When Nothing Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens

by Bev Cobain

On April 8, 1994, Kurt Cobain ended his long struggle with depression and chemical dependency by taking his own life. His suicide profoundly affected millions of fans around the world who identified with the music of Kurt and his band, Nirvana. Bev Cobain is Kurt's cousin, and this powerful book is her way of dealing with his death�and reaching out to teens with a life-saving message: You don't have to be sad, discouraged, or depressed. There is help and hope for you.

Full of solid information and straight talk, When Nothing Matters Anymore defines and explains adolescent depression, reveals how common it is, describes the symptoms, and spreads the good news that depression is treatable. Personal stories, photos, and poetry from teens dealing with depression speak directly to readers' feelings, concerns, and experiences.

Teens learn how to recognize depression in themselves and others, understand its effects, and take care of themselves by relaxing, exercising, eating right, and talking things over with people who care. For some teens, self-help isn't enough, so Bev also tells about treatment options, presents the facts about therapy, explains the differences between various types of helping professionals (psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, physicians, counselors, etc.), discusses medications, and more.

This book isn't just for teens who have been diagnosed with depression. It's for any teen who feels hopeless, helpless, and alone. Clear, encouraging, and matter-of-fact, it's also recommended for parents, teachers, and counselors who want to know more about teen depression.

Genres: Mental Health, Psychology, Nonfiction, Self Help, Reference, Counselling

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Fastmaren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish someone had passed this book on to me when I was a teenager. It breaks depression down in an easy-to-read format so anyone can understand the disease--no confusing medical jargon like most of the depression books I've read. The only thing I wished it had was more personal narrative from Bev.

[Frankie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay. I know I read this a long time ago but something needs to be said for this wonderful book. Most of the self-help books for suicidal people don't help. They just don't. They don't do anything, they try to appeal to a part of yourself that isn't there anymore. But this book doesn't. It tells it like it is and it really helped me. It's not one of those crappy "the world is beautiful" books that just make you want to die even more. It's beautiful, and it's helpful, and to me it was life-saving.

[Jaylin T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. Even though I'm not depressed, I learned so much. It was very simple and easy to read, which I really enjoyed. This book will be a great resource for a project that I'm working on and for anyone who is actually struggling with depression. I would definitely recommend this book. I especially liked the stories that the teens shared. It kind of reminded me of "Chicken Noodle Soup for the Teenage Soul."

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A handy resource as an educator, however, I'm a bit surprised that this "updated & revised" version from 2009 is still directing teens to look up the numbers for crisis hotlines in the Yellow Pages.

[Erick · Rating 1 out of 5]

Note, claiming that you are a distant cousin of the late-great Kurt does not make you an educated writer! This worthless person is just piggybacking Kurt's success. She's condescending and all her info can be found in a basic middle school textbook. WORTHLESS!

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

some of the personal narratives may be helpful to read with teens who are struggling with depression....otherwise it's a fairly basic read,from which i can pull out content here and there to be shared with some who may find the format useful.

[Kathy Maxey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good resource for teens and parents. Good explanations about depression, symptoms, coping with, treatment. I like the stories teens shared about their experience and the "conversation starters" to help teens broaching sensitive topics.

[Susan Finn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straightforward and filled with helpful information

Excellent resource for parents and teens. Filled with good information and advice. Written in plain language for the non-medical professional to understand.

[Gina · Rating 1 out of 5]

too "self-help"

[Jordin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was in middle school. It really helped me.

[Indah Threez Lestari · Rating 2 out of 5]

52 - 2013

[♫✯Em loves Hollenstein✯♫❤the summertime and butterflies all belong to your creation❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly helpful. I love the tips and excersises they have.