Customer Reviews

When Words Are Not Enough

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I picked up this book and became emotionally attached to it from the first page. I am a social worker and a woman who suffers from depression and am already well versed in the illness of depression and its remedies. I thought I knew everything I could possibly know about this subject, yet this book provided guidance, support and encouragment in addition to clinical information. The end result was quite powerful. Most importantly, this book reminded me that I am not a failure for the way I feel. Despite all my knowledge and experience with this subject, while in the throes of depression, I felt like a failure. This book helped me to understand my experience in a different way and feel less alone.

I am also pregnant and this book was the first I found that provided information and guidance, without judgement, about pregnancy and depression and medication and nursing. It helped me to remember that dealing with my depression is another way of being a good mother.

I am very thankful for Valerie Raskin's book and the sensitivity and comfort she provided me at a difficult time. I plan to recommend this book to my own therapist and clients, as well.

Chapters 2-10 of this book are titled: Why can't I shake this? Why am I so explosive? Why can't I just relax? Why can't I stop worrying? Why can't I get a good night's rest? If you need these questions answered, this book will answer them.

One of the other reviewers mentioned that some of the medical words were too techincal or scientific for the lay person (possibly true). I would suggest reading Appendix B which explains all kinds of medications and side effects in a chart form.

The second part of the book discussed medications and their possible side effects. I was very surprised to know that I was having small side effects from my antidepressant and didnt even realize it. (weight gain, strange dreams)

I also liked the chapter on wanting to have children. I kept having the feeling that it was wrong for me to want children. I kept thinking "how can I take care of a child when I cant even take care of myself?" Dr. Raskin sorts through that whole dilemna.

I had been a psychotherapist for many years (and still am) and mother of two when I developed postpartum depression after the birth of my second child. I never thought it could/would happen to me. Well it did and now, more than two years after the fact, I immediately burst into tears after reading this book...why didn't anyone tell me then what this book told me now? Besides being clear and understandable about medicine and other treatment approaches, Dr. Raskin's voice is deeply compassionate: I have finally started to let go of the shame and tell my story, which represents one of the darkest periods of my life. Besides that, I have been recommending this book to my own primary care doctor, therapist, colleagues, clinical consultant...basically to everyone I know who is in a position to help women with postpartum and other depressions, OCD and anxiety. If you are a woman struggling with any of the above conditions, do not delay in getting your hands on this book. This book is outstanding!

I suffer from Anxiety Disorder with Panic Attacks and Depression. Dr. Raskin's book has been very helpful to me in a variety of ways. Dr. Raskin simply explains the biology of these problems in such a way that I finally understood that I am not at fault, or a "weak" person. She gives wonderful views on different medications and their strengths/weaknesses. She answered about 95% of my questions and even answered questions I didn't know that I had. I refer to her book often (it is filled with bookmarks and highlighted areas) and would highly recommend it to anyone struggling with anxiety, panic, depression, OCD, or premenstrual depression. It is especially important to note that Dr. Raskin's book isn't at all "scary". Some books on this subject can tend to scare the person who is already anxious. Dr. Raskin is very comforting and wise....she is the psychiatrist you wish you had.

I consider this the best book to start with if you are a woman wondering if you have depression and/or a companion illness, or a woman who has been diagnosed and is deciding which treatment to try. Depression (including premenstrual depression), anxiety disorder, OCD and sleep disturbances and available medication and non-medication options are explored thoroughly and clearly by Dr. Raskin.

What sets this book apart from other depression/medication books is that it addresses women's particular concerns, largely neglected by the others. Topics I am often asked about on my web site (and have not had good answers for) such as pregnancy/breastfeeding and medication and weight gain as a side effect of medication are discussed in a sympathetic, informative manner. Essential information about antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication, including side-effects, usual dose ranges and pregnancy ratings round out "When Words Are Not Enough," making it a very complete resource for women.

The author explained the illness and the treatment in layman terms. The information was provided in an objective, thorough manner. Read this book before you see your psychiatrist or therapist so you can communicate with them effectively. This is an essential guide book to understanding your illness and seeking professional help.

What a practical and comprehension (readable) text about the symptoms we experience and the possible physical, mental and emotional reasons they are occuring. This book broadens your understanding of the interconnection between mind and body - and equips the sufferer or someone trying to help a sufferer to understand and pursue different paths of testing and treatment for their symptoms. I have owned this book for a while, and keep lending it out as a friend, family member or coworker expresses a need that it addresses.Haven't seen my copy for awhile, I wonder who is reading it now?

I have suffered ppd for the last 1.5 years. It was so bad I had to go on medication and since then had to up my dose. This book has helped me see why this has happened to me and how a person gets depressed in the first place. IT is NON judgemental and also validating but besides that it tells you how to RECOVER! It is a wonderful book. It doesn't leave anything uncovered. I want Valerie Raskin to know THANKYOU for saving my life and my marriage from the demon of ppd. I also got your book This isn't what I Expected and it is a wonderful addition to this one for the PPD sufferer. Big hugs and big thankyou to you Valerie.
You changed my life :)

I came across this book when I was pregnant with my first child and taking antidepressants and still feeling guilty about it. Dr. Raskin explained in clear terms the effects, risks, and benefits of psychotropic medications for women and allowed me to really believe that I had made the right decision to continue antidepressants during pregnancy. The risks of depression were greater than the risks of Prozac and for the first time, I felt that I had strong support for my decision. I recommended the book to my OB, psychiatrist, therapist, and many of my friends. By the way, I now have a beautiful, healthy son and have been able to enjoy and care for him because of antidepressants.

I am also a mental health professional and have recommended the book to many of my colleagues. I think it is a must read for any health professional who works with women, and for any woman considering medication to treat her depression, anxiety, or other mental illness. It is a fair, non-judgmental, and informative book that will always be a part of my library. Today I am ordering my second copy because I lent out my original copy and never got it back!!! This book may save lives by helping women to get better treatment and have a better understanding of their options. Thank you, Dr. Raskin.

I have suffered ppd for the last 1.5 years. It was so bad I had to go on medication and since then had to up my dose. This book has helped me see why this has happened to me and how a person gets depressed in the first place. IT is NON judgemental and also validating but besides that it tells you how to RECOVER! It is a wonderful book. It doesn't leave anything uncovered. I want Valerie Raskin to know THANKYOU for saving my life and my marriage from the demon of ppd. I also got your book This isn't what I Expected and it is a wonderful addition to this one for the PPD sufferer. Big hugs and big thankyou to you Valerie.
You changed my life :)