Overcoming Depression
Paul Gilbert’s book Overcoming Depression is a self-help manual full of step-by-step suggestions, case examples and practical ideas for taking control of depression and low mood. Based on proven Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques, the book comprises a complete self-help programme, and includes sections explaining the many forms and causes of depression, the nature of guilt and the latest thinking on stress-related depression. Overcoming Depression is a recommended title in the NHS Books on Prescription scheme.
The Overcoming Depression self-help course is written in three parts.
- Part One examines the nature and causes of depression in terms of its evolution and biology, and its psychological and social aspects.
- Part Two helps the reader learn how to cope with the effects of depression, in particular with negativity.
- Part Three discusses some of the special problems associated with depression, such as the search for approval; shame, guilt and anger; disappointment and perfectionism; and assertiveness and forgiveness.
About the Author
Previously Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Derby and Head of Adult Mental Health for the Southern Derbyshire Mental Health Trust, Paul Gilbert is currently based at the Mental Health Research Unit of Derby's Kingsway Hospital.
In Overcoming Depression, Professor Gilbert helps readers to understand their depression, in the light of this understanding to develop a more rational and compassionate approach to themselves, and in so doing to move out of the depression and leave it behind.
Coping With Depression
People with depression might also find it useful to read An Introduction to Coping With Depression, written by Lee Brosan and Brenda Hogan. One of a small series of CBT booklets presented in an easy-to-read A4 format, it is often used by mental health therapists as part of a course of guided self-help treatment, and it can make a very good first step to recovery.