Depression Helpbook » (Second edition)

Wayne Katon, MD, Evette Ludman, PhD, and Gregory Simon, MD, MPH, are affiliated with the Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound Center for Health Studies and the University of Washington department of psychiatry. They all live in Seattle.

Recognizing that all depression is different—from how severe it is and what the symptoms are to how long it lasts—this book explains what causes depression, how to recognize depression, and how to make decisions about treatment. Integrating pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic approaches, it emphasizes self-care strategies that help sufferers of depression develop confidence in their ability to manage depression on a daily basis and achieve balance in their mood and everyday life, reducing the chance of recurrence. Featuring real people's advice on managing depression using simple techniques, this new edition includes updated information on medications for depression and expanded chapters on exercise and relaxation techniques.

Introduction: How to Use This Book     1
A Better Understanding     5
What Is Depression?     7
Reversing the Downward Spiral of Depression     17
Making Your Own Decision About Treatment     23
Working with Your Doctor     31
What You Should Know About Antidepressants     41
What You Should Know About Psychotherapy     55
When Is Treatment Finished     67
What Family and Friends Should Know     73
Plain Talk About Suicide     81
Depression and Your Body     85
Depression and Chronic Medical Illness     93
Depression and Women's Health     105
Food, Alcohol, and Drugs     115
Everyday Insights     123
Relaxing     125
Exercising     131
Getting a Good Night's Sleep     135
Making Time for Enjoyment     143
Thinking More Constructively     151
The Other People in Your Life     159
Intimacy and Sex When You Are Depressed     165
Managing at Work When You Are Depressed     171
Taking Charge     177
Managing Depression Day by Day     179
Planning for Better Living     185
Maintaining Gains and Preventing Relapse     191
Living Your Plan     209
A Primer on Antidepressants     215
Resource Guide     225
Worksheets     231
Index     241