Listening to Depression

Description

In her first book, "The Gift of ADHD", psychologist Lara Honos-Webb shows readers a radical new way to reframe attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder as a range of strengths, aptitudes and advantages. Now she applies her trend-setting, outside-the-box thinking to one of the most common mental health diagnoses: depression. Instead of directing their energies to overcoming or getting rid of depression, Honos-Webb helps her readers see periods of depression as opportunities for growth and introspection. Each chapter of the book discusses a different aspect of depression as a gift or positive opportunity. Depression can be the start of a reorientation in life, a step in the search for meaning, or a chance for letting go of hurtful aspects of the self. It can also be a chance to deal with grief and loss and learn to expand possibilities. The book concludes with a section of advice about when it is important to defend against depression and how best to go about it when the need arises.

Lara Honos-Webb, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice. She is author of The Gift of ADHD and more than twenty-five scholarly articles. Her work has been featured in Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal and Publisher's Weekly, as well as newspapers, radio and television programs. She specialises in the treatment of ADHD, depression, and the psychology of pregnancy and motherhood.

This much needed addition to the literature is a must-read for all who are struggling with depression. --Mira Kirshenbaum, author of The Emotional Energy Factor and Everything Happens for a Reason If depression could talk, and if you could listen, it would jump up and down, saying, "I'm trying my best to tell you something. Please listen to me!" If you let this book show you how to listen, you and your world can be so much better! This is my gift to you! --Alvin R. Mahrer, Ph.D., professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Ottawa, Canada, and author of The Complete Guide to Experiential Psychotherapy Is depression a gift? This book by Honos-Webb makes a strong and provocative case that despite its accompanying pain, depression provides an opportunity to take stock and start anew. Written with sensitivity and intelligence, The Gift of Depression is both important and accessible. It deserves the careful attention of all. --Christopher Peterson, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and author of A Primer in Positive Psychology The Gift of Depression is one of those break-through books that can profoundly alter your view of yourself. If you have ever been depressed-or are even now feeling confused or uncertain about what to do next-this book has the potential to turn on the light of understanding-maybe even of inspiration! --Carol Adrienne, Ph.D., author of The Purpose of Your Life