Ilardi - The Depression Cure: The Six-Step Programme to Beat Depression Without Drugs

Contents

PART ONE
UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION

PART TWO
THERAPEUTIC LIFESTYLE CHANGE
The Six Steps

PART THREE
MAKING THE CHANGE

About the Author

Stephen S. Ilardi, PhD, is associate professor of clinical psychology at the University of Kansas and the author of over forty professional articles on mental illness. Through his active clinical practice, Dr. Ilardi has treated several hundred depressed patients. He lives with his family in Lawrence, Kansas.

P RAISE FOR
T HE D EPRESSION C URE

Those who have suffered recurring, meaningless bouts of depression might want to reach for The Depression Cure rather than Unstuck, especially those sick of hearing how they should search their mental illness for wisdom.

Bookslut Founder Jessa Crispin in The Smart Set

Intriguing. Author Stephen S. Ilardi seems to be onto something when he points out that our ancestors didnt sit at a desk all day and fight traffic to go home stressed-out Pick up a copy of The Depression Cure. With your doctors blessing, a fair amount of effort, and this book, snapping out of it might be a snap.

The Bookworm Sez (nationally syndicated column)

[Ilardis] program helps patients reclaim six ancient lifestyle elements that can improve or eradicate depression. These include a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, the critical building blocks for brain structure and function; enjoyable activities that keep us from dwelling on negative thoughts; exercise that stimulates important brain chemicals; sufficient sunlight exposure to keep the bodys clock in sync; social support to avoid isolation; and healthy sleep habits that allow the brain and body to recover. It works for me and it will work for you!

Bookviews.com

A very good self-help book. Ilardi writes clearly, avoiding jargon, and speaking eloquently about many topics. His depiction of negative lifestyle influences on peoples emotions and actions are on target this is a splendid book because the recommendations made should lead to a healthier lifestyle for most people Overcoming depression is not a simple challenge but one, I suspect, has a chance of success by reading this book.

Metapsychology Online Reviews

Ilardis theory draws on discoveries in cognitive neuroscience and evolutionary psychology, which add heft to his common-sense advice The Depression Cure arrays data that may inspire action.

Kansas Alumni

Has a number of physical tips for staving off the mental wear and tear.

Day Spa Magazine

A realistic, fine guide, this is a recommendation for any general lending or health library.

Midwest Book Review

Introduction

Depression is a devastating illness. It robs people of their energy, their sleep, their memory, their concentration, their vitality, their joy, their ability to love and work and play, andsometimeseven their will to live. As a clinical psychologist, Ive worked with hundreds of patients to help heal depressions debilitating effects, so I will never underestimate this treacherous foe. From the day I first walked onto a psychiatric unit at Duke Medical Center two decades ago, Ive devoted my career to fighting the disorder: I know it far too well to make any blanket promises of a one-size-fits-all cure.

Yet heres what I can say with complete confidence: Depression is beatable. And the six-step program outlined in The Depression Cure is the most promising treatment for depression Ive ever witnessed in my years of clinical research and practice. Admittedly, this is a bold claimone I never would have imagined making when I began developing the program a few years ago. But its based on three important observations:

In recent years, Ive been invited to speak with thousands of peoplepatients, therapists, psychiatrists, students, and many othersabout this lifestyle-based approach to healing depression. The question Im most frequently asked is: Who might benefit from the program?

My reply: Everyone. This usually draws some laughter, as most people think Im jokinga bit of ironic, self-mocking exaggeration. But Im actually quite serious. At least four groups of people can benefit from the TLC program, and together they include just about everyone.

Shes right, of course. Theres a wealth of research on the physical and psychological benefits of the programs core elements: weight loss, increased energy, lower blood pressure, improved cardiac health, better immune function, reduced inflammation, greater mental clarity, and an enhanced sense of well-being. These are treatment side effects worth signing up for, and they represent another important reason for embracing the TLC program.

Despite the treatments beneficial effects, its still advisable to get a physical exam before you start putting the protocol into practice. In my own clinical research at the University of Kansas, I dont let anyone begin the full program until theyve first seen a doctor. This policy may surprise you, but its based on sound reasoning. For one thing, its always a good idea to check with a physician before embarking on a new exercise program. The same goes for taking high-dose nutritional supplements or increasing sun exposure. Since these are all core elements of the TLC program, its important to get your doctors okay before you begin.