Steps and DBT1. Step One: I Can't Stop Drinking............................................................ 2. Step Two: Hope .................................................................................3. Step Three: Surrender ........................................................................4. Step Four: Finding Courage .................................................................5. Step Five: Integrity ............................................................................ 6. Step Six: Becoming Ready ..................................................................7. Step Seven: Humility ......................................................................... 8. Step Eight: Willingness .......................................................................9. Step Nine: Taking Responsibility and Making Amends ..............................10. Step Ten: Taking Stock ......................................................................11. Step Eleven: Seeking Prayer and Meditation .......................................... 12. Step Twelve: Carry the Message and Practice the Principles .....................Conclusion: A Life Worth Living Beyond Your Wildest Dreams ......................... Acknowledgements ...........................................................................

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Book SynopsisAt the age of twenty-seven, married, living in New York, and working in book design, Mary Cregan gives birth to her first child, a daughter she names Anna. But it's apparent that something is terribly wrong and two days later, Anna dies, plunging Cregan into suicidal despair. Decades later, sustained by her work, a second marriage, and a son, Cregan reflects on and attempts to make sense of this pivotal experience. Weaving together literature and research with details from her long-buried medical records, she writes of her own ordeal and the still-visible scar of a suicide attempt- while considering it as part of a larger history of our understanding of depression. She investigates the treatments she underwent, from hospitalization and shock therapy to psychotherapy and antidepressants. At once intimate and scholarly, The Scar illuminates a too often stigmatised affliction with compassion and intelligence and offers hope to all those who are still struggling.Trade Review‘The book will be passed from person to person, within families, from doctor to doctor. It will really help people ... What makes the book stand out is the sheer clarity of the writing, the personal fragility and the wrestling with demons emerging here with a kind of grace, a hardwon heroism.’ —COLM TÓIBÍN ‘The Scar is a memoir unique in my experience: intensely personal, warmly and unflinchingly intimate, yet wide-ranging, informative, even scholarly – beautifully and persuasively written. Unlike any other memoir I have read touching on psychological vulnerability and the risk of suicide, The Scar reaches beyond its immediate subject to provide a cultural and historical context for that most mysterious of afflictions, “depression” ... making it particularly valuable at the present time.’ —JOYCE CAROL OATES ‘What makes this immensely helpful and beautifully written book so moving is the way the author keeps unpeeling one layer after another of her experience, with such exquisite patience and intelligence that it is impossible not to care or identify with her’ –PHILLIP LOPATEA searingly honest and riveting book … This is a book that will really matter to anyone who has been through the experiences of depression. What makes the book stand out is the sheer clarity of the writing, the personal fragility and the wrestling with demons emerging here with a kind of grace, a hard-won heroism. * Colm Toibin *[Sufferers of mental illness] can tell us about it in raw narrative form. But they cannot be trusted to interpret it through research and scholarship and all the disciplines that require a cool and methodical objectivity. And this of course is deeply wrong. For many, many travellers do indeed return from the country of the deranged mind. If, like the Irish-American writer and academic Mary Cregan, they are scholars and thinkers, they return to those very disciplines. Yet how are they to write? Subjectively within the frame of memoir – this is what happened to me? Or objectively within the frame of academic expertise – this is what my experience means when seen through the lens of history, literature and culture? It is very difficult, and indeed quite subversive, to do both at the same time and it is Cregan’s ability to manage it that makes The Scar so remarkable and so important. -- Fintan O'Toole * The Irish Times *Cregan writes lucidly of her illness and offers hope as well as valuable insights for those living with depression. * Publishers Weekly *In providing kinship to its fellow traveler, The Scar becomes the best sort of memoir — one that serves a higher purpose. -- Leslie Kendall Dye * Los Angeles Review of Books *

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Book SynopsisAn exhilarating journey into the unfathomable depths of the human mind, from the acclaimed author of Let Me Not Be Mad.What does it take to care for a stranger? Really care.The Case for Love is a reflection on a career treating patients with brain trauma - people whose thoughts and feelings are largely unknowable - and how and why those treatments failed.It is a reconstruction of three haunting cases in which the patients were tragically misunderstood - and an attempt through the power of the imagination to understand and make amends.It then describes the author's abandonment of his career and his tumultuous quest for healing and redemption.It is also a story of intimate relationships, pets, fatherhood and heartbreak, culminating in a moment of psychedelic transcendence and rebirth.It is about the overpowering need for connection - and how, increasingly, we are trapped in ourselves.It is a meditation on empathy and an act of atonement.It is a unique, hybrid work of clinical case study and pure invention that destroys the boundary between fact and fiction in order to bring us face-to-face with the shocking, liberating truth.__________Praise for Let Me Not Be Mad'Imagine a gonzo Oliver Sacks communing with Edward St Aubyn's Patrick Melrose, R.D. Laing and the spirit of Kafka's 'The Country Doctor', and you still won't quite have the flavour of this wild and strikingly original book' William Fiennes'Stunning: clever, troubling, restless, honest, dishonest; one of the best portraits of madness and clinical practice I've read' Olivia Laing'A perfectly extraordinary - not to mention extraordinarily perfect - tense Hitchcockian psychodrama. I have rarely read a more haunting and enthralling account of a descent into madness. An important, profound and fascinating book' Stephen Fry'Blackly comic, warmly compassionate, a unique take on the human mind offering uncomfortable universal truths' Stewart Lee'A slow-burn belter of a book ... terrific ... so finely described, the result has the terse force of a classic short story' Roddy Doyle'Exhilarating ... dazzling ... a miraculous feat' GuardianTrade ReviewPart memoir, part case study, part work of fiction ... exhilarating ... this is really what he means by love: one mind truly knowing another ... rich ... claustrophobic ... Benjamin is at times a virtuosic writer ... an artful book, and there are moments of sublimity ... beautiful and moving -- M M Owen * Times Literary Supplement *Benjamin writes beautifully and with exceptional insight, a tormented soul who knows the truth of the worst torments -- Andrew Anthony * Observer *A blindsiding dissection of the poetry of pain, dazzlingly scripted, with craft and integrity. Compulsive and shocking -- Iain SinclairWith clinical precision, coupled with the sensibility of a poet, A K Benjamin lets the reader imagine the inter-twined world of a neuropsychologist and his patients -- Caroline Elton, author of Also Human: The Inner Lives of DoctorsAt first I thought this an exceptionally well written book in the genre of medical story telling. The more I read the more I realised it's an exceptional book in a genre all of its own. Insightful, wonderfully well observed and beautifully written -- Suzanne O'Sullivan (on Let Me Not Be Mad)A treasure of a book. Intricately woven and deeply intimate, it reveals things that astonish, surprise and improve us -- James Rhodes (on Let Me Not Be Mad)A truly astonishing journey into and out of the mind. Not content to pin you down with the intense intimacy of his storytelling Benjamin dramatises some of the most profound and intractable issues in neuroscience and psychiatry. I've never read anything like it -- Professor Mark Lythgoe, UCL (on Let Me Not Be Mad)A mental-health memoir like no other ... a genre-defying wake-up call of a book ... compelling ... clever humane ... holding back a sly twist for the end * Observer (on Let Me Not Be Mad) *Like a meeting of Oliver Sacks and Hunter S Thompson ... this is not a simple narrative of striking cases written by a far-seeing practitioner. It's a turbo-charged race -- Lisa Appignanesi * New Statesman (on Let Me Not Be Mad) *

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Book SynopsisThis book attempts to do justice to the depth and complexity of depression – as to its causes and its treatment in psychotherapy. It challenges the reductive medical view of depression as a serotonin deficiency resulting in a collection of undesirable symptoms to be dispatched with antidepressants or CBT exercises. Rather, it locates the origins of depression in childhood adversity, primarily caused by unattuned, cold, critical, hostile or abusive caregiving. Insecure attachment interacts with other elements of a stressful life history as well as with genetic makeup to pave the way for depression. Such a childhood has long-term impacts on the setting of the stress and threat responses of the nervous system. Depression fundamentally indicates a weak and non-resilient sense of self, coupled with limited capacities for trust and either autonomy or intimacy in relationships. These are the issues that must be tackled in psychotherapy. Since depression carries a message for the sufferer, it must be investigated for its meaning. Why has the individual withdrawn from life and what are they being asked to change in how they live and relate? Before this reparative and creative phase of therapy can begin, however, we must remember that depression is not just ‘low’ mood but also ‘stuck’ mood. Rigid beliefs and processes that block therapeutic engagement can be gently questioned by helping the client see that they are held by only one part of the self, whereas other ‘for growth’ parts carry hope and a willingness to play and explore. Overall, it is crucial in working with depression to see and to relate to the client as a whole person; not simply a bundle of cognitive shortcomings to be corrected, but as an emotional, organismic, relational, existential and spiritual being. Depression: An Introduction presents a biopsychosocial model, combining developmental and attachment perspectives with genetics and neurobiology. Its therapeutic orientation is humanistic and integrative but has much to offer anyone wanting to know more about this widely known but little understood condition.Trade Review‘The plainness of [the] title belies the freshness, rigour and creative synthesis of up-to-date thinking in the book. Both broad and deep in perspective … Dowds does justice to the complexity of depression. … This is a truly fascinating read and will be of great interest to anyone who really wants to understand what depression is’ -- Roz Carroll, co-editor with Jane Ryan of ‘What is Normal? Psychotherapists Explore the Question’‘The most helpful book I’ve ever read about understanding and working with depression … skimps on neither scope nor substance. Dowds covers everything from evolutionary theories of depression to the impacts of globalisation and social media, taking in epigenetics and economic status, gender and gut flora. She conveys a strong sense of the emotional, cognitive, somatic, existential and relational qualities of depression, and shares many practical ways of engaging with its different dimensions. And she still finds space to recurrently sound, and deepen, her key developmental themes.’ -- Isobel Todd, psychodynamic counsellor, SCAP no. 141 (Summer 2021) sussex-counselling.co.uk‘The focus on depression as an immediate and common experience that is on the increase (while being hard to work with), marks this book out as essential reading not just for therapists and trainees, but for anyone interested in deepening and expanding their knowledge and awareness of the impact of depression, its evolution and manifestation within the context of contemporary society.’ -- Pauline Macey, MIACP, IJCP Vol. 21 Issue 3 (Autumn 2021)‘well worth reading for anyone who wants to reacquaint themselves with the theory and practice in relation to depression and also those who may want pointers as to how to keep up to date with the latest thinking in the field.’ -- Eleanor Dunn IAHAP, ‘Inside Out’ Issue 95 (Autumn 2021)Table of Contents Acknowledgements About the author Foreword by Roz Carroll Preface Part I Incidence, causes, and consequences of depression CHAPTER 1 An anatomy of depression CHAPTER 2 Biological causes and consequences CHAPTER 3 An application of neuroscience CHAPTER 4 Childhood origins and adult triggers Part II Psychotherapy: mobilisation and meaning CHAPTER 5 The message from within: moving towards authenticity CHAPTER 6 The therapeutic challenges of stuck mood CHAPTER 7 Repairing the self, building resilience CHAPTER 8 Brigid’s story Final thoughts Glossary References Index

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Book Synopsis***As recommended by Josh Widdicombe on the PARENTING HELL podcast"It's staggeringly honest but also really funny - I laughed out loud several times. It felt like hearing from a friend. A book that will make a difference, I am sure of it" - Sarah Turner, author of The Unmumsy Mum"Her memoir is brave, honest and shows how friends, family and the NHS got her back from the brink." - The Sun"Something To Live For vividly, brilliantly depicts a descent into mental illness, and what it feels like. It's funny, brutally honest - but uplifting too, because it shows how, with the right treatment, she recovered." - The Telegraph____What readers are saying:***** "What a tremendous read. A big-hearted, painfully honest and utterly joyful story."****** "Cannot put this book down. A rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish but even in the darkest moments Laura manages to find an uplifting way to talk about them...An incredible read no matter what your circumstances are."***** "Such a moving and important read bringing light to a topic that is not spoken about enough. Laura writes so candidly and emotively...I have recommended this inspiring and brave account to so many people!"____Laura Canty is a new mum. She has a beautiful baby boy, Arthur, and a wonderful husband. She has new mum friends on the local WhatsApp group, and everyone in her life is supportive and happy for her. But Laura doesn't see it this way.In the weeks since her baby was born, like 1 in 5 women, Laura has developed Postnatal Depression. In fact, she has decided that the only way out of her current situation is for her to kill herself, or her baby...A moving and refreshingly honest memoir to finally lift the lid on PND and the mental health problems so many mums face. Full of truth and hope, Something to Live For is a special book about the little discussed realities of the illness - and how Laura overcame it.Trade ReviewIt's staggeringly honest but also really funny - I laughed out loud several times. It felt like hearing from a friend. A book that will make a difference, I am sure of it. * Sarah Turner, @TheUnmumsyMum *Her memoir is brave, honest and shows how friends, family and the NHS got her back from the brink. * The Sun *Something To Live For vividly, brilliantly depicts a descent into mental illness, and what it feels like. It's funny, brutally honest - but uplifting too, because it shows how, with the right treatment, she recovered. * The Telegraph *A very candid memoir... you are drawn into her story. * JUNO *

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Book SynopsisKeith Earls started out in senior rugby as a teenage star and during the course of his long career has become one of the most admired and respected players of his generation. A British & Irish Lion at the age of 21, he is now closing in on his 34th birthday and still playing at the top of his game. He has won 93 caps for Ireland and played 179 times in the famous red of Munster. He started every game of the 2018 Six Nations campaign that culminated in an Irish Grand Slam victory. A lethal finisher blessed with thoroughbred speed, Earls is the second-highest try scorer of all time for his country. With Munster he is one try short of the all-time total and looks set to break that record next season. Behind the glittering success, there is another story to be told. He has achieved these milestones whilst being racked by private battles with his mental health for most of his career. A number of crises brought him to the brink of voluntary retirement from the game. A long series of injuries have taken their psychological toll too. A native of Limerick city, Earls grew up in one of its most socially disadvantaged housing estates. Moyross was blighted by crime and violence and he did not escape unscathed from the surrounding fear and trauma visited upon his beloved community. His natural sporting talent brought him into the privileged bastion of elite rugby union. His frank and fearless autobiography tells the story of his long struggle to reconcile the world whence he came with the world opened up by his brilliance with an oval ball. Earls has maintained a low profile throughout his career. For the first time he will talk in depth and at length about the inner turmoil that went unseen by team-mates, friends and fans. It is a confessional, intimate and courageous story of the pain that was a constant companion to the glory.

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