Links
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The National Institute of Mental Health
has a portal page on depression that has links to information and resources.
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Depression,
by John Grohol, an introduction to the symptoms, causes, and treatment of depression.
This is a section of a site that is a highly respected source of information on many
aspects of mental health and psychology,
Psych Central.
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Depression: A Primer
is a free online “Wee book about depression,” written and illustrated by “Ellen,”
who is serious and silly in equal measure. It's hosted on
MentalHelp.net
which “exists to promote mental health and wellness education and advocacy.”
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For a solid medical perspective,
The Mayo Clinic's
extensive pages on many aspects of depression may be helpful.
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For a well-written article featuring real-life examples of people who are using a wide range of
practical, effective anti-depressant strategies, instead of, or in addition to,
medication, see
Good Morning, Heartache
published March 1, 2009 in
Psychology Today.
The magazine's web site has a link to a "Find a Therapist" online directory, one of the most extensive available.
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Sit with Me: An Anatomy of Depression
is a conversation between a severely depressed father and his 12-year-old son. They were
recorded again four years later. This is one of a weekly series of podcasts on
Australian public radio called
All In The Mind
hosted by a terrific interviewer,
Natasha Mitchell.
The archive of podcasts has some fascinating programs.
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For information about bipolar disorder,
Rays of Light, Illuminating the Bipolar Spectrum
is a good source. It is a full-color PDF brochure produced by the
Mood Disorders Society of Canada.
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Disturbed sleep can be a hallmark of depression. Good
sleep hygiene
is the first place to start in improving sleep.
An unusual, and fascinating integrative perspective on sleep is presented in an interview on
Shrink Rap Radio,
a highly recommended podcast on a wide range of psychology topics. In the interview,
Rubin Naiman, PhD
calls for a radical shift in thinking about the states of sleeping, waking, and dreaming.
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“If you are thinking about
suicide, read this first”
is the title of a very helpful web page. Solid advice and links to resources. If you or anyone
you know is thinking of suicide, or thinking that you and the ones you love would be better off
if you were dead, please read this, or pass this link along.
Books
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The Mindful Way Through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness. (2007).
Guilford Press. Williams, Teasdale, Segal, & Kabat-Zinn. A terrific program that
combines meditative traditions and cognitive therapy.
Includes a CD of guided meditations by Jon Kabat-Zinn.
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Spark:
The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain.
John Ratey, (2008), Little, Brown.
For decades I have been recommending physical activity as the most
effective way of living a better life. This book gathers the scientific evidence that backs that
up. Here is the proof that you can improve your mood, manage stress, and sharpen your thinking.
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Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation.
Daniel J. Siegel,
(2011), Bantam Books Trade Paperbacks.
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For a non-drug approach to sleep problems,
Sound Sleep Sound Mind:
7 Keys to Sleeping Through the Night: The Drug-Free, Mind-Body Approach to Getting the Sleep You Need, by
Barry Krakow, M.D.
