Posted by Dr. Bob on February 7, 2004, at 14:57:27
In reply to Learning Unlearning the Benefits of Depression, posted by Journeyman on February 4, 2004, at 22:31:30
> Everything has a purpose, including depression.
>
> Based on my own emotional struggles, and I am now grateful for what they're teaching me, I'd like to make three suggestions for reading. I am convinced that depression damages our sense of self, and therefore necessarily warps our ability to relate fully and satisfyingly to others in ways which are mutually healthy and fun. At least that's been my experience. If it's been yours too, you might find some help in reading the following:
>
> Reclaiming childlike joy - "Homecoming" by John Bradshaw and "Radical Acceptance" by Tara Brach, who looks at the reasons why and how we use depression as a coping mechanism.
>
> Recreating Love Relationships - "Getting The Love You Want" by Harville Hendrix. Examines why we fall in love (for better or worse, it's a very natural process) and how to take that process and use it to remove the explosive crazyness that often develops between two people who are bewildered by how the love they'd formerly experienced has seemingly disappeared.
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> Dealing with the loss of a loved one - "Who Dies?" by Stephen and Ondrea Levine. Stephen Levine's job is to counsel patients who are facing their final year/weeks/days of living. He's learned a great deal about hanging on and letting go, both for those who are about to die, and for those who are left to deal with the loss (and eventual gain) of the inevitable. The style of writing doesn't make it the most riveting book, but the content (for me) more than makes up for it. [My father died 16 months ago, and I found the book to be a big help.]
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> May your days be filled with wonder and acceptance.
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> Journeyman
>
>
poster:Dr. Bob
thread:310577
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/books/20030426/msgs/310577.html