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A very new and interesting perspective on depression based on the author's two decades of research in the field. He makes a very persuasive case against the "chemical imbalance" explanation for depression -- and the accompanying view that depression can be categorized into discrete states, e.g. normal, moderately depressed, severely depressed -- and offers as an alternative the theory, backed by psychology experiments, that feeling "down" is a tool the brain uses for demotivation (when we're wasting energy pursuing an impossible goal). Depression, in this model, results from, among other things, continuing to pursue an unattainable goal, or at least continuing to work without signs of progress, because this prompts the mind to ramp up how "down" you feel. The harder you push, the harder it pushes back.
If that sounds simplistic and like it misses a lot, that's because it's just one of many elements of depression Rottenberg touches on. I don't want to recap the whole book here; suffice to say that it's an illuminating read, particularly if you or someone you know has depression -- there are a lot of "oh, now it makes sense why [I/he/she] do/es that."
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A worthwhile and comfortably logical read. The author, a doctor specializing in and with first-hand experience with depression, convincingly uses facts and perspective to explain depression. I would recommend that the reader read the first and last chapters in that order before proceeding with the other chapters. The first chapter is powerful in placing weight on the issue and the author's suggested perspective while the last chapter, by way of discussing what is successful, makes a compelling case of what is missing in today's typical approach. 5 Stars for ease of explanation and compelling message.
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
This well-written book has changed the way that I think about depression. Rottenberg presents the latest research in animals and human on the evolutionary function of mood, including low mood. He in no way dismisses the anguish caused by depression and candidly describes his own experience with severe depression. But the studies that he discusses pose a serious challenge to the common notion of depression as a chemical imbalance and also shed light on why depression can be so tenacious. I applaud the author for seeking to spark a long-overdue national dialogue on depression and to reduce the stigma attached to it. As someone who has dealt with depression and has read a lot on the subject, I found Rottenberg's arguments refreshing and persuasive.
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This thoughtful, well-writen book includes enough science to be credible and enough personal history to be compelling. We are all surrounded by people who are depressed, so it is useful and comforting to gain an understanding of depression from this book. Much as I would like to re-read this right away, it's more important to share my copy with family and friends. Congratulations and thanks to Dr. Rottenberg for this book.
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The real specter of a "depression epidemic" in our country suggests far more reading, understanding, and perhaps government funding to be very much in order. So, this work is both timely and value-added for a broad spectrum of interests, and Jon's concise writing style and relative brevity makes it an easy read, perhaps one-sitting. A good bit of real-world and relevant substance is packed into 200 pages.
I've been treated for Clinical Depression for over a decade, experiencing several major episodes. I was able to relate to many of Jon's descriptions, and suggest the episodes are so profound, one never experiencing or closely observing the same cannot fully relate. It can be virtually debilitating, overpowering even the strongest of wills.
I've been treated in a very traditional, yet effective manner. Jon raises the prospect of a "mood-based" approach to treatment, as a means of getting to the real roots of depression, and not relying on the "chemical imbalance" sourcing so commonly mentioned. Perhaps anti-depressants are not the most effective approach, depsite the widepsread use and popularity in the medical community. If they are, why is the stated epidemic continuing unabated? Why are so many victims suffering despite the availability and use of numerous drug therapies?
Jon prudently makes no definitive pronouncements but raises questions. With his first-hand experience in mind, and as a scholar to boot, the questions are very much worth raising. Can we trace the origins of depression periods to the evolution of certain fundamental positive and/or negative moods? Study and serious consideration are in order when seemingly tens of millions are burdened with depression, and the numbers are increasing.Read more ›
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17 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Marrying memoir with an insightful analysis of the prevailing paradigms in psychology and psychiatry, this mood scientist gets at just why depression is so tenacious and why we're in the midst of an epidemic. It's not a self-help book, but it would be a boon to anyone who is suffering or who loves someone who has suffered from depression.
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I have already recommended this book to a few people. I gave the copy I purchased to a dear friend that has been depressed for over a year! He smiled when I asked him yesterday if he had started reading it yet, and then told me in the same breath, I did not know that there were so many people going through the same thing as I am. I was beginning to think, there was nothing else I could do or say to help, prior to reading, "The Depths".
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This item: The Depths: The Evolutionary Origins of the Depression Epidemic
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