Help for Depression

by Deborah H. Montgomery

Imagine sitting across the table from a wise and compassionate friend, one who has walked the same path as you for years, one who understands what it is to walk in the darkness of depression. Listen as she shares her heart, and gently listens to yours, encouraging you and offering practical steps to finding freedom and joy. Covering the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those suffering from a depressive illness, discussing when and if mental health counseling and medication is appropriate, and bringing a unique perspective of how to engage in loving and positive self-talk and how the presence of beauty in our lives is healing, here is a life-giving guide to help you through depression.

110 pages, Paperback

Published December 7, 2017

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptional book. Beautifully written by a talented new author, Deborah Montgomery knows first hand what she's talking about. She has persevered through years of what she now knows was "double depression"---a term that was new to me---and is offering help and hope of the most practical sort. Her description of the difference between persistent low-level depression and a major depressive disorder was very enlightening. In the first few chapters, she highlights some of the destruction that can happen from painful, all-too-real trauma. But I hadn't realized before how long negative judgments and mocking critiques can linger, especially with those who grapple with depression---how caustic words can repeat in our heads as if on tape, still burning years later. Don't miss her sections entitled "The Black Dog" and "In the Depths." They're graphic; they're real; they're honest.

This book is also a help for the soul. In chapter 3, the reader is allowed a glimpse into the author's personal experiences with beauty and joy---themes which to me seem unique in a book on depression. Montgomery follows this with two chapters of excellent practical advice on taking care of yourself, and creating beauty and order in your life, both vital aspects of recovery. In fact, her emphasis on the healing power of beauty is one of my favorite features of this book. These are chapters I want to re-read slowly with pen and paper at hand.

On the subject of medication (a polarizing topic for many), I feel that she strikes a very healthy balance. I have to admit I was justly convicted when I read how intimidated the author had been by "all-natural, anti-medication" friends, how their opinions deterred her from getting the help she desperately needed for years. As someone who's been a long time vocal critic of psychotropic meds (because of adverse effects on our autistic son), Montgomery's gentle, wise, but compellingly honest account has made me think twice about my opinions and how I express them. The right psychiatrist and the right medications truly saved her life. For me, this was an eye-opening chapter. I'm grateful for this little book and I'll be sending a copy to one of my family members along with my heartfelt apology.

The author ends with great advice from her own personal experience about how to best pick a therapist. In her case, the difference between her therapists was striking. I love the way she writes. But the truth inherent in her words is even more beautiful.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so impressed by Deborah’s willingness to be vulnerable for the benefit of others struggling with depression. I appreciate the perspective offered because she has “been there.” She speaks honestly from personal experience, and her advice and practical suggestions feel like a hand reaching out to someone suffering from depression. This book is filled with ideas, from baby steps to long-term goals, so people working through this process can start wherever they are and move forward. I think her explanation of the need to expose the lies we listen to in our heads is crucial to healing. Her advice to talk to yourself like the "good mother" is unique and can fundamentally change the monologue in someone's head, if followed. Giving attention to self-care, including many practical ideas, is another area that is often neglected by women in general, I think, but probably virtually abandoned by someone struggling with depression. Those are some of the areas that stood out to me when reading this book. I highly recommend it!

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written and easy-to-read book that offers different strategies for managing various forms of depressive illnesses. This is a useful and informative resource for individuals of all ages who are struggling with depression, as well as concerned family, friends or colleagues who want to help and offer.