Books & Reports
Information
What Works (and What Doesn't)
AF Jorm, H Christensen, KM Griffiths A Korten, B Rodgers, Centre for Mental Health Research: Canberra, 2001.
An evidence-based review of a range of medical, psychological and alternative 'treatments' for depression.
Most of the material in this book appears in the BluePages site. If you would like a hard copy of the information, the book can be ordered from PANDANAS books, ANU.
(Ph. 02 6125 3269; Fax: 02 6125 9975; website: http://rspas.anu.edu.au/bookshop).
National Action Plan for depression
Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care. Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care: Canberra. 2000.
www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-pubs-n-depress
This report provides a framework and strategies for addressing the problem of depression in Australia.
Self Help
Beating the Blues
S Tanner & J. Ball (Doubleday: Sydney, 1989). A popular book written by two Sydney psychologists. Clearly set out and easy to understand, the book is based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy.
Control your depression
PM Lewinsohn, RF Munoz, R.F., MA Youngren, & AM Zeiss. (Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1986; 2nd edition)
Dealing with Depression: A common sense guide for mood disorders
G Parker (Allen & Unwin: Sydney, 2004; 2nd edition). A user-friendly guide to depression and mood disorders for sufferers, their families, and health professionals. Written by the Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute.
Feeling Good. The New Mood Therapy
David D Burns (Morrow, 1999). A well known, and effective self help book for depression based on the principles of cognitive behaviour therapy.
Living with the Black Dog
M. Johnstone & A. Johnstone (Pan Macmillan: Sydney, 2008). A guide for partners, family, friends and colleagues of depression sufferers. Includes practical advice about recognising the symptoms of depression in a loved one, living with a depressed person, and helping htem to tame their Black Dog. Highly recommended by the Black Dog Institute.
Personal experience
Back from the Brink
G. Cowan (www.iambackfromthebrink.com). Details discussions with well-known and everyday Australians who share their personal journey of enduring and overcoming depression. Highly recommended by the Black Dog Institute.
Back from the Brink Too
G. Cowan (www.iambackfromthebrink.com). Up to date information about supporting someone with depression, and practical advice for carers. Highly recommended by the Black Dog Institute.
Darkness Visible
W. Styron (Vintage: NY, 1992). Author William Styron's beautifully written and moving account of his experience of depression. One reader of the book wrote "What I felt Styron put into words"[1]. Chosen by the US Board of the Modern Library as one of the 100 best non-fiction books of the 20th Century.
I Had a Black Dog
M. Johnstone (Pan Macmillan: Sydney, 2005). Artist and writer Matthew Johnstone, a sufferer himself, has written and illustrated this moving and uplifting insight into what it is like to have a Black Dog as a companion. Highly recommended by the Black Dog Institute.
Malignant Sadness: The Anatomy of Depression
L. Wolpert (Faber & Faber: London, 1999). Professor Wolpert is a Professor of biology. In this book he describes his personal experience with depression and summarises what is known about the condition.
Journeys with the Black Dog: Inspirational stories of bringing depression to heel
Edited by T Wigney, K Eyers, G Parker (Allen & Unwin: Sydney, 2007). A collection of personal stories of living with depression. Edited by staff at the Black Dog Institute.
References
[1] A reader from Sherman Oaks, CA. An amazing heartfelt insight into the truth about depression. Spotlight reviews. February 14, 1999.