Out of the Blue: Six Non-Medication Ways to Relieve Depression

Despite the title, this is not an anti-medication book. In fact, Bill O’Hanlon, a much-published psychotherapist and author, writes in Out of the Blue: Six Non-Medication Ways to Relieve Depression that medication can help, and that he respects each individual’s choice. This respect, along with his creativity and understanding that we must seek out what works for each person, is palpable throughout the book. As a young man, O’Hanlon was depressed to the point of considering suicide. A friend talked him out of it, and gave him hope and an alternative — all of which led to O’Hanlon’s remarkable forty-year career as a therapist and teacher. I have been following his work and ideas for a long time. He draws from his life experiences, from clinical research, from what his clients have taught him, and from his time with the renowned hypnotherapist Milton Erikson. I have worked with many depressed clients, and have had times when I struggled with those feelings as well. O’Hanlon uses writings from Abraham Lincoln, William Styron, William James, and others to both describe feelings and to give ideas of ways out. He does take some time to discuss just what depression is, and to explore and debunk myths about it. In the end, the DSM diagnosis is a list of symptoms voted on by committee, and that list changes from time to time. Its definition is further complicated by how grief fits in and other factors. What matters is how you are feeling, how you define it, and ...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Antidepressants Book Reviews Depression General Professional Treatment bill o'hanlon Depression Treatment no medications non-medication treatments Out Of The Blue Self-help Treatment For Depression Source Type: news