Lifting Depression: A Neuroscientist's Hands-On Approach to Activating Your Brain's Healing Power

by Kelly Lambert

In this fascinating exploration of depression, neuroscientist Kelly Lambert highlights her groundbreaking research suggesting that important clues to the mysteries of this disease have been in our hands all along. She identifies a circuit in the human brain—connecting movement, feeling, and cognition—that is responsible for symptoms of depression, and shows that when we knit a sweater, prepare a meal, or simply repair a lamp, we’re actually bathing our brain in “feel-good” chemicals. Highlighting inspiring accounts of change and growth, Lifting Depression offers a compassionate and commonsense way of preventing and treating one of the modern era’s most debilitating diseases.

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

304 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2008

Reviews

[Amber Tucker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm abashed to write this, but here goes. I didn't finish this book. I only got to p.130-ish out of 247 pages. Not because it's dry, or poorly researched, or unhelpful, or outright bad in any other way. In fact, the information I did get out of it (or skimmed from the remaining unread chapter titles) will probably stay with me for a very long time, because it makes sense to me. Just for example, Lambert -- a well-experienced professor and researcher -- discusses the vitality of using our hands in complex and creative ways, the power of social engagement, and effective ways of coping with stress all towards the empowerment of individuals and of a society stricken with acute and chronic forms of depression. As someone who's dealt with depression since adolescence, I was very drawn to this non-medicated basis for "feeling better" and living a more satisfying life. But here's the thing, and you'll laugh because OBVIOUSLY, but this is why I can't finish it. You can stop here if you just wanted a review of the book. Read it! It's great!

Except:

Virtually every single piece of information, studies, anything that we have on depression is from studies on rats. Or other high-functioning creatures, but primarily rats. I don't read a lot of neuroscience (even dumbed down neuroscience) or psychological texts, so I'm not at all used to this. And I am a caregiver to three beautiful, intelligent, ravenous, hilarious little rescued rat ladies, who I love half to death. One of them seemed really ill today and I nearly Lost. My. Shit. So I know domestic rats, and I know the sounds they make when they are upset, and after 100 pages or so I kept hearing and seeing miserable rats in cramped cages with clips on their tails for days on end to see how they'd react to the agitation, or rats that were being starved to see when they'd be more or less motivated to hunt for food in a maze. It's emotional and silly of me and yet I simply couldn't take it for another hundred pages. So this vegan rat mom quit, and will recommend Lambert's work to depressed people who do not love rats. The end.

[Alexis Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I don't know what effect this book might have for folks with clinical depression or a medical condition, but I will tell you that I found it invaluable for when I went through a dark time in my life. It's based on science, and while some of the advice in here is familiar, the added information of how they were able to substantiate its effectiveness was a great comfort to me.

I really, I can't recommend this enough if you find yourself struggling.

[Maddog · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always knew working on projects and doing things with my hands was "good for me" and made me feel good -- this book offers scientific reasons why (brain chemistry and whatnot) and why it can be considered necessary for overall good health.

[Dan Wever · Rating 5 out of 5]

ESSENTIAL

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really interesting ideas here so far, though I'm skeptical of the science, possibly in part because I'm not enjoying Lambert's writing style very much--what little humor there is feels forced (and academic-ish), which isn't always a bad thing, but rubs me the wrong way here. I think the book is trying to walk a line between being a self-help book and being a pop-neurology book, and it gets tripped up.

Still, lots of what she has to say is fascinating (especially the function of using one's hands for certain tasks fending off depression), and I look forward to learning more about it all.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful and informative; a neuroscientist presents evidence and rationale for doing goal-directed, rewarding activity, particularly with one's hands, to help end depression and guard against it. Also gives reasons why she doesn't find the theory and evidence regarding SSRIs as a cure for depression convincing.

[Krysten]

Initially I was skeptical about the neuroscientist's discovery, and I was wary when she placed herself in the category of "depressed" when all she experienced was grief after her mother died. I guess I couldn't really get past that, and then I just lost interest.

[JayeL]

Heard about this book on the To the Best of Our Knowledge show called Reconsidering Craft, 12/14/2008: http://www.wpr.org/book/081214a.cfm.

[chubs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never thought of getting DHEA and cortisol tests.

[Flat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never thought of getting DHEA and cortisol tests.

[Niswat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative to know how much of the brain is devoted to the use of our hands. To stimulate the brain and get happier, do something with your hands! Even if it's just vacuuming.