The Half-Empty Heart: A Supportive Guide to Breaking Free from Chronic Discontent [Hardcover]

Alan Downs Ph.D. (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0312307950 | ISBN-13: 978-0312307950 | Publication Date: January 22, 2003 | Edition: 1st

Finally, a book of insightful and practical advice for the millions of people suffering from low-grade depression, also known as dysthymia or chronic discontent

Frustrated. Stressed. Irritable. Discouraged. Cynical. Fed up. These are among the feelings experienced by millions of people. Whether they realize it or not, their feelings are not caused by a negative attitude, a lack of gratitude, or laziness. Rather, these feelings are among the symptoms of a condition called dysthymia, also known as chronic discontent or low-grade depression. It blocks feelings of happiness, contentment, and passion, leaving emptiness, a lack of meaning, and despair.

This powerful and practical book explains how this condition takes hold—and presents simple yet profound ways to overcome it once and for all. Using anecdotes from his private practice as well as insightful questions and exercises, psychotherapist Alan Downs, Ph.D., shines light into the dark corners of this isolating and debilitating condition and includes a five-week program to help you feel good again.

Not a superficial, magic-bullet approach, The Half-Empty Heart is a probing, honest book that offers a path to meaningful change. The path begins here.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Downs, a clinical psychologist and author (Why Does This Keep Happening to Me?), discusses the increasingly common low-grade depression known as dysthymia. Symptoms of this problem include constant disappointment, lack of motivation and feelings of hopelessness. Downs offers many brief case studies of people suffering from dysthymia, as well as descriptions of this condition. For example: "The block we create to emotional flow is best described as emotional dishonesty. Emotional dishonesty ranges from simply hiding our true feelings from others to actively falsifying our feelings in ways that may be more acceptable and less confrontational.... We hide our true feelings from other people when those feelings aren't convenient or might be uncomfortable." Downs does a first-rate job of explaining how "chronic discontent" can develop and how it affects relationships with friends and family. The last part of the book is a five-week program designed to help people change their lives and conquer some of their symptoms. The center of his cure is a series of writing exercises (focusing on keeping a journal of feelings and recollections), and while this may not address everything sufferers may need to know, it is a solid effort to help them get on their way.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"It will speak loudly to those who have tried in vain to be happy."--Library Journal

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press; 1st edition (January 22, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312307950
• ISBN-13: 978-0312307950
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #469,842 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Alan Downs, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist in private practice located in Beverly Hills, California. He is the author of seven previous books and continues to write and hold workshops across the United States. He is actively involved in dialectical behavior therapy and is a member of the Beverly Hills DBT Team. Dr. Downs is the former CEO of Michael's House Treatment Center where he currently holds weekend workshops for families of those struggling with addictions. His current book, THE VELVET RAGE, has been acclaimed as "groundbreaking" for the gay male community. Dr. Downs has been a guest on many media programs including, THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW, TODAY SHOW, and NPR's MORNING EDITION.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars an eye-opening book, May 28, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Half-Empty Heart: A Supportive Guide to Breaking Free from Chronic Discontent (Hardcover)

Dr. Downs writes in practical terms, not abstract theory, and that alone makes this a unique book in the genre. I did not turn a page without coming across at least one or two "Aha! I do that, but didn't know why!" moments.

I would give this book 5 stars, but I have never encountered a published book that had more typos, spelling errors, and the like in it. Where was the proofreader to put together the final draft of Downs's amazing writings?

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stop Hiding True Feelings, February 18, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Half-Empty Heart: A Supportive Guide to Breaking Free from Chronic Discontent (Hardcover)

I agree with the author -- persistent low level depression (dysthymia/ dysphoria) is the most common psychological problem in the USA today -- the common cold of discontent in our civilization. His description is significant: "Emotional dishonesty ranges from simply hiding our true feelings from others to actively falsifying our feelings in ways that may be more acceptable and less confrontational.... We hide our true feelings from other people when those feelings aren't convenient or might be uncomfortable." This is a complex problem needing multi-faceted solutions. It is time for the realistic psychology of true human emotions to replace the superficial "don't worry, be happy" positive psychology movement. Many of us need to get in touch with "The Positive Power of Negative Thinking" (and feeling). To learn to be more real and speak up more honestly, I like Dr. Held's book "Stop Smiling, Start Kvetching." In this new book, "The Half-Empty Heart" Alan Downs has added his thoughtful and helpful contribution to the realistic psychology movement. Excellent and important book.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical and insightful help, June 3, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Half-Empty Heart: A Supportive Guide to Breaking Free from Chronic Discontent (Hardcover)

If you've ever felt like your blues just won't go away, this is the book for you. It's not about serious clinical depression -- instead it's a book for the millions of people who have low-grade sadness, a feeling of blah, a series of disappointments that chip away at that inner happiness we all have somewhere in us. It is useful and truly insightful -- read it and work on really feeling great again!