Books & Reports
Information
- What Works (and What Doesn't)
AF Jorm, H Christensen, KM Griffiths A Korten, B Rodgers, Centre for Mental Health Research: Canberra, 2001.
An evidence-based review of a range of medical, psychological and alternative 'treatments' for depression.
Most of the material in this book appears in the BluePages site. If you would like a hard copy of the information, the book can be ordered from PANDANAS books, ANU.
(Ph. 02 6125 3269; Fax: 02 6125 9975; website: http://rspas.anu.edu.au/bookshop/index.php).
- National Action Plan for depression
Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care. Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care: Canberra. 2000.
www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-pubs-n-depress
This report provides a framework and strategies for addressing the problem of depression in Australia.
Self Help
- Beating the Blues
S Tanner & J. Ball (Doubleday: Sydney, 1989). A popular book written by two Sydney psychologists. Clearly set out and easy to understand, the book is based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy.
- Control your depression
PM Lewinsohn, RF Munoz, R.F., MA Youngren, & AM Zeiss. (Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1986; 2nd edition)
- Dealing with Depression: A common sense guide for mood disorders
G Parker (Allen & Unwin: Sydney, 2004; 2nd edition). A user-friendly guide to depression and mood disorders for sufferers, their families, and health professionals. Written by the Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute.
- Feeling Good. The New Mood Therapy
David D Burns (Morrow, 1999).
A well known, and effective self help book for depression based on the principles of cognitive behaviour therapy.
- Living with the Black Dog
M. Johnstone & A. Johnstone (Pan Macmillan: Sydney, 2008). A guide for partners, family, friends and colleagues of depression sufferers. Includes practical advice about recognising the symptoms of depression in a loved one, living with a depressed person, and helping htem to tame their Black Dog. Highly recommended by the Black Dog Institute.
Personal experience
- Back from the Brink
G. Cowan (www.iambackfromthebrink.com). Details discussions with well-known and everyday Australians who share their personal journey of enduring and overcoming depression. Highly recommended by the Black Dog Institute.
- Back from the Brink Too
G. Cowan (www.iambackfromthebrink.com). Up to date information about supporting someone with depression, and practical advice for carers. Highly recommended by the Black Dog Institute.
- Darkness Visible
W. Styron (Vintage: NY, 1992). Author William Styron's beautifully written and moving account of his experience of depression. One reader of the book wrote: “What I felt Styron put into words”
[1]. Chosen by the US Board of the Modern Library as one of the 100 best non-fiction books of the 20th Century.
- I Had a Black Dog
M. Johnstone (Pan Macmillan: Sydney, 2005). Artist and writer Matthew Johnstone, a sufferer himself, has written and illustrated this moving and uplifting insight into what it is like to have a Black Dog as a companion. Highly recommended by the Black Dog Institute.
- Malignant Sadness: The Anatomy of Depression
L. Wolpert (Faber & Faber: London, 1999). Professor Wolpert is a Professor of biology. In this book he describes his personal experience with depression and summarises what is known about the condition.
- Journeys with the Black Dog: Inspirational stories of bringing depression to heel
Edited by T Wigney, K Eyers, G Parker (Allen & Unwin: Sydney, 2007). A collection of personal stories of living with depression. Edited by staff at the Black Dog Institute.
References
- [1] A reader from Sherman Oaks, CA. An amazing heartfelt insight into the truth about depression. Spotlight reviews. February 14, 1999.