Depression Is the Pits, but I'm Getting Better: A Guide for Adolescents

Rating:
Summary: Depression Assistance for Teens: May Save Lives
Review: An excellent book for teens who are experiencing any level of depression. One of the key things I found in the book is the reminder to tell someone and it discusses the best people to tell, such as mental health professionals. Discusses the symptoms and types of depression, how to get help, discusses medication, counseling and provides personal stories of another teen's experience with depression. This book could save lives.

Rating:
Summary: Good depression book for teens
Review: There are very few books on depression specifically for teens, and this is a good one. It covers not only the basics of depression in how it appears in teens, but also how to get treatment. It presents the information in a realistic but positive manner.

Rating:
Summary: Depression IS the pits
Review: There seems to be a general shortage of books about depression aimed at teens, and I'm not impressed with this one. It is too cosy, too 'You will get better' (as if after a dose of flu). There is a lack of future projection, bar the three sentences on p.59 that 'Unfortunately, there is at least a 50% chance that depression will come back at some time during your life. If it does happen, however, you'll know right away and be able to get help quickly. Also, putting into practice everything you've learned, or getting a medicine sooner, may make the depression go away faster.' Now 50% is a hell of a return rate, and I would want a book for teens to attack the roots of their depression, to reduce the chances of bad episodes later on. This book pays almost no attention to causes, and has nothing about basal hyperarousal. To be honest, a book on depression for teens should prepare them for the lifetime haul. The two stars are for info. The lack of other stars is for what isn't in the book. If anyone knows better books about depression, aimed at teens, I'd be glad to hear about them.