Reviews and critical acclaim for Depression is a Choice
" Excellent work, highly recommended. DEPRESSION IS A CHOICE is a documentary, text book type work of 20 chapters in which a woman who is a therapist and well acquainted with depression offers some concrete insight and advice into depression and how to manage it through employing Directed Thought. Curtiss says Directed Thinking is a combination of awareness, understandings, formula thinking, and mind tricks applied to depression; "my own and others". ~ The Electric Bookstore
"Watch television and you can’t miss the ads for anxiety, depression, Zoloft, Prozac and more. We are hit from every media outlet with information regarding depression. Kids on Ritalin, ads for re-integration, our society is under a barrage from drug companies and A.B. Curtiss has had the courage to stand up and say we don’t need the drugs. Depression is a Choice is an eye-opener for us all. She takes on head first the causes of depression, enables the reader to understand what it is and how it affects us, and how we can control it. Ms. Curtiss doesn’t do this from some ivory tower isolated from depression, she herself has struggled with it all her life, she knows what it is to be incapacitated by fear and anxiety. Yet, her book is not about her, her book is the practical application of what she calls Directed Thinking. She has outlined very simple steps in the walk toward wellness and has boldly challenged us to rethink our approach towards depression. Accept that challenge, whether you or a loved one faces depression everyday, accept it in understanding what is happening in our society as we are faced with the drugging of our families, friends, and children, accept the responsibility to look at this for what it is and how it is affecting our everyday life. She has definitely raised the banner with an intelligent and thoughtful approach." ~ New Book Reviews - reviewed by Diane Morgan – Editor
"Watch television and you can’t miss the ads for anxiety, depression, Zoloft, Prozac and more. We are hit from every media outlet with information regarding depression. Kids on Ritalin, ads for re-integration, our society is under a barrage from drug companies and A.B. Curtiss has had the courage to stand up and say we don’t need the drugs. Depression is a Choice is an eye-opener for us all. She takes on head first the causes of depression, enables the reader to understand what it is and how it affects us, and how we can control it. Ms. Curtiss doesn’t do this from some ivory tower isolated from depression, she herself has struggled with it all her life, she knows what it is to be incapacitated by fear and anxiety. Yet, her book is not about her, her book is the practical application of what she calls Directed Thinking. She has outlined very simple steps in the walk toward wellness and has boldly challenged us to rethink our approach towards depression. Accept that challenge, whether you or a loved one faces depression everyday, accept it in understanding what is happening in our society as we are faced with the drugging of our families, friends, and children, accept the responsibility to look at this for what it is and how it is affecting our everyday life. She has definitely raised the banner with an intelligent and thoughtful approach." ~ New Book Reviews - reviewed by Diane Morgan – Editor
"Picture this: It’s a rainy Fall morning, the sort of day that makes you want to retreat to bed before you’ve even brushed your teeth. Unfortunately, you’ve got tons to do–can you shake this negative mood? Yes, says a new book DEPRESSION IS A CHOICE (Hyperion), by psychotherapist A. B. Curtiss. "A Chinese proverb says, ‘we cannot prevent the birds of sadness from flying over our heads, but we must not let them build a nest in our hair," she notes. Using this idea, Curtiss created Directed Thinking, a method that teaches people to overcome sadness by refocusing their thoughts. "Neuroscience studies show that feelings of depression occur in a more primitive part of the brain," Curtiss explains. "Cognitive thinking occurs in the neocortex, a more developed area." By stimulating the neocortex, she says, you can prevent your mind from focusing on your sadness. It’s a trick you may use already, if you’ve ever worked through a bad mood by playing the piano, immersing yourself in a novel or throwing your energy into cooking up a feast. By giving your brain a break from thinking only depressed thoughts, Curtiss, says, you stabilize your mood. "It isn’t easy," acknowledges Curtiss, who adds that severely depressed people can’t "think" themselves out of it. "But most people find once they learn to direct their thoughts away from depression, those feelings slowly disappear." Bottom line: When sadness strikes, fight back by shifting your brain into high gear." ~ SELF Magazine
"The old adage of “take two pills and call me in the morning” apparently doesn’t apply to depression anymore. Increasingly, those who suffer from depression are taking the pills—but forgoing follow-up visits to mental health professionals. That treatment strategy leaves a lot to be desired and creates significant potential legal and productivity problems for human resource professionals—especially since incidents of depression are on the rise." ~ HR Magazine. Read the full review.
"I wake up feeling like I'm going to die in the morning. It's just unbearable. It's agony." This is how A.B. Curtiss, author and psychotherapist, describes her battle with depression. Yet Curtiss has never taken antidepressants. Instead, she has written a book about her experience, "Depression is a Choice: Winning the Battle Without Drugs" (Hyperion, $24.95). Curtiss, a California family therapist, mother of five and grandmother of nine, said the genesis of her depression lies in her childhood. Her father was diagnosed with manic depression, as were she and her brother. Her father eventually died in a state of catatonic depression. Her brother has been taking medication for more than 20 years, Curtiss said, but it has not helped him. She went into the field of psychotherapy to help herself find a cure for what was running her life." ~ Chicago Tribune. Read the full review.
"The most engaging aspects of her long book are her accounts of her experiences and of the growth in awareness that led her to "Directed Thinking," the major goal of which is to control not depression but one's reaction to depression; not to find fault (a culpable condition) but to find a remedy consisting of mental processes to employ as soon as the first twinges of depression appear. Developing such processes is a choice, hence the title of Curtiss' hortatory book, which probably will rouse discussion among caregivers, patients, and drug companies." ~ Booklist, American Library Association
"In Depression Is A Choice: Winning the Battle Without Drugs, Curtiss explores an alternative to coping with depression, one that she calls "directed thinking". Curtiss creates a road map for converting the energy we put into being depressed into a strength that can ultimately lead us out of depression. As someone who has suffered from depression herself, and who is also a practicing psychotherapist, she asks whether, in the name of depression, we excuse ourselves of responsibility in certain areas in our lives. While acknowledging the seriousness of depression, she asks whether at times we falsely classify what we are feeling as depression, the disease, when in fact we are simply experiencing the difficulties that are all a part of the human condition, part of the process of living. Curtiss takes the available research in depression and the brain, and makes a convincing case that just as individuals who are depressed reside in their depression -- to the point where it becomes their focus -- that focus can be turned on its head and into a determination to find our way out. Curtiss' writing on depression and other topics has appeared in the San Diego Union-Tribune, The New York Times and The Boston Globe. She has published numerous books, including the critically acclaimed Time of the Wild." ~ GriefNet
"Over seventeen million Americans suffer from depression, with symptoms ranging from mild sadness to incapacitating misery. A.B. Curtiss is a board certified cognitive therapist, who was herself diagnosed with manic depression. Both her father and brother were also severe depressives, who did not benefit substantially from years of traditional treatment: psychotherapy and anti-depressant drugs. Through a trial and error process and much study, Dr. Curtiss came to realize that it was her reaction to the depressive feeling which was really incapacitating -- not necessarily the underlying chemical imbalance which was causing the problems she was experiencing. By separating the idea of herself from her "mind" she was able to distract herself from depressive thoughts as soon as they showed up. Curtiss gives specific examples of directed thinking which she has used to great effect in her life. Curtiss strongly rejects the notion that we cannot control our own moods, saying "We are not some kind of empty bags that periodically fill up with either pain or joy. The overwhelming feelings of depression lead us to believe we have nothing within us to fall back on. But this is not true….It is our moods that come and go….our mind always remains completely intact and immediately available to us when depression hits. …We simply have to remember how to properly access it at this time." (p. 200) Curtiss' work will be of great benefit to those who wish to take control of their own recovery and feelings. In fact, Curtiss' theories will also be of help in teaching people to control their own minds, while they are on antidepressants with the ultimate goal of being drug-free. One caveat: these techniques will likely be beyond seriously ill or suicidal patients, and seem more suited to treat mild to moderate depression." ~ Writers Write
"Happiness is our natural state. It is always available to us, in spite of what we feel at the time."
"This is my favorite book so far (May) in 2002. Even though it is not Christian, it has many parallels to what the Bible teaches on the soul, happiness, responsibility, morality, volition, controlled and uncontrolled emotions, etc. She is particularly good at quips (sort of like proverbs) that help the struggling person take control of their life without drugs. Christians should replace Curtiss' concepts of "principle, doing something, and higher-mind thinking" with "Bible doctrine, practical application of the Truth, and putting on the mind of Christ." Here goes: "Happiness is our natural state. It is always available to us, in spite of what we feel at the time." ~ Biblical Exegesis. Read more.
"In her thoughtful and at times explosive new book, A. B. Curtiss takes a look at these assumptions, exploring them from a philosophical, psychological, and often a deeply personal point of view."
"In our culture, it is taken as an unquestionable fact that depression is a disease, that it is quite common, and that it is the explanation for everything from lethargy to conditions and actions that are much more serious. In her thoughtful and at times explosive new book, A. B. Curtiss takes a look at these assumptions, exploring them from a philosophical, psychological, and often a deeply personal point of view. She tells us that for many, depression is a choice. Using a technique the author labels "directed thinking," Curtiss creates a road map for converting the energy we put into being depressed into a strength that can ultimately lead us out of depression. " ~ Written Voices.
"Will rouse discussion among caregivers, patients, and drug companies." ~ Booklist
"For quick help, though, in those moments when depression strikes, she recommends having some simple mind tricks on hand."
"Curtiss, a long-time sufferer of manic depression who spent years in therapy before deciding to become a cognitive behavioral therapist, concedes that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, but contends that will-power, not chemicals, is the way to cope with it. Depression, she asserts, lies in the lower-brain primal mind; to make it go away, simply use the upper-brain higher mind, which does not contain depression. Drawing at length from her own life experiences, but also using anecdotes from her practice, she describes how to use the higher mind to gain control over reaction to depression. She calls the process of choosing specific thoughts to switch the focus of attention from lower-brain mind to upper-brain mind "Directed Thinking," and like many self-help gurus, she advocates the use of positive self-talks. For quick help, though, in those moments when depression strikes, she recommends having some simple mind tricks on hand." ~ Kirkus Reviews
"Curtiss gives specific examples of directed thinking which she has used to great effect in her life."
"Over seventeen million Americans suffer from depression, with symptoms ranging from mild sadness to incapacitating misery. A.B. Curtiss is a board certified cognitive therapist, who was herself diagnosed with manic depression. Both her father and brother were also severe depressives, who did not benefit substantially from years of traditional treatment: psychotherapy and anti-depressant drugs. Through a trial and error process and much study, Dr. Curtiss came to realize that it was her reaction to the depressive feeling which was really incapacitating -- not necessarily the underlying chemical imbalance which was causing the problems she was experiencing. By separating the idea of herself from her "mind" she was able to distract herself from depressive thoughts as soon as they showed up. Curtiss gives specific examples of directed thinking which she has used to great effect in her life." ~ Readers Read.
"It is possible for us to think our way out of the depths of despair."
"Curtiss is a family therapist and cognitive behavioral therapist. She also has long personal experience of the condition now known by psychiatrists as bipolar affective disorder - formerly called manic-depression - in which periods of intense despair and misery are interspersed with episodes of highly charged energy and excitement. This book is a detailed, honest and at times alarming account of her ongoing struggle with depression, which makes good use of historical, philosophical, professional and some very personal perspectives. The book’s central message concerns the importance of what Curtiss calls ‘Directed Thinking’. She has found that it is not necessary to become a victim of depressed mood. She argues that although we cannot get rid of it directly, we do have some element of choice in the matter. It is possible for us to think our way out of the depths of despair." ~ Christopher Dowrick.
"In Depression Is A Choice: Winning the Battle Without Drugs, Curtiss explores an alternative to coping with depression, one that she calls "directed thinking". Curtiss creates a road map for converting the energy we put into being depressed into a strength that can ultimately lead us out of depression. As someone who has suffered from depression herself, and who is also a practicing psychotherapist, she asks whether, in the name of depression, we excuse ourselves of responsibility in certain areas in our lives. While acknowledging the seriousness of depression, she asks whether at times we falsely classify what we are feeling as depression, the disease, when in fact we are simply experiencing the difficulties that are all a part of the human condition, part of the process of living. Curtiss takes the available research in depression and the brain, and makes a convincing case that just as individuals who are depressed reside in their depression -- to the point where it becomes their focus -- that focus can be turned on its head and into a determination to find our way out. Curtiss' writing on depression and other topics has appeared in the San Diego Union-Tribune, The New York Times and The Boston Globe. She has published numerous books, including the critically acclaimed Time of the Wild." ~ GriefNet
"Over seventeen million Americans suffer from depression, with symptoms ranging from mild sadness to incapacitating misery. A.B. Curtiss is a board certified cognitive therapist, who was herself diagnosed with manic depression. Both her father and brother were also severe depressives, who did not benefit substantially from years of traditional treatment: psychotherapy and anti-depressant drugs. Through a trial and error process and much study, Dr. Curtiss came to realize that it was her reaction to the depressive feeling which was really incapacitating -- not necessarily the underlying chemical imbalance which was causing the problems she was experiencing. By separating the idea of herself from her "mind" she was able to distract herself from depressive thoughts as soon as they showed up. Curtiss gives specific examples of directed thinking which she has used to great effect in her life. Curtiss strongly rejects the notion that we cannot control our own moods, saying "We are not some kind of empty bags that periodically fill up with either pain or joy. The overwhelming feelings of depression lead us to believe we have nothing within us to fall back on. But this is not true….It is our moods that come and go….our mind always remains completely intact and immediately available to us when depression hits. …We simply have to remember how to properly access it at this time." (p. 200) Curtiss' work will be of great benefit to those who wish to take control of their own recovery and feelings. In fact, Curtiss' theories will also be of help in teaching people to control their own minds, while they are on antidepressants with the ultimate goal of being drug-free. One caveat: these techniques will likely be beyond seriously ill or suicidal patients, and seem more suited to treat mild to moderate depression." ~ Writers Write
"Happiness is our natural state. It is always available to us, in spite of what we feel at the time."
"This is my favorite book so far (May) in 2002. Even though it is not Christian, it has many parallels to what the Bible teaches on the soul, happiness, responsibility, morality, volition, controlled and uncontrolled emotions, etc. She is particularly good at quips (sort of like proverbs) that help the struggling person take control of their life without drugs. Christians should replace Curtiss' concepts of "principle, doing something, and higher-mind thinking" with "Bible doctrine, practical application of the Truth, and putting on the mind of Christ." Here goes: "Happiness is our natural state. It is always available to us, in spite of what we feel at the time." ~ Biblical Exegesis. Read more.
"In her thoughtful and at times explosive new book, A. B. Curtiss takes a look at these assumptions, exploring them from a philosophical, psychological, and often a deeply personal point of view."
"In our culture, it is taken as an unquestionable fact that depression is a disease, that it is quite common, and that it is the explanation for everything from lethargy to conditions and actions that are much more serious. In her thoughtful and at times explosive new book, A. B. Curtiss takes a look at these assumptions, exploring them from a philosophical, psychological, and often a deeply personal point of view. She tells us that for many, depression is a choice. Using a technique the author labels "directed thinking," Curtiss creates a road map for converting the energy we put into being depressed into a strength that can ultimately lead us out of depression. " ~ Written Voices.
"Will rouse discussion among caregivers, patients, and drug companies." ~ Booklist
"For quick help, though, in those moments when depression strikes, she recommends having some simple mind tricks on hand."
"Curtiss, a long-time sufferer of manic depression who spent years in therapy before deciding to become a cognitive behavioral therapist, concedes that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, but contends that will-power, not chemicals, is the way to cope with it. Depression, she asserts, lies in the lower-brain primal mind; to make it go away, simply use the upper-brain higher mind, which does not contain depression. Drawing at length from her own life experiences, but also using anecdotes from her practice, she describes how to use the higher mind to gain control over reaction to depression. She calls the process of choosing specific thoughts to switch the focus of attention from lower-brain mind to upper-brain mind "Directed Thinking," and like many self-help gurus, she advocates the use of positive self-talks. For quick help, though, in those moments when depression strikes, she recommends having some simple mind tricks on hand." ~ Kirkus Reviews
"Curtiss gives specific examples of directed thinking which she has used to great effect in her life."
"Over seventeen million Americans suffer from depression, with symptoms ranging from mild sadness to incapacitating misery. A.B. Curtiss is a board certified cognitive therapist, who was herself diagnosed with manic depression. Both her father and brother were also severe depressives, who did not benefit substantially from years of traditional treatment: psychotherapy and anti-depressant drugs. Through a trial and error process and much study, Dr. Curtiss came to realize that it was her reaction to the depressive feeling which was really incapacitating -- not necessarily the underlying chemical imbalance which was causing the problems she was experiencing. By separating the idea of herself from her "mind" she was able to distract herself from depressive thoughts as soon as they showed up. Curtiss gives specific examples of directed thinking which she has used to great effect in her life." ~ Readers Read.
"It is possible for us to think our way out of the depths of despair."
"Curtiss is a family therapist and cognitive behavioral therapist. She also has long personal experience of the condition now known by psychiatrists as bipolar affective disorder - formerly called manic-depression - in which periods of intense despair and misery are interspersed with episodes of highly charged energy and excitement. This book is a detailed, honest and at times alarming account of her ongoing struggle with depression, which makes good use of historical, philosophical, professional and some very personal perspectives. The book’s central message concerns the importance of what Curtiss calls ‘Directed Thinking’. She has found that it is not necessary to become a victim of depressed mood. She argues that although we cannot get rid of it directly, we do have some element of choice in the matter. It is possible for us to think our way out of the depths of despair." ~ Christopher Dowrick.