Laura L. Smith - Anxiety and Depression For Dummies

Anxiety & Depression For Dummies , Pocket Edition

by Laura L. Smith, PhD, and Charles H. Elliott, PhD

Anxiety & Depression For Dummies, Pocket Edition

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Copyright 2010 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

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ISBN: 978-1-118-04294-6

Manufactured in the United States of America

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Publishers Acknowledgments

Project Editor: Georgette Beatty

Copy Editor: Melissa Wiley

Composition Services: Indianapolis Composition Services Department

Cover Photo: iStockphoto.com/ayzek

Introduction

T odays world gives us plenty to worry about and always has. People worry about natural disasters, financial calamity, terror, and health pandemics. But just as we dont want to become victims of terror, we cant let ourselves become victims of anxiety. Anxiety clouds our thinking and weakens our resolve to live life to the fullest. We realize that some anxiety is realistic and inescapable, yet we can keep it from dominating our lives. Even under duress, we can preserve a degree of serenity; we can hold on to our humanity, vigor, and zest for life.

Theories also abound concerning the alarming increase in depression today. But regardless of the cause, this scourge robs its victims of happiness, joy, and the capacity to give and receive love. The good news is that more weapons exist for defeating depression than ever before. Clinicians have devised new psychotherapies verified as effective in treating depression and preventing relapse. Furthermore, science is beginning to understand the delicate relationship between mood and brain chemistry. Medications that target specific chemicals provide important additional tools for the alleviation of depression. The vast majority of people no longer need to suffer with long-standing, intractable depression.

About This Book

Were keenly aware of the pain, anxiety, and despair you may be experiencing. Your sense of humor is likely depleted. With this book, we attempt to lighten exquisitely somber subjects with tidbits of humor. Some of you may take offense with our attempts or even feel diminished or discounted by this decision. We can understand that reaction. At the same time, your long-term goals need to include rediscovering laughter. Thus, we hope you can try to take our occasional use of wit in the manner we intend it as another way to help you lift yourself out of the fog of anxiety and depression.

In addition, we realize that the title Anxiety & Depression For Dummies may seem offensive to some, especially because when people are depressed, theyre prone to make negative, personalized interpretations. However, we assure you that the content of this book is as serious as any book on anxiety and depression. The For Dummies format simply enables us to present important material in easily digestible segments. We leave it up to you to determine if we succeed in doing so.

Unlike most books, you dont have to start on page 1 and read straight through. Use the Table of Contents to pick and choose what you want to read.

Conventions Used in This Book

We avoid the use of professional jargon as much as possible. When we occasionally find it necessary to use a technical term, we clearly define the term.

We also include numerous stories to illustrate the information and techniques we present. The people you read about arent real; however, they represent composites of the many wonderful people weve known and worked with over the years. We bold the name of each character the first time it appears to alert you to the fact that were telling a story.

What Youre Not to Read

Not only do you not have to read each and every chapter in order or at all, you dont have to read each and every icon or aside. We try to give you plenty of current information and facts about anxiety and depression. Some may not interest you so dont get too anxious about skipping around.

Foolish Assumptions

We assume, probably foolishly, that you or someone you love suffers from some type of problem with anxiety, worry, or depression. We also hope that you want information to help tame tension and overcome anxiety or to banish depression from your life. Finally, we imagine youre curious about a variety of helpful strategies that can fit your lifestyle and personality.