Mental Health Books

This book is by far the most thorough, comprehensive, easy to understand and follow, helpful book available on the subject of PPD. From recognition of symptoms, understanding the different forms of PPD, seeking/receiving a diagnosis, treatment options (including conventional and complimentary) and much more, it lays out an easy to follow road map to recovery.

Since PPD has many different contributing factors and they vary from woman to woman, this book offers great advice on how to approach it from all sides, including how to improve nutrition, the importance of taking breaks, ways to change negative thought patterns, how to utilize the help of support people, and the importance of sleep. Dr. Shoshana Bennett is an expert in the field of PPD and has dedicated her life to helping other women. I started seeing an immediate improvement in my symptoms after putting some of her strategies to work, and I was suffering from very severe PPD/PPA.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone who thinks they (or someone they love) may be suffering from PPD, and also any healthcare professional that may encounter patients who are dealing with PPD. This illness is so frequently unrecognized, undiagnosed, and misunderstood, and Dr. Bennett sheds a guiding light on what is such a dark, confusing time for so many mothers. I've read so many books on the subject of postpartum depression since my journey with this horrible disorder began, and I only wish I'd found this one sooner. If you only buy one book about PPD, make it this one!

This book is a must have if you are suffering from postpartum depression. I am in recovery from this illness and believe me I read a lot of books on this subject as soon as I was diagnosed with severe postpartum depression. But Postpartum Depression for Dummies gave me more detail on the subject than the others. It helped me to understand the illness, what my options were, and how to deal with my feelings. It also helped my family know how to help me. It guided me step by step and encouraged me not to give up and that these awful roller-coaster of feelings I had were going to pass. And they did.

Thank you to Dr. Shoshana Bennett for writing such a helpful and informative book. PPD is a very real and serious illness but most people don't know much about it. Brooke Shields thankfully brought it briefly into the public eye but unfortunately so many women have or will experience it. If you think you or someone you know is suffering from PPD, this book will absolutely help you in your recovery. It is packed with useful information, helpful, reassuring advice, and inspirational personal anecdotes. The book covers everything about the illness and also offers tons of relevant and important resources. This book helped me immensely and I recommend it for every mom to be!

I literally breathed in every word of this book! It is absolutely the most informative, up to date, thorough and readable book I have read thus far on postpartum mood disorders. As an RN who has worked with postpartum moms for 15 years, and as a mom who suffered from severe ppd, I am always eager to research new literature on this subject. This book reached my soul deeply on both levels - the clinical RN and the vulnerable mom. Thank you, Dr. Shoshana.

Ginger Law
Registered Nurse, Speaker

I just finished reading "Postpartum Depression For Dummies". It is an absolute "must read" for mothers suffering from any aspect or degree of postpartum depression. Their partners and families must read it as well. It is clear, it flows, it's well written and easy to understand. It leaves no question unanswered, every aspect and element of this condition is covered thoroughly. I would not hesitate to call this book a "life saver". The author, Dr. Shoshana Bennett proves herself to be a well versed leading authority on this topic, and a compassionate, kind and caring person who is available for telephone consultations. A huge thumbs up!!

This is a refreshingly open-minded source of health and medical information by a person's whose medical training began with the most traditional of medical approaches and expanded because of his receptiveness to his own intuitive sense and compassion. Tremendously valuable source of information and plan to follow.

I received the item in good condition. Well packaged and in a timely manner. D.Caradine

This is the best book on self-cure and healthy living, period.
It's easy to read and easy to follow. A friend of mine recommended this book to me a while ago and now I am recommending this book to anyone who believes in healthy living.
Dr. Frank Lipman provides detailed scenerio, and cures for 20th century health issues that he has helped his patients to overcome. I loved 'total renewal' book so much that I've been buying it for my friends and family members. The best part is that you don't need to 'join' website subscription if you are looking to cure your 'condition' like Kevin Trudeau's book on 'Natural Cure' does. In fact, I was quite shocked to see how Kevin Trudeau of 'Natural Cure' book never tells you about how to cure any illness in his book unless you become a member for his website which ranges from $10 to $500, which is just another way of making quick money.

I must, at the outset, declare an interest in my review. I am a diabetes sufferer currently being treated with a regimen of drugs living in a country where the foods one buys from any supermarket are diametrically opposed to the maintenance of good health.

My concern here is with the book per se as opposed to the beneficial effects that I may have gained from following the guidance contained within. It should not, therefore, be taken as a testimony about the good works of the doctor's method.

Given these qualifications, the authors, Dr. Lipman and Stephanie Gunning have done an excellent job. Essentially the focus of the book is that western medicine has become too narrowly focussed on the treatment of the symptoms of diseases throught the widespread use of manufactured drugs. Dr. Lipman's background has led him to explore alternative methods of dealing with the diseases themselves and found that some of these methods have generated results which are hard to ignore.

The book chronicles a series of steps which people should follow in order to restore a sense of balance in our bodies and in our lives and thus enable us to be fit and well.

I would stress that Dr. Lipman is not advocating a wholescale rejection of western medicine. Instead he embraces a holistic paradigm which incorporates best practices from everywhere, utilising approaches from yoga and acupuncture as well as herbalism and other areas in concert with the traditional enlightenment medical science perspective. He advocates utilising our physicians as partners in our health which we need to take personal responsibility for and advising us to be assertive with our medical practitioners if we feel that our concerns are not being addressed.

There are some drawbacks however, to implementing some of the steps he advocates. Firstly, in my experience, it is not easy being a vegetarian in the United States even though he is not advocating a vegetarian approach. Similarly, for working parents in corporate America, there is often not the time nor the capability to prepare food in the right way. To those who say that one must make time, I would only say that those people have the means to sculpt their schedules the way that they want or they do not have to be like the other rats in this particular trap because their partners are bringing home enough money to allow them that luxury. The main issues are essentially twofold. The lesser of the two is the lack of provision of retail outlets where health foods and specialist vitamins can be purchased over the counter. For instance, although I only live thirty minutes away from the New York metropolis, the nearest health food store is a twenty-two mile, thirty minute car journey away. The more serious negative factor is the sheer volume of sugar and calories contained in foods of all descriptions which are available from supermarkets and food outlets all over the country. At a back to school night last week the principal was boasting of the replacement of colas in the drinks machines with healthy drinks, and healthy snacks instead of chips and candy, while across the street from the school the catchment are parents continue to chop for food at the local supermarket, totally oblivious to the damage these foods do to their health.

That aside, some of the practical problems of instituting such a program, the central point is one with which I do not dissent whatsoever. The key to a long and healthy life is clearly a sense of balance, a yin-yang from which many in the world have strayed. A recent study in England, reported in the Financial Times indicated that Britain is now the fat man of Europe indicated by the huge volume of people who are now considered morbidly obese. This problem has severe implications for life and health but also for healthcare costs directly and indirectly.

Total renewal is one guide to avaoiding such problems and I have no compunction about heartily recommending this book to all readers.

This is an excellent rendition for total self-improvement. The volume covers holistic exercises; such as, triangular stretches,
the wall pose, half dog pose and many more. The volume lists
strategies to reduce stress, maintain bone density, neutralize
blood sugar, decrease body fat percentage(BMR) and improve
aerobic calistenics. Regenerate the body with Glutamine, Gamma
Orizanol- (rice bran oil compound to heal intestines ), Omega 3
fatty acids,flaxseed oil, Gamma-Linolenic Acid, Licorice Root
and Aloe Vera. Products which help leaky gut are Glutagenics,
and Perm A vite. Colostrum may be utilized to assist the immune
system in operating optimally. The author provides good protocols
for treating insulin resistance and metabolic syndromes.
He treats insulin resistance with a low-glycemic diet, limiting
intake of grains/cereals, exercise, non-starchy veggies and
Omega 3 , Omega 6 fatty acids and Glucobetics. A sluggish
thyroid may be treated with Thyrosol from Metagenics. Adrenal
exhaustion may be treated with Magnesium 300-500 mg.,
Zinc, Licorice Root, Siberian Ginseng and Ashwaganda (Indian
ginseng ). The authors deal with parasitic infections via
Grapefruit extract 300 millgm, Candibactin BR or Paraguard.
There is a resource section at the end of the book which shows
where to purchase the supernutrients. The book is an excellent
value for the price charged.

This textbook by the eminent scholar Professor Emeritus Harry Gottesfeld has been used in the USA, Europe, and Africa. It remains the best ever textbook on abnormal psychology ever written. I have benefited a lot from having this book.

This textbook helps us all find out about the kinds of mental diseases found in our society. The author, the eminent Professor Harry Gottesfeld, shows us how to master this subject with the greatest of ease.

Professor Gottesfeld's textbook reminds us that the community is an important element in the mental health equation of us all. This is an important contribution to the mental health field.

This text book is one of the best written books in the world on the subject of abnormal psychology. The charm of the book is that it points out that what is "abnormal" changes as the culture changes. It helps you to understand what & why and what will be. This text is really loved by all my students at the university.

I have often wondered about what was abnormal, and how it was defined in capitalsim. Well, this professor, Dr. Gottesfeld, has a thing or two to say regarding the subject. Even my mother loved read the text and loved it. We both learned so much. We recommend this book to all those with an interest in abnormal psychology.

I have read many many books in my lifetime, but this one at first seemed like just another good read. In the middle of the book I read about having desire and how you should measure desire and it has literally changed my life. I wake up in the morning understanding that if I want or desire the changes or results in my life bad enough things will change. Most say they want to be successful, but what are you willing to sacrifice, willing to change, in most cases the words are just idle thoughts that come out sounding sincere. I know now that if I improve incrementally everyday in every way I will be OK. In closing for anyone that wants to be inspired, read this book it can and has changed many lives.

This is one of the best books I've read in my life! Brilliant! a perfect tool for life; I recommend this book to everyone that can read and those who can't read have someone read it to you. Your life will be transformed!

This is a great book! A step by step guide that is easy to read and follow. I gave this book to all my '20 something' cousins for Christmas. However this book is for all ages. A reference for the rest of your successful life!

Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! Get this book... I can't stop reading it.

In 2006 I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Herbert Harris for my syndicated radio show, "Ashe'!" Mr. Harris sent me a copy of his popular book to acquaint me with his work. Not only did Mr. Harris prove to be a dynamic interview subject, his book also was a succinct guide for getting and staying on the road to success. "Twelve Universal Laws of Success" serves both the neophyte seeker and the adept. I personally discovered the restorative power of "The Twelve Universal Laws of Success." As an artist, lecturer, producer, and ordained minister who has built a 30 year career motivating others via mass media, I faced my own critical challenge that threatened to halt my life's work. Lifelong epilepsy and severe asthma became progressively disabling conditions for me in 2006.

I had the nerve to be surprised to learn how many people were anxious to see my downfall. Even close family members encouraged me to give up my Internet-based radio station, my syndicated radio show, my TV show, my online magazine, my performing, lecturing, ministering, and motivational column. In essence, to give up my life's work. I was laughed at, told to go on welfare or become a receptionist. I carried "Twelve Universal Laws" in my bag, reading it and re-reading it as I traveled on buses, trains, and especially on my way to and from doctor appointments and sitting in hospital emergency rooms. It kept me focused. I tuned out every naysayer.
I was also blessed to learn that Mr. Harris lives what he teaches. His uplifting phone chats gave me a snapshot into the workings of his own everyday life, inspiring me to truly master my own success. While healing I finished writing my own book.

Now in 2007 I am fully recovered, my radio station has expanded, my TV show is coming to the net and other markets, I am hosting/producing an additional syndicated radio show, and I am lecturing and teaching in the U.S. and abroad. And I am proud to say I received "Success Master" workshop presenter certification through Herbert Harris' LIFESKILL INSTITUTE, which reinforces the twelve principles in the book through daily application and teaching.

And yes, I still often carry the book around with me as a motivational read.

"The Twelve Universal Laws of Success" is the gift that keeps on giving.

Queen Mother Imakhu Mwt Shekemet
Owner/Operator of AKERU NuAfrakan Network
Author of "The Cowrie Blessings Book: Nu Afrakan Words of Wisdom"

The book starts out with, "Don't read this book if you are pregnant" (or something like that). I was six months pregnant with my first child, yet steamed ahead anyway. I am glad that I did. The description of the insanity, temporary or otherwise, that can be brought on brought on by modern motherhood that Ingman paints is exactly what a parent-to-be like myself needed, because it prepared me for the worst, and let me off the hook from the overambitious expectations that I had (elaborate birth plan that did not go as planned? check. Dreams of cooking my own organic baby food now making way for Gerber jars? check). The writing had a way of taking me to the absolute depths of her experience while at the same time injecting humor and compassion that made me feel like everything was going to be all right. I didn't expect to laugh out loud, but I did many times while reading.

This book is WAY more complex than any review can possibly hope to convey. It's personal, and political; funny, and sad. While reading, you realize that a lot of the problems Ingman faces are not just parents' issues, but women's issues. Are the mothers crazy or is the world crazy? Read and decide for yourself.

I think pretty much everything that the author has to say can be (and is!) said in the first 30 pages or so. After that, it's bits and pieces, loosely strung together but without a goal in sight. Neither a great resource for those dealing with PPD nor a good comic relief.

"Inconsolable" is smart, funny, and heartbreaking. This book should be required reading for any woman considering motherhood--it rips off the layers of Hallmark sentimentality and reveals exactly how agonizing post-partum depression can be. Frankly, it made me want to send my mother a bouquet of three dozen long-stemmed red roses.

This is a brave book written by an astonishingly talented writer Whether or not you're considering having a child, this book will change the way you think about motherhood, pregnancy, and mental health long after you've put the book down. I will never play Nine Inch Nails without thinking of Marritt ever again, and man, I play a lot of NIN.

Thank you for this book, Marritt.

When I suffered from debilitating depression after the birth of my 2nd daughter, I searched everywhere for something to grasp onto. Anything to grasp onto. Somehow I found this book. All of a sudden, here was someone like me - someone else who wanted to drive off a bridge. I felt like I had finally made a connection and I wasn't alone in this anymore.
I can honestly say that this book was pivotal in my (LONG) recovery. It is what ultimately encouraged me to push through, connect with others and reclaim motherhood. Marrit's accounts of early motherhood are real, moving, poignant, and honest. I highly recommend this book to any new mother - if you aren't suffering from PPD yourself, you might be able to understand and reach out to someone who is.

If you are a mom and you think you are loosing your mind, read this book!! You'll find out that you are not alone. I think all moms feel this way at times but most are too worried about what people will think if they admit it. Props to Marrit for being brutally honest.

I believe this book is vitally important to anyone in the field of Social Work. I have found it to be extremely helpful in getting to know a little more about some of cultural belief of the client I've been working with. I have also gotten their individual perspectives from just asking them a little about their cultural belief systems as they interupt them for themselves.

I ordered this book for a class, it is well written. The chapters are grouped by ethnic group which makes for easy navigation. If you are familiar with psychological or counseling terminology it is an easy read as well.

Excellent reference for doctors; clergy; as well as family counselors, therapists and practitioners. The material on individual cultural characteristics and patterns is well written, well organized, and easily accessible. The wide range of contributors represents the top authorities in each area.

Great resource for anyone involved in counselling someone from an ethnic group other than one's own. The various contributors brought germane observations for each ethnic group. I am a priest who serves many Middle Eastern people. I found the language of this text accessible as a "layperson" to Psychology.

I have no complaints. This book arrived in excellent condition and in a timely manner. Thank you.

this book was helpful for me because it offered very hands-on, tangible solutions to managing my depression. fast emphasizes the fact that tasks will not necessarily be the most enjoyable to complete while depressed, but it is the feeling of satisfaction you receive after "just doing it" that is the great reward...after all, you will only feel worse doing the alternative, which is nothing.

great format, highly recommended for those dealing with depression.

I was quite impressed with this little book. I think that some people will relate to the 50 different strategies more so than others. But I can't imagine a depressed person NOT taking something valuable away from at least ONE of the 50 methods.

What I liked even more than the specific strategies was Julie's clear and honest explanation of what it is like to have depression. She does a great job illustrating how the depressed brain operates differently. She includes personal examples from her own life for EVERY strategy.

I did think her personal stories became a bit whiny and annoying by the end of the book, but I understand why she included them. I figure any frustration I have with her is the same frustration I have with my own depression. No-one wants to be whiny and self-absorbed, but when you're depressed, it happens.

This is one of the better books for depression out there. Even if you aren't depressed, it's a great read because it will help you interact with and understand those who are.

*****
This book is incredibly helpful because it helps you to learn practical methods for coping with depression. The subtitle is "50 Strategies for Keeping Your Life on Track", and each strategy is thoroughly explored. First it is explained, then there is a short exercise you can do to apply the strategy to your life. Next the strategy is illustrated in a story from someone's personal life. Lastly, the author shares a story about applying that strategy in her own life.

For example, one strategy I found very helpful is "Accept the Limitations Caused By Depression". I expect way, way too much of myself every day and then feel bad when I can't accomplish what I want to. This strategy (and the book in general) helped me to see that I will feel better and get more done in the long run if I don't beat myself up about what I can't do, and if I work the other strategies diligently to do what I can.

It really helped that the author is successful and accomplished despite her depression, and the stories show how many, many people work with their illness to make valuable contributions with their lives instead of just giving in to depression and using it as an excuse for failure. It truly made me feel like I wasn't alone---that many others feel this way, and that they organize their lives so that they can still succeed.

I have to say that it's the most practical book I've ever read for actually coping with depression.

Highly recommended.
*****

Depression doesn't have to completely shut down people's lives - part of overcoming it is not letting it take over the sufferer's life. "Get It Done When You're Depressed: 50 Strategies for Keeping Your Life on Track" is an encouraging and helpful treatise to help sufferers overcome clinical depression to keep them going and get over it so they can continue leading healthy, productive lives in spite of it. Inspiring readers to continue creativity, overcome their own mind, and allow for time to pass to get what they want, and dozens upon dozens of other tips to getting through day to day life under depression, "Get It Done When You're Depressed: 50 Strategies for Keeping Your Life on Track" is highly recommended to self-help community library collections, for those who have been in the unending funk with the intimidating news that life still needs to be lived.

As we would expect from Julie Fast, this book is very simply written and points are aptly illustrated and accompanied with charts and checklists. "50 Strategies for Keeping Your Life on Track" is the subtitle and is what she teaches in this book -- simple tips and easily understood and applied as you work through your depression. Her main point is that you can still be productive, even though you are feeling depressed.

This is by far the best book that I have read on any life transforming physical exercise including other books on this subject, as well as books on yoga and tai chi. The author writes simply and masterfully. He promises an easy to learn, easy to do "exercise", and delivers. This book has none of the New Age psycho-babble that mucks up so many other books on the subject.

This is a superbly written book. This is one of the best "how-to's" I've ever read, and I write those kinds of books myself.

When Qi Gong developed in China for more than 20 years, Chinese people finally find Falun Gong is the most effective. So there are more than 100 million Chinese people practice Falun Gong before the government's persecution.

But western society seems still enjoy the low level Qi Gongs.

Why not directly start from high level Falun Gong? It is not difficult. When you try, you will know.

There is an old Chinese saying: "Learn from the best".

Many of us want very much to do spiritual and physical exercises but never seem to find the time. This practice can be learned quickly from this most excellent book and takes only six minutes. I've been using the book for three months and have felt an increase in energy level, both physical and spiritual, already.

The author has written a clear & practical book, with compact and understandable information about Qi Gong in general plus some nice information about what it has done for him personally.
It has good instructions and a lot of black and white photos which are easy to follow.
I found the excercise sequence very simple to do. It is relaxing and indeed takes less then 10 minutes to perform.
I think this book is a great start for beginners. Anyone can do these excercises.
If you're interested in other, longer and more intensive Qi Gong forms, I'd like to recommend the book 'The Swimming Dragon: A Chinese Way to Fitness, Beautiful Skin, Weightloss and High Energy' by T.K. Shih.

I purchased the book before attending a workshop where author was a keynote speaker. It was right on. I found so much valuable information in the book have sent it to two other people. I await both of their replies to the book, but it is an excellent reference book.

As I've been doing lately, I received this book as a prelude to interviewing author Deborah King, Ph.D. It's a fascinating look at her journey to healing as well as that of many others. I love true stories where one shows the steps they've taken on their own path and how they've transformed and empowered themselves, leaving much of their past behind.

What I really love about this book is Deborah's willingness to reveal herself. In one chapter she states: "I expanded my specialty practice. Opposing counsel and even judges were not immune to my charms. But it was my clients, those men of means and influence who came to me for legal help, who were my personal favorites. Never could I resist a man in need, and many a client who walked through my office door reeked of need. Every one of them reminded me of Daddy. They came for advice, but I gave them much, much more."

Many women today still use this imbalance of "power" to play that game, using another's weakness for one's own gain. Dr. King recognized the imbalance and shares with us her healing.

This is a very powerful book; easy to read and understand. I recommend it.

Revvell
http://podcast.TheBookCrawler.com

Thank you Deborah King for having the courage to share your experience, love and knowledge. The body speaks what the heart cannot and this book speaks to that fact. Mis-diagnosed with RA at the age of 30 I was catapulted into learning more about the wisdom my body holds. Truth Heals is a must read for healers, therapists and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of our amazing ability to heal ourselves!

Deborah King has written a mind and heart opening book that will appeal to all who are interested in healing themselves. Since all illness, injury and disease is caused by issues in your tissues, Deborah explains not only how we get sick but also how we can heal by living our truth. This book is enthralling as we watch Deborah go through her own awakening and then healing her childhood damage. In addition, it helps us to realize where we store negative energy in our body, how it can make us sick and then how by releasing it, we can heal. I recommend this book highly to all of my clients in addition to Deborah's workshops. Life changing material!

So often we hear and speak about "healing" when what we are really hungry for is congruence. Deborah King does a beautiful job of demonstrating just what that means and showing us how being truly and deeply honest with yourself can open the door to a greater sense of aliveness and joy. This book will open your eyes to the many ways we steal our own peace of mind with little white, and even big gnarly green & red lies. Deborah has great compassion and insight into our human condition and writes in a way that allows the reader to apply these insights to his or her own unique situation. A quick and interesting read that will appeal both to the novice spiritual seeker and the seasoned adept.

For anyone who has read Eckhardt Tolle's work or watched him on Oprah, you'd know about the hugely popular self-help movement that focuses on living in the present moment.
Richard Carlson's, You Can Feel Good Again, was written before A New Earth, and takes the same view as Tolle, but presents the material from a more practical and psychological perspective, rather than Tolle's spiritual one.
The book is an easy read (less than 200 pages) but Carlson's message is so clearly presented, that any extra chapters would simply be literary padding.
Carlson's aim is to divert reader's attention away from the constant chatter and judgment of their mind, and redirect their focus to their "Healthy Functioning System" - their inner place of peace. His advice is balanced, straightforward and simple to implement.
So if you're looking to take the theories of Tolle's A New Earth, and apply them to the everyday, I would highly recommend this book.




Zara Stevens
Boy Meets Girl: A Pocketful of Wedding Stories

This is a life changing book. It shows how our thoughts create our perception of life. Our perception of life is our experience of life. It doesn't go overboard and claim their is no objective reality outside our thoughts, as some new age teachings do. However, it does say that it's not the circumstances of our lives, but our reactions to them. It does repeat it's central ideas several times, but sometimes it takes a while for something to sink in. I really liked the chapter on wisdom. My only problem with this book is the subtitle, because I read this book when I wasn't depressed and still got tons out of it. It could be read by anyone who wants to think optimally and discover happiness in life. I am only writing this review, because I have the hope that someone might read it and get solid info about living a better life. Carlson is influenced in his writing by a school of psychology called Psychology of Mind. Psychology of Mind is based on the concepts originally presented by Sydney Banks. I think this is the most clearly written of the Psychology of Mind books. However, if you read this book and like it I would reccomend any of the books from the Psychology of Mind authors (e.g Wisdom Within by Roger Mills, Divorce Is Not The Answer by George Pransky). Also check out Sydney Banks website and books.

Dr Carlson has written many self-help books aimed at helping us to find the stable state of happiness that naturally exists within us all. He has now written this book specifically for those of us who suffer from depression. The book contains practical truths that are so obvious that most of us miss them or at least bypass them in the rush of our everyday lives. If you are suffering from depression this book will help immensely. Richard Carlson will show you how your state of depression is as much perpetuated by your own thinking as it is by any chemical imbalance that may or may not exist. I have read this book at the same time as receiving treatment with an SSRI anti-depressant (Cipralex). While I am unsure if the SSRI has benefited me at all after 6 weeks, I am certain that this book has changed my outlook completely after two weeks and that it continues to do so more and more with each re-reading. If I allow myself to slip back into my old ways of thinking, the severity of my depression rapidly returns. The good news is that it just as rapidly alleviates when I get back on track with my thinking. The book is simple to read and may seem repetitious. However, if you are one of Dr Carlson's target audience of sufferers from depression you should read this book and keep on re-reading it. You will find that on each re-reading something will leap out at you with greater meaning than it did before. I have highlighted many sentences so that I can rapidly re-read them, and have noted down the keywords on the title page. This way I can pull myself back on track quickly. The approach takes some work to put into practice but there is nothing as hard work as being in a depressed state. The hard work, by the way, is only in terms of changing your habitual modes of thinking, it does not involve making lists and analysing things as do many cognitive (i.e. thinking) approaches such as that found in Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David Burns. I have found Dr Burns's book to be of some use also, mainly because it has helped me to identify particular types of cognitive distortion that help perpetuate depressive illness. This enables me to more accurately recognise when I should dismiss my thoughts, as Dr Carlson recommends in his approach. If you are depressed, low, angry, resentful, dissatisfied, unfulfilled, stressed, hurried, fearful or just not happy most of the time then read this book and keep re-reading it. I only wish this book had been available when I was aged twenty rather than forty.

The first time I read this book, I read it straight through and it seemed to say the same thing over and over again: I began to wonder why on earth I bought it. I am now on my third reading, and I'm reading just a few sentences each and every day. However, although the basic message is still the same on each page, "Live in the Present", Mr Carlson constantly gives new aspects to the message so that it drip feeds sanity into my brain. I wish I'd had this book 50 years ago, and maybe it wouldn't have taken so long to do its work.

Never has something I've read had such an impact on my life as this book has. In fact, I would never have imagined that a book could have this much impact on my life!