The Book of Feeling Blue: Understand & manage depression

by Gwendoline Smith

Bestselling author of The Book of Overthinking Gwendoline Smith explains what's going on when you're feeling down and offers advice on how best to cope.

How do you know if you're just feeling a bit sad or if you are depressed? What level of sadness is 'normal'? How do you work out what's going on when you feel down? What kinds of treatment are available? How do you help a family member or friend who is depressed?

Psychologist Gwendoline Smith answers these questions and many more. She specifically addresses postnatal blues and depression; depression in children, teens and older people; and depression in relation to gender and sexuality. She covers the full range of treatment options, from psychiatry through to natural therapies.

With her characteristic humorous approach, examples and anecdotes, Gwendoline offers powerful strategies for addressing these issues.

In Gwendoline's 'Depression knows no bounds. It is oblivious to gender, race, age, religion, sexual orientation. Just try to understand and be kind.'

Genres: Nonfiction, Mental Health

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2023

About the author

Gwendoline Smith B Soc Sci, M Soc Sci (hons), Dip Clin Psych is a clinical psychologist, speaker, blogger and the author of the books Depression Explained and Sharing the Load. She also goes by the name Dr Know.

Reviews

[Morrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very average top level overview of depression through age ranges and accompanying treatments.

If you know zero about depression this be interesting. If you're familiar then give it a pass.

[Tee Bell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a good read and I liked it! I just didn’t learn anything new from it or gain any new insights. It was a nice and concise read that gave an overall look at clinical depression. I would recommend this book to anyone doesn’t have a lot of personal experience with mental illness, especially if someone you know is experiencing depression. It covers what depression can look like at all stages of life and is a great introduction to understanding depression.

[W.A. Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, easy to read and understand book

So pleased I found this, and other books by Gwendoline Smith via NZ Mental Health websites. Very insightful and I learned more about different types of age related depression. I'm now reading her other books.

So pleased to have these tomes help me with my mental wellness.

[Rosina · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few interesting bits, but otherwise very basic, felt a bit like being in a doctor's reception and reading through all the different brochures. Also seemed to be directed to an American audience.

[Caitlin Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwendoline Smith’s The Book of Feeling Blue is a comprehensive guide to the clinical and social understanding of depression and how to manage it. Read my full review at https://tearaway.co.nz/in-review-the-...

[Jessica]

An overview of depression and low mood using general terms. It did have some chapters more focused upon post natal depression, signs of depression in adolescents and how to recognise and respond to that, signs of depression in elderly people and how to recognise and respond to that.

[Sophia Golfinopoulos · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are 15 chapters, and personally only the first 7 were relevant to me, as after this it goes into different age groups & other demographics. The book contained a lot of information about what different conditions are, but lacked practical, actionable tips on how to cope or manage.

[Joana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book and learnt some stuff eg about the different types of depression but overall nothing crazy special