Breaking the Patterns of Depression

by Michael D. Yapko

Twenty to thirty million Americans suffer from some form of diagnosable depression, and their ranks are growing. Psychologist Michael D. Yapko explains that in order to find relief, more than the current episode of depression must be examined. In Breaking the Patterns of Depression, he presents skills that enable readers to understand and ultimately avert depression's recurring cycles. Focusing on future prevention as well as initial treatment, the book includes over one hundred structured activities to help sufferers learn the skills necessary to become and remain depression-free.

Breaking the Patterns of Depression begins by translating the clinical literature on psychotherapy and antidepressant medication into language that can be used to enhance an understanding of depression, and to personalize individual cures. Yapko uses a conversational, anecdotal tone that encourages readers to take an active approach to helping themselves. Special sections entitled "Learn by Doing" and "Shifting Perspectives" help develop the skills necessary to manage difficult experiences. Readers learn how to solve problems effectively, anticipate the likely consequences of their actions, think and act in a direct, goal-oriented fashion, balance different areas of their lives, and use self-knowledge to stay out of harmful situations.

More realistic and helpful than other depression-management books on the market, Breaking the Patterns of Depression defines what causes depression and, best of all, clarifies what can be done about it. With this knowledge in hand, readers can control their depression, rather than having depression control them.

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

360 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1996

About the author

Michael D. Yapko, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist residing in Southern California.

Reviews

[Lora Shouse]

Breaking the Patterns of Depression is one of the best self-help books I have read in a long time. If you truly are seriously depressed, you would do well to read this book and work through the many exercises included in it. There are two types of exercises: those that are mostly philosophical, and those that ask you to list your various problems or responses to actual situations, or whatever.

The author does not discount the value of having the aid of a skilled psychotherapist – in fact, he includes a chapter on choosing the right one. He also doesn’t dismiss the idea of medication for depression, but, like other authors I have read, he suggests that it is usually a good idea to use medication along with, rather than instead of, psychotherapy.

One idea in this book that I really liked was that in many situations, learning specific skills – different ways of viewing problems, different ways of thinking, or even such things as how to have a real conversation can help overcome many of the effects of depression.

Now, where do I go to learn how to have a real conversation?

[Christian Nicholas]

While I'm sure this book has helped a lot of people, I found it outdated and unhelpful to my particular expression of depression

[Deborah]

Twenty to thirty million Americans suffer from some form of diagnosable depression, and their ranks are growing. Psychologist Michael D. Yapko explains that in order to find relief, more than the current episode of depression must be examined. In Breaking the Patterns of Depression, he presents skills that enable readers to understand and ultimately avert depression's recurring cycles. Focusing on future prevention as well as initial treatment, the book includes over one hundred structured activities to help sufferers learn the skills necessary to become and remain depression-free.

Breaking the Patterns of Depression begins by translating the clinical literature on psychotherapy and antidepressant medication into language that can be used to enhance an understanding of depression, and to personalize individual cures. Yapko uses a conversational, anecdotal tone that encourages readers to take an active approach to helping themselves. Special sections entitled "Learn by Doing" and "Shifting Perspectives" help develop the skills necessary to manage difficult experiences. Readers learn how to solve problems effectively, anticipate the likely consequences of their actions, think and act in a direct, goal-oriented fashion, balance different areas of their lives, and use self-knowledge to stay out of harmful situations.

More realistic and helpful than other depression-management books on the market, Breaking the Patterns of Depression defines what causes depression and, best of all, clarifies what can be done about it. With this knowledge in hand, readers can control their depression, rather than having depression control them

The best book I have read about depression

[Angie DePompeis]

I think this a good place to start when learning about depression. The author was very knowledgeable and informative. I learned a great deal about depression from this book. Some of the examples in the book are kind of depressing (if that makes sense). The author references studies conducted on depression, which I appreciated. The author did not recommend medication for all those struggling with depression. I also appreciated that. The author emphasized talk therapy, educating oneself, reflection, and self-help. I found the exercises useful and original. However, I felt like I still don’t have enough tools to overcome depression with this book alone. I’d recommend starting with this book on your path to recovery, but I think readers should also try other self-help books as well.

[Philippe Fanaro]

This is a bit too introductory for intermediate to advanced students of psychology, and it is a bit too repetitive at times. I believe people who are a bit versed in some of its concepts will only benefit from 20-30% of its whole length, but to beginners it will probably be invaluable.

It was a bit of a bummer with respect to how amazing Dr. Yapko's lectures on YouTube usually are.

[Tonda]

Very helpful! I will read this one again!

[Salahuddin Hourani]

الترجمة الى العربية ممتازة جدا

[Cara]

I've had this book for many many years. My first "therapist" gave it to me. I read a bit then. But, recently found it again and decided to finish it. I felt it was a fine basic book—nothing overly helpful, or perhaps nothing new to me (as I've been in therapy/counseling/ seen various psychologists, psychotherapists, DBT, rehab...etc. for my various mental issues). But, I think it's a good book for those needing to understand depression, how it can manifest in some people, and perhaps some exercises to help cope. It is outdated, and there are better more up-to-date books out there. But, I do believe it can be a helpful resource for some people.

[Karen]

This book helped me through a pretty serious bout with depression that I had back in 2000. The thing I liked most about it is that it gave me work to do. Coming out of depression often requires a couple of approaches. Prozac helped on one front and this sort of cognitive therapy/work helped on the other.

[Annelise DeVore]

Yes, it's a self-help book... but it helped. It is uniquely well-suited to the student, as it contains a series of manageable assignments.

[wueasa]

Added this book because it has been very well reviewed.

[Mariko]

The book provide cases and strategies to deal with depression. It's worthy reading!

[Melissa]

I will admit at some points I was pretty depressed reading this book not the kind of writing style I can breeze through at all. although I did pick up many helpful tips so it wasn't a total waste.

[Elias]

Great book.

[Stephanie]

I recommend this one a lot to clients struggling with depression. He outlines a lot of great skills to empower people to DO something about depression (more than just medication).

[Thibault]

Excellent book on breaking the patterns of depression. A great self-help book

[Anna Hepworth]

I've classified this as abandoned/unfinished as part of my 2018 amnesty on trying to finish everything I've started. It isn't a commentary on this book, but more that I have over 30 books 'currently reading' and I want to get that down to two (one fiction, one non-fiction). I'll be putting this disclaimer on a number of books :(