CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Part One

When Going Through Hell…Don't Stop!

A Survivor's Tale of Overcoming Clinical Depression

1. The Descent Into Hell

2. There Is No Room at The Inn

3. Treading Fire

4. Madness or Suicide, It's Yours to Decide

5. Bearing the Unbearable Pain

6. Overcoming the Stigma of Depression

7. God is My Antidepressant

8. After the Pain, the Joy

Epilogue: Footprints in the Sand

Chronology of Events

Part Two

Healing from Depression and Anxiety

A Body, Mind, and Spirit Recovery Program

9. What is Clinical Depression and How Do I Know If I Have It?

10. Introducing the 12-Week Better Mood Recovery Program

Week 1: Setting The Intention to Heal

Week 2: Reaching Out for Support

Week 3: Physical Self-Care: Focusing on the Basics

Week 4: Antidepressants and Their Alternatives

Week 5: Cognitive Restructuring

Week 6: Learning to Think Like an Optimist

Week 7: The Road to Self-Esteem

Week 8: Expanding Your Social Support

Week 9: The Healing Power of Spirit

Week 10: Creating a Healthy Lifestyle

Week 11: Stress and Pain Management

Week 12: Relapse Prevention

Conclusion: Living in Recovery

Part Three

Crisis Management and Other Important Issues

11. Therapeutic Interventions When Things Are Falling Apart

12. Financially Surviving a Depressive Episode

13. Managing Anxiety that Often Accompanies Depression

14. When Someone You Love Is Depressed

Afterword

Appendix A: The Many Faces of Depression

Appendix B: How to Start a Healing From Depression Support Group in Your Area

Appendix C: Resources for Wellness

Recommended Reading

About the Author

Credits

“And Still I Rise”

Sidebars and Worksheets

Part One

Diagnostic Criteria for a Major Depressive Episode

Diagnostic Criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Words of Hope

Admission Summary: Pacific Gateway Hospital

A Daily Survival Plan for Responding to Depression/Anxiety

Daily Rating Scale For Anxiety and Depression

January Mood Diary

Depression Life-Raft Card

Prayer for Going Through a Dark Night of the Soul

Back to the Present

Answered Prayers

Anxiety/Depression Ratings Over Time

From Despair to Gratitude

Part Two

The Depression Cycle

Diagnostic Criteria for a Major Depressive Episode

Images of Depression

Anatomy of a Neuron

The Limbic Brain

Healthy Sadness vs. Depression

Anxiety/Depression Symptoms Inventory

Healing from Depression Flow Chart

The Three Steps of the Better Mood Program

Healing From Depression and Anxiety: Five Areas of Therapeutic Self-Care

My Five Areas of Therapeutic Self-Care

Barbara's Vision of Health and Wellness

Laura and Michael's Vision of Health and Wellness

A Vision Statement Collage

My Goals for the Better Mood Recovery program

An Ally in Healing

Daily Mood Scale

Daily Mood Diary

10 Basics of Physical Self-Care

Marks's Story: Exercise Makes the Difference

Physical Self-Care Wellness Inventory

Creating Goals for Physical Self-Care

Roger's Story: Finding the Right Medication

How Big a Dose? Ask the Patient

Alphabetical Listing of Medications by Trade Name

Assessing My Medication

How the Same Event Can Result in Different Feelings

Ten Thinking Errors Known as Cognitive Distortions

Disempowering Core Beliefs

Cognitive Model of Depression

Assessing My Habits of Thinking

ABC Daily Mood Log

Cognitive Restructuring Worksheet

Cognitive Restructuring Example

Ying Yang Symbol

What Is Your Explanatory Style?

David's Story: What Happens when You Can't Be Grateful?

Assessing My Optimism Inventory

Characteristics of Self-Esteem

Affirmations for Self-esteem

Diana's Story: Breaking the Silence

No Less Than Greatness

Assessing My Self-Esteem

The Power of Social Support

The Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Sherry's Story: Early Morning Telephone Angels

Assessing My Social Support

Creating Goals for Social Support

Judith's Story: Calling Me

Promises of Deliverance

Assessing My Connection to Spirit

Assessing Goals for Spiritual Connection

Marie's Story: Overcoming Depression through Right Employment

The Twelve Steps

Ideas for Pleasurable Activities

Take Time for 12 Things

Assessing My Lifestyle Habits

Creating Goals for Healthy Habits

Healthy Self-Care Activity Schedule

Douglas's Healthy Self-Care Activities

The Social Readjustment Scale

My Stress Management Inventory

Early Warning Signs of Depression and Anxiety

Avoiding the Hole in the Sidewalk

My Personal Relapse Prevention Plan

Healing from Depression and Anxiety: My Personalized Better Mood Program

My New Goals for the Better Mood Recovery Program

Patricia's Story: “I Am Grateful for the Little Things”

Part Three

Are You A Survivor?

Coping with Suicidal Pain

Facts About Suicide

Best Things to Say to Someone Who Is Depressed