Depression is not just a momentary bout of sadness. It can be a serious, debilitating illness that interferes with daily living. The National Institute of Mental Health considers depression to be very receptive to treatment including medication, therapy and even education. Reading books on healing from depression can supplement other methods of treatment. The NIMH recommends seeking help from a qualified medical professional to ensure the depression is not the result of some other health issue, such as a thyroid disorder. Books on healing from depression are not to be used as a single approach to treatment, but instead a compliment to other efforts.
Moving Beyond Depression
Gregory L. Jantz presents one method of dealing with depression in the book, "Moving Beyond Depression." Dr. Jantz's approach to dealing with depression begins with acknowledging the efficacy of most psychological theories, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, but also points out the weakness in this single-string approach. Jantz suggests one drug or one mode of therapy cannot fully heal depression. Instead, the whole person must be treated. He recommends examining total wellness, including vitamins, diet, exercise as well as attitude. The text explains each component of the whole-person approach and shows the reader how to put them together.
Healing Anxiety and Depression
Daniel G. Amen, clinical neuroscientist, psychiatrist and the director of The Amen Clinics in Newport Beach and Fairfield, California, proposes a science-based approach to dealing with depression and anxiety in his book, "Healing Anxiety and Depression." Amen uses his impressive qualifications to tie brain science to information known about human behavior. His discovery is that depression is often the result of brain dysfunction. He proposes seven independent disorders and how to diagnose them. Once the disorder is identified, he offers comprehensive advice on healing with medication, diet, supplements, exercise, professional therapy and social support. This book offers healing through science and research.
Healing Depression the Mind-Body Way
While remaining grounded in research-based therapies, Nancy Liebler, Ph.D. and Sandra Moss, M.S.O.H., reveal a mind-body approach to healing depression in the book, "Healing Depression the Mind-Body Way: Creating Happiness with Meditation, Yoga and Ayurveda." Together the authors show readers how to identify the way depression presents itself and then offer numerous ways to overcome the illness. Treatment methods include yoga, exercise and breathing as forms of controlling thoughts and feelings that lead to negativity. A unique aspect of the book is Moss' contribution of Ayurveda, an ancient form of natural medicine.
