Customer Reviews

Get It Done When You're Depressed

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

*****
This book is incredibly helpful because it helps you to learn practical methods for coping with depression. The subtitle is "50 Strategies for Keeping Your Life on Track", and each strategy is thoroughly explored. First it is explained, then there is a short exercise you can do to apply the strategy to your life. Next the strategy is illustrated in a story from someone's personal life. Lastly, the author shares a story about applying that strategy in her own life.

For example, one strategy I found very helpful is "Accept the Limitations Caused By Depression". I expect way, way too much of myself every day and then feel bad when I can't accomplish what I want to. This strategy (and the book in general) helped me to see that I will feel better and get more done in the long run if I don't beat myself up about what I can't do, and if I work the other strategies diligently to do what I can.

It really helped that the author is successful and accomplished despite her depression, and the stories show how many, many people work with their illness to make valuable contributions with their lives instead of just giving in to depression and using it as an excuse for failure. It truly made me feel like I wasn't alone---that many others feel this way, and that they organize their lives so that they can still succeed.

I have to say that it's the most practical book I've ever read for actually coping with depression.

Highly recommended.
*****

All of Julie Fast's books are practical and well-written, and this may be her best. Using examples from the lives of people who struggle with depression, she gives realistic, concrete ways to fight the effects of depression, so that the negative spiral of inactivity and hopelessness can turn into a positive spiral of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Julie has learned these lessons the hard way, and this book is proof that her methods work. The personal stories are backed up by her co-author, a psychologist, who provides a more physiological explanation of both symptoms and why Julie's strategies are effective.

When depression of any kind (including bipolar) is the problem, it's crucial to know how to counteract its symptoms with behavior, as well as medication. This book gives readers the tools to take charge of their lives. It's not the usual advice from experts looking down from the top of the well. It's a strong rope, each chapter a foothold to use for climbing out.

I have read every textbook, self help book, etc. and was still beating my head against a wall until I read this book.

I can tell you that chapter 11, Expect Brain Chatter, was the answer to prayer. I don't know what it was about this specific chapter, but it opened up serious dialogue after 14 years of marriage.

This chapter gave me a simple way to explain the on-going dialogue and loop of music in my head and why it is so painful.

I was quite impressed with this little book. I think that some people will relate to the 50 different strategies more so than others. But I can't imagine a depressed person NOT taking something valuable away from at least ONE of the 50 methods.

What I liked even more than the specific strategies was Julie's clear and honest explanation of what it is like to have depression. She does a great job illustrating how the depressed brain operates differently. She includes personal examples from her own life for EVERY strategy.

I did think her personal stories became a bit whiny and annoying by the end of the book, but I understand why she included them. I figure any frustration I have with her is the same frustration I have with my own depression. No-one wants to be whiny and self-absorbed, but when you're depressed, it happens.

This is one of the better books for depression out there. Even if you aren't depressed, it's a great read because it will help you interact with and understand those who are.

Julie Fast's 'Get It Done When You're Depressed' is exactly the book I've been looking for to offer my therapy clients struggling with indecision and inertia.
The book is written in a clear, no-nonsense manner that is easy to read and understand--important considerations when writing for people whose emotional pain may make it difficult to focus.
'Get It Done' is loaded with realistic suggestions that will be useful to anyone no matter how 'well' or 'ill' they may be. Thanks Ms. Fast I needed this!

Simple, short, easy-to-understand ideas that can be put to use instantly. Thoughtfully written by an author who has been there herself supported by brief scientific expertise. Perfect for someone who is depressed because reading an entire book to get help is impossible; instead they can read it in sound-bites.

Julie has done it again. Her latest book provides down to earth advice that everyone can use. How many of us, depressed or not, have found it difficult to complete projects and just "get it done"? I've already applied one of her motivational tools to great effect and have seen a dramatic increase my writing output. Thank you, Julie!

I've had bouts of depression since my teens, and been in and out of therapy for almost 20 years. At the moment I'm "out," and was hoping for a book just like this. I didn't need a book on what causes depression, its symptoms, or how to treat it; I know that already. I needed a book that has specific suggestions about how to keep my life in order on days when I just couldn't care less about it. Some of the suggestions that the author makes are things that I already do (and that made me feel better) and others were things that had never occurred to me but that made perfect sense. The exercises are like mini-therapy sessions; I haven't done all of them, but the questions always make me think.
Reading a book by someone who is actually depressed makes this book much more helpful than anything else that I've read on living with depression, or on living or working with someone who is depressed. I also appreciated questions-and-answers with the psychiatrist and the accounts of people who are also living with this illness.
The Kindle version of the book is speech-enabled, and I listen to the book when I am working (and when I am about to fall asleep). It is tremendously helpful on my depressed days when I need to hear something positive.

Getting It Done When You're Depressed is full of useful tools for success despite depression. Observations gathered from Julie's experience and those of others who have made contributions are backed up with input from Dr. John D. Preston, Psy.D., ABPP who is an author of 18 books in the psychiatric field. Anyone who has ever tried to deal with depression will find valuable lessons and exercises to break through the depressive barrier in this insightful volume.

This book is the best book I've ever read for depression and the only book I know out there that has advice and ideas on how to "Get it done while you're depressed" It's about time. THANKYOU to the Author. This book got me moving after the first page. I literaly put the book down and jumped out of bed and started washing dishes that hadn't been washed in days. Funny I still haven't finished reading the book because everytime I do, I start wanting to do something, Really! This book is a MOTIVATOR LIKE I'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE. It should be in every Mental Hospital, Physchiatrist office,Counselors and especially a Mental Rehab Facility (every person should go home with one). Don't hesitate to buy this book. I promise you won't regret it.