Depression: A Teen's Guide to Survive and Thrive

by Jacqueline B. Toner, Claire A.B. Freeland

Depression: A Teen's Guide to Survive and Thrive is a guidebook for teenagers who are depressed or at risk for depression. This guide discusses depression and provides guidance on cognitive behavioral therapy principles to help teens take a problem-solving, strategy-based approach to deal with depressed moods, thoughts, and behavior. Intended to serve as an adjunct to therapy, this is a very practical and easy-to-read book that is not overwhelming for teens.

Genres: Mental Health, Nonfiction, Teen, Parenting, Psychology, Health

154 pages, Paperback

Published October 17, 2016

About the author

Jacqueline Toner is the author of eight best-selling non-fiction books with psychological themes for children from preschool through adolescence. Her books have been translated into more than a dozen languages and won praise from library associations, and awards including a Mom's Choice Award and a nomination for a Children's Choice Award.

A psychologist who practiced for over thirty years, Dr. Toner, volunteers with a youth leadership group in her hometown of Baltimore and enjoys time with her family, including her three grandchildren.

Reviews

[❄️✨ Kat ✨❄️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really need to quit reading books like this that are designed for teens; they just don't keep my interest. This book should really be read by teens struggling with depression. The content is great, and from what I've read, it is immensely helpful. It will help you discover the reason for depression, and what can be done about it. It goes into detail about various coping methods that can be used. Very informative for teens and parents of teens.

[Kenneth Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing resource that I cannot recommend highly enough. It has so much good advice and I’m incredibly thankful it exists.

[Kendra Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written for the teenage reader. This book does not offer a "quick fix" for depression, but rather helps guide the reader through the process of learning about depression and building strategies to cope. The authors clearly have experience in their field and recognize that curing or coping with depression is a complicated, multi-faceted matter. This book is one piece of the puzzle. The book also offers exercises such as journaling and quizzes to help engage the reader in self-reflection. Highly recommended for any teen or parent/teacher of a teen!

[Pren Clair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great cbt book for teens about countering negative thinking that may be leading to depression. My depression needed medication but I could really see how these techniques would be helpful in in other situations or in conjunction with meds. It really breaks down the exercises so they are easy to insert your own type of negative, all or nothing, or self criticizing thoughts into the Exercise and challenge those no matter your age. It’s nice and short too so it’s not daunting to poke through when you ARE terribly depressed.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great resource for teens battling depression. It has relatable scenarios with examples of thinking that can feed into the depressive mindset or a healthy one. Part of depression is feeling powerless and hopeless, and I feel like this book gives some power back to the kids with good advice about how to stop that negative spiral.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how its broken into sections and has little journaling ideas at the end of it. It's a nonfiction book for teens on a hard topic

[Karen Cheng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy and nice read!

[Tisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is great book for everyone - not just teens and not just those experiencing depression. It has good tips and skills that everyone can use.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good starting point for a teen (or the parent of a teen) who is depressed. The book will give you some basic vocabulary and coping mechanisms to express your feelings in a understandable and not harmful manner. Depression might not be one of those things you try to cure yourself. You would go to the doctor for a physical injury or hurt and you should also go for a mental one. I do like that the book advocates getting professional help.

[Brax Henley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for a teen who *thinks* they are depressed but maybe not great for the ones who are suicidal and self harm and have already gotten to a bad level. There was a hint of ableism. Suggestions such as failing a test may lead to depression lol.. but there were good coping ideas and journaling suggestions.

[Ms. Kahn]

Read my review of this book in School Library Journal.

[Brianna]

Good book to better understand depression and learn coping strategies for you or someone you love.