The Depression Cure: The 6-Step Program to Beat Depression without Drugs (Hardcover)

~ Stephen S. Ilardi PhD (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

LibraryJournal.com, 5/15
“[Ilardi] presents his alternative approach based on cognitive-behavioral therapy with an anthropological twist…Research findings (including the author’s own study on the treatment’s efficacy) are translated into readable terms…The positive aspects of the TLC model are obvious, but Ilardi’s composite program—rooted in the hunter-gatherer way of life—is novel. Practical, straightforward, grounded in persuasive research, this book is recommended for anyone seeking an alternative approach to treating depression.”

Harriet Lerner, author of The Dance of Anger
"This book isn't just about depression. Dr. Ilardi's program can help all of us live with more zest and a greater sense of well-being."

TheSmartSet.com
“Those who have suffered recurring, meaningless bouts of depression might want to reach for The Depression Cure rather than Unstuck, especially those sick of hearing how they search their mental illness for wisdom.”

Writing Doctor’s Blog
“When I first looked at Stephen Ilardi’s The Depression Cure, I thought it was one more how-to article enlarged to be a book selling to anyone and everyone who felt depressed, which includes a lot of us. But I was wrong. For Ilardi has done a good job transforming old lifestyle concepts into accessible, workable form.”

Infodad.com
“[Illardi’s] ideas are unexceptionable and certainly have value for anyone, not only for people with depression…Illardi’s book is useful in many ways—his appendices, a ‘depression scale’ and symptom tracking chart, are a particularly good idea.”

“The Bookworm Sez”
“Intriguing…Ilardi seems to be onto something…Pick up a copy of The Depression Cure. With your doctor’s blessing, a fair amount of effort, and this book, ‘snapping out of it’ might be a snap.”

The Nutrient Path blog, 6/24/09
“There’s a deluge of books for sale about depression—and while many offer up the word ‘natural’ in their pitch and even speak of ‘healing,’ few have the bravado to suggest a cure. I’m glad Dr. Stephen Ilardi took the risk and put that word front and center, landing us in an exciting new world where serious deliberations about trouncing this mood disorder are possible…Ilardi’s book gives the skinny how you want to hear it: the tone is that of a patient coach-friend who also happens to be a clinician and academic.”

Psychcentral.com, 7/2/09
“A comprehensive book.”

Tucson Citizen, Shelf Life blog, 8/5/09
“In addition to practical advice, this book contains success stories of his patients, tips on measuring progress and suggestions for overcoming roadblocks.”

Beliefnet.com, 8/21/09
“[Ilardi’s] six steps…are crucial to a recovery program from depression…A comprehensive book.”

Metapsychology Online Reviews, 8/18/09
“A very good self-help book. Ilardi writes clearly, avoiding jargon, and speaking eloquently about many topics. His depiction of negative lifestyle influences on people's emotions and actions are on target… this is a splendid book because the recommendations made should lead to a healthier lifestyle for most people…Overcoming depression is not a simple challenge but one, I suspect, has a chance of success by reading this book.”

Day Spa Magazine, October 2009
“Has a number of physical tips for staving off the mental wear and tear.”

Kansas Alumni Magazine, September 2009 issue
“Ilardi’s theory draws on discoveries in cognitive neuroscience and evolutionary psychology, which add heft to his common-sense advice…The Depression Cure arrays data that may inspire action.”

Product Description

Most Americans work long hours, eat on the fly, and lead increasingly sedentary, isolated lives. Alongside this lifestyle, depression rates have skyrocketed: approximately 1 in 4 Americans will suffer from major depression at some point in their lives. Where have we gone wrong? Dr. Stephen Ilardi sheds light on our current predicament and reminds us: our bodies were never designed for the sleep-deprived, poorly nourished, frenzied pace of twenty-first century life. In fact, our genes have changed very little since the days of our hunter-gatherer ancestors and are still building, in effect, Stone Age bodies. Herein lies the key to breaking the cycle of depression.

Inspired by the extraordinary resilience of aboriginal groups like the Kaluli of Papua New Guinea (who rarely suffer from depression), Dr. Ilardi prescribes an easy-to-follow, clinically proven program that harks back to what our bodies were originally made for—and need. Here you can find the road back to lasting health by integrating the following 6 elements into your life: an omega–3 rich diet; exercise; plenty of natural sunlight; ample sleep; social connections; and participation in meaningful tasks that leave little time for negative thoughts—all things that our ancestors had in abundance.

Already, The Depression Cure program has delivered dramatic results, helping even those who have failed to respond to traditional medications. Interweaving the stories of many who have fought—and won—the battle against this debilitating illness, this groundbreaking book can illuminate the path to lifting the fog once and for all for you or a loved one.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books; 1 edition (June 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738213136
• ISBN-13: 978-0738213132
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #11,109 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #19 in

  Books > Health, Mind & Body > Aging > Depression

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TLC for everybody, June 13, 2009

By	Keith A. Abney (San Luis Obispo, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Dr. Stephen Ilardi has written a highly accessible book that has something to offer everyone, not merely those who suffer from clinical depression. Without stooping to the charlatanism of New Age healers, Ilardi points out that mental and physical health are intimately connected, for reasons connected to our evolutionary heritage. He goes beyond the banal, vacuous advice of 'diet and exercise' to tell us with greater specificity what exactly in our diet (omega-3s), bodily environment (aerobic exercise, sleep) and and external environment (sunshine, close and frequent interpersonal contact) that we need to combat the epidemic of the blues.

The implications of his book are multitudinous and profound: among others, for the role of medication in national health care policy and our attempts to prevent depressive illness - if his work is taken seriously by those in government, the health care system could begin a much-needed movement toward wellness for all and prevention of disease, instead of merely rewarding pharmaceutical companies for campaign donations.

This is the rare book in the field that is useful, not merely for the clinically depressed, but also for those merely suffering from the 'normal blues', or even those just wishing to enhance the well-being of their lives. His TLC program can help just about everyone, and most of its elements are low-cost or free! I believe this book potentially could be prove to be a watershed moment in the very understanding of illness and the goals of medical treatment. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling new treatment regimen, June 4, 2009

By	Dan Browning (Decatur, GA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

First, a disclaimer: I am a friend of Dr. Ilardi's, and I have been following the development of his "TLC" (Therapeutic Lifestyle Change) treatment regimen for several years. Having said that, I would not be giving this book five stars if I didn't think it represented a true breakthrough in the treatment of depression.

Dr. Ilardi writes in an intelligent and accessible style; he brings a keen intellect to his academic research and a genuine sense of compassion for his patients and all those who suffer from the scourge of depression. He balances theory and practice, providing practical advice to implement the six steps of his innovative program.

Dr. Ilardi provides compelling evidence for both the efficacy of his own protocol and the ineffectiveness of so many commonly prescribed pharmaceutical and other therapeutic solutions. I believe that readers who have struggled for years with depression (especially those for whom conventional treatments have failed) will benefit greatly from the sound, sage advice contained in this outstanding book.

If you have a friend or loved one who suffers from depression (or if you yourself do), I cannot urge you strongly enough to get a copy of this book for them (or for yourself). It could literally be a life-saving read.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very insightful book, May 24, 2009

By	A customer - See all my reviews

I just finished reading this book. It is hard to express how simple and insightful the book is. Everything flows together and makes so much sense...and it seems all of this should have been realized earlier. A co-worker of mine let me borrow this book after I saw him bring it in and I read a page or two out of it. It was immediately interesting to me. I'm not depressed, but just as the book states, it can be used as a general guide to well being. I have read other similar books, but nothing really compares to this one. I have started implementing some of the elements of this program, and it is very easy and simple. The aspect of the book I found most interesting is the logic behind the program. The basic premise is that our bodies are programmed like the old hunter-gatherer societies, and not for this society we are living in today. This article explains the premise better: http://www.healthyplace.com/depression/news/psychologist-seeks-stone-age-solutions-to-depression/menu-id-68/. Again, a very insightful, knowledgeable, and easy to read book. It doesn't leave you without the link to putting it into practice like many other books do. It seems like he acknowledges every counter argument you can think of while reading it. Very good read.