Review Detail

Rethinking Depression is an interesting and provocative book that examines how we think about mental health, and how we can create a life packed with personal meaning. Maisel writes that "the word depression has virtually replaced unhappiness in our internal vocabularies." Unhappiness is a natural response to life's trials but that doesn't mean that it should be medicated.

He suggests that depression is a pharmaceutical response to unhappiness. If we realize that depression has been created by doctors, mental health professionals, and drugs companies then we can learn to shed such mental health labels and begin to work on what makes us unhappy.

Part One of this book looks at how mental disorders are created, and what 'treatments' really do. Part Two looks at putting together an existential plan to give your life meaning. The key element of coping with unhappiness, and freeing yourself from the label of 'depression', is to give your life personal meaning.

Maisel explores subjects such as deciding to matter, honoring your wants and needs, creating a life purpose vision, and engaging in self-care. Having worked with individuals seeking help with mood and motivation, Maisel has produced a book that is packed with sound advice and informative direction.

For a different perspective on mental health, and help with creating a more healthy life plan, read Rethinking Depression. As Maisel says, "Reject the very idea of depression and make meaning instead."