Growing from Depression

by Neel Burton

Things are not all they seem. This is a book about how depression can have benefits as well as costs, and how to reap those benefits while making yourself feel better—better, in fact, than ever before.

Healing is not the same as curing. Curing implies returning to the status quo, whereas healing implies moving beyond it. This book’s purpose is not merely to make you feel better, but better than ever before, by increasing your resilience and openness to life.

You have, in some sense, embarked on the mythical hero’s journey. Despite being ill-fated, despite starting out as a victim and underdog, the hero is able to rise up to life and experience it in its fullness, rather than merely suffer or survive it and occasionally drink its dregs like so many of us do.

In myth, the hero has to travel through hell, or deep into the forest or labyrinth, before slaying the monster and re-emerging as a hero. If your depression is the journey through the Inferno, then let this book be your guiding Virgil. If your depression is the descent into the Cretan labyrinth, then let this book be Ariadne’s ball of red thread.

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

167 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 15, 2010

About the author

Dr Neel Burton is a psychiatrist, philosopher, and wine-lover who lives and teaches in Oxford, England. He is a Fellow of Green-Templeton College in the University of Oxford, and the winner of several book prizes including, the feather in his cap, a Best in the World Gourmand Award. His work features regularly in the likes of Aeon and Psychology Today and has been translated into several languages. When he is not reading or writing, or imbibing, he enjoys cooking, gardening, skiing, learning languages, visiting museums and gardens, and travelling, especially to wine regions.

His books include:

- The Meaning of Myth (Ancient Wisdom 1)
- Stoic Stories (Ancient Wisdom 2)
- The Gang of Three: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle (Ancient Wisdom 3)
- The Meaning of Madness (Ataraxia 1)
- Hide and Seek: The Psychology of Self-Deception (Ataraxia 2)
- Heaven and Hell: The Psychology of the Emotions (Ataraxia 3)

www.neelburton.com

Reviews

[Toast · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its simple, easy to read, up to date, quick to use - what's not to like. Its not a text book, its not an indepth study. It is bite size pieces to get the conversation, the thinking process going, to face the next phase in manageable chunks.
Good stuff.
Toast

[Becky Hodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw this book advertised it immediately appealed to me as someone who was first diagnosed with depression at age 19. Although it took me a long time I eventually saw my own mental and physical health issues in a positive light, as a transformative experience. Having read through this book a couple of times in the last week, I have to say that I'm impressed. The format means that it's something I can dip in and out of whenever I want to, with easy and quick to read sections that pack a lot of information into just a few pages.

The first part of the book talks about what depression is, along with an overview of other mental health issues such as panic attacks, anxiety and phobias. I found this section very useful as the language is everyday rather than medical blurb; despite living with depression on and off for over 20 years, I learned something new here. It helped me to better understand not only my depression, but also anxiety issues and my personal, rather odd, phobia of crane flies (I once ran screaming from a meeting room full of top level management because there was a crane fly in the room...)

Part two discusses some of the formal treatments available to people living with depression, such as antidepressants and how these work. Again, this is full of useful information, that I would happily recommend to anyone who is living with depression. It is perhaps more useful to those who are newly diagnosed, or who haven't spent time researching treatments, but is well worth reading even for those of us who are long-term depression patients.

The third part is perhaps the most useful of all as Dr. Burton talks about a wide variety of self-help methods - many of which I have used myself over the years and found to have a positive effect. This is helpfully broken down into very short sections, particularly useful as depression can have an effect on concentration (it always has with me). This book does what many seem to avoid and talks about self harm and suicide. As well as self-help methods, there are a number of helpful organisations listed at the back. One part I found of particular interest was "The psychology of gratitude", something which Dr Burton alleges we struggle with in our modern day consumerist society, a statement that I can't argue with. The idea that turning our focus outwards helps us to focus on the positive and what we have, rather than what we lack, is both simple and true. It is also something that is harder to do, to truly feel, than it is to say, at least to start with. Like many things, it gets easier with practice. I love that this is included in the book.

The final part focuses on availability of mental health services and the law here in the UK. This is great information to know, it's something that every person living with a mental health condition should be aware of. We all know that in practice many mental health services don't live up to expectations, but if you at least know the law and what is available, then you have a good place to start from. Brilliant to see it in a book that provides so much other information. The final few pages of the book contain contact details for a useful variety of organisations that not only includes information for places such as the Samaritans, but also The Sleep Council who provide some great advice for those of us who suffer from insomnia.

I would honestly have no hesitation in recommending this book to anyone. Quite often I swap books with other people after I have read them. This one is going nowhere.

[Ravenclaw Library Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

The thought of growing from depression inspires hope to those us suffer from this ailment. I liked this book even if the tips didn't apply to my particular circumstances.

I would recommend this book to everyone.

#GrowingfromDepression #NetGalley

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

I have a personal interest in books where mental illness is concerned, so was especially pleased when I found I was one of the winners of this book. This was a very easy book to read and full of helpful information. I lost my son 3 yrs ago (suicide) and much of what was written is what my son was advised etc over the years. One thing I will say when it comes to help/support, it does depend on the area one lives. Recommended.

[Catherine Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

my therapist made me read this 😃

[Kate Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a person who has lived with depression in the form of episodes of varying severity since childhood (I am now 46), I was interested to hear what this book had to say.
I am impressed. Very impressed. This book is gentle and reassuring, easy to read and explanatory but not ever patronising.
The book is divided up into sections; understanding depression, treatments, modular self-help, mental health services and the law. Each section is divided into chapters with many practical ideas and suggestions of how to manage. I particularly like the variety of angles that this author covers; philosophies, psychology, spiritual angles and even a recipe for soup. I read the book from front to back but it is easy to dip in and out and I know I will return to certain chapters.
The author understands that part of the nature of depression can be a belief that everything is hopeless and suggests that a reader in deep depression who may find some advice in the rest of the book unrealistic, to read Chapter 9, The 10 basic dos and don’ts of depression.
I felt comforted and validated by the tone of this book and reading it I know I am not alone, I feel like someone understands. In fact the author writes about many great minds that have experienced and written about depression spanning centuries, including Aristotle and Frankl. I enjoyed learning about different thinking and writing about depression and other related states of mind over the ages and also enjoyed some of the quotes throughout the book
I love this book. I shall treasure it, return to it and suggest that others read it. I highly recommend it to everyone.
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.

[Rashida B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recall while reading Burton's book, "Heaven and Hell", how I wished he was able to sit with the chapter on depression for a few more pages. Growing from Depression is just that! I was sucked in from the introduction. Anyone's that suffered from depression understands how frustrating it is when well-meaning loved ones insist that we just get over or rid of depression as if it were that easy. This way of thinking I believe can drive one deeper into depression. The thought of growing from depression inspires hope and gives new meaning to this debilitating dis-ease. I was delighted to see his emphasis that being depressed doesn't make someone a loser or attention seeker. No one would choose depression and when more of us begin to see it much like the warning light on the dashboard of our automobile, a signal that something unseen is amiss, I believe we'll began to lose the stigmas.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little book which was full of everything you could possibly need or want to know about depression.

It's more than just a self-help book and can be used over time to dip in and out of depending on your mood or need.

I found the philosophy chapters really interesting. These covered general everyday used anecdotes and plans as well as those from the originals like Socrates and Plato. Even if you don't suffer or know anyone with depression, these make for fascinating reading.

There were sections on general information for those wanting to understand depression - reasons, causes, symptoms and signs to look out for which I thought was great for those with loved ones suffering as it helps them to understand more about it and allow better ways of helping them.

There were chapters for those who are suffering themselves, which could be accessed when needed or when you feel up to seeking help or advice.
The chapters are fairly short so don't take much of your time to just grab a snippet, even on days when focussing might be hard.
These self help sections were really well written as they gave a small explanation of the symptom/issue and then gave bullet points to help you. Making it really easy to remind yourself of the steps to overcome the feelings.

Definitely a book I will now buy as I think it has so much in it to take in and lots to keep checking in on too - a great one to just grab out to remind ourselves of some of the concepts to keep us going.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learn More About Approaching Depression

I have read most of Dr. Neel Burton's books and have enjoyed them immensely. He usually takes a rather erudite stance on complex topics; I enjoy the challenge! I found this book more accessible, and I am wondering if that is because this book is truly in his wheelhouse as a psychiatrist, since it is a look at depression from multiple angles. The first part of the book explores what you would imagine a book like this would be about: definitions and gradations of depression and clinical treatment like talk therapy, medications, and ECT. But the bulk of the book focuses on ways to help yourself if you are depressed. This is not to diminish professional treatment if needed. The self-help topics are many but succinctly written. As the author reminds us in the introduction, poor concentration is one hallmark of depression, so he has made the chapters short and to the point. Self-help topics include correcting thought errors and managing anxiety and stress. All in all, I found this to be a very insightful and engaging book on depression.

I received a free copy of this book from #HiddenGems, but that did not affect my review.

[Megs_Ginelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Dr Neel Burton is a psychiatrist and philosopher out of Oxford, England, and has written a number of books about mental wellness.

Growing From Depression is broken into two parts. Part one explains everything you need to know about depression and part two teaches you coping techniques. Some of these learning modules are: correcting thinking errors, managing stress and anxiety, building self-esteem, cultivating gratitude and building healthy relationships. One module even had a recipe for chicken soup!

The title of this book is about growing from depression- not defeating or recovering from- to emphasize the transformative process you can choose to take instead, to learn to flourish.

For me, this book was too dependent of the philosophy side of things, the abstract, and I much prefer more concrete coping techniques and really benefit more from writing. But I am sure this book will help people.

Thanks to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial and Dr Neel Burton for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this copy from Netgalley. Thank you for the chance! This book is very light and easy to read, like a handbook about depression for survivors and caregivers.

It has much helpful information on how to correct the thinking errors in depression, how to manage stress and anxiety, how to cope with psychotic symptoms, how to fight suicidal ideation, and provides a holistic treatment for depression (medication, proper sleep, good music, good friends, and nutrition intake).

As a person who has lived with depression, I found this book validating my sufferings, but in some parts I didn't like the author's tone, which seems patronizing. But I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a guidebook on depression.

[Shayla Drumm · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. I was very intrigued by the title and anticipated that I would learn something new while gaining a new perspective on what is normally viewed as a stigma or disability. This book has some valuable information for someone who is just beginning to learn about depression, possibly a high school student or young adult. It basically gives an overview and some simple steps to treat very mild depression. However, this book does not "challenge my perception of depression" as stated in the book's description. I was overall disappointed in the information presented.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It is very informative and covered all aspects of depression. I read a lot of things I knew and learned a few things I didn’t. I also felt a little less overwhelmed by the whole topic. The author gives you chunks of information you can absorbed and understand. Here’s my issue. This book is written by a British author which is all well and fine but all of the resources are for the UK. I live in Canada, if you are selling in Canada and the US it would have been appreciated if the author had researched resources here and given them to the reading audience. I voluntarily received an arc copy of this book and purchased a copy as well

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing from Depression by Neel Burton was an interesting read and I was hoping it would help me, as I suffer from Depression.......This book was a challenging read for me and it did kind of help to remind myself I am not alone.
There are other people around the world maybe going through similar experiences like me with grief, infertility, child abuse and bullying just like me etc. I have to keep reminding myself, life can and will get better. Just don't bottle it up. Talk to people who are close. If they love and care for you they will be at your side and help you everyday when things get tough!!!! Best wishes to you all out there You re not alone. x

[Kate Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is on a topic that is incredibly important and something I feel very passionately about so I was intrigued to read.
This book was very informative, and covers a lot of topics. However, I was concerned that there was some language that felt very derogatory. I found that quite difficult to read.
There was some great quotes in this book that felt very up-lifting.
Also, I have recently read the 'School of Life' book on mental illness, and I found a LOT of similarities between the two - it could have been the same book at times.

Overall I found this book interesting and informative, but it didn't feel too different from some other books I have read on the topic.

[Philippa · Rating 4 out of 5]

When to read this book- before you need to, during or after being involved with mental health issues?
I would say any of the above, as I feel all of us can benefit from acquiring knowledge in this field.
Personally, I'm in the thick of it, trying to speak to professionals and claiming benefits for a close family member and I feel I need to be 'armed' with information to do the best I can for them.
Initially, I thought 'I know this already,' and skipped chapters but then I went back to them to help me get things into some sort of order.

[Tess Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing from depression helps us to understand depression along with providing ways to help cope with depression and to grow from it. As someone who has suffered with depression and anxiety and who's partner and family members have also suffered with depression, I found this book incredibly helpful and comforting. Depression is an awful condition that makes you feel completely withdrawn and isolated from those around you. This book helps to remind you that you are not alone and that other people are going through similar experiences and life can and will get better.

[Albertine67 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this via Goodreads. At the point I read it I had made a good recovery from my depression, but it was still useful and interesting. It is written in brief chapters, which, if I had picked it up while I was still in the midst of depression, would have been helpful given that I had so little concentration. To some degree the chapters stand on their own as well, so again really helpful if you can't concentrate for long or just want to dip in for tips on a particular area.

[Bashie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, that was certainly a book that exists. While it was doubtless well-intentioned, I found a lot of the advice to be hokey and ill-suited for anyone with severe, ongoing depression. It comes off more like a mentally healthy person trying to tell other mentally healthy people how to avoid getting depressed. I liked learning about some of the origins of words, but overall, this book was below-average to many of the other self-help books I've read.

[Kasia Hrms · Rating 4 out of 5]

An,easy guide on depression and it's consequences. Good part are the practical and very comprehensive pieces of advice on how to tackle certain difficult situations. Some terms may be difficult tough to understand for non professionals.
Otherwise, for those who are interested in the subject, I can recommend it.

[John Hausrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this book as a giveaway. An excellent book for anyone suffering with, or caring for someone, with depression. Contains explanations of types of depression and very useful sources of further information and help. Highly recommended.

[Jean Brazil · Rating 2 out of 5]

this provides a brief but thorough description of the assorted treatments from depression and the assorted thoughts surrounding it. Keep in mind that the author is British, so some of the resources and language does not apply to American readers.

[Dawn Montalvo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good info

This book was written for people in the UK, therefore most of the resources are useless unless you live there. I did however find the general information to be useful and the attitudes,especially that on gratitude to be helpful.

[Brianna Carosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and to the point writing, brings up some very good points, with very useful strategies. I really like how the focus isn't on beating depression but more living with it and accepting it as part of you but not all of you.

[Paula J Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I found this the best book on depression I have ever read . This is not a shallow self-help book. It is instead a book which helps you think about the human condition. Well done Dr Burton, well done.

[Frederico Santos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deep, Powerful and Helpful, a modest opinion for those who face that issue or,
with someone close suffering that concern.
I recommend, knowledge doesn't take space and provides wellbeing!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this to be of interest and informative

[Alex Everette · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't buy quite a few things in here, but the basic info is fine so far as I can tell

[Sabina-Nicoleta Furtună (Sally) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly things I already knew about. Nothing mind-blowing.

[Sandeep Gautam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and excellent read. Detailed review here: http://the-mouse-trap.com/2017/03/21/...