Mild depressions are so insidious that sufferers often don't seek help. However persistent mild depression, which afflict up to 35 million Americans, can be readily and permanently cured. This book shows how chronic mild depression can be relieved by learning strategies that help us to recognize negative and distorted thinking patterns that lead to a downward spiral of pessimism. It reveals that a combination of medication and therapy has been shown to be the most effective treatment for mild depression, with an impressive 85 per cent of patients experiencing full relief. It discusses when you should seek help from a therapist and what kinds of therapy work best. It outlines the antidepressants that are helpful for both mild and severe depressions, detailing each drug's strength and weakness, and examines alternative therapies, including stress management (meditation, relaxation, massage, biofeedback), physical exercise, acupuncture, supplements, and other mind/body therapies. Finally, the book provides in-depth discussions of mild depression in children, adolescents, college students, and elderly parents, as well as those with chronic stress. Throughout, the authors use boxed text and charts to make the key ideas immediately accessible and easy to use. "Beating the Blues" is an inspiring and empowering book, filled with the information and encouragement you need to turn your life around and begin to feel renewed pleasure and joy.

Table of Contents

PART ONE: UNDERSTANDING DYSTHYMIA AND ITS MILDER FORMS; 1. What Is Dysthymia?; 2. The Spectrum of Dysthymia and Depression; 3. How Dysthymia Is Diagnosed; 4. Who Gets Dysthymia and Why: Causes and Risk Factors; PART TWO: HOW TO FEEL BETTER; 5. The Psychology of Feeling Good; 6. Psychotherapy; 7. Medications; 8. Exercise and Nutrition; 9. Herbal and Other Types of Supplement; 10. Supplemental Strategies; PART THREE: SPECIAL CONCERNS OF VARIOUS POPULATIONS; 11. Dysthymia in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults; 12. Gender and Dysthymia; 13. Dysthymia and Aging; CONCLUSION: PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER; Appendix 1. Daiy Symptom Log; Most Commonly Used Antidepressants for Dysthymia; Resources (Organizations, Web Sites, Discussion Groups, etc.)