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Unstuck: Your Guide to the Seven-Stage Journey out of Depression
Despite the billions spent on prescription anti-depressant drugs and psychotherapy, people everywhere continue to grapple with depression. James Gordon, one of the nation's most respected psychiatrists, now offers a practical and effective way to get unstuck. Drawing on forty years of pioneering work, Unstuck is Gordon's seven-stage program for relief through food and nutritional supplements; Chinese medicine; movement, exercise, and dance; psychotherapy, meditation, and guided imagery; and spiritual practice. The result is a remarkable guide that puts the power to change in the hands of those ready to say "no" to suffering and drugs and "yes" to hope and happiness.
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First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 2, 2011
This book actually kind of pissed me off. I guess I'm in the (apparently minuscule) percentage of people who don't get relief from their depression without heavy medication, and Dr. Gordon doesn't believe I exist.
Instead, he "prescribes" rest, relaxation, and alternative medicine. (He actually talks about St John's Wort and says that it's a safe and effective herb, but tell that to the dysmenorrhea it triggered in me to the point where I became anemic.)
Bottom line: His exercises, while helpful for someone with mild or maybe even moderate depression, are not going to get someone out of a severe suicidal depression. He barely recommends medication, I'm willing to bet he thinks going inpatient is idiotic. And sometimes that's what you need.
If you need a calm, helping hand, his book has great advice about finding a therapist and changing your lifestyle to mitigate your depression. If you need something more, please look elsewhere.
Instead, he "prescribes" rest, relaxation, and alternative medicine. (He actually talks about St John's Wort and says that it's a safe and effective herb, but tell that to the dysmenorrhea it triggered in me to the point where I became anemic.)
Bottom line: His exercises, while helpful for someone with mild or maybe even moderate depression, are not going to get someone out of a severe suicidal depression. He barely recommends medication, I'm willing to bet he thinks going inpatient is idiotic. And sometimes that's what you need.
If you need a calm, helping hand, his book has great advice about finding a therapist and changing your lifestyle to mitigate your depression. If you need something more, please look elsewhere.
May 17, 2018
Ugh! Anti-meds and too much religion (“spirituality”). Feels too much like snake oil. No thanks.
July 24, 2018
My doctor recommended this because of the mind-gut connection. Since the health of your gut can affect your mental state, her theory seems to be that it can work both ways. That just seems like a mind-over-matter hope to me, and meditation and journaling have so far had no effect on my "non-textbook illness."
I would *never* recommend this book, particularly to anyone dealing with legitimate depression or other mental health concerns. While multiple therapies can (and should?) be used in conjunction with medication, this author disparages the use of medications in treating mental illness. Like other self-help books, all his methods are presented as being easy and having quick, clear results. His examples of former patients always include a particular therapy (deep breathing, dance, exercise) as his first suggestion; the patient goes away, does the therapy religiously, and sees noticeable improvement by the time of the next office visit.
Like many self-help books, including several of the health books I've read this year, there's a certain implied responsibility on the reader, a certain level of "you deserve this" and "if you'd only try hard enough, you'd be well." It's one thing to be a little irresponsible flirting with dairy if you're lactose intolerant; it seems like another class entirely to put the onus on the patient when it comes to depression and related mental illness. Oh, still feeling a bit sad? You obviously didn't [journal/breathe/run/swim/chat/meditate/yoga/etc.etc.etc.] hard enough. All you have to do is get up and move, regardless that depression makes it nearly impossible to get out of bed. Shame on you for not feeling like dancing.
It was also difficult to follow some of the author's ideas, since he co-opted religious terminology but assigned his own meanings.
I would *never* recommend this book, particularly to anyone dealing with legitimate depression or other mental health concerns. While multiple therapies can (and should?) be used in conjunction with medication, this author disparages the use of medications in treating mental illness. Like other self-help books, all his methods are presented as being easy and having quick, clear results. His examples of former patients always include a particular therapy (deep breathing, dance, exercise) as his first suggestion; the patient goes away, does the therapy religiously, and sees noticeable improvement by the time of the next office visit.
Like many self-help books, including several of the health books I've read this year, there's a certain implied responsibility on the reader, a certain level of "you deserve this" and "if you'd only try hard enough, you'd be well." It's one thing to be a little irresponsible flirting with dairy if you're lactose intolerant; it seems like another class entirely to put the onus on the patient when it comes to depression and related mental illness. Oh, still feeling a bit sad? You obviously didn't [journal/breathe/run/swim/chat/meditate/yoga/etc.etc.etc.] hard enough. All you have to do is get up and move, regardless that depression makes it nearly impossible to get out of bed. Shame on you for not feeling like dancing.
It was also difficult to follow some of the author's ideas, since he co-opted religious terminology but assigned his own meanings.
September 1, 2008
This is a really useful book. If you deal with depression at all, especially if you'd like to check out of Anti-Depressant Nation or come up with some alternatives at the same time, I'd read Dr. Gordon's book. I used to shelve self-help at Borders and after years as a counselor can smell b.s. This man is sincere. And if he's not, I can't tell, so good for him.
The beginning is a little long on exposition ("I will teach you," "I will tell you," etc.) for my taste, but then again, MY ANXIETY makes me impatient! ;) Once he gets cooking, he's cooking with fire. I like a lot of what he has to say about mind-body stuff, meditation, exercise - nothing too radical, just common-sense, actually pretty cool ways to take care of yourself.
I don't like to treat depression like this alien thing, and neither does Dr. Gordon. I wish more people wrote about it in such a non-hokey way.
The beginning is a little long on exposition ("I will teach you," "I will tell you," etc.) for my taste, but then again, MY ANXIETY makes me impatient! ;) Once he gets cooking, he's cooking with fire. I like a lot of what he has to say about mind-body stuff, meditation, exercise - nothing too radical, just common-sense, actually pretty cool ways to take care of yourself.
I don't like to treat depression like this alien thing, and neither does Dr. Gordon. I wish more people wrote about it in such a non-hokey way.
June 19, 2008
As someone who has known depression this book is like a beam of hope. Dr. Gordon is correct when saying that it is just a runt and you need to turn it around. The seven steps (although not always easy) are the right ones. You don't have to have depression to read it you just have to be human.
June 9, 2016
This is one of the worst books I have ever read in regards to treating and living with depression. Depression is biological in nature, as are most mental illnesses. Anyone who has ever truly suffered from depression know that's cutting out dairy and gluten is not the answer.
The only positive thing I found about this book is that it does mention Vitamin D. My vitamin D was extremely low earlier this year, "bottomed-out" low because of other chronic health problems. After several months of daily vitamin supplementation and exposure to the sun when possible (I live in Michigan) it was up to an "acceptable" number. However, during those months I slowly saw improvement in my depression. Certainly not a cure, but it certainly helped. So there is a correlation between low Vitamin D and depression and fatigue. In my opinion, the rest of this book is terrible and frankly pissed me off. Medication isn't for everyone and doesn't help everyone. Just like meditation and relaxation doesn't help everyone. Please try telling someone with chronic depression and anxiety to meditate because it will cure their mental illness and see how they react. This book is terrible, do not waste your time reading it.
The only positive thing I found about this book is that it does mention Vitamin D. My vitamin D was extremely low earlier this year, "bottomed-out" low because of other chronic health problems. After several months of daily vitamin supplementation and exposure to the sun when possible (I live in Michigan) it was up to an "acceptable" number. However, during those months I slowly saw improvement in my depression. Certainly not a cure, but it certainly helped. So there is a correlation between low Vitamin D and depression and fatigue. In my opinion, the rest of this book is terrible and frankly pissed me off. Medication isn't for everyone and doesn't help everyone. Just like meditation and relaxation doesn't help everyone. Please try telling someone with chronic depression and anxiety to meditate because it will cure their mental illness and see how they react. This book is terrible, do not waste your time reading it.
September 20, 2021
In May I felt emotionally stuck as I coped with my divorce-induced depression. Strategies that had worked even a couple of months before were less effective. It also seemed that some of the deeper hurts were emerging as I worked at healing.
After I wrote a column in the church newsletter about ways I was dealing with my depression, a church member gave me this book and sometime in the summer I began reading it, a few pages every morning, working slowly through it.
There is much that is helpful in it, as the author focuses on non-pharmacological approaches to healing, including good nutrition, exercise, meditation, yoga, etc. I have shifted some of those practices and adopted some of his recommendations.
I think this could be a helpful book for many people dealing with depression.
After I wrote a column in the church newsletter about ways I was dealing with my depression, a church member gave me this book and sometime in the summer I began reading it, a few pages every morning, working slowly through it.
There is much that is helpful in it, as the author focuses on non-pharmacological approaches to healing, including good nutrition, exercise, meditation, yoga, etc. I have shifted some of those practices and adopted some of his recommendations.
I think this could be a helpful book for many people dealing with depression.
Currently reading
August 10, 2008Great common sense. As I'm reading this book I'm thinking the following thoughts. After years of being prescribed an antidepressant for everything from esophageal ulcer to back pain, I've found something that makes sense. When I was prescribed Prozac for the first time, I had been stressed out of my mind for so long. I felt like a miracle had happened it was so effective in getting me back out there dealing with it all. Since then it seems that doctors assume that's all I need. Yes, there are times when I have anxiety and depression and I'm way overdue in addressing the reasons for ending up that way to begin with. I have a normal brain that does what any brain is designed to do. When I've had so much stress I'm about to explode, my brain prevents it by causing me to implode. Next thing I know I'm in the fetal position not wanting to get dressed.Duh! Do the steps and quit bearing the load of an oxen. Take care of your precious self first.
November 2, 2016
My professor who is known for giving great book recommendations suggested this book. I liked it and now respect James' passion for healing and development. I think Unstuck reflects well on Gordon's intentions and concern for humanity. Throughout the reading I had a real sense that the author is wise, experienced, and very well educated. His intervention is intense and if followed I'd expect there would be measurable and meaningful results. If you're one of the many struggling with depression (bless your heart), then you may find value in Gordon's work. If, however, you're not interested in trying out an intensive program, or too depressed to try, then I'd suggest giving Acceptance and Commitment Therapy a look. It's in a similar vein in regards to acceptance and mindful awareness.
It's worth noting that I was surprised by his inclusion of Chinese Medicine. Nothing against the tool, I'm just unfamiliar with its efficacy as treatment for depression and have never seen it recommended.
It's worth noting that I was surprised by his inclusion of Chinese Medicine. Nothing against the tool, I'm just unfamiliar with its efficacy as treatment for depression and have never seen it recommended.
June 19, 2013
Gordon's MBSR prescription is based on his experience and a series of evidence-based confirmations of elements of MBSR. He offers no evidence for the effectiveness of his 7-stage method. His scientific rigor is completely absent when he advocates for Chinese medicine. This isolated but telling collapse of his credibility affected my view of his book.
December 19, 2022
I’ve read countless books on depression, and none have been as life-affirming and life-changing as this one. With uncommon insight, Gordon reframes depression as a journey—one that, if we answer the call, can ultimately lead to a richer life. This is a book that I purchase repeatedly because I’m always giving copies to friends who are ready to hear it’s message.
July 10, 2016
Love the tone of this book, the author felt like a good listening friend.
June 19, 2019
I'm pretty mid-range on this book. I liked a lot of the exercises in it (in particular, the self-forgiveness meditation and the soft belly breathing exercise), and think I'll probably use some of them in my practice. The stories of his patients/clients was interesting, as well. I also liked the focus on the body and listening to its signals.
I get why people are saying this book is anti-med - it is based within our current scientific understanding of medication (e.g. that mild-to-moderate depression responds equally well to medication and placebo) but is a little more harsher against meds than I would typically be.
My distraction came more from the way the book is ordered, and the emphasis placed on both eating and spirituality. The first chapter is a mess of medical jargon about biology, and though it doesn't go too far, and I can understand why you would start out here, it's kind of off-putting. There's also a lot of focus on spirituality and religion, which is meh for someone who doesn't really put much stock in those. I am also always skeptical about white dudes writing at length about Chinese medicine and practices.
I get why people are saying this book is anti-med - it is based within our current scientific understanding of medication (e.g. that mild-to-moderate depression responds equally well to medication and placebo) but is a little more harsher against meds than I would typically be.
My distraction came more from the way the book is ordered, and the emphasis placed on both eating and spirituality. The first chapter is a mess of medical jargon about biology, and though it doesn't go too far, and I can understand why you would start out here, it's kind of off-putting. There's also a lot of focus on spirituality and religion, which is meh for someone who doesn't really put much stock in those. I am also always skeptical about white dudes writing at length about Chinese medicine and practices.
October 8, 2020
This is basically the same book as Gordon's The Transformation, but molded to fit into Joseph Campbell's model of the hero's journey, and with a greater focus on traditional depression. I liked The Transformation better, but some people might relate to this format more.
Also, I thought this paragraph for selecting help was a gem:
Theoretical perspectives are important. Are you looking for a psychoanalyst who mines the past for the origins of repressed and suppressed conflict? A cognitive behavioral therapist who will give you exercises to help you reframe and reform your ways of thinking? A body-oriented therapist who will use breathing techniques and touch to help loosen the physical knots that old trauma may have tied? A Jungian who will explore dreams and your connection to larger patterns of spiritual growth? All can be helpful, but the fit must feel right to you. (p. 114)
Gordon has always had practical advice about what to look for when seeking help and what questions to ask, but that is the most concise description of four very different approaches that I have ever seen.
Also, I thought this paragraph for selecting help was a gem:
Theoretical perspectives are important. Are you looking for a psychoanalyst who mines the past for the origins of repressed and suppressed conflict? A cognitive behavioral therapist who will give you exercises to help you reframe and reform your ways of thinking? A body-oriented therapist who will use breathing techniques and touch to help loosen the physical knots that old trauma may have tied? A Jungian who will explore dreams and your connection to larger patterns of spiritual growth? All can be helpful, but the fit must feel right to you. (p. 114)
Gordon has always had practical advice about what to look for when seeking help and what questions to ask, but that is the most concise description of four very different approaches that I have ever seen.
December 2, 2020
Practical advice to defeat anxiety, sorrow, solitude, depression. Forget the past, live the present, concentrating on the demons that prevent us to be free. He developed a method that doesn't rely on medicines but makes use of meditation techniques. Physical exercise has powerful effects on the whole organism, releasing relaxing endorphins that induce pleasure. Nutrition is also important. Sugar must be reduced to improve mood, decrease anxiety, boost energy. Unbalanced levels of nutrients from our diet cause depression. Family, work, contact with nature, are roots which give us force, without them our lives become arid. The main points of his method are: Powerful concentration meditation, slow deep breathing, journaling, food be your medicine. Procrastination, perfectionism, loneliness, lethargy, resentment are the main demons within us to face. The first step is to recognize them, learn to live with them, accept them.
December 2, 2018
I found this book helpful. I’ve read a few books on depression and am looking more into things that are recommended consistently in each book (diet and supplements, etc); however, I felt some supplements/herbs were recommended without discussing side effects. Anything one might consider taking should be researched. St. John’s wort for example could end up causing other health issues, and I’m not interested in trading problems for problems. I think these things really need to be worked out with a nutritionist who knows how these will affect you and what is actually beneficial for you. Overall, I was motivated to look further into solutions and feel hopeful that antidepressants aren’t the only option.
January 20, 2022
Interesting approaches. There are some thing here that seem practical and easily implemented. Other things require a bit more effort or outside sources. This isn't an easy topic, but I didn't expect to finish a few pages and have all answers realized, so I guess in the end I end up getting what I expected. No more, no less. I do like that he doesn't subscribe to medications outright, overmedication is an issue in general and if his approach works long-term in a safer, healthier, cheaper way then that's pretty amazing.
August 3, 2022
There's a lot of good information here about various holistic modalities, several of which I've studied and/or practiced for over a decade. But I think his approach is too complicated and overwhelming for anyone really stuck in the mud of depression; at least it was for me. I would treat it more as a reference than anything else. I got a lot more immediate value out of Pete Walker's book on CPTSD.
February 15, 2023
Too many examples in story form of others. Ita overwhelming. I felt like it reads like those recipies online where you have to go on forever to get to the little bit you want. Also, that introduction chapter was WAY too long, if that's what happens in a first phone call I hope the person has snacks, a good chair, and a charged up phone, with nothing else to do for far more than an hour. The actual tips on what to do are helpful. It was just a lot to slog through to get there.
May 27, 2023
I liked this book but it’s problematic.
It’s important to know that this guy has a Tom Cruise level of loathing for psychiatric medications. I don’t agree with him on that, so I just listened for the other bits. He has some great recommendations for implementing complementary and alternative medicine and coping skills to manage anxiety and depression. He also sees symptoms as indicative of spiritual crisis. Just helpful to know.
It’s important to know that this guy has a Tom Cruise level of loathing for psychiatric medications. I don’t agree with him on that, so I just listened for the other bits. He has some great recommendations for implementing complementary and alternative medicine and coping skills to manage anxiety and depression. He also sees symptoms as indicative of spiritual crisis. Just helpful to know.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2019
Amazing. I was able to meet Dr. Gordon, and practicing the techniques mentioned in this has been transformational for me. I have found a new sense of grounding for myself. I recommend this book highly to the clients I work with in grief care.
June 18, 2022
Very helpful in getting me out of a depression, especially the strange part about shaking. Now that I know I'm autistic, this makes perfect sense, but I shook anyway, before I knew, and it helped tremendously! Wonderful book!
August 30, 2023
This is a book for people who have depression, but have no wish to go on anti-depressant medication. Honestly, some of his advice was a bit woo-woo for me. My problem is I don't suffer from long-term depression but short bouts of depression. This book was not helpful for my situation.
February 5, 2019
Unworthiness.
January 1, 2021
A sensitive and thoughtful discourse on how to try to connect with your spirit, if a spirit-life disconnect is what’s causing your depression.
October 5, 2022
Pretty much the same stuff you get in all self-help books, without the meds.
October 9, 2023
I loved the beginning portion of this book but the end became hard to read.
December 31, 2025
Read for my senior thesis at CCS.
March 11, 2017
hmm not really sure about this book. hits some good points. Alot of things make sense.. I found in annoying at times..some eye roll moments....but I finished it.. so there's that....
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