When Living Hurts: A Lively What to Do Book for Yourself or Someone You Care About Who Feels Discouraged, Sad, Lonely, Hopeless, Angry or Frustrated

by Sol Gordon

When Living Hurts is for people who want to help people who are in trouble. This insightful, direct book can help you interpret the early warning signals, get help when the problem is urgent, and cope creatively with anxiety, anger or frustration, sadness, loneliness, or depression.With wisdom, humor, and style, Dr. Gordon acknowledges that we live in an imperfect world. There are things to worry about and everyone feels hopeless, helpless, and unloved sometimes. Yet there are things we can do that will lead to a new understanding, new hope, and new meaning in life. In a time when depression and suicide are taking ever greater tolls, Dr. Gordon makes it You and those you care about can find help when living hurts."The first in-depth book in suicide prevention and crisis intervention... it points the way to hope and help," says Julie Perlman, Executive Officer of the American Association of Suicidology.School Library Journal praises it as "concrete and concise... accessible, helpful.""Interesting, practical," says Psychology Today , "and very much to the point."

Genres: Young Adult, Self Help

Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[S · Rating 2 out of 5]

I almost DNF'd this book after the first page.
"Depression often occurs because, for one reason or another, you feel inferior. Perhaps you relentlessly compare yourself to others."
I think that was the point where I went, "The entire premise of this book is trash. Do I really want to waste my time reading this?" I have been depressed for a long d*mn time, with many friends in a similar situation, and that was -- by far -- not the reason. Ever. For any of us. (For any depressed person I've ever known, really. Morbid obesity not withstanding.) I'm sure that's somebody's reason, but to say it's "often" the reason? Really? *face palm*
The good: I like the way the book is divided into mini-sections every few pages, and how they all fit into overall chapters. I also like that there are plenty of resources (books, websites, phone numbers, etc.).
The bad: Everything else. I'm pretty sure this person has had zero experience with depression -- which I didn't even realize was possible as a human being -- and everything he says just sounds like something he's regurgitating from a book he read. He tries to make assumptions (all wrong) based on his education/ experience/ daily horoscope/ whatever, and it's incredibly frustrating, because this person clearly doesn't know what he's talking about -- but he says it with such professionalism. 2*

[Pam Coon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short read, divided into categories to help the reader find herself. There are chapters on suicide, on friendship, on forgiveness, on finding your way. Sol Gordon is an excellent writer, and this book was full of wisdom.

[Emma Pace · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give one book to every high schooler, college student, or every person just trying to figure life out - it would be this one.