When Words Are Not Enough (Paperback)

~ Valerie Raskin (Author) "My patients come to me in various ways..." (more)
Key Phrases: premenstrual depression, physical birth defects, notify your doctor, United States, Sigmund Freud, Physician's Desk Reference (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

One in four women will experience clinical depression, anxiety, or premenstrual depression in her lifetime. The good news is that popular new prescription drugs like  Prozac and Xanax bring much needed relief. The bad news is that many physicians and therapists are unaware of common issues for women. As medical treatment for depression and anxiety has become simpler, more and more general practitioners are prescribing antidepressants, often with little background in the nonmedical alternatives or complex mind-body interactions.



Emphasizing women's family roles as well as their unique biological/hormonal sensitivities, Dr. Raskin explains contemporary integrated treatment options. Raskin pays special attention to how birth control, menstrual cycles, childbearing, and menopause impact treatment choices. Raskin empowers women to take an active approach in dealing with common side effects, including weight gain and diminished sexual responsiveness. Using revealing case studies, Raskin offers a wealth of hands-on advice.



At a time when trends in health care have led to less personalized contact between doctor and patient, When Words Are Not Enough provides the facts and reassurance women need to be in control of their own health.

From the Publisher

One in four women will experience clinical depression, anxiety, or premenstrual depression in her lifetime. The good news is that popular new prescription drugs like Prozac and Xanax bring much needed relief. The bad news is that many physicians and therapists are unaware of common issues for women. As medical treatment for depression and anxiety has become simpler, more and more general practitioners are prescribing antidepressants, often with little background in the nonmedical alternatives or complex mind-body interactions.

Emphasizing women's family roles as well as their unique biological/hormonal sensitivities, Dr. Raskin explains contemporary integrated treatment options. Raskin pays special attention to how birth control, menstrual cycles, childbearing, and menopause impact treatment choices. Raskin empowers women to take an active approach in dealing with common side effects, including weight gain and diminished sexual responsiveness. Using revealing case studies, Raskin offers a wealth of hands-on advice.

At a time when trends in health care have led to less personalized contact between doctor and patient, When Words Are Not Enough provides the facts and reassurance women need to be in control of their own health.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Broadway; 1 edition (May 5, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553067133
• ISBN-13: 978-0553067132
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #332,068 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 78 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Compassionate, informative, validating and comforting, November 29, 1999

By A Customer

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.

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars this is a great book, February 21, 2000

By A Customer

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.

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievably Clear, Compassionate and Validating, April 26, 1998

By A Customer

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!