A Practical Guide to Beating Depression

By Charlie Wardle

Millions of people suffer with depression, yet in most cases it can be beaten. If you have the understanding and knowledge and can then apply the tools and techniques, then it is possible. This book provides the information in a clear, easy to read way, so that you can treat, manage and prevent depression. As a result of beating depression you will be free to live a much happier and fulfilling life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brown Dog Books
• Release date: Jan 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781839521126

Book preview

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Chapter 1

Small Steps First

Objectives: This chapter is all about starting with the small things that will make a big difference in beating depression. Particularly focused on everyday thinking and behaviours, and what you can do to help make some positive changes. The earlier you start doing this, the easier it becomes and the more effective.

Turning the ship around

A good analogy to use is to think of yourself as a big cruise ship on the ocean and right now you are heading in the wrong direction, or at least you think you are. You may feel lost, with no idea where you are heading, but you know it doesn’t feel right; you don’t feel in control and you don’t know what you can do about it. Many people feel like this and you are certainly not alone, even if at times you think it is just you.

What you need to do, using this analogy, is to try to work out where you are and where you need to be going, and then to turn your big cruise ship around onto the right setting. None of that is easy and it will not be quick; however, it is achievable. You will work out where you are and where you need to go (and why you went off course) and then you can be in control and turn the ship around.

With a cruise ship you cannot simply turn it around so it will take time to change direction, so imagine yourself on that ocean slowly but surely turning the ship around as you gain the knowledge and understanding as to where you need to go.

Positive & Productive

If you look at the table above I am sure that most, if not all, of the feelings, thoughts, and behaviours you have listed on the left side are negative and unproductive. In contrast, on the right-hand side they are no doubt much more positive and productive. Of course, you would much rather your life be full of the positive and productive things and be living on that right-hand