Beating the Blues: New Approaches to Overcoming Dysthymia and Chronic Mild Depression by Michael E.Thase, MD and Susan S. Lang
Chronic, low-grade, depression, also known as dysthymia, impairs quality of life for millions of people. The authors write, " It is not normal to be apathetic, passive, glum, sad, irritable, joyless,hopeless, helpless, or negative, even for relatively brief periods of time." Chronic mild depression is a highly treatable condition but, without treatment, it can last for years and rarely gets better on its own. The book helps you recognize if you have mild depression, explains the psychology of feeling good, and discusses treatment strategies with and without drugs. The exercise, diet, and stress reducing strategies described in this book are also helpful to anyone who wants to lead a lighter, brighter life. This is a "how-to-get-well" book aimed at the general public rather than the mental professional. It is easy to read and the strategies are easy to follow. There are sections for children, teen, elderly, and gender-based depression, too.