Talking to Depression

December 15, 2003
The author of Talking to Alzheimer's
shares a simple, direct and effective approach for family and friends of those living and dealing with clinical depression. Strauss delves into specific scenarios with depressed loved ones, clearly explaining why certain responses and phrasing of comments are helpful while others are ineffective or seem like mere "stock phrases" to the person who is depressed. Strauss also explains that simply being there for the depressed person helps more than giving specific advice. "It isn't her job to listen to you; it's your job to listen to her. That's the best way to help her." Clinical psychologist Martha Manning, whose book Undercurrents
offered a personal dimension to the illness, hits the exact note when she writes in the foreword that "dealing with depression is a collaboration." Strauss uses this approach throughout the book, explaining the unique ways in which the depressed mind works and, consequently, how others can better connect with that way of thinking through appropriate conversation, body language and practical support. When viewed individually, these suggestions may seem like ways to tiptoe around the depressed person, but altogether they are considerate and sensitive methods of communicating in any type of relationship. Strauss's insight applies to the day-to-day battles alongside the depression sufferer, but she also stresses how much can be learned from these strong individuals: "In physical battles, we celebrate the bravery of the soldier who falls. The bravery of the psychological warrior is no less."

December 1, 2003
Given that ten percent of adults suffer from mood disorders each year, the plethora of literature available on depression is not surprising. While there are ample resources for those who are depressed, books devoted to their loved ones are less abundant. Strauss (English, Albright Coll.; Talkisng to Alzheimer's) attempts to fill this gap with a book aimed at "the rest of us," listing useful resources, reminding caregivers to maintain their own well-being, and suggesting conversations and activities to engage depressed individuals. Unfortunately, these one-liners aren't enough; the book would have benefited from real-life examples of exchanges with depressed persons. In addition, important issues are not discussed (e.g., evidence that depression increases the risk of heart disease), and a bibliography of sources consulted in the depression overview is notably absent. "Tips for Kids" reads like an afterthought, since so few pages are dedicated to this special group. Those interested in helping a depressed loved one should see Laura Epstein Rosen's When Someone You Love Is Depressed or William R. Beardslee's Out of a Darkened Room. An optional purchase for large public collections.-Heather O'Brien, Acadia Univ., Wolfville, N.S.

Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.