In this groundbreaking book, David H. Rosen, M.D., offers depressed individuals, their families, and therapists a lifesaving course in healing the soul through creativity. This is a book about transforming depression and its powerful pull toward suicide into a meaningful alternative.In Transforming Depression, Dr. Rosen applies Carl Jung's method of active imagination to treating depressed and suicidal individuals. Having dealt with depression in his own life and the suicides of loved ones, Dr. Rosen shows that when people learn to confront the rich images and symbols that emerge from their struggles, they can turn their despair into a fountain of creative energy. He details the paths of four patients whose work in painting, pottery, and dance -- in conjunction with psychotherapy -- led them from depression to a more meaningful life. Their dramatic paintings illustrate the text. Part One presents an overview of the biological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual factors involved in the diagnosis of depression. Part Two provides a new therapeutic approach to treating depression, focusing on the symbolic death and rebirth of the ego (ego-cide) as an alternative to suicide. Part Three presents in-depth case studies from Dr. Rosen's practice. Part Four discusses how we can recognize crisis points and how creativity can transform depression. The author pays particular attention to the problem of teen suicide.

Transforming Depression argues that the prevalence of depression today results from the frenetic pace of modern life. A constant sense of being overwhelmed, fatigued, and stretched to the limit leads us to feelings of hopelessness and a lack of interest in normally pleasurable activities-the principal signs of depression. By using the HeartMath(r) techniques, readers will be able to tap into new reserves of energy and creativity and will find new ways to connect with the people in their lives. As a result, feelings of depression will lessen and dramatic change will take place for better health in mind and body.

In this groundbreaking book, David H. Rosen, M.D., offers depressed individuals, their families, and therapists a lifesaving course in healing the soul through creativity. This is a book about transforming depression and its powerful pull toward suicide into a meaningful alternative. In Transforming Depression, Dr. Rosen applies Carl Jung's method of active imagination to treating depressed and suicidal individuals. Having dealt with depression in his own life and the suicides of loved ones, Dr. Rosen shows that when people learn to confront the rich images and symbols that emerge from their struggles, they can turn their despair into a fountain of creative energy. He details the paths of four patients whose work in painting, pottery, and dance -- in conjunction with psychotherapy -- led them from depression to a more meaningful life. Their dramatic paintings illustrate the text. Part One presents an overview of the biological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual factors involved in the diagnosis of depression. Part Two provides a new therapeutic approach to treating depression, focusing on the symbolic death and rebirth of the ego (ego-cide) as an alternative to suicide. Part Three presents in-depth case studies from Dr. Rosen's practice. Part Four discusses how we can recognize crisis points and how creativity can transform depression. The author pays particular attention to the problem of teen suicide.

Fatigue, boredom, loneliness, anxiety, despair, guilt, personal loss,meaninglessness, feelings of inadequacy, addictions, eating disorders, biologicalimbalances--all of these may cause or be caused by depression. From Prozac to LSD,from behaviorism to chaos theory, from body work to Buddhism, the authors in thiscollection present new ways of looking at and working with depression, a disease thattouches every one of us at some time in our lives. This poignant and provocative anthology includes the stories of people who havepersonally struggled with and overcome depression, and of those who have learned toembrace depression as part of their psychological and spiritual growth. The authorsdescribe the most effective therapies for treating depression, including alternativeapproaches in medicine, nutrition, and psychotherapy. What emerges is a newtranspersonal perspective that integrates soulfulness, spirituality, and transcendence intoour understanding and treatment of depression. This book provides essential reading for anyone suffering from depression, forstudents of psychology, and for therapists who must help others cope with thisdevastating condition.

What does it really mean to be depressed? You know depression as a collection of symptoms-fatigue, listlessness, feelings of worthlessness-and the source of more than a little pain. But depression is also a signal that something in your life is wrong and needs to be healed. Too often, though, we try to cut off or numb our feelings of depression instead of listening carefully to what they are telling us about our lives. Listening to Depression offers insightful ways to reframe depression as a gift that can help you transform your life for the better. Each chapter discusses a different aspect of depression as positive opportunity for growth or change. Depression can be the start of a reorientation in life, a step in the search for meaning, or a chance for letting go of hurtful aspects of the self. It can also be a chance to deal with grief and loss and learn to expand your potential. The book concludes with a section of advice about when it is important to defend against depression and how best to go about it when the need arises.

Blessed with a loving family, a successful business as an executive coach and money in the bank, Carol Kivler was suddenly and unexpectedly brought to her knees by "The Beast" - clinical depression. The story of her journey to recovery from medication-resistant depression is not only informative but inspires hope in others who suffer from this debilitating illness. Kivler's book is written for multiple audiences, especially individuals who are suffering from major depression and their loved ones. It is also for health care providers, who often make the difference between "giving up" and "recovery" for those suffering from mental illness. Her "Courageous Recovery Wellness Model" provides a roadmap for recovery while addressing the misconceptions and stigma associated with depression. "Major depression is not an attitude. It is not a personality dysfunction. It is not a flaw in character. It is not laziness or a call for attention. It is not hurt feelings or a reaction to a bump in the road. It is not contagious. Depression is not something that can be brought on or fought off by self-will. Depression is not something to be ashamed of. And most importantly, it is not something that should be ignored. Left untreated, serious depression can be life crippling and even lead to death (by suicide)." Because medication did not work for her, and despite serious reservations, Kivler eventually agreed to ECT (electroconvulsive therapy, or shock therapy). The treatment not only gave her back the desire to live but the ability to thrive in her personal and professional life. Electroconvulsive therapy became her "ladder out of the depression pit." Much of Kivler's apprehension toward ECT was based on stigma and misinformation. "Say the words 'shock therapy' to ten people and nine of them will respond with the movie title 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.' The movie (made in 1975) won five academy awards but left a wretched taste in our mouths about ECT. That movie as well as 'The Snake Pit' (made in 1945) both depict earlier developments of the treatment - not the modernized procedure that provides relief to countless patients every day. Unfortunately, they have left a deep impression on society that ECT is not only painful, barbaric and inhumane, but something to be ashamed of." In her opinion, the stigma associated with ECT deprives severely depressed individuals the right to potential recovery. Consequently, the section of her book on "Demystifying ECT" provides accurate, up to date information about today's modernized procedure, answers common questions such as "Does it hurt?" (No!) and discusses possible side effects (which Kivler found to be no worse than those from medication). In addition, the success rate of ECT, according to the American Psychiatric Association, is 80 percent. This is considerably higher than 45 to 50 percent success rate of most anti-depressants. Plus, the effects of ECT are generally felt as early as the third or fourth treatment, while medications can take as long as six weeks to take effect. "Will I Ever Be the Same Again" puts the face of hope on depression, providing information and inspiration to reach beyond the myths and stigma surrounding ECT and mental illness. It was an Award-Winning Finalist in the Health: Psychology/Mental Health category of the "Best Books 2010" Awards, sponsored by USA Book News. Kivler's book was also awarded Finalist, Self-Help Category, 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

A groundbreaking book, Emotional Wisdom reveals powerful ancient tools for transforming our painful emotions into happiness and health. So-called negative emotions are valuable messages that let us know we are out of balance. With compassion and humor, Taoist authors Mantak Chia and Dena Saxer explain the messages that anger, depression, fear, worry, and stress offer us. They present three easy-to-learn twenty-minute internal energy practices, with helpful illustrations, to turn these imbalances into harmony and joy. They provide unusual nutritional advice for emotional healing and a Taoist First Aid section with proven natural remedies for minor ailments such as insomnia, indigestion, headaches, and overeating. Relevant quotes from the Tao Te Ching add inspiration to this practical, life-changing book.