Positive Psychology for Overcoming Depression: Self-help Strategies for Happiness, Inner Strength and Well-being Paperback – February 2, 2012

The author's descriptions are clear and comprehensive, making the material easy to understand and relate to. I especially appreciated the positivity of these proven strategies to grow in experiencing positive emotions, optimism, resilience and vitality of body, mind and spirit. A terrific explanation of a new field in psychology that is bound to make an immense contribution to the helping professions.

This is a well written guide on ways of extricating yourself or close friends and relatives from the "slough of despond".Rather than answer the awkward, "Why me?" or "What's the Use?" questions, refer the person to this book or sit down and go through the book with your best friend. It's a great resource!Don Gillman

I have seldom been as pleased with a "self help" book as I have been with this one. Although its prime purpose appears to be the prevention or "cure"for depression it really is a primer of "life 101".

Very good!

Very good reference book and a positive asset to my collection.

This is the first book I've read about depression that hasn't made me feel depressed. It's uplifting, inspiring, hopeful, often amusing and of course - positive.I urge everyone to read it, not just people who have been or are depressed. As Miriam explains, the Positive Psychology aspect of this book isn't just about getting out of depression, its about moving into a positive emotional state - happiness!There are lots of simple and practical suggestions and exercises to do and Miriam shares her own personal experience and journey from a downward spiral of depression to an upward spiral of positivity.I read this book in 2 days because I couldn't put it down! Although there is lots of research evidence to support Miriam's suggestions, this does not read like a dreary textbook and each concept is explained in simple and easily understood terms.Reading this book will cheer and encourage you, whether you have depression or not! :-)

I am really pleased to have this book. I love the way each chapter is 'stand-alone' so you can dip into which ever section you are drawn to, or feel you need at any one time. I appreciate the extensive referencing and the recommended further reading at the end of each chapter. The book is based on coaching techniques which require the coachee to take action. Seemingly small actions can have profound benefits - it's well worth giving the recommended activities a try. I'm not clinically depressed - but have a tendency to get overwhelmed by life frequently - I need to constantly work on developing the skills to keep my mood healthy. This book is an ideal tool for me.

I'm ordering a bunch of these to give to clients. I'm a psychologist in private practice and I just got a copy of this book today and skimmed through it. She does cover major research in positive psychology, but in a very readable fashion. I like her discussion of her own history of depression and discovery of positive psychology as a way of getting and staying well. The book is well organized and the suggestions for increasing happiness and well-being are clear and straightforward. I have lots of other self-help books on depression which I have given to clients, but I feel like throwing them all away. I'm going to use this one from now on.

Miriam is such a positive writer and this book talks about depression in a very accessible way as well as the latest research on well-being before introducing ideas about generating positivity in your life and creating resilience. Obviously people with deep depression need to seek expert help before considering this as a support. For those who are prone to look on the dark side, this could be invaluable for building well-being and resilience to protect yourself in the future and promote happiness. To be honest, most of us should probably read this once at some point in our lives!

Well it seems to be well written but it didn't quite hit a nerve with me the way that "Feel the fear and do it any way" did

This has to be by far the most interesting and accessible book dealing with this subject. Miriam Akhtar writes in a style that is informative, entertaining and made all the more poignant by her own experiences. With one in two adults expected to have an episode of depression in their lives perhaps this book should be available on the NHS! The easy to follow strategies are effective in building resilience and changing your view of the world and your place within it. It is an uplifting and inspiring book which puts happiness within the reach of everyone. I can't recommend it highly enough.