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Was this article brought on my the spam I reported on here a few days ago? (guarrenteed depression cure site- yea, right....) I seriously think most of these books are written by quacks looking to make a buck. I've had depression most of my life as well and just discovered after giving up on my family doctor and going to a psychiatrist after a serious suicidal bout of depression that I am actually bipolar2 made worse by an un nurtchering childhood. Explains a *lot* in my life from childhood on. If I could *choose* to be happy, I would have done it long ago. Someone that says that obviously has never been the the deep dark well of depression. Climbing out of that is like trying to swim through molasses. I wonder how many people authors like that have killed?
Deborah,
Thank you so much for your post about books that explain to you
how easy it is to get rid of your mental illness!
In evangelical circles we had to live for many years with Happiness is A Choice.
One of the authors of that book has written a new book,
Blue Genes. He takes a biological approach but he does not apologize for
the years of pounding it into people that their anger turned inward was the reason
for them getting depressed.
J. Adams, (who was influenced by Thomas Szaz, a renegade psychiatrist, who does not believe in biological depression) in his bestselling book Competent to Counsel,
repeatedly states that mental illness is a sin and is for the most part not a result
of brain chemistry gone bad.
I found the book Broken Minds Hope for Healing When You Feel Like You're Losing It
to be very refreshing in showing the fallacy of J. Adams and Thomas Szaz.
It is encouraging to know that a number of new books are talking about the biological
causes of mental illness.
A fellow sufferer.
There's alot of crap out there and I'm sure alot of these books are self published. However, I highly recommend an intelligent read towards a healthier life, including the possibility to diminish depression and a myriad of other health problems. The book is titled " The Ultra Mind Solution" written by Dr. Mark Hyman, MD. I am only through about a fourth of the book, but I am so inspired by it's contents, that I truly believe this book could be the foundation of a whole new life for me. I have not read any other self help books on depression, do not peruse the hundreds of books out there,(way too overwhelming). I have been through alot with depression, inablility to stay focused, short term memory loss, anxiety, and this all started 20 years ago in my early 40's. The brain is not separate from the body and this is how medicine has been taught to med sutdents since the beginning. It's only been in recent years that doctors are realizing that the "mind-body connection" is a reality. Treat your body, treat your brain. If you read this book, it makes absolute perfect sense. My friend, who has been a nurse for 30+ years, found this book at the library and brought it to me. It was published in January of 2009, so this is current information. Included in the book are patients of Dr. Hyman's who have given testimonials to Dr. Hyman's treatments. If you are going to help yourself beyond or in lieu of dangerous drugs, you need to have an open mind. Think about all the possibilities and give them a chance. But do not go off your meds cold turkey and do not go off of them without seeing your health care professional. Taking a chance on this book, is far more advanced and SAFE than continuing to take a myriad of prescription medication that only treats the symptom and not the cause.
Think about it. If you suffer from say, clinical depression, there is NO MEDICAL CURE.
You will be on medication for the rest of your life, just to have your symptoms eased. That is definitely not what I want for myself. In this 21st century, our bodies are so depleted of nutrients and full of polution. Foods are processed till there's no nutrients left. Children are being prescribed anti-psychotic drugs like candy, etc. and it goes on and on and on. There is a better way to good health, mental and physical. Take it from a person (me) who is taking 300mg of a drug that promotes the uptake of seritonin and nor-epinephren to the brain, just went through a 6 hour neuro-psychological exam by a PHD, and said the only thing they found wrong with me is that I am severely suffering from depression and anxiety. I scored as low as 27% on some tests and they said that anything over 25% is considered "normal". Okay, I'm done. Get the book. Think about what really is normal where our health is concerned, because it's NOT brain drugs. They've got all of us living in a fog and being numb (without emotions).
The book retails for $28.95 ( I believe) and I have seen it on Amazon for $17 new, hardbound only. And cheaper for used. Good Luck!!!!!
The above post does not seem to know the desperation of depression and its symptoms. Is there a medical cure for migraines? No, but if you had them I bet you would take medicine for them. The taking of antibiotics does not cure you forever
of strep throat. But if you don't take the remedy you could die.
The above post betrays himself that he very well may be one of the people that
Deborah Gray speaks about in her commentary. Nutriton is helpful for sure but it is not
time to taper off the meds.
Steve
Interesting observation.
As you know, depression is a multifaceted condition. It may be as unique to each individual as our finger prints are.
There are biological factors, genetic factors and contributing health factors. There is the programming our gray computer is imprinted with. Add to this our ability to manage or mismanage the gray computer on top of our body.
Add to this the toxins and our each unique response to them and you have the perfect storm for not finding a one size fits all cure.
As to why science does not accept any of these, well actually they are. It is just not well known that they are. In five of the hospitals I have worked for you will see doctors prescribing gum chewing to prevent an illius or black strap molasses and peanut butter to raise blood counts.
So, why are they not readily embracing the depression cures....? I have a theory.
I call it Health Care Politics and the Flat Earth Paradox.
You can read it here...http://www.glutathionediseasecure.com/healthcare-politics.html
Basically, we (including doctors) believe what we are told to believe. Christopher Columbus did not think the earth was flat. He, like everyone else alive since the great philosophers knew the Earth was round. They even knew the size of the Earth.
We believed the flat earth because we were taught it and had no reason to question it. Forget urban legend. This was a global and timeless legend. Until someone asked if it was true or not.
History is full of examples of this happening, including health care. Check out the life of Dr. Lind, the one who discovered lemons prevent scurvy. He nearly lost his medical license trying to save lives and prove the science.
I doubt there is any conspiracy either. Big Pharma could care less if you use alternatives. All they care about is profits. They don't even mind if you do not use their products. They just want to sell them.
As to the making of many books, I believe they are all benefical. However, each can only provide clues as to how to get recovery. This is why I use the library. If a book is great, I will buy it but even then, from a reseller and at a fraction of the price. If it is really good, I will get the hard back copy.
Best wishes and how ever you fare, may you fare well.
hI, at one stage in my life, my bookshelves were loaded down with books 'how to break free from the Bonds of Depression' 6 East ways to change your thinking and lose depression.... The only thing that got lighter was my pocket, these books were, mostly, an insult to my intelligence and a horrible abuse of the Desparation we Depressed Anxious people feel and how much we want to free ourselves from this crippling conditon. Hence some of the writers are just scavengers preying on the suffering of others. There are a few exceptions.
I am wary of people with one point of view ie Psychotherapy is the answer, CBT is the answer, Religious healing is the Answer, etc Were far too complicated for all that. I have kept some good books in my press that I take out and re read from time to time. they have things in them that youf forget when youre well and need t read again when the Black hits hard. I would have to say 90pc of books to 'Heal'.... a dangerous word. Are a complete waste of money, and trees.
Funny that you say the book "Happiness Is A Choice" makes you froth at the mouth. That was the book I read that helped me cure my depression. Here's a fact... Those books you listed have helped many people. Not everyone's depression is the same and yes some depression is caused by physical health problems but some is caused by poor lifestyle choices or ill emotional and spiritual health too.
I absolutely agree that many of the books in the "cure your depression" department are a total crock. It's amazing to me how many authors can claim that their "proven" method will alleviate or even cure your depression without ever having met you or looked at your particular case, but I find myself perusing the shelves as well. I think I'm looking for an inspiring read that helps to give me hope for my condition and getting through some of the more challenging times, but I, too, am a skeptic and I find myself mocking many of the books I come across. If there was an easy fix, or even a mildly complicated one, I think it would be accepted by mental health professionals by now, and I don't expect to find one, but I would love to find a book that can provide some hope for me. That being said, has anyone found any books that are motivating and inspiring without trying to "fix" your depression?
I have to say, I am right there with you on this for the most part. There are some parts that I disagree with. I was on klonopin that was prescribed by a psychiatrist and it caused me to be more depressed. I, however, had no idea that was why my depression worsened and continued taking it as I was told to. If people are not told that benzo's can cause you to be more depressed while easing your panic attacks, then it could be that the benzo is the reason they commit suicide. All meds have side effects and so do all natural treatments and therapies. I agree that a mental health professional is the best for most people. I feel that some of these books could be helpful but that they can be way over the top in most cases. I hate the self-help aisle in the book store, yet am drawn to it to see whats new. Mostly they seem like "get better quick" scams of some sort. I too have suffered from depression since I was a young girl and I have no idea what "happiness" is and how I figure out what it feels like for me to be happy because I don't have that memory of what it felt like to be happy to fall back on.
Thank you for writing this, people need to know that a mental health book is not always going to quickly cure them :)
I'm on both sides of this fence
Several self-help books have helped me. Covey's and Gottman's books on family helped me be a better parent and husband. When anxious I do use relaxation exercises. I'll keep reading self-help. Sometimes it is more the titles than the ideas in the books that I hate. I've just picked up "10 days to self-esteem" for someone. I said, "Hey, it's a good book, but a crappy title. No one who struggles with self-doubt changes in 10 days." To which she responded, "No one buys a book called 600 days and a lot of work to change."
Like you said happiness is a choice , depression is a choice!! its all control by your own brain . Maybe a book that costs 18 $ may not help you , that's because you are not capable to understand the reason of your depression . And if you think that by going to the doctor and listening the Diagnose of depression and prescribing you pills that aliviate symptoms is the right thing?? well thats when i can say that you are a very ignorant person and i will be embarressed of posting an articule like this . There is NO CURE by taking prescription medicine !!! . Do not follow your life by the stupid "MYTH" that this country creates so ppl get sicker and sicker . The only reason they put stupid articules like this are to feed this goverment with ridiculous western medicine that cures NOTHING!!! . PEOPLE!!!! , FIND THE CAUSE DON NOT JUST TREAT THE SYMPTOMS !!!.
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Thank you for saying outloud something which I fully support and agree with. My kudos to you.