The Depression Cure - the 6 Step Program to Beat Depression Without Drugs (soft cover version), was written by Stephen S. Ilardi, PhD. This book is a carefully crafted treatment plan designed to treat depression without prescribed medication. Instead, the plan focuses on a variety of other ways to treat depression - some traditional, some more unique.

The Basics
289 pages
Published in 2009
A psychology book written by a doctor who designed a program designed to aid depression recovery
Average length and very well-written, easy to read and comprehend

What I Liked Most
The book really does provide a plan. This isn't a loose set of suggestions or vague randomness. This is a comprehensive but simple plan that allows the reader to take control of their mental health. The plan's steps are uncomplicated and totally realistic.

I appreciated the fact that Dr. Ilardi is so familiar with depression. Not only is he an associate professor of clinical psychology at the University of Kansas, he also treats depressed patients through his practice. Perhaps it's his familiarity with the illness that allows him to write so knowledgeably yet with such empathy.

Here are a few of my favorite lines:
"...I've had the privilege of working with many depressed patients who knew they needed to change the way they were living, but didn't know how to do so on their own. Helping them in that process... has been one of the most satisfying, joyful experiences of my life."

What I Liked Least
There wasn't anything that I disliked about this book, really. I keep my personal copy nearby and refer to it often.

Library or Purchase?
Should you buy this book or borrow it? I would definitely suggest investing in this book. It's an excellent resource and can be referred to time and again, making it well worth the cost.

NOTE: I obtained this book on my own, read it and provided this review with no incentive from the author or publisher.

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My name is Rayna Battle and I suffer from Major Depression, Cyclothymia, and Generalized Anxiety. I am not a mental health professional. Instead, I am a fellow sufferer, researching and fighting to understand the illnesses that threaten our happiness.

Each week I send out a brief newsletter with encouragement, tips, and other useful mental health resources. You can sign up for this free newsletter using the box right below this article.

Thank you for reading! I encourage you to share your opinion of it in the Depression forum, a community of people who understand.

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