Personal stories from sufferers of bipolar disorder reveal what it's like on the inside. Their inspiring accounts and wise advice are accompanied by tips from psychiatrists and the latest research for successfully managing this difficult condition.
"A great insight from a sufferer's perspective - I hope people draw strength from reading how others deal with this condition."
Andrew Johns, former Australian Rugby League captain
Depression can be a dark and lonely experience: sharing with a friend can make all the difference. In Journeys with the Black Dog many people share their stories of living with depression. Written with raw honesty and sharp humour, these stories demonstrate it is possible to gain control over depression. A genuinely inspiring read for anyone who suffers from depression and those who care for them.
"It cuts deep and speaks to the soul as well as the intellect."
Professor Geoff Gallop, former Premier of Western Australia
The compilation weaves its way from ancient Greece, Rome, Mesopotamia and Egypt to modern times via mediaeval witchcraft, devils and superstition, the Renaissance, and Victorian rationalism. The result is a lovely tapestry bringing together historical, literary, folkloric, psychological and linguistic threads to build a societal picture of depression. Anyone who has ever experienced depression, or who wants to know more about this illness, will find the black dog's trail through history a fascinating read.
A user-friendly guide to depression and mood disorders for sufferers, their families, and health professionals. Gordon Parker explains that contrary to popular belief, there are many different types of depression, each benefiting from different treatments. Containing information on bipolar disorder and the influence of personality styles on non-melancholic disorders and much more, this is a popular and useful guide.
"...an excellent overview of the depressive illnesses, written by one of the leading authorities on the subject."
Kay Redfield Jamison, Professor of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Bipolar depression is now known to exist as a spectrum of disorders rather than a single disease entity. Bipolar II Disorder exists on this spectrum as a condition where the depressive episodes are as severe as in Bipolar I Disorder, but where the mood elevation states are not as extreme. This unexpected combination can lead to a failure to detect a condition thought to affect up to 6% of the population. For the first time, this book reviews our knowledge of this debilitating disorder, covering its history, classification and neurobiology. In a unique section, fourteen internationally recognised experts debate management strategies, building to some consensus, and resulting in treatment guidelines where no such advice currently exists. It should be read by all health professionals managing mood disorders and will be informative to those wishing to learn more about the condition.
The DSM and ICD mental illness classifi catory systems define mood disorder as essentially a single condition varying only by severity; however, there are major problems with this approach. In this book, Gordon Parker and Vijaya Manicavasagar expose the weaknesses in the existing models, and describe a new approach to subtyping and managing depression based on there being some categorical conditions, including melancholia and psychotic depression, as well as conditions more dependent on life stresses and personality styles. They argue that depression can exist as a disease, a disorder, a syndrome and a normal reaction, and it therefore requires a multi-modal approach to conceptualisation and management. Highly illustrated in full colour throughout and written in an entertaining, but informative and practical style, this book should be read by all those responsible for managing or caring for individuals with mental illness.
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. It shows that strength and support that can be found within and around us to tame it. Black Dog can be a terrible beast, but with the right steps can be brought to heel.
"There are many different breeds of Black Dog affecting millions of people from all walks of life. The Black Dog is an equal opportunity mongrel."
Matthew Johnstone
This must-have 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 them to tame their Black Dog. In a simple and clever way, the book offers valuable insights about helpful approaches to living with depression and the importance of self-care for the carer.
"The hardest thing when you are depressed is thinking that there is no way out. But with the right steps, those Black Dog days do pass. My Black Dog may reappear, but I'm equipped now to deal with him. I've brought him to heel."
Matthew Johnstone
Compiled by Graeme Cowan, Back from the Brink details discussions with well-known and everyday Australians who share their personal journey of enduring and overcoming depression. The questions were formed by asking real depression sufferers what they wanted to see asked. The answers offer insights into the dark and tumultuous experiences endured by those suffering from depression. They tell you what worked for them. Written in a question and answer format, the book offers a raw and immediate style that will strike you to your heart. These honest, first-hand accounts show just how real and prevalent depression is in Australia. The book also offers inspiration and hope for sufferers and their friends and family.
Over two million Australians are currently supporting a loved one with depression, yet many of them feel very isolated and alone. Research shows they often feel frustrated, rejected, and unable to find the right help. Often they feel they don't really know their loved one anymore. Alarmingly, 81 per cent of caregivers report that their own mental or physical help has been adversely affect. Yet support and care is essential to their loved one's recovery.
''This book goes to the heart of how individuals can care for someone with depression. It also comes from the heart - of someone who has walked the journey and can define how caregivers can best "care".'
Professor Gordon Parker, Executive Director, Black Dog Institute
Page last updated: 9-Sep-2008
Depression and Bipolar Disorder Information Australia - Black Dog Institute.
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