The Depression Helpbook, 2nd edition

Wayne Katon, M.D.
Evette Ludman, Ph.D.,
Gregory E. Simon, M.D., M.P.H.

Here is an updated edition of a non-technical self-care book developed by practitioners with unique experience in teaching people how to develop confidence in their ability to manage depression and achieve balance in their moods and their lives. The Depression Helpbook enables readers to manage depression day-by-day thereby greatly reducing the chance of recurrence. This updated edition has expanded the sections on depression during and after pregnancy and updated information about new antidepressant medications and psychotherapy approaches.

The Depression Helpbook offers tools developed through a successful combination of medical and counseling approaches that have worked by helping people with depression help themselves. Written by a team of psychiatrists, psychologists and primary care physicians who originally developed this integrated approach, it explains what causes depression and how to make the best decisions about treatment.

Many people who experience recurrent or repeat episodes of depression have learned how to manage it — some take medication, others rely on counseling, others use behavioral changes, and some use a combination of elements. The words of people who have experienced depression are heard throughout the book as they speak about this practical approach to managing it every day, using simple techniques.

The latest information on medication and treatments has been added but the strategy remains the same — simply to find the mix of self-care and support that works for each individual.

Rave Reviews

"This book teaches us all about good self-care — which I believe is vital to getting the best care and achieving the best results."
— C. Everett Koop MD

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - What Is Depression?
Chapter 2 - Reversing the Downward Spiral of Depression
Chapter 3 - Making Your Own Decision About Treatment
Chapter 4 - Working with Your Doctor
Chapter 5 - What You Should Know About Antidepressants
Chapter 6 - What You Should Know About Psychotherapy
Chapter 7 - When Is Treatment Finished
Chapter 8 - What Family and Friends Should Know
Chapter 9 - Plain Talk About Suicide
Chapter 10 - Depression and Your Body
Chapter 11 - Depression and Chronic Mental Illness
Chapter 12 - Depression and Women's Health
Chapter 13 - Food, Alcohol, and Drugs
Chapter 14 - Relaxing
Chapter 15 - Exercising
Chapter 16 - Getting a Good Night's Sleep
Chapter 17 - Making Time for Enjoyment
Chapter 18 - Thinking More Constructively
Chapter 19 - The Other People In Your Life
Chapter 20 - Intimacy and Sex When You Are Depressed
Chapter 21 - Managing at Work When You Are Depressed
Chapter 22 - Managing Depression Day by Day
Chapter 23 - Planning for Better Living
Chapter 24 - Maintaining Gains and Preventing Relapse
Chapter 25 - Living Your Plan
Appendix: A Primer on Antidepressants
Resource Guide
Worksheets

Authors

Wayne Katon, M.D., Evette Ludman, Ph.D., Gregory E. Simon, M.D., M.P.H. are members of a team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and primary care physicians who have worked with thousands of people coping with depression. They are affiliated with the Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound Center for Health Studies and the University of Washington, Department of Psychiatry.