Beat that!

Mental Health Nursing,  Sep 2004  by Wilkin, Peter

• E-mail
• Print
• Link

Beat that! Beat Depression, Alexandra Massey, Virgin Books (2004) ISBN 0 7535 08249 pp192 £10.99

An evocative title and bold, summery colours on the front cover invite the reader to explore this attractively presented book. Inside, there is a wealth of information on depression, some simplified transactional analysis theory and practical exercises and, finally, a detailed plan to conquer depression by someone who has already done just that.

'Beat Depression' is succinct, jargon-free and incredibly well-put-together, to provide the easiest of reads for anyone who is either struggling to survive their own depression or desperate to help someone else climb out of their black hole. Besides containing much food for thought, this comprehensive book even contains dietary advice and some nourishing recipes that need minimal preparation whilst providing maximum nutrition.

Halfway through the book I came upon the intriguing heading One amazing thing', which, the author insists, 'will change the way you feel within hours'. I decided to ask a close friend who has been suffering with depression for a long time if she would try the exercise. Her experience was a very positive one, which prompted her to ask to borrow the book - a favourable endorsement for sure.

My only criticism is that, in places, it caters clearly for those who have the time and the money to wander round the bookshelves in WHSmiths ('Book yourself two weeks of not doing very much'; 'invest in a hand-held blender' -neither of which you can do if you are a single parent with several small children surviving solely on benefits). However, I do like this book and genuinely believe it could inspire many people to regain control of their lives and climb out of their depression.

Peter Wilkin

Copyright Community Psychiatric Nurses Association Sep 2004
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved