Depression: The Way Out of Your Prison, Second Edition [Kindle Edition]

This is the best book I have ever read about depression! (I have read a lot of them). While cognitive-behavioural type self-help books on depression made me feel even more miserable (for example, suggesting to think only good thoughts), this book was touching and inspiring- it show where these thoughts come from! Two the best things are, first: book very well demonstrates how the roots of our depression should be searched for in our childhood and family; secondly: the chapter about using antidepressants very persuasively demonstrates that anti-depressants alone won't help. Very inspirational book.
However, I am afraid that it might help only those who have already reached some understanding on relationship between childhood experiences and depression via psychotherapy or themselves. This book definitely is not for people who are looking for ready-made fast-working recipes.

I have read the negative reviews and they do not surprise me. Ms Rowe's books are not for the feint of heart nor for those not wishing to take responsibility for themselves.
Yes I do know what depression is, I know what it is to be in so much pain that death seems far preferable. Yes, I had a terrible childhood and had every reason to be depressed. However, Ms Rowe indeed showed me the way out of my prison. If people don't see that she gives clear methods for getting out, then they must not want to see them. What realised, and she taught me, was that my childhood had taught me to think in a way that was detrimental to my health, that was the cause of my depression(in fact manic depression - bi - polar disorder). thru reading her books I came to understand myself, why I was suffering and how only I could end it. And the way to end it was to take responsibility for my own recovery and two start the process of changing my thinking. Her explanation of ideas and meaning structures were the doorway for me. Today, I don't suffer from depression. I no longer think I was at fault for the abuse I suffered as a child and I am free of the vile thinking I had been taught. I freed myself with Ms Rowe as the guide. I would not be alive today if not for her books. Oh and I am drug free for depression and have been for years now. I also now have a 24/7 physical pain problem, am disabled, but still not depressed! I think differently and Ms Rowe showed me how. If her books are to be of help, one has to accept that the only way to change is by changing oneself and not relying on others to change.

I started reading the book and found myself feeling more and more disillusioned and down. The author obviously means well but she generalizes on the reasons for depression (which I believe are the current circumstances of your life). If we could all just jump out of the situation we are in and find ourselves in a better situation then we would almost certainly feel better. Another thing wrong with this book is that the author only devoted 14 pages out of around 340 pages to discussing actually what to do to get out of the depressive state, and even in these measly 14 pages she leaves you without a clue. So the book is wrongly titled. I believe every case of depression is different. My own experience is that stress and the lack of healthy coping mechanisms is a major cause of depression. Usually a depressed person feels in a corner and has to work their way out of it to feel better.