Customer Reviews

What to Do When Someone You Love Is Depressed:: A Self-Help and Help-Others Guide

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

 

 

I bought this book for my husband and his family and for my family to help them understand my depression and gather some better methods for supporting me. It is helpful, as it is very informational about all facets of the disorder: what a depressed person experiences, different types of depression, medication options, etc.

One thing I was excited about was the list of "depressed people's sayings" and the list of responses NOT to give and alternative, better responses. This is a helpful list, since this is one of the problems I encounter the most ("You shouldn't think that way," "That's silly," "You're hurting those who love you"). However, the responses are repetitions, mostly of "I know you feel that way now, but we will get through this together." And, even though this is a good response, saying it as a response to everything someone says just sounds silly. However, the concept of the list is wonderful, since it serves the purpose of showing people flaws in their responses.

As is the case with this example, other advice/information is good and beneficial, but incomplete or repetitious. I suppose the excuse is that it's impossible to analyze a disorder that is different for everyone, hard to pin down, and extremely difficult for a non-depressed person to understand.

However, for a general overview and introduction to depression for non-depressed friends or family members, this is a good book to buy.

I bought this book second; and loved it. The first book I bought "How to Survive When They Are Depressed" was awful. This book is a great overview. One important thing; this book giveing insight into what the depressed person is thinking and feeling; both about the depression and when depressed. This book could go more in depth; for exaple the list of things depressed people hate to hear, is waaay too short; there is so much more that could have been added. However, what is there is great and well worth it. I am the depressed person in our family and have had my parents and boyfreind read it.

My love one and me were is a very low situation before I started reading this book. He has slight depression and taking Paxil as a medication. Aside the side effect of the pills, depression also changed some of his behavior, and his attitude toward our daily life. I felt negleted, and suspect that our love is no more there.

The worse thing is I don't know what is happending, how to deal with that, and should I talk to him.

After reading this book, it clearly explained everything I need to know. From what kind of symptoms he may has, what kind of medication will result to what kind of effects, to how to deal with the situation, and how to conduct a positive communication.

I am grateful about reading this book. Becuase of it, those depressive conversations during a big disagreement, I was able to calm myself and really see through the heart of the one I love, to see behind it was just a inconfident and insurced heart which need a strong ally. Instead of arguing over nonscence, I gave him a hug and kiss, and reassure my love one we will go throught whatever turmoil together.

This book saved our relationship, saved my love one, and saved me. Like a lighthouse, it points a direction with light. I am very grateful.

As a clinical social worker, I frequently recommend this book to clients, colleagues and friends for help with their depressed family members. The section on anti-depressant medication is especially clear and easy to understand. Dr. Golant's recommended strategies are enhanced by his use of vignettes from his practice and personal life to make a very touching and accessible book.

The author freely shares from his own past, though clear and active advice on how to advance a positive progression is absent. He tells us very short stories of patients who had the symptoms/situations he describes, but they all fall flat when one asks himself how to practically apply the story to himself.

The most helpful book I found was "You Can Beat Depression: A Guide to Prevention & Recovery" by John Preston. Very well written, for both the sufferer and their potential assistants.

nothing you can't find on the internet. don't waste your money on this book....

Very Good and helpful book hoping it will keep me on the right track where I want to be. It has helped my boyfriend understand alittle more.

The person while he gives good advice in some areas but not in others. The book ignores some of the real and unsolvable causes of depression such as, the crises of expectations with regards to oneself and how society operates on the whole.

Some people are and will be depressed through their biology/neurology throughout life no matter how successful they are. You can't ignore people who have everything in regards to resources yet kill themselves or are hopelessly miserable. How can one have all those resources, doctors, therapists, and the best medicine and alternatives can offer at ones disposal and then still be depressed for instance?

A failure to understand that some people are victims of the laws of genetics, environment and nature of society... permanently. Many times people are also brought to the brink through our cut throat and uncaring capitalist society. Case in point: Many people commit suicide due to financial issues they cannot get out of which many aren't there own fault, debt accumulated through just paying for a roof over your head, means to get to work and the 'true' necessities of modern working life.

Honestly, the only way to help a loved one understand depression is to talk to them about it. Do some research on the internet about the symptoms, common issues and what to look out for. I don't expect someone to read a book about depression because no case is the same.