You Mean I Don't Have to Feel This Way?: New Help for Depression, Anxiety, and Addiction (Paperback)

by Colette Dowling (Author) "In the late sixties, my husband, Ed, and I and our three small children were living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan..." (more)
Key Phrases: premenstrual depression, bulimic patients, bulimic women, New York, United States, Chestnut Lodge (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Dowling ( The Cinderella Complex) here challenges the popular belief that depression, panic disorder, addictions and a host of other psychiatric problems result from events in childhood psychologi cal influences or moral weakness. Witness to both her daughter's and husband's severe depression, the author became convinced that biochemical--not psychological--difficulties were the cause. She presents the latest research in brain chemistry and argues that a lack of serotonin--a natural "feel-good" chemical--is responsible for an array of mental and mood disorders. Alcoholics, for example, are attempting to replace the missing chemical and may be better helped through drug therapy than by 12-step and other nonmedical treatment programs. Similarly, people who suffer from chronic depression or anxiety attacks may be cured by taking antidepressives. Although well-written and carefully researched, the book oversimplifies a serious issue and, in effect, claims that all problems can be eradicated by taking a "magic" pill, while dismissing the role of traditional psychotherapy. Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Club alternates.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal
Serotonin is a brain hormone, one of several neurotransmitters that influence the way we feel and the way we think. In this book, Dowling, author of The Cinderella Complex ( LJ 6/15/81) and Perfect Women ( LJ 10/1/88), reports on the work of biopsychiatrists who are exploring the relationships between various disorders, including bulimia and compulsive gambling, and an underlying link to low levels of serotonin, for which there may be a genetic tendency. Dowling offers understanding and encouragement to those who have tried medication without results. She does not reject psychotherapy. She discusses the pros and cons of medical intervention and offers case histories, including personal experience. Recommended for self-help collections. Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Club alternates; previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 9/1/91.--Ed.
- Marlene Charnizon, C.S.W, formerly with "Library Journal"
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bantam (May 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 055337169X
• ISBN-13: 978-0553371697
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #469,012 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Real Life Explanation of Depressive Illness and it's Affects, September 25, 2000

By A Customer

This was the first work on depression authored with a real life perspective on the illness and its affects on "life" that I had read. Having been trained in the mental health field and being employed in a mental health related job, this was the first work to help me feel better about my own illness. It was so easy to be understanding and supportive of others with this illness, but when it came time for me to understand and to be caring for myself, it all but elluded me.

Also in this work I found the connections between depression, addiction, weight related issues, and hormonal problems. Every little piece of my spotty medical history came into focus under the hands of the author in this book. I have yet to read anything that has helped me on the road to understanding my depressive illness any more than this book. Having a lay person relate information through her own real experiences is a definate plus as well.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book takes the guilt out of mental illness., July 16, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Reno, Nevada) - See all my reviews

This book is up to date in its information. It is very informative, and reader friendly. It explains the cause of some mental illness, addictions, phobias and anxieties. These down to earth explanations take all the guilt out of having a disorder, disability, or addiction. This distancing from self blame enables action and change.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great depression "primer", December 17, 2001

By	Deborah Gray (Bay Area, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A great "primer" on depression. This is the first book I read on depression after reading Darkness Visible, and I still think it's one of the best, especially as the author's daughter, who suffered from depression, contributed to it.