Take Control of Your Depression

Some call it the blues or a storm in their head. William Styron referred to it as "darkness visible." Whatever the description, depression is a disorder of the mind and body that affects millions of adults at some point in their lives. In Take Control of Your Depression, Dr. Susan J. Noonan provides people experiencing depression with strategies to take stock of their mental state, to chart a course toward emotional balance, and to track their progress on the journey to well-being. Writing from her personal experience as both a recipient and a provider of mental health services, Dr. Noonan explains how to obtain care from professionals, outlines what medical options are available, and lists everyday things people can do to feel better. Integrating medicine, psychology, and holistic care while exploring the basics of mental health, she touches on diet, sleep habits, physical activity, and mindfulness techniques. This useful and compassionate book, which is specifically designed for people who find it difficult to focus and concentrate during a depressive episode, includes proven relapse prevention and resilience techniques; targeted cognitive exercises; a section on treatment-resistant depression; specialized tips aimed at women, men, adolescents, the elderly, and people dealing with chronic illness; and more.