Breaking the Bonds: Understanding Depression, Finding Freedom

by Dorothy Rowe, Michael Fishwick

As well as discussing the meaning of depression, examining why it is hard to effect change, and describing the journey towards freedom from depression, the author also looks at other interpretations of depression, and at the way drugs are often wrongfully used. By the author of "Successful Self".

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology, Mental Health

434 pages, Paperback

First published October 7, 1991

About the author

The psychologist who has changed how we understand depression and happiness

"Dorothy Rowes is the calm voice of reason in an increasingly mad world"
Sue Townsend

Dorothy Rowe is a world-renowned psychologist and writer. Her explanation of depression gives the depressed person a way of taking charge of their life and leaving the prison of depression forever.

She shows how we each live in a world of meaning that we have created. She applies this understanding to important aspects of our lives, such as emotional distress, happiness, growing old, religious belief, politics, money, friends and enemies, extraverts and introverts, parents, children and siblings.

Her work liberates us from the bamboozling lies that mental health experts and politicians tell in order to keep us in our place and themselves in power.

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Reviews

[Ruxandra Grrr · Rating 3 out of 5]

At least this book taught me that I am more likely to finish stuff like this in audiobook form and that's very useful.

Otherwise, it was nice to be reminded of some things, but it all seemed rather basic. A lot of this stuff I already knew. And a bunch of other things mentioned (like the very strict dichotomy between extroverts and introverts, where I'm on the 51-49 point in the scale and it switches with mood, or the steps to letting go of loneliness, which I have completed and yet my loneliness problem isn't solved) really did not work for me.

If you're a newbie at trying to work on your depression, this is an excellent starting point. If your issue is a bit more nuanced and complex and you know all of these things but are a chronic overthinker or suffer from CTPSD, this is not revelatory at all.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dorothy Rowe writes so well about depression, and how it can be lived with or even overcome. I heard her speak at Manchester Grass Roots bookshop. Both her voice, on the audiobook, and her explanations are helpful, and speak of recovery, and the journey from depression. Well worth reading or listening to.