Books: About Mental Health

[Isap]

I received two books eagerly today. The one

At Last A Life
Paul David

would be useful if you had never read Claire Weekes but for me it's a rehash of her work with turns of phrase verging on plagiarism. I also detect a slight congratulatory tone as in If I Can Do It So Can You which many of us might find distasteful. There is a whole chapter of success stories to pad the book out. Needless to say I can't recommend it and £13.99 seems excessive.

Isap

[Isap]

Just read the first two chapters of

The Happiness Trap
Russ Harris

Now this is good stuff which I'll read to the end. One amazing statistic I'd that one in ten people attempt suicide.

Mental illness is normal. We can't control our feelings as much as we think we should. Comparing ourselves to others is pointless

I'll give a full review when I've finished but anyone feeling down will be encouraged.

Isap

[tofler]

Hi Isap
I'd be interested to hear how you got on with reading The Happiness Trap, any good? I've started it a couple of times but never got very far with it, but that's how I often go with self help books and mental health books.

I'm currently reading The Recovery Letters. The idea behind this book sounds great, but unfortunately I've been very disappointed by the letters which have been published in this book. I was hoping for lots of tips about different things which have helped people to recover from depression, but sadly there's not much of this included in the letters.

[betterinrecovery]

Thank you for the book recommendations
I would like to make a recommendation.
I have a bookshelf of books on depression, many of them wordy and complicated. Some written with compassion and kindness and self knowledge (the best kind),
some that have a bit of a patronising tone
or that
can raise unobtainable and unrealistic expectations when read

In a time of crisis and low mood I think simple is best. fewer words are best. and the re
Book reader (i.e. me) needs to know that there is hope.

with this in mind, I recommend
I Had a Black Dog: His Name was Depression by Matthew Johnston


I have some books on depression on my shelf that are not at all helpful, but this one and the follow up, Living with a Black Dog
are very good.

The animated versions can be found on YouTube and other platforms.

with best wishes B

[betterinrecovery]

p.s.
I do have the Dorothy Rowe book - I think it belongs in the bin.
this is just what I think.
I might put it on the compost where it might do some good.

Why not dip into this book on mindfulness and depression:
THE MINDFUL WAY THROUGH DEPRESSION: FREEING YOURSELF FROM CHRONIC UNHAPPINESS BY MARK G. WILLIAMS et al

get the talking book of it if possible.
Best whshes
B

there are no quick fixes to recovery

[catharine]

Thanks a lot!