The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time

by Alex Korb, Daniel J. Siegel (foreword)

There isn’t “one big solution” to ease depression—instead there are several small, simple steps you can take to alter your brain activity and chemistry. This newly revised and updated 10th anniversary edition of The Upward Spiral offers actionable strategies to help you reshape your brain and build the life you want. Depression can feel like a downward spiral, pulling you into a vortex of sadness, fatigue, and apathy. In The Upward Spiral, neuroscientist Alex Korb demystifies the intricate brain processes that cause depression and offers a practical and effective approach to getting better. Based on the latest research in neuroscience, this book provides dozens of straightforward tips you can do every day to rewire your brain and create an upward spiral towards a happier, healthier life. If you suffer from depression, this book offers an engaging and informative look at the neuroscience behind our emotions, thoughts, and actions. This updated edition also includes new research on the impact of social media and smart phones on mental health. Small steps in the right direction can have profound effects―giving you the power to become your best self as you literally reshape your brain, one small change at a time.

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2025

About the author

Alex Korb, PhD is a neuroscientist who has studied the brain for over fifteen years. Outside of the lab, he is a speaker, consultant, personal coach, and is also head coach of the UCLA Women’s Ultimate Frisbee team. He has a wealth of experience in yoga and mindfulness, physical fitness, and even stand-up comedy.