Reader Testimonials for Depression is a Choice
This book is life saving!, September 7, 2003
Reviewer: A reader
I have suffered from depression my entire life. Although I found prozac to be very helpful, it eventually stopped working for me along with other antidepressant medication. If medication is the "fix it" for depression, and the medication does not work for you, or you are unable to take it, it is frightening to feel that you are a victim to depression. With this incredible life saving book A.B. Curtis reminds us that we do have the power to make changes in our lives. Her exercises that she recommends work! Overcoming depression is not easy. We will never completely be cured, but with this book we learn that we can take responsibility for our lives, and win the battle with depression. I highly recommend this book.
This book gave me hope, November 8, 2006
A Reader, Chicago, ILL
Reading this book was a turning point for me. It gave me the strength, conviction, and fortitude to sort out the problem which brought on my depression, to look at myself more deeply, and to try more earnestly to change my thinking. The latter being enormously difficult. I applaud the author for putting out such a book. I have read it through twice and gone back to re-read a few other chapters. The author, having had her own experience with depression, points out the pitfalls of blaming our problems on others or on forces we see as out of our control. She offers the practical advice to look inward, fix what we can fix in ourselves. She offers the concept that we can choose our thoughts, that we don't have to helplessly go with our feelings and suggests tricks or exercises to achieve this end. I have opted to not go the medication route and after reading this I believe, if at all, medication should only be used as a very last resort. Being a constant reader, I have always found the words of great people comforting and inspiring. The quotes the author sprinkles throughout her book are thoughtful. I don't understand the negative reviews; I think we can pull from many books and find our own personal perscription for depression. All in all, we are better off strengthening ourselves than depending on medication.
Finally someone says it, August 21, 2006
Kate, Dorchester, MA
For me, it was a great relief to be told to take responsibility for managing my moods and to be given some very specific suggestions about how to do it. The author states her case very strongly, but it didn't really bother me - and I found the repetition, the examples from her life, and the references to literature, etc. to be actually rather helpful in etching new thoughts into my brain. I have always felt - in my own case, at least, that drugs were not the anwer and that in some way I simply was not taking enough responsibility for my self. But I needed some help in figuring out how to proceed. Therapists - who push drugs or the repetition of painful stories from childhood - have not helped me. This book has and I recommend it. I am saddened by those people who are so scared of challenging idea that they have given it a negative review on the basis of the title alone - and have lacked the courage to read the book and see what it actually says.
A great book on overcoming depression., June 21, 2006
Adam D. Wadsworth
A book like this is needed in our society--it is a direct challenge to the "victim" mentality of mental illness in our culture. A powerful book for those seeking to overcome depression in their lives.
Forever indebted & grateful to the author--3 1/2 years later, June 10, 2005
Daliah S. Rainone, Washington, D. C.
I wrote my first review of this book in November, 2001, but I wanted to follow up, and since I can only have one review on here, I am consolidating what I had to say. It has now been more than three years since I read _Depression is a Choice_, and I am cured of my depression. It is no longer a factor in my life. This book gave me the tools that I needed, and after awhile, I didn't even need to employ them actively anymore. It became a natural way of being. Once in awhile, I do wake up with a hint of depression, but it is rare, and I make it go away easily. I have also learned to coexist with feelings that can be painful depending on life circumstance but not give into them. I am NOT my depression. My depression is only a feeling, and it can no longer stop me. I learned this, because of this life-saving, amazing book. Best wishes in your journey to feeling better. It is definitely possible.
THIS BOOK SAVED MY LIFE, April 19, 2004
Reviewer: A reader from Los Angeles, CA United States
When I was in the throes of a moderately deep (for me) depression, this book showed me a path forward. I am enormously appreciative of the guidance, including many practical tips on matters such as overcoming insomnia, that I obtained from Ms. Curtiss.
Brilliant and Insightful, December 10, 2006
April Jean, Charlottesville, VA
I stumbled across this book at the public library. I am currently dealing with my sister's "depression" and I have seen first-hand the medications take her much lower than any "depression" she ever had before taking them. A.B. Curtiss nailed it right on the head...my sister is battling fear...she graduated from college and didn't know what she wanted to do with her life and froze and didn't come out of her room for a year...but when the psychiatrist put her on anti-depressants and anti-psychotics, she turned into a manic monster. The drugs may help some people, but regular exercise is just as effective without risking the dangerous controlling side-effects that cause some patients to kill themselves or others...it DOES happen. In addition to understanding depression, I found this book so helpful for life in general...we are not merely victims of our thoughts and feelings...life is a set of choices and it does not matter what our particular circumstances are, but how we respond to them. I wasn't crazy about all the quotes from psycics and sages in the book, but was easily able to look past them to a lot of truth that she presents. It was verbose in some parts, but I truly appreciated how she spoke from her heart and hearing her story unfold kept me quite interested. She's clearly a brilliant woman...as revealed by her writing and insights and ideas. I took many quotes away that I plan to implement in my own life...my favorite being, "It isn't discipline that makes us organized. It's the humble stumble and bumble of working on getting organized that makes us disciplined." I wish more psychologists would be blunt like A.B. Curtiss and stop consoling us as victims and making excuses for us. Lots of wonderful famous people throughout history dealt with depression their whole lives (such as Abe Lincoln) and they didn't succomb to it or numb themselves with medications, they used the pain to make themselves stronger people and they lived courageously with purpose and direction. You can choose that path too...and be a stronger person because of it.
Awesome Book if You Can Keep Yourself from Getting Defensive,
April 28, 2007 A. Soet, Chicago Ill
I have to say that I agree with another reviewer about this book, it was a complete turning point for me. I will comment on the meat of the book, the concept, as I agree some parts of the book were slow and not necessary, but the point of this review is for the important parts. I read others reviews, and was not surprised at the shock people have felt from reading this book. even when I read it, I could tell a lot of people would miss the greatness of it because of its controversial concepts which will touch a nerve with many who feel helpless to their depression.
I have suffered from moderate to severe depression since I was very young. My mother has it, so does my brother; and I come from many generations of people who suffered from depression. I stumbled upon this book in the library when I was doing a research report. I think not everyone who reads this book, as evident by some of the reviews, will be able to handle this. It flies in the face of what society drills into your head about depression and asks you to step up and take responsibility for your life. Other reviewers who have touched on the idea that the author is blaming people for their own depression are missing the mark. I don’t think it’s about blame, and I’m pretty sure that the author is just trying to get you to see that your own action is the key to healing for the future. I never felt once while reading this book that it was 'all my fault' in a negative sense. All it did was bring the big picture together and it made my actions and thoughts and patterns throughout my life make a little more sense.
People who are not ready for this concept will just not be ready for it and will put up a wild defense that they really have nothing to do with being able to effect their depression. I can understand why, its devastatingly hard at times to get out of a mood or feeling that takes over and just seems to never go away.The author gives the idea of power back to the reader though. We are taught that we have no choice over depression, it is an 'illness' and that word in this society often means 'you have no personal power over this part of your life anymore, only external solutions work now'. But that is not true nor is it ever true when it comes to real healing.
You do have a choice, if you are only willing enough. Many people who are convinced they have no choice in depression will be angry at this book because they are under the expectation that depression IS just a chemical imbalance. They believe in the science about it being a real imbalance which means they have no power over it. But if you believe in that, why don’t you believe in the science of changing your brain? I know that my depression has been partly hereditary but also learned, and I can say it’s been a year since I’ve read this book and it remains one of my favorites because since then I have decided to take it into my own hands and really look closely at my thought patterns and do the hard, but very satisfying, work.
My mom is on meds, as is my brother, I am not. They are not open to this idea. They do not want to think they could do something to make their lives better because that is a really scary thought, and that is okay because that is what works for them, so medication is the best thing for them. Similar to the author, I always felt like there must be another way. And there is if you are open to it. I don’t deny some people work much better with medication and I don’t think it’s bad, but for those who are capable of surviving without and willing to do the work, you will not be disappointed by this book.
This book enlightened me, October 1, 2001
Reviewer: Helen Lee Fletcher from Winchester, VA
For me the book was enlightening. If biofeedback can be taught, why not Curtiss' method of fighting depression? She states clear conclusions and the paths traveled to reach those conclusions. I am also impressed with the source notes; their variety and depth. The author's life experiences and human interactions are very cleverly interwoven with the obvious research and clear thought process that make the book so worthwhile.
This book is incredible!!!, October 20, 2001
Reviewer: Daliah Rainone, Henderson, NV USA
I have only completed the second chapter, but I had to write right away in case someone who has struggled like I have comes to this review page in search of something to help end this horrible cycle so many of us have suffered with for too long. Once I finish this book, I will come back and add to this review. If you know the paralyzing pain of depression (and anxiety), I urge you to give this book a chance. It is unconventional thought and hard for some people to accept, but I swear as I am reading it, it is talking to every part of me. My depression takes over my life without much warning. Once it comes on, I sink into it and get stuck in my pain and dark clouds for however long it chooses to stay around. It paralyzes me, and I can't function. I am depressed many more days than I am not. After reading only the first two chapters so far, this book has given me an insight into a way of getting out of this horrible cycle and beginning to live for once. We have learned that we don't have a choice about our depression. That we are victims and helpless. Please read this book to see that there may be another way of thinking. If you would like to email me to share thoughts, please do.
Thoughts DO count September 21, 2001
Reviewer: rg@silvercat.com from San Diego
A. B. Curtiss provides a needed countervoice to the chorus of "experts" who insist that conditions like depression can only be treated by drugs. A large body of evidence exists to affirm that cognitive therapies that focus on alternatives to medications do work. In "Depression is a Choice," Curtiss joins an esteemed body of professionals who say that drugs may not be the magic bullets mainstream psychologists claim they are. Depression runs in my own family. I am familiar with it both as a concept and as a reality. Curtiss' overlooked point is we may not choose the depression, but we often do choose to stay feeling depressed, and we can choose to break the hold of depression. Her prescriptions do work. Whether they work for everyone all the time is a question not worth asking, because nothing works for everyone all the time. Her book is worth considering, in my opinion, because anything that offers an alternative to a "pop a pill" solution is worth considering. If nothing else, her solution offers the hope that the depression sufferer can take responsibility for the cure. I know the author, so I am not objective. "Directed thought" is much more than a "murky offshoot of standard therapy." "Depression is a Choice" is not written like a typical self-help bowl of pablum. Curtiss' passion translates into prose that is far more lyrical than overwritten. Judged against comparable books--such as the bestseller, "Listening to Prozac"--it is a joy to read. The book deserves much more than the reviewer gives it.
The Beginning of a War, September 18, 2001
Reviewer: Dianne C. Foster from Newton, MA USA
This book is sure to stir up controversy. It draws on a traditional approach which to many might look suspiciously like insisting one simply must find within himself the "right stuff",learning to identify and tough out one's own mental states. Although there is as yet no biological marker for it, Ms. Curtiss accepts her diagnosis of manic depression, which runs in her family. Depression is in her case no choice, the drugs being hers to refuse, which she does. The wife role has protected Ms. Curtiss, while her brother, similarly affected, fell from a great professional height into "madness" and medication. Here I must state that I know both of these people. A.B. Curtiss and her brother are my first cousins. Interestingly, A. B.'s mother, described in the book, is a genealogist. From her, I learned of our Puritan descent. From others, I learned of our relationship to the suicided poet Anne Sexton. Depression is for some the given, which has to be managed, as Churchill tamed his "black dog." He wrote, lectured, led and crashed. But he lived to be old. Virginia Woolf, however, succumbed. So did the Washington Post publisher, Mr. Graham. If you have trouble training it on your own, there should be no stigma in getting help, even chemical help. It's obvious that our Aunt Lucille, as described in the book, by providing A.B. with structure in her childhood, was able to help her temporarily stave off depression. A.B. believes that there was an insight gained there to help her later in life. I agree with A. B. that there is a pervasive drumbeat that one is somehow in mortal danger if one doesn't take the drugs. I'm sure, however, that she would agree that today's pharmaceutical hucksters are a far jollier bunch than those who institutionalized unwilling patients for life on the say-so of their relatives. In the end, we are all just trying to get through the day with a little dignity, though some of us, like A. B., are driven to reach for the stars. I hope that this book opens up a new and necessary dialog, and that professional dogma does not crush it. Is it fortuitous that this book came out just when we are all threatened with post-traumatic-stress disorder?
I Love the Positive Concept, October 5, 2001
Reviewer: Yoko Ono, from New York City:
I love the positive concept, depression is a choice. It’s so uplifting! Us women should all say that together and clear the air.
Thank You For Your Beautiful Work, October 10, 2001
Reviewer: Ken Brown, San Diego California
Thank you for your beautiful work. As you must know, it is hard to reach people where they hurt. We are more attached to our suffering than practically anything else.
Book Review: Depression is a Choice: Winning the Battle without Drugs
By Danielle M. McClain
I read this book with the thought in my mind that I would be offering a review to help with understanding, and knowledge, so that you, the reader, could offer assistance to help a family member, a friend, or even yourself. It never dawned on me that I would be taking the information and applying it to my own life.
No, I am not suffering with depression, but what I gained from Depression is a Choice was my own thought processes on how to maintain where I was at in my life now and how to make it better from this point forward. And yes, I now understand the point that depression is a choice for many and not all sufferers have to be treated with drugs.
In just the first 8-pages of Depression is a Choice, I opened up to depression - the cause, the relief, and growth from depression. Of course it all depends on how you first view depression. Do you already agree that depression is a choice for you? Are you open to believe that depression is a choice for many?
Realization is a hard step to come to when your “set in your ways”. The author, A.B. Curtiss, best explains it in one sentence, “The quickest path to change is through our resistance to change.” And no, A.B. Curtiss is not just another therapist giving you words to read in a book, she lived with and is now free of depression.
Did you note the word “free”? That is how Curtiss describes it, you are not “cured” of depression, but are “free” of the feeling. She states what needs to be cured is the reaction to the primal impulses of depression and mania. And unfortunately Curtiss says most people think you can’t do that. And she best answers this remark with this, “We simply have to learn how to use our mind, instead of thinking we are our mind.”
As I continued reading, I felt the panic, insecurity, fear, pain, and suffering of what a depressed person can go through. And I was not saddened by it but inspired that people come from depths that some can’t even imagine and accomplished a great goal. To be free and relieved for quite possibly the first time in their life.
I can honestly say Depression is a Choice is a tool and resource any person should have where depression is a factor in a loved ones life. It gives you sight into a world where drugs may not be the answer for everyone and freedom is the quest.
Book Review: Depression is a Choice, November 26, 2001
Reviewer Jack Lieberman
I have just finished the first 100 pages of your book and can't wait to read the rest of it. Just thought I would let you know how much a love it! I am 57 years old and suffered from psychophysiological insomnia for 14 hellish years. In desperation I went to a behavioral therapist who specialized in insomnia. She saved my life, although it took about 5 years (as she said it would) to be "cured". Many of the same concepts you present in your book are so familiar to me. I remember being convinced that I had a "chemical imbalance" illness. I used at least 35 different drugs to try to find the magic bullet. Most made matters way worse. Initially I saw my therapist about a dozen times. She promised me that she could help, and she was right. I can't tell you how grateful I am to her. I know I am jumping the gun a bit writing to you before even finishing your book, but so far I just keep shaking my head in agreement with every point you make. The unconscionable, scandalous conspiracy between the drug companies and doctors and scientists must be exposed - it causes so much unneeded suffering. Thank you so much for writing this book!
A New Look at an Old Problem, December 1, 2001
Reviewer: Jeri Noble from Sedona, AZ
This is a somewhat different approach to treating clinical depression. Although we've seen a variety of works on taking a positive viewpoint and basically "talking oneself out of it", this is that and more. This is written by an individual who, in her own words, has battled depression and been fascinated by it. You'll find a writer here who isn't afraid of the phenomenon. This has several worthy nuggets of new wisdom on this growing malaise in our society.
Just a quick note, January 26, 2002
Reviewer: Mark from England, UK
Just a quick note to say how very interesting and helpful your website is! I have suffered from depression for many years and generally (through lots of work and reading) feel very good. However,yesterday I plummeted downwards for no apparent reason. Then I came across your site and tried your "Yes Yes Yes" technique. Amazingly, I feel MUCH better today. Very impressive stuff. I will keep in contact with you to tell you how I get on, and I will probably buy your book. Many thanks indeed.
Some light in the darkness, January 24, 2002
Reviewer: jacklie from San Francisco, CA USA
This is such an important book! Contrary to some reviewer’s statements it does not claim to be everyone’s answer. It does stand up and say "The emperor has no clothes on!". That is, legal drug addiction (to SSRIs) is not the answer to the problem of depression, and that depression in many instances may not be a "disease" caused by a "chemical imbalance" that needs correction through drugs. When I see Paxil advertised on daytime television with little Disneylike animated clips of a "chemical imbalance" I know something is terribly wrong. I suffered from chronic insomnia for over a decade and with an enlightened therapist’s help used what A.B Curtiss describes as "Directed Thinking" to heal myself after years of failed searching for the right drug to cure my "chemical imbalance". Professionals for the most part were of little help. The very idea that I was not a victim of whatever thoughts bubbled up into consciousness was a revelation for me. The brand of therapy that deals with changing thought patterns, cognitive behavioral therapy, is relatively new and is hard pressed to compete with the allure of taking drugs and the prime time ad campaigns designed to recruit more drug users. But for those of us who long for our own health, and freedom from drug dependence, Curtiss’ book is a MUST READ
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE TODAY, January 18, 2002
Reviewer: Janis E Owens from Rural North Florida
I happened upon this book on depression at my local bookstore and since I have battled depression (bipolar & otherwise) for most of my 41 years, I bought it, tho' I'd pretty much taken a blood oath to never buy another book on depression again (otherwise my post-mortem library would consist of diet books and ones on depression, which would depress my heirs.) In this case, I'm glad I bought it, and am mighty uplifted by the possibility that I am not the hopeless victim of a disease beyond my control, doomed to taking antidepressants for the rest of my life. I've practiced a few of the suggestions for Directed Thought already & must say that at this early stage, they've worked wonderfully well, which is nothing short of a miracle. My personal history reads very similarly to the author's and even before I read this book, I had begun to travel down the same paths to self-responsibility, mostly because I'm a fundamentalist Christian, of a stripe that is very suspicious of psychiatry, anyway. In a nutshell, Ms. Curtiss calls on everyone, no matter what their past or chemical leanings, to take responsibility for their own actions & encourages them that with a few simple mental exercises, they can take control of their own thoughts. Though I was skeptical at first, I must say the exercises have worked for me, enough that I'm reducing my antidepressants (with my doctor's permission) and hoping against hope that I might discontinue them completely.
I congratulate Ms. Curtiss for offering up her personal testimony (as we say in the South) and speaking her mind and swimming against the stream. Looking at the editorial reviews posted here, I have to comment that it's a strange world we live in, when writing a book to encourage people to take responsibility for their own actions comes under such fire. I personally didn't find her book rambling or poorly edited, but entertaining and occasionally hilarious, in the tell-all tradition of Annie Lamott. If you battle depression, I do encourage you to give this method a careful read. The selling price is about an eighth of the price of a professional psych visit & you might find something here to help you change your life.
Excellent way to re-think your depression, February 12, 2002
Reviewer: Robert P Tema
from Minneapolis, MN United States
I have been dealing with depression, and have sought therapy and am currently taking Paxil to suppress some of the symptoms. But employing some "directed thinking" (as talked about in the above book) has seemed to help me much more than all other treatments. It seems to give me a greater sense of control over my condition. I have had periods of feeling good in the past (long before I was aware that I was prone to depression) but inevitably they would fade. I'm hoping the difference this time is that I am aware of my condition, and aware of how I am redirecting my thinking about about it.
This Book the Culminating Healer of My Lifelong Depression, February 12, 2002
Reviewer:from Austria, Europe
This book, Depression is a Choice, is the culminating healer of my lifelong depression. I find that examination of any circumstances and history are helpful, but this book empowered me to decide how to feel. I now know I am in charge of my feelings, thanks to the author, because she showed us how. No more pills after about 45 years of pills. I am so grateful. It was a long road. I am a Christian and can successfully combine my beliefs with the techniques and know-how in the book. I see the book as a wonderful detailed description of what went on in the minds of those healed by Jesus when he said "your sins are forgiven." I live in Austria, but I am American and go home about once a year and found the book in Waldenbooks. I now know I am in charge of my feeling.
I am greatly impressed and indebted to the author, February 12, 2002
Reviewer: Norma Davis from Hampton, Virginia
Depressed? You Don't Have to Stay There. You Have a Choice. I am half way through this book "Depression is a Choice," and I am greatly impressed and indebted to the author for writing it. So much of what the author says I have "known" over the years, on some level, but as she says, I didn't know I had a choice or what choices I had! Such an eye-opener and heart-opener! I thank the Lord that He led me to this book on the library shelf.
I keep the book at work to read in my spare time and at lunch, so lots of folks see it on my desk. I work with a great group of people who have "understood my illness" and have bent over backwards to work with me. Deep down, I've wondered if there wasn't another word for it - like I didn't like the word "illness" but, hey, if those at work understood,then that was fine with me.
Well no more!! I am taking charge and responsibility of my life by making some different choices - just because I now know there are different choices to make! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!
Something interesting: most every person who has taken the time to comment on seeing the book on my desk, has said, "Depression is a choice? Yeah, right. So I choose to be depressed???" and they go off offended. I try to answer them by saying, "No, what the author is saying is that STAYING depressed is a choice." In fact, I think a better title for the book should be something like "Depressed? You Don't Have to Stay that Way."
Anyway, after getting half way through the copy from the library, I bought my own book and started again using a highliter in my very own copy!
Things that apply to me I highlite in yellow and things that really jump out at me are re-highlited in green! This is definitely MY book!!
I have passed a big test just this week. I am a divorced female and I lived with 2 Siamese cats, who are like my children. I have had them for 12 years. Last weekend, out of the blue, one of them became ill and I found that he had a heart condition probably from birth and there was no hope for him. I made the difficult decision to have the cat put to sleep as he was so sick. Well, it was sooooo hard. And I prayed "God, You have to get me through this, I can't do it on my own." And I chose to begin putting the book's suggestions and techniques into action. Green Frog!! Green Frog!!!
A few months ago, I would have left the vets and gone home and gone to bed and ate and stayed out of work for a week. But you kow what? I went right back to work after the deed was done. It was hard, but I knew if I went home, the sadness would be too much - I not only knew I needed to be around people who cared about me, I did it! Sure, I was sad, and for all of last week I was sad but I wasn't incompacitated -and I didn't want to be! I knew there was a better way. When I found myself getting blue, I tried not to dwell on it - and it was hard because my remaining cat has been walking around the house meowing and
looking for the other cat. Oh fun!! But it has been almost a week now and I am coming through this just fine. I even put myself on a list to get 2 more kittens sometime in April!!
Up until a couple of months ago, I had been on Prozac for a year. I began backing off of it even before this book came into my hands. Now, I have been off it for several weeks and I almost look forward to a major test to see if I can do this totally without medicine. I know that sounds weird but I feel good about this!!! Even though it has only been a few weeks, perhaps losing my cat is a good test and I passed with flying colors!!!! What an adventure!!!
I thank the author for putting her experiences in print for all of us who really want help. I can tell from some of the folks I have talked to that they aren't at the point where they would be the least bit receptive to the book. However, as time goes on, I will be a walking witness to the truth of staying depressed is a choice.
Although I have never written to an author of any book before
L
Although I have never written to an author of any book before, I felt strongly compelled to do so. I have read many, many books in my lifetime, particularly of the "self-help" genre, but never has any single book had such a profound impact on my life as your book, Depression is a Choice.
I have had a long history of depressive episodes and have been quite frequently suicidal throughout my life, although not many people ever knew the depths of my despair. I did wind up in a "mental hospital" once for about three weeks during one particular period. However, all the therapy, counseling and drugs I applied really didn't cure my propensity to sink into depression every time I encountered complications or difficulties in my life.
I hated being depressed and constantly fought my suicidal thoughts but I didn't know how to break this bad pattern I had fallen into over the years as my way of dealing with what life handed me. In all fairness, I have had some serious traumatic events recently with which to deal (but, who hasn't?) and could feel myself heading for another "breakdown." My friends and family were all concerned about my depressive state and urged me to get some counseling or see a doctor and get some medication to help me through this tough time. But, I had done all that before and didn't feel that it really helped that much. I felt a counselor was basically nothing more than a "purchased friend" and I never felt the medication I took before truly helped my life any easier. I knew the bottom line was that on one but ME could fix anything about my life or how I handled what life dealt me. But these thoughts were rather random, unstructured ideas that I couldn't seem to arrange in any sort of order so that I could help myself in a systematic way.
Then one night in desperation, I got on the Internet and began searching for help for depression and somehow came across a description of your book. Your ideas of curing oneself of depression without the use of drugs offered me the alternative I was looking for....so I ordered it.
I knew as I was reading what you had written that you had been in that same "Black Hole" of depression and I knew that your method of directed thinking was exactly what I had been exploring in my own mind for a long time. I was so excited to read that, after many years of depression, you had truly cured yourself with this method and I couldn't wait to try it for myself.
I immediately began to apply your principles in my own mind and could actually feel the black fog begin to lift!! I can honestly tell you now that I know what I know, I KNOW I WILL NEVER ALLOW MYSELF TO BE DEPRESSED AGAIN!!!
Your book has absolutely, totally and profoundly changed my life forever!
I have been recommending it to everyone I know who suffers from depression and even to those who don't I was so amazed by the TRUTH that literally dripped from the pages of your book!!! I wholheartedly support your conclusions regarding the state of our society in general. I truly believe that your book holds some of the best solutions I have ever encountered toward resolving many of the things that plague human beings today.
I want to THANK YOU from the depths of my heart and soul for the work you did, for the pain you suffered, for the research and time you invested, for the mental skill you applied toward figuring all this out and for the love you must feel toward your fellow man to have shared such important, yet private, information.
I write to you to tell you that your book as saved what's left of my life and for that I will be forever grateful to you, A. B. Curtiss. I promise to do whatever I can to spread the word, to share this life-altering information with people I come into contact with who reveal themselves to me as fellow-sufferers and to pass along the gift you have given the world. May God richly bless you!!! With deepest gratitude, L.
Good psychology, June 18, 2002
Reviewer: Roberta C. Henderson from Los Angeles
I found Curtiss' book inspiring in that it really encourages the depression sufferer by describing how to cope without drugs using the process of directed thinking. The basic idea is that the two parts of the mind, limbic and cognitive, work together and are interdependent. While the cognitive mind (also called the 'higher' mind) is subject to conscious control (ie thought content may be changed simply by deciding to think a different thought), the limbic mind is not. However, by choosing one's thoughts, one can influence the state of the limbic mind and thereby change one's feelings, which reside in that limbic portion of the mind. That is the mechanism for managing depression.
Indeed it is, February 24, 2003
Reviewer: Adam Schwartz from Bloomington, IN, United States
I waited over six months after reading Depression Is a Choice to reflect on the book and put its principles into action. I can tell you that for me at least, Curtiss is correct--depression is indeed a choice.
By that I don't mean that if something bad happens--we lose a loved one for example--that we can "choose" whether or not to be happy. What I have found is that I get into habits of what I call "despairing": a knee-jerk reaction to give up, get into despair, and get depressed.
That's when Curtiss' technique of "directed thinking" saves the day. I can get myself out of the depressed mood by choosing different thoughts which then change my mood. That's all depression is, after all--a temporary mood that engulfs me because of some thoughts that I'm generating. I am free to direct my thoughts the same way I direct my cursor to tell my computer what I want it to do.
This is not denial of the painful aspects of life. Rather, it's not adding needless suffering by mental self-torture--something I'm all too good at. It requires a certain vigilance and effort to direct my thinking, but the rewards are worth it. I also find it helpful to "let go" of the thoughts that lead to depression. (For more on letting go, I suggest looking into The Sedona Method.)
In a society where most of us avoid taking responsibility for our feelings, where the medical profession is all too willing to pathologize our behavior and medicate us to make us feel better, Depression Is a Choice is a subversive book. I am grateful that the author had the courage to write it.
Depression is a Choice is my newest and bestest friend.
Reviewer: Edwinna Knee,
There's not one person I know or have ever met that wouldn't benefit from your book. Suffering from depression or not!!! Just the title invokes positive thought and possibility. Of the hundreds and hundreds of books I've read from dolphin behavior to Zen and Taoism bouncing from Buckminster Fuller to Don Miguel Ruiz I always chose as my anchor "As a Man Thinketh" by James Allen. Now I have "Depression is a Choice" by A.B. Curtiss. You don't fit in my purse so I have one copy in my car, one in our livingroom and one by my bed. Every page dog eared and highlighted.. I actually bought the first one as a gift after leafing through it at the store but the intended relative has a mind set similar to your brother's and wasn't open to even a "peek see" thinking the idea ("choice") is cruel and insensitive. So their loss was and is my gain... Thank you so very much for a tremendous tool that I can use daily. It is my newest and bestest friend.
Your Book Turned on A Bright Light Inside of Me
Reviewer: Julia Murray, San Francisco
The other day I was perusing the "New Books" shelf at my local library when I came across your book, Depression is a Choice, Winning the Battle without Drugs. After reading it for about a half hour, I decided to take it out. For the past week I've been glued to it and having been writing down page numbers. Today, I finally ordered it online so that I may be free to mark up the pages.
Your book is a breath of fresh air. You do a great job presenting your ideas and I love how you incorporate your own life. I too believe that the drug companies are out of control. Unfortunately, today people are always looking for a quick fix and they are accommodated.
When I was seventeen I had my first panic attack and I have been fighting them off for twelve years now. After my first attack, I promised myself I would not give in and take the drugs everyone kept pushing on me. I am proud to say I have kept that promise. Drugs never seemed like the answer for me. It has been a frustrating struggle to try and overcome my fears and your book is now another great tool to help my accomplish my goal.
I would love to know if you have any speaking engagements coming up. I live in San Francisco, but would be willing to travel just to hear some more of your ideas and possibly meet you. Your book has turned on a bright light inside of me and I'm feeling more connected to life again. Thank you for taking the time to write such an encouraging book.
Thank you, A. B Curtiss, November 21, 2002
Reviewer: A Reader
I think this book is wonderful. I can see how the other reviewers dismiss its simplicity but this is the key. Truths are simple. They may be difficult to grasp but they are ultimately simple.
The Power to Change - April 11, 2003
Reviewer: Renee Jawish
Assistant to the Editor
Ironworker Magazine
Washington, D.C.
"Your work has encouraged me a great deal and makes me feel that I have the power to change."
Patchwork-pychopath.com
I have been diagnosed with Bipolar Affective Disorder. However, do notice I write 'diagnosed'.
I believe that in days of yore, people had personality traits that were favorable or unfavorable depending on circumstance. These days, those same personality traits are called mental or behavioral disorders. Instead of learning to adapt and deal with our individual quirks, we can now drug ourselves or be drugged to cover up any part of ourselves that's found disturbing. I do not consider myself to be afflicted with anything I can't cope with, although it feels that way sometimes. But another person in my situation may feel differently.
What's Patchwork Psychopath's personal approach to BP?
Not being certain that my apparent mental illness is not just a product of my past problems with school and my natural personality, my feelings are best summed up by this quote from the fantastic and controversial book, 'Depression Is A Choice - Winning The Fight Without Drugs' by A.B. Curtiss: "Our great-grandparents used willpower instead of Prozac and Zoloft. They valued conscience, responsibility, honesty, commitment, dedication, sacrifice, hard work and courage. And they practiced learning to bear suffering. These concepts were universally taught to children, who naturally employed them as adults. These concepts had been tested and revered for thousands of years. People trusted their lives to them. In the 1960's we threw them all out." Amen, sister.
THIS BOOK HAS SAVED MY SANITY
Reviewer: Norma Davis
I have just finished reading Depression is a Choice. For me, it was not a book I could eat too much of at one time and it has taken me almost a year to finish it. I am convinced that this book has saved my sanity. My thought processes now compared to my thought process a year ago have changed in so many ways. The changes I made are simple ones, but, oh, so profound! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! DEPRESSION IS A CHOICE will be put on the bookshelf next to my reading chair along with my Bible so I can refer to it whenever I need to. DEPRESSION IS A CHOICE has been more help to me than any other book I have ever read except for the Bible. I praise God that He led you to write it and then led me to it at the time in my life when He knew I would receive what was in it.
YOUR BOOK IS NECESSARY.
Reviewer: K.D.
I bought your book after I had heard you on TV. My sister was diagnosed Bi-Polar in 1997 and has been in and out of hospitals. I bought your book for her to read. A year goes by and she gave it back. I decided to read it. Thank you for your honesty. Thank you for having the courage to follow your journey on all of it's detours to the end. Thank you for your research and documenting 'your teachers' past and present. Thank you for continuing confirmation that the medical industry -- is more interested in pedaling drugs than healing the patient. The family stories you told could be my family. I truly enjoy your sense of humor. I appreciate your book. It is excellent. It is necessary. A woman approached me as I was reading it at the airport -- I am spreading the word as fast as I can.
Still Works for Me After Two Years
Reviewer: J. O.
I was at a real point of struggle when I came upon your book and it has certainly brought a new freedom to my life that hasn't gone away (and it's been what? two plus years by now.) I consider it a Divine appointment that I even went in Goerings that day (my local bookseller) and an even greater miracle that I bought a book on depression -- something I'd sworn off of. In any case, it's worked for me. I say look at Dr. Atkins, the low-carb guy who fought the establishment for thirty years before the "experts" finally came over to his side. I'm not an Atkins groupie myself, but he does illustrate how hard it is to swim against the stream. But stay at it. Your book and your honesty and your very real understanding and empathy was truly life changing.
Buddhist Philosophy
Review by Barbara
I know that in Buddhist philosophy we are to know that life is unknowing and impermanent, sometimes good, sometimes bad and suffering is inevitable for us all. When we don’t embrace the changes, it's the hanging on that causes anxiety which leads to chemical imbalance which leads to our particular flavor of mood disorder and hence suffering. The meds address the symptoms, sometimes beautifully, but it would of course be better to get to the root.
I do believe there is a way out of depression but it requires looking at the whole gestalt of our pain in a very different way. A helpful book is called "Depression is a choice' and at first it will PISS YOU OFF so royally you'll want to denounce her on Oprah or something, but she has the best philosophy I've ever heard and it is helping me immensely. Be prepared for every hackle and defense to arise, but keep on reading anyway.
I'm using it during this very sorrowful time of my mother's sudden and untimely death away across the country. It's amazing how depression and mania are simply not an option right now, are not welcome and no way, no how, are they going to interfere with taking care of this precious thing asked of me.
In the past I would have totally fallen apart and gotten VERY depressed and paralyzed, but now other than the expected waves of intense sorrow, I'm maintaining and clear-headed and very directed. How I relate when the worst of it is over will be another story to tell, but I plan to stay busy, which seems to be the gist of it. Curtiss’s theory being the criticality of disrupting the primal limbic fear-base mind's loop with something/anything that can be sustained long enough to effect coherence and dominance in the outer cortex. It can break up a bad state in about 20 minutes and worked for me a few hairy times over the past few weeks.
It worked for her even with a long familial history of screaming mania; and by God, it WILL CONTINUE to work for me. After considering the utter anguish of losing my beloved Mom, I suspect I'm just not going to let myself waste another precious moment of life, now matter how shitty that moment feels. That's not to say dump your meds. The only way they'll tear Lamictal and Lithium is from my lifeless fingers. But no more despair and hopelessness. I can have those other blips on the screen without the thoroughly useless incapacitation that sinks you deeper into the sludge. I'm done with doom and gloom, kiddos, and if I have to start working in a Soup Kitchen full time to keep my heart open and grateful and just breathing through the pain and loving the simple joys of my life, then I'll even pay them for the privilege! Hey God, you listening? I don't need that kind of pain anymore to get the point!!.
Boy, did a lot of people get angry when they saw that title!
Reviewer: Catherine Jo Morgan
There were lots of amazon.com reviews of Depression is a Choice that berated it even though the readers had just seen the title. Boy, did a lot of people get angry when they saw that title! I liked the book, myself. Once, after reading it, I pulled myself out of a major upset by remembering a sentence from it: "All my suffering now is self inflicted." There's a sort of intermediate step between utter despair and "flowing energy of happiness" that the author of Depression is a Choice suggests. If you can't think of a single thought that could possibly make you happy, just focus your mind on something completely neutral. Choose something that seems to rouse a zero emotional response. For the author, it was thinking of "green frog." (Now, just thinking about "green frog" makes me smile.)
Reviewed by Dr Hufrish Suraliwala
Medical Information Manager
The author creates an effective road map for converting the energy patients put into being depressed into a strength that can ultimately lead us out of the blues. The author has labelled this thinking technique as "Directed". She convinces the reader to turn depression into a determination to find a way forward. Depression always ends because it is in the very nature of depression to end. This book attempts to help patients get to end depression sooner.
Follow-up: "Green Frog" is still working!!, April 9, 2002
Reviewer: Norma F. Davis from Hampton, VA USA
I've reached the half-way point a second time! This time in my own copy and I am constantly amazed at this book! Ms. Curtiss has put so many many things into words that I knew and felt but couldn't express myself. I have been singing praises for Depression is a Choice around my office - and my world - but there is not too much interest, which amazes me. It's like people would rather stay depressed than listen to me. What they can't discount, though, is how much my life has changed!!
And it has been almost 4 months now since I put away the Prozac. I have put away the Prozac before, but without backup procedures in place. When the black cloud appeared on the horizon, I began trying to figure out why. What am I doing that is causing this? Must be the chemicals again, must be I'm just not strong, must be because I fell on my head as a child, blah blah blah. Then when the cloud began to overtake me, I just rolled over and allowed it to engulf me for however many days, weeks, or months it took until I got scared and ran to the doctor for more Prozac. Well, I have spotted black clouds on the horizon within the past 4 months, but guess what!? I have been able to give them only cursory notice, turn my back, and get walking, or reading, or cleaning, or SOMETHING OTHER THAN BEING SAD OR SCARED!!! It's like I hear this knock on the door of my mind, I open it, and Depression is standing there with its suitcase ready to come right in and stay. Now, I don't even give it the benefit of notice. I don't bother to stand there arguing or reasoning or being scared. I simply say, "You can't come in here. I've got better things to do." Then I just slam the door and get going! And it works!!! Oh, the blueness may push through for awhile - maybe off and on for a day or even a few days - but it stops "huffing and puffing" when it realizes the house isn't coming down!
The difference is, I know what's going on now, and I have a choice to give into depression or not. And with the Grace of God, I have been making the choice to just not be depressed. This sounds simplistic, I know. I felt the same way at first. Why do we think that something has to be difficult or complicated to work?? I had another test in the relationship category. These are killers, when one is proned to being depressed, you know? But, again, I turned my thinking in a different direction and chose not to be worried, sad, guilty, shameful - you know how it is. I just kept moving and doing tasks that needed to be done and before I realized it, the house was clean, the errands were done, and the sun was shining!! A miracle!!!
I can't sing enough praises for Depression is a Choice . Any of you who are tired of depression stealing your life, read this book! I guarantee that you will be as successful as I have been. If the title throws you off, then change it to say: Staying Depressed is a Choice. And as you read, you will find this to be true. We don't have to stay that way. Some of the techniques may seem just too simple to work, but believe me, they're not! THEY DO WORK!! Some of the technical neuroscience stuff is a bit difficult for me to understand, but for those of you who need the complicated stuff, that is there too! Something for everyone!!
I don't understand all about why the techniques in the book work, but "this one thing I do know. I was blind. And now I see!!" Praise God for leading me to this book!
Reviewer: Alexander Seth Marcus from Austin, TX United States
Okay, so perhaps the author's style is a bit symptomatic of her manic approach to life. And perhaps I did get a little lost in her free associative style. She definitely casts a wide net, and though I agree with much of her cultural commentary, it definitely could have been better organized. All this said, Depression is a Choice offered me a lot of hope just when I was about to finally give in to anti depressants. My entire family has been on them for years, everyone I know supports me going on them, and I was getting to the point where I thought that without them, I might not survive the holidays. Curtiss helped pull me through. I wish her anecdotes about her manic and depressive episodes were consolidated into more of a memoire, because they were by far the most entertaining and encouraging aspect of the book. I could relate all too well, and it was a revelation that my doomed real estate scheme, my doomed diet schemes, and all my other ill fated schemes were ill fated because they were manifestations of mania, and poorly guided as decisions. If you're a manic depressive on or considering medication, I highly recommend this book. It has its flaws, but they're overshadowed for me by how much I gained in wisdom.
Re: Mind over Matter, No problems!!, 12/11/02
HEAR HEAR!!!! I've been clean of anti-depressants for about a year now and all that you say is totally true. People will finally start to figure out these drugs are dangerous and are screwing up millions of lives, men, women, and such precious children. No one deserves to be medicated without their consent. I was forced to take these meds, even though I was crying out for help, and no one would listen (Crying now at the comp, god help me!). No one would give me the time to day to help me. Only my best bud, my hubby stood by me and supported me through all this. My family still to this day thinks I should be medicated again "for my own good." NO! NEVER AGAIN! I wish that I could join a group that would take a stand against these money hungry, devouring pharmaceutical companies and sue them up the A** and bring justice to those who have been irreparably harmed by these "legal" substances. If the drug works for you, well then fine, you are welcome to it. But remember, 1 drug may lead to 2, 2 to 4, 4 to 8. Just look at Wynona Ryder! 8 med prescriptions FORGED!!!! Is this the kind of thing we want to do to ourselves and our kids? Medications are fine to relieve symptoms FOR A FEW DAYS!!!! NOT FOR YOUR ENTIRE LIFE! You get a cold, you take Tylenol Cold. Minimal side effects. You feel crappy for a few days, then you get better. The same thing goes for depression, you have good days and bad days, fun times and hell time. Getting out of yourself is the key. There is an AWESOME book out called "Depression is a Choice" and it's is an EXCELLENT book on the subject. I've NEVER read a more profound discussion ever written on this topic. Everyone who struggled with depression should find it and read it. It helped me with the last vestiges of the "dis-ease" and helped me to get a grip on life, and to live again. Get out of yourself, help a friend, play with your dog and maybe buy him a bone at Petco, or something, but do something for someone else and you are SURE to feel better. If depression is anger turned inward, then there's the problem. It's turned INWARD. You have to turn OUTWARD to heal from this. It's the ONLY way.....meds are not the answer, they cause to much suffering and grief. Think of the lined velvet pockets of the CEO's of the drug companies when they "tell" you it's a "chemical imbalance." Of course it is....their "chemical" can cure it. SNAKE OIL!!!
Reviewer: A reader
I have suffered from depression my entire life. Although I found prozac to be very helpful, it eventually stopped working for me along with other antidepressant medication. If medication is the "fix it" for depression, and the medication does not work for you, or you are unable to take it, it is frightening to feel that you are a victim to depression. With this incredible life saving book A.B. Curtis reminds us that we do have the power to make changes in our lives. Her exercises that she recommends work! Overcoming depression is not easy. We will never completely be cured, but with this book we learn that we can take responsibility for our lives, and win the battle with depression. I highly recommend this book.
This book gave me hope, November 8, 2006
A Reader, Chicago, ILL
Reading this book was a turning point for me. It gave me the strength, conviction, and fortitude to sort out the problem which brought on my depression, to look at myself more deeply, and to try more earnestly to change my thinking. The latter being enormously difficult. I applaud the author for putting out such a book. I have read it through twice and gone back to re-read a few other chapters. The author, having had her own experience with depression, points out the pitfalls of blaming our problems on others or on forces we see as out of our control. She offers the practical advice to look inward, fix what we can fix in ourselves. She offers the concept that we can choose our thoughts, that we don't have to helplessly go with our feelings and suggests tricks or exercises to achieve this end. I have opted to not go the medication route and after reading this I believe, if at all, medication should only be used as a very last resort. Being a constant reader, I have always found the words of great people comforting and inspiring. The quotes the author sprinkles throughout her book are thoughtful. I don't understand the negative reviews; I think we can pull from many books and find our own personal perscription for depression. All in all, we are better off strengthening ourselves than depending on medication.
Finally someone says it, August 21, 2006
Kate, Dorchester, MA
For me, it was a great relief to be told to take responsibility for managing my moods and to be given some very specific suggestions about how to do it. The author states her case very strongly, but it didn't really bother me - and I found the repetition, the examples from her life, and the references to literature, etc. to be actually rather helpful in etching new thoughts into my brain. I have always felt - in my own case, at least, that drugs were not the anwer and that in some way I simply was not taking enough responsibility for my self. But I needed some help in figuring out how to proceed. Therapists - who push drugs or the repetition of painful stories from childhood - have not helped me. This book has and I recommend it. I am saddened by those people who are so scared of challenging idea that they have given it a negative review on the basis of the title alone - and have lacked the courage to read the book and see what it actually says.
A great book on overcoming depression., June 21, 2006
Adam D. Wadsworth
A book like this is needed in our society--it is a direct challenge to the "victim" mentality of mental illness in our culture. A powerful book for those seeking to overcome depression in their lives.
Forever indebted & grateful to the author--3 1/2 years later, June 10, 2005
Daliah S. Rainone, Washington, D. C.
I wrote my first review of this book in November, 2001, but I wanted to follow up, and since I can only have one review on here, I am consolidating what I had to say. It has now been more than three years since I read _Depression is a Choice_, and I am cured of my depression. It is no longer a factor in my life. This book gave me the tools that I needed, and after awhile, I didn't even need to employ them actively anymore. It became a natural way of being. Once in awhile, I do wake up with a hint of depression, but it is rare, and I make it go away easily. I have also learned to coexist with feelings that can be painful depending on life circumstance but not give into them. I am NOT my depression. My depression is only a feeling, and it can no longer stop me. I learned this, because of this life-saving, amazing book. Best wishes in your journey to feeling better. It is definitely possible.
THIS BOOK SAVED MY LIFE, April 19, 2004
Reviewer: A reader from Los Angeles, CA United States
When I was in the throes of a moderately deep (for me) depression, this book showed me a path forward. I am enormously appreciative of the guidance, including many practical tips on matters such as overcoming insomnia, that I obtained from Ms. Curtiss.
Brilliant and Insightful, December 10, 2006
April Jean, Charlottesville, VA
I stumbled across this book at the public library. I am currently dealing with my sister's "depression" and I have seen first-hand the medications take her much lower than any "depression" she ever had before taking them. A.B. Curtiss nailed it right on the head...my sister is battling fear...she graduated from college and didn't know what she wanted to do with her life and froze and didn't come out of her room for a year...but when the psychiatrist put her on anti-depressants and anti-psychotics, she turned into a manic monster. The drugs may help some people, but regular exercise is just as effective without risking the dangerous controlling side-effects that cause some patients to kill themselves or others...it DOES happen. In addition to understanding depression, I found this book so helpful for life in general...we are not merely victims of our thoughts and feelings...life is a set of choices and it does not matter what our particular circumstances are, but how we respond to them. I wasn't crazy about all the quotes from psycics and sages in the book, but was easily able to look past them to a lot of truth that she presents. It was verbose in some parts, but I truly appreciated how she spoke from her heart and hearing her story unfold kept me quite interested. She's clearly a brilliant woman...as revealed by her writing and insights and ideas. I took many quotes away that I plan to implement in my own life...my favorite being, "It isn't discipline that makes us organized. It's the humble stumble and bumble of working on getting organized that makes us disciplined." I wish more psychologists would be blunt like A.B. Curtiss and stop consoling us as victims and making excuses for us. Lots of wonderful famous people throughout history dealt with depression their whole lives (such as Abe Lincoln) and they didn't succomb to it or numb themselves with medications, they used the pain to make themselves stronger people and they lived courageously with purpose and direction. You can choose that path too...and be a stronger person because of it.
Awesome Book if You Can Keep Yourself from Getting Defensive,
April 28, 2007 A. Soet, Chicago Ill
I have to say that I agree with another reviewer about this book, it was a complete turning point for me. I will comment on the meat of the book, the concept, as I agree some parts of the book were slow and not necessary, but the point of this review is for the important parts. I read others reviews, and was not surprised at the shock people have felt from reading this book. even when I read it, I could tell a lot of people would miss the greatness of it because of its controversial concepts which will touch a nerve with many who feel helpless to their depression.
I have suffered from moderate to severe depression since I was very young. My mother has it, so does my brother; and I come from many generations of people who suffered from depression. I stumbled upon this book in the library when I was doing a research report. I think not everyone who reads this book, as evident by some of the reviews, will be able to handle this. It flies in the face of what society drills into your head about depression and asks you to step up and take responsibility for your life. Other reviewers who have touched on the idea that the author is blaming people for their own depression are missing the mark. I don’t think it’s about blame, and I’m pretty sure that the author is just trying to get you to see that your own action is the key to healing for the future. I never felt once while reading this book that it was 'all my fault' in a negative sense. All it did was bring the big picture together and it made my actions and thoughts and patterns throughout my life make a little more sense.
People who are not ready for this concept will just not be ready for it and will put up a wild defense that they really have nothing to do with being able to effect their depression. I can understand why, its devastatingly hard at times to get out of a mood or feeling that takes over and just seems to never go away.The author gives the idea of power back to the reader though. We are taught that we have no choice over depression, it is an 'illness' and that word in this society often means 'you have no personal power over this part of your life anymore, only external solutions work now'. But that is not true nor is it ever true when it comes to real healing.
You do have a choice, if you are only willing enough. Many people who are convinced they have no choice in depression will be angry at this book because they are under the expectation that depression IS just a chemical imbalance. They believe in the science about it being a real imbalance which means they have no power over it. But if you believe in that, why don’t you believe in the science of changing your brain? I know that my depression has been partly hereditary but also learned, and I can say it’s been a year since I’ve read this book and it remains one of my favorites because since then I have decided to take it into my own hands and really look closely at my thought patterns and do the hard, but very satisfying, work.
My mom is on meds, as is my brother, I am not. They are not open to this idea. They do not want to think they could do something to make their lives better because that is a really scary thought, and that is okay because that is what works for them, so medication is the best thing for them. Similar to the author, I always felt like there must be another way. And there is if you are open to it. I don’t deny some people work much better with medication and I don’t think it’s bad, but for those who are capable of surviving without and willing to do the work, you will not be disappointed by this book.
This book enlightened me, October 1, 2001
Reviewer: Helen Lee Fletcher from Winchester, VA
For me the book was enlightening. If biofeedback can be taught, why not Curtiss' method of fighting depression? She states clear conclusions and the paths traveled to reach those conclusions. I am also impressed with the source notes; their variety and depth. The author's life experiences and human interactions are very cleverly interwoven with the obvious research and clear thought process that make the book so worthwhile.
This book is incredible!!!, October 20, 2001
Reviewer: Daliah Rainone, Henderson, NV USA
I have only completed the second chapter, but I had to write right away in case someone who has struggled like I have comes to this review page in search of something to help end this horrible cycle so many of us have suffered with for too long. Once I finish this book, I will come back and add to this review. If you know the paralyzing pain of depression (and anxiety), I urge you to give this book a chance. It is unconventional thought and hard for some people to accept, but I swear as I am reading it, it is talking to every part of me. My depression takes over my life without much warning. Once it comes on, I sink into it and get stuck in my pain and dark clouds for however long it chooses to stay around. It paralyzes me, and I can't function. I am depressed many more days than I am not. After reading only the first two chapters so far, this book has given me an insight into a way of getting out of this horrible cycle and beginning to live for once. We have learned that we don't have a choice about our depression. That we are victims and helpless. Please read this book to see that there may be another way of thinking. If you would like to email me to share thoughts, please do.
Thoughts DO count September 21, 2001
Reviewer: rg@silvercat.com from San Diego
A. B. Curtiss provides a needed countervoice to the chorus of "experts" who insist that conditions like depression can only be treated by drugs. A large body of evidence exists to affirm that cognitive therapies that focus on alternatives to medications do work. In "Depression is a Choice," Curtiss joins an esteemed body of professionals who say that drugs may not be the magic bullets mainstream psychologists claim they are. Depression runs in my own family. I am familiar with it both as a concept and as a reality. Curtiss' overlooked point is we may not choose the depression, but we often do choose to stay feeling depressed, and we can choose to break the hold of depression. Her prescriptions do work. Whether they work for everyone all the time is a question not worth asking, because nothing works for everyone all the time. Her book is worth considering, in my opinion, because anything that offers an alternative to a "pop a pill" solution is worth considering. If nothing else, her solution offers the hope that the depression sufferer can take responsibility for the cure. I know the author, so I am not objective. "Directed thought" is much more than a "murky offshoot of standard therapy." "Depression is a Choice" is not written like a typical self-help bowl of pablum. Curtiss' passion translates into prose that is far more lyrical than overwritten. Judged against comparable books--such as the bestseller, "Listening to Prozac"--it is a joy to read. The book deserves much more than the reviewer gives it.
The Beginning of a War, September 18, 2001
Reviewer: Dianne C. Foster from Newton, MA USA
This book is sure to stir up controversy. It draws on a traditional approach which to many might look suspiciously like insisting one simply must find within himself the "right stuff",learning to identify and tough out one's own mental states. Although there is as yet no biological marker for it, Ms. Curtiss accepts her diagnosis of manic depression, which runs in her family. Depression is in her case no choice, the drugs being hers to refuse, which she does. The wife role has protected Ms. Curtiss, while her brother, similarly affected, fell from a great professional height into "madness" and medication. Here I must state that I know both of these people. A.B. Curtiss and her brother are my first cousins. Interestingly, A. B.'s mother, described in the book, is a genealogist. From her, I learned of our Puritan descent. From others, I learned of our relationship to the suicided poet Anne Sexton. Depression is for some the given, which has to be managed, as Churchill tamed his "black dog." He wrote, lectured, led and crashed. But he lived to be old. Virginia Woolf, however, succumbed. So did the Washington Post publisher, Mr. Graham. If you have trouble training it on your own, there should be no stigma in getting help, even chemical help. It's obvious that our Aunt Lucille, as described in the book, by providing A.B. with structure in her childhood, was able to help her temporarily stave off depression. A.B. believes that there was an insight gained there to help her later in life. I agree with A. B. that there is a pervasive drumbeat that one is somehow in mortal danger if one doesn't take the drugs. I'm sure, however, that she would agree that today's pharmaceutical hucksters are a far jollier bunch than those who institutionalized unwilling patients for life on the say-so of their relatives. In the end, we are all just trying to get through the day with a little dignity, though some of us, like A. B., are driven to reach for the stars. I hope that this book opens up a new and necessary dialog, and that professional dogma does not crush it. Is it fortuitous that this book came out just when we are all threatened with post-traumatic-stress disorder?
I Love the Positive Concept, October 5, 2001
Reviewer: Yoko Ono, from New York City:
I love the positive concept, depression is a choice. It’s so uplifting! Us women should all say that together and clear the air.
Thank You For Your Beautiful Work, October 10, 2001
Reviewer: Ken Brown, San Diego California
Thank you for your beautiful work. As you must know, it is hard to reach people where they hurt. We are more attached to our suffering than practically anything else.
Book Review: Depression is a Choice: Winning the Battle without Drugs
By Danielle M. McClain
I read this book with the thought in my mind that I would be offering a review to help with understanding, and knowledge, so that you, the reader, could offer assistance to help a family member, a friend, or even yourself. It never dawned on me that I would be taking the information and applying it to my own life.
No, I am not suffering with depression, but what I gained from Depression is a Choice was my own thought processes on how to maintain where I was at in my life now and how to make it better from this point forward. And yes, I now understand the point that depression is a choice for many and not all sufferers have to be treated with drugs.
In just the first 8-pages of Depression is a Choice, I opened up to depression - the cause, the relief, and growth from depression. Of course it all depends on how you first view depression. Do you already agree that depression is a choice for you? Are you open to believe that depression is a choice for many?
Realization is a hard step to come to when your “set in your ways”. The author, A.B. Curtiss, best explains it in one sentence, “The quickest path to change is through our resistance to change.” And no, A.B. Curtiss is not just another therapist giving you words to read in a book, she lived with and is now free of depression.
Did you note the word “free”? That is how Curtiss describes it, you are not “cured” of depression, but are “free” of the feeling. She states what needs to be cured is the reaction to the primal impulses of depression and mania. And unfortunately Curtiss says most people think you can’t do that. And she best answers this remark with this, “We simply have to learn how to use our mind, instead of thinking we are our mind.”
As I continued reading, I felt the panic, insecurity, fear, pain, and suffering of what a depressed person can go through. And I was not saddened by it but inspired that people come from depths that some can’t even imagine and accomplished a great goal. To be free and relieved for quite possibly the first time in their life.
I can honestly say Depression is a Choice is a tool and resource any person should have where depression is a factor in a loved ones life. It gives you sight into a world where drugs may not be the answer for everyone and freedom is the quest.
Book Review: Depression is a Choice, November 26, 2001
Reviewer Jack Lieberman
I have just finished the first 100 pages of your book and can't wait to read the rest of it. Just thought I would let you know how much a love it! I am 57 years old and suffered from psychophysiological insomnia for 14 hellish years. In desperation I went to a behavioral therapist who specialized in insomnia. She saved my life, although it took about 5 years (as she said it would) to be "cured". Many of the same concepts you present in your book are so familiar to me. I remember being convinced that I had a "chemical imbalance" illness. I used at least 35 different drugs to try to find the magic bullet. Most made matters way worse. Initially I saw my therapist about a dozen times. She promised me that she could help, and she was right. I can't tell you how grateful I am to her. I know I am jumping the gun a bit writing to you before even finishing your book, but so far I just keep shaking my head in agreement with every point you make. The unconscionable, scandalous conspiracy between the drug companies and doctors and scientists must be exposed - it causes so much unneeded suffering. Thank you so much for writing this book!
A New Look at an Old Problem, December 1, 2001
Reviewer: Jeri Noble from Sedona, AZ
This is a somewhat different approach to treating clinical depression. Although we've seen a variety of works on taking a positive viewpoint and basically "talking oneself out of it", this is that and more. This is written by an individual who, in her own words, has battled depression and been fascinated by it. You'll find a writer here who isn't afraid of the phenomenon. This has several worthy nuggets of new wisdom on this growing malaise in our society.
Just a quick note, January 26, 2002
Reviewer: Mark from England, UK
Just a quick note to say how very interesting and helpful your website is! I have suffered from depression for many years and generally (through lots of work and reading) feel very good. However,yesterday I plummeted downwards for no apparent reason. Then I came across your site and tried your "Yes Yes Yes" technique. Amazingly, I feel MUCH better today. Very impressive stuff. I will keep in contact with you to tell you how I get on, and I will probably buy your book. Many thanks indeed.
Some light in the darkness, January 24, 2002
Reviewer: jacklie from San Francisco, CA USA
This is such an important book! Contrary to some reviewer’s statements it does not claim to be everyone’s answer. It does stand up and say "The emperor has no clothes on!". That is, legal drug addiction (to SSRIs) is not the answer to the problem of depression, and that depression in many instances may not be a "disease" caused by a "chemical imbalance" that needs correction through drugs. When I see Paxil advertised on daytime television with little Disneylike animated clips of a "chemical imbalance" I know something is terribly wrong. I suffered from chronic insomnia for over a decade and with an enlightened therapist’s help used what A.B Curtiss describes as "Directed Thinking" to heal myself after years of failed searching for the right drug to cure my "chemical imbalance". Professionals for the most part were of little help. The very idea that I was not a victim of whatever thoughts bubbled up into consciousness was a revelation for me. The brand of therapy that deals with changing thought patterns, cognitive behavioral therapy, is relatively new and is hard pressed to compete with the allure of taking drugs and the prime time ad campaigns designed to recruit more drug users. But for those of us who long for our own health, and freedom from drug dependence, Curtiss’ book is a MUST READ
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE TODAY, January 18, 2002
Reviewer: Janis E Owens from Rural North Florida
I happened upon this book on depression at my local bookstore and since I have battled depression (bipolar & otherwise) for most of my 41 years, I bought it, tho' I'd pretty much taken a blood oath to never buy another book on depression again (otherwise my post-mortem library would consist of diet books and ones on depression, which would depress my heirs.) In this case, I'm glad I bought it, and am mighty uplifted by the possibility that I am not the hopeless victim of a disease beyond my control, doomed to taking antidepressants for the rest of my life. I've practiced a few of the suggestions for Directed Thought already & must say that at this early stage, they've worked wonderfully well, which is nothing short of a miracle. My personal history reads very similarly to the author's and even before I read this book, I had begun to travel down the same paths to self-responsibility, mostly because I'm a fundamentalist Christian, of a stripe that is very suspicious of psychiatry, anyway. In a nutshell, Ms. Curtiss calls on everyone, no matter what their past or chemical leanings, to take responsibility for their own actions & encourages them that with a few simple mental exercises, they can take control of their own thoughts. Though I was skeptical at first, I must say the exercises have worked for me, enough that I'm reducing my antidepressants (with my doctor's permission) and hoping against hope that I might discontinue them completely.
I congratulate Ms. Curtiss for offering up her personal testimony (as we say in the South) and speaking her mind and swimming against the stream. Looking at the editorial reviews posted here, I have to comment that it's a strange world we live in, when writing a book to encourage people to take responsibility for their own actions comes under such fire. I personally didn't find her book rambling or poorly edited, but entertaining and occasionally hilarious, in the tell-all tradition of Annie Lamott. If you battle depression, I do encourage you to give this method a careful read. The selling price is about an eighth of the price of a professional psych visit & you might find something here to help you change your life.
Excellent way to re-think your depression, February 12, 2002
Reviewer: Robert P Tema
from Minneapolis, MN United States
I have been dealing with depression, and have sought therapy and am currently taking Paxil to suppress some of the symptoms. But employing some "directed thinking" (as talked about in the above book) has seemed to help me much more than all other treatments. It seems to give me a greater sense of control over my condition. I have had periods of feeling good in the past (long before I was aware that I was prone to depression) but inevitably they would fade. I'm hoping the difference this time is that I am aware of my condition, and aware of how I am redirecting my thinking about about it.
This Book the Culminating Healer of My Lifelong Depression, February 12, 2002
Reviewer:from Austria, Europe
This book, Depression is a Choice, is the culminating healer of my lifelong depression. I find that examination of any circumstances and history are helpful, but this book empowered me to decide how to feel. I now know I am in charge of my feelings, thanks to the author, because she showed us how. No more pills after about 45 years of pills. I am so grateful. It was a long road. I am a Christian and can successfully combine my beliefs with the techniques and know-how in the book. I see the book as a wonderful detailed description of what went on in the minds of those healed by Jesus when he said "your sins are forgiven." I live in Austria, but I am American and go home about once a year and found the book in Waldenbooks. I now know I am in charge of my feeling.
I am greatly impressed and indebted to the author, February 12, 2002
Reviewer: Norma Davis from Hampton, Virginia
Depressed? You Don't Have to Stay There. You Have a Choice. I am half way through this book "Depression is a Choice," and I am greatly impressed and indebted to the author for writing it. So much of what the author says I have "known" over the years, on some level, but as she says, I didn't know I had a choice or what choices I had! Such an eye-opener and heart-opener! I thank the Lord that He led me to this book on the library shelf.
I keep the book at work to read in my spare time and at lunch, so lots of folks see it on my desk. I work with a great group of people who have "understood my illness" and have bent over backwards to work with me. Deep down, I've wondered if there wasn't another word for it - like I didn't like the word "illness" but, hey, if those at work understood,then that was fine with me.
Well no more!! I am taking charge and responsibility of my life by making some different choices - just because I now know there are different choices to make! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!
Something interesting: most every person who has taken the time to comment on seeing the book on my desk, has said, "Depression is a choice? Yeah, right. So I choose to be depressed???" and they go off offended. I try to answer them by saying, "No, what the author is saying is that STAYING depressed is a choice." In fact, I think a better title for the book should be something like "Depressed? You Don't Have to Stay that Way."
Anyway, after getting half way through the copy from the library, I bought my own book and started again using a highliter in my very own copy!
Things that apply to me I highlite in yellow and things that really jump out at me are re-highlited in green! This is definitely MY book!!
I have passed a big test just this week. I am a divorced female and I lived with 2 Siamese cats, who are like my children. I have had them for 12 years. Last weekend, out of the blue, one of them became ill and I found that he had a heart condition probably from birth and there was no hope for him. I made the difficult decision to have the cat put to sleep as he was so sick. Well, it was sooooo hard. And I prayed "God, You have to get me through this, I can't do it on my own." And I chose to begin putting the book's suggestions and techniques into action. Green Frog!! Green Frog!!!
A few months ago, I would have left the vets and gone home and gone to bed and ate and stayed out of work for a week. But you kow what? I went right back to work after the deed was done. It was hard, but I knew if I went home, the sadness would be too much - I not only knew I needed to be around people who cared about me, I did it! Sure, I was sad, and for all of last week I was sad but I wasn't incompacitated -and I didn't want to be! I knew there was a better way. When I found myself getting blue, I tried not to dwell on it - and it was hard because my remaining cat has been walking around the house meowing and
looking for the other cat. Oh fun!! But it has been almost a week now and I am coming through this just fine. I even put myself on a list to get 2 more kittens sometime in April!!
Up until a couple of months ago, I had been on Prozac for a year. I began backing off of it even before this book came into my hands. Now, I have been off it for several weeks and I almost look forward to a major test to see if I can do this totally without medicine. I know that sounds weird but I feel good about this!!! Even though it has only been a few weeks, perhaps losing my cat is a good test and I passed with flying colors!!!! What an adventure!!!
I thank the author for putting her experiences in print for all of us who really want help. I can tell from some of the folks I have talked to that they aren't at the point where they would be the least bit receptive to the book. However, as time goes on, I will be a walking witness to the truth of staying depressed is a choice.
Although I have never written to an author of any book before
L
Although I have never written to an author of any book before, I felt strongly compelled to do so. I have read many, many books in my lifetime, particularly of the "self-help" genre, but never has any single book had such a profound impact on my life as your book, Depression is a Choice.
I have had a long history of depressive episodes and have been quite frequently suicidal throughout my life, although not many people ever knew the depths of my despair. I did wind up in a "mental hospital" once for about three weeks during one particular period. However, all the therapy, counseling and drugs I applied really didn't cure my propensity to sink into depression every time I encountered complications or difficulties in my life.
I hated being depressed and constantly fought my suicidal thoughts but I didn't know how to break this bad pattern I had fallen into over the years as my way of dealing with what life handed me. In all fairness, I have had some serious traumatic events recently with which to deal (but, who hasn't?) and could feel myself heading for another "breakdown." My friends and family were all concerned about my depressive state and urged me to get some counseling or see a doctor and get some medication to help me through this tough time. But, I had done all that before and didn't feel that it really helped that much. I felt a counselor was basically nothing more than a "purchased friend" and I never felt the medication I took before truly helped my life any easier. I knew the bottom line was that on one but ME could fix anything about my life or how I handled what life dealt me. But these thoughts were rather random, unstructured ideas that I couldn't seem to arrange in any sort of order so that I could help myself in a systematic way.
Then one night in desperation, I got on the Internet and began searching for help for depression and somehow came across a description of your book. Your ideas of curing oneself of depression without the use of drugs offered me the alternative I was looking for....so I ordered it.
I knew as I was reading what you had written that you had been in that same "Black Hole" of depression and I knew that your method of directed thinking was exactly what I had been exploring in my own mind for a long time. I was so excited to read that, after many years of depression, you had truly cured yourself with this method and I couldn't wait to try it for myself.
I immediately began to apply your principles in my own mind and could actually feel the black fog begin to lift!! I can honestly tell you now that I know what I know, I KNOW I WILL NEVER ALLOW MYSELF TO BE DEPRESSED AGAIN!!!
Your book has absolutely, totally and profoundly changed my life forever!
I have been recommending it to everyone I know who suffers from depression and even to those who don't I was so amazed by the TRUTH that literally dripped from the pages of your book!!! I wholheartedly support your conclusions regarding the state of our society in general. I truly believe that your book holds some of the best solutions I have ever encountered toward resolving many of the things that plague human beings today.
I want to THANK YOU from the depths of my heart and soul for the work you did, for the pain you suffered, for the research and time you invested, for the mental skill you applied toward figuring all this out and for the love you must feel toward your fellow man to have shared such important, yet private, information.
I write to you to tell you that your book as saved what's left of my life and for that I will be forever grateful to you, A. B. Curtiss. I promise to do whatever I can to spread the word, to share this life-altering information with people I come into contact with who reveal themselves to me as fellow-sufferers and to pass along the gift you have given the world. May God richly bless you!!! With deepest gratitude, L.
Good psychology, June 18, 2002
Reviewer: Roberta C. Henderson from Los Angeles
I found Curtiss' book inspiring in that it really encourages the depression sufferer by describing how to cope without drugs using the process of directed thinking. The basic idea is that the two parts of the mind, limbic and cognitive, work together and are interdependent. While the cognitive mind (also called the 'higher' mind) is subject to conscious control (ie thought content may be changed simply by deciding to think a different thought), the limbic mind is not. However, by choosing one's thoughts, one can influence the state of the limbic mind and thereby change one's feelings, which reside in that limbic portion of the mind. That is the mechanism for managing depression.
Indeed it is, February 24, 2003
Reviewer: Adam Schwartz from Bloomington, IN, United States
I waited over six months after reading Depression Is a Choice to reflect on the book and put its principles into action. I can tell you that for me at least, Curtiss is correct--depression is indeed a choice.
By that I don't mean that if something bad happens--we lose a loved one for example--that we can "choose" whether or not to be happy. What I have found is that I get into habits of what I call "despairing": a knee-jerk reaction to give up, get into despair, and get depressed.
That's when Curtiss' technique of "directed thinking" saves the day. I can get myself out of the depressed mood by choosing different thoughts which then change my mood. That's all depression is, after all--a temporary mood that engulfs me because of some thoughts that I'm generating. I am free to direct my thoughts the same way I direct my cursor to tell my computer what I want it to do.
This is not denial of the painful aspects of life. Rather, it's not adding needless suffering by mental self-torture--something I'm all too good at. It requires a certain vigilance and effort to direct my thinking, but the rewards are worth it. I also find it helpful to "let go" of the thoughts that lead to depression. (For more on letting go, I suggest looking into The Sedona Method.)
In a society where most of us avoid taking responsibility for our feelings, where the medical profession is all too willing to pathologize our behavior and medicate us to make us feel better, Depression Is a Choice is a subversive book. I am grateful that the author had the courage to write it.
Depression is a Choice is my newest and bestest friend.
Reviewer: Edwinna Knee,
There's not one person I know or have ever met that wouldn't benefit from your book. Suffering from depression or not!!! Just the title invokes positive thought and possibility. Of the hundreds and hundreds of books I've read from dolphin behavior to Zen and Taoism bouncing from Buckminster Fuller to Don Miguel Ruiz I always chose as my anchor "As a Man Thinketh" by James Allen. Now I have "Depression is a Choice" by A.B. Curtiss. You don't fit in my purse so I have one copy in my car, one in our livingroom and one by my bed. Every page dog eared and highlighted.. I actually bought the first one as a gift after leafing through it at the store but the intended relative has a mind set similar to your brother's and wasn't open to even a "peek see" thinking the idea ("choice") is cruel and insensitive. So their loss was and is my gain... Thank you so very much for a tremendous tool that I can use daily. It is my newest and bestest friend.
Your Book Turned on A Bright Light Inside of Me
Reviewer: Julia Murray, San Francisco
The other day I was perusing the "New Books" shelf at my local library when I came across your book, Depression is a Choice, Winning the Battle without Drugs. After reading it for about a half hour, I decided to take it out. For the past week I've been glued to it and having been writing down page numbers. Today, I finally ordered it online so that I may be free to mark up the pages.
Your book is a breath of fresh air. You do a great job presenting your ideas and I love how you incorporate your own life. I too believe that the drug companies are out of control. Unfortunately, today people are always looking for a quick fix and they are accommodated.
When I was seventeen I had my first panic attack and I have been fighting them off for twelve years now. After my first attack, I promised myself I would not give in and take the drugs everyone kept pushing on me. I am proud to say I have kept that promise. Drugs never seemed like the answer for me. It has been a frustrating struggle to try and overcome my fears and your book is now another great tool to help my accomplish my goal.
I would love to know if you have any speaking engagements coming up. I live in San Francisco, but would be willing to travel just to hear some more of your ideas and possibly meet you. Your book has turned on a bright light inside of me and I'm feeling more connected to life again. Thank you for taking the time to write such an encouraging book.
Thank you, A. B Curtiss, November 21, 2002
Reviewer: A Reader
I think this book is wonderful. I can see how the other reviewers dismiss its simplicity but this is the key. Truths are simple. They may be difficult to grasp but they are ultimately simple.
The Power to Change - April 11, 2003
Reviewer: Renee Jawish
Assistant to the Editor
Ironworker Magazine
Washington, D.C.
"Your work has encouraged me a great deal and makes me feel that I have the power to change."
Patchwork-pychopath.com
I have been diagnosed with Bipolar Affective Disorder. However, do notice I write 'diagnosed'.
I believe that in days of yore, people had personality traits that were favorable or unfavorable depending on circumstance. These days, those same personality traits are called mental or behavioral disorders. Instead of learning to adapt and deal with our individual quirks, we can now drug ourselves or be drugged to cover up any part of ourselves that's found disturbing. I do not consider myself to be afflicted with anything I can't cope with, although it feels that way sometimes. But another person in my situation may feel differently.
What's Patchwork Psychopath's personal approach to BP?
Not being certain that my apparent mental illness is not just a product of my past problems with school and my natural personality, my feelings are best summed up by this quote from the fantastic and controversial book, 'Depression Is A Choice - Winning The Fight Without Drugs' by A.B. Curtiss: "Our great-grandparents used willpower instead of Prozac and Zoloft. They valued conscience, responsibility, honesty, commitment, dedication, sacrifice, hard work and courage. And they practiced learning to bear suffering. These concepts were universally taught to children, who naturally employed them as adults. These concepts had been tested and revered for thousands of years. People trusted their lives to them. In the 1960's we threw them all out." Amen, sister.
THIS BOOK HAS SAVED MY SANITY
Reviewer: Norma Davis
I have just finished reading Depression is a Choice. For me, it was not a book I could eat too much of at one time and it has taken me almost a year to finish it. I am convinced that this book has saved my sanity. My thought processes now compared to my thought process a year ago have changed in so many ways. The changes I made are simple ones, but, oh, so profound! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! DEPRESSION IS A CHOICE will be put on the bookshelf next to my reading chair along with my Bible so I can refer to it whenever I need to. DEPRESSION IS A CHOICE has been more help to me than any other book I have ever read except for the Bible. I praise God that He led you to write it and then led me to it at the time in my life when He knew I would receive what was in it.
YOUR BOOK IS NECESSARY.
Reviewer: K.D.
I bought your book after I had heard you on TV. My sister was diagnosed Bi-Polar in 1997 and has been in and out of hospitals. I bought your book for her to read. A year goes by and she gave it back. I decided to read it. Thank you for your honesty. Thank you for having the courage to follow your journey on all of it's detours to the end. Thank you for your research and documenting 'your teachers' past and present. Thank you for continuing confirmation that the medical industry -- is more interested in pedaling drugs than healing the patient. The family stories you told could be my family. I truly enjoy your sense of humor. I appreciate your book. It is excellent. It is necessary. A woman approached me as I was reading it at the airport -- I am spreading the word as fast as I can.
Still Works for Me After Two Years
Reviewer: J. O.
I was at a real point of struggle when I came upon your book and it has certainly brought a new freedom to my life that hasn't gone away (and it's been what? two plus years by now.) I consider it a Divine appointment that I even went in Goerings that day (my local bookseller) and an even greater miracle that I bought a book on depression -- something I'd sworn off of. In any case, it's worked for me. I say look at Dr. Atkins, the low-carb guy who fought the establishment for thirty years before the "experts" finally came over to his side. I'm not an Atkins groupie myself, but he does illustrate how hard it is to swim against the stream. But stay at it. Your book and your honesty and your very real understanding and empathy was truly life changing.
Buddhist Philosophy
Review by Barbara
I know that in Buddhist philosophy we are to know that life is unknowing and impermanent, sometimes good, sometimes bad and suffering is inevitable for us all. When we don’t embrace the changes, it's the hanging on that causes anxiety which leads to chemical imbalance which leads to our particular flavor of mood disorder and hence suffering. The meds address the symptoms, sometimes beautifully, but it would of course be better to get to the root.
I do believe there is a way out of depression but it requires looking at the whole gestalt of our pain in a very different way. A helpful book is called "Depression is a choice' and at first it will PISS YOU OFF so royally you'll want to denounce her on Oprah or something, but she has the best philosophy I've ever heard and it is helping me immensely. Be prepared for every hackle and defense to arise, but keep on reading anyway.
I'm using it during this very sorrowful time of my mother's sudden and untimely death away across the country. It's amazing how depression and mania are simply not an option right now, are not welcome and no way, no how, are they going to interfere with taking care of this precious thing asked of me.
In the past I would have totally fallen apart and gotten VERY depressed and paralyzed, but now other than the expected waves of intense sorrow, I'm maintaining and clear-headed and very directed. How I relate when the worst of it is over will be another story to tell, but I plan to stay busy, which seems to be the gist of it. Curtiss’s theory being the criticality of disrupting the primal limbic fear-base mind's loop with something/anything that can be sustained long enough to effect coherence and dominance in the outer cortex. It can break up a bad state in about 20 minutes and worked for me a few hairy times over the past few weeks.
It worked for her even with a long familial history of screaming mania; and by God, it WILL CONTINUE to work for me. After considering the utter anguish of losing my beloved Mom, I suspect I'm just not going to let myself waste another precious moment of life, now matter how shitty that moment feels. That's not to say dump your meds. The only way they'll tear Lamictal and Lithium is from my lifeless fingers. But no more despair and hopelessness. I can have those other blips on the screen without the thoroughly useless incapacitation that sinks you deeper into the sludge. I'm done with doom and gloom, kiddos, and if I have to start working in a Soup Kitchen full time to keep my heart open and grateful and just breathing through the pain and loving the simple joys of my life, then I'll even pay them for the privilege! Hey God, you listening? I don't need that kind of pain anymore to get the point!!.
Boy, did a lot of people get angry when they saw that title!
Reviewer: Catherine Jo Morgan
There were lots of amazon.com reviews of Depression is a Choice that berated it even though the readers had just seen the title. Boy, did a lot of people get angry when they saw that title! I liked the book, myself. Once, after reading it, I pulled myself out of a major upset by remembering a sentence from it: "All my suffering now is self inflicted." There's a sort of intermediate step between utter despair and "flowing energy of happiness" that the author of Depression is a Choice suggests. If you can't think of a single thought that could possibly make you happy, just focus your mind on something completely neutral. Choose something that seems to rouse a zero emotional response. For the author, it was thinking of "green frog." (Now, just thinking about "green frog" makes me smile.)
Reviewed by Dr Hufrish Suraliwala
Medical Information Manager
The author creates an effective road map for converting the energy patients put into being depressed into a strength that can ultimately lead us out of the blues. The author has labelled this thinking technique as "Directed". She convinces the reader to turn depression into a determination to find a way forward. Depression always ends because it is in the very nature of depression to end. This book attempts to help patients get to end depression sooner.
Follow-up: "Green Frog" is still working!!, April 9, 2002
Reviewer: Norma F. Davis from Hampton, VA USA
I've reached the half-way point a second time! This time in my own copy and I am constantly amazed at this book! Ms. Curtiss has put so many many things into words that I knew and felt but couldn't express myself. I have been singing praises for Depression is a Choice around my office - and my world - but there is not too much interest, which amazes me. It's like people would rather stay depressed than listen to me. What they can't discount, though, is how much my life has changed!!
And it has been almost 4 months now since I put away the Prozac. I have put away the Prozac before, but without backup procedures in place. When the black cloud appeared on the horizon, I began trying to figure out why. What am I doing that is causing this? Must be the chemicals again, must be I'm just not strong, must be because I fell on my head as a child, blah blah blah. Then when the cloud began to overtake me, I just rolled over and allowed it to engulf me for however many days, weeks, or months it took until I got scared and ran to the doctor for more Prozac. Well, I have spotted black clouds on the horizon within the past 4 months, but guess what!? I have been able to give them only cursory notice, turn my back, and get walking, or reading, or cleaning, or SOMETHING OTHER THAN BEING SAD OR SCARED!!! It's like I hear this knock on the door of my mind, I open it, and Depression is standing there with its suitcase ready to come right in and stay. Now, I don't even give it the benefit of notice. I don't bother to stand there arguing or reasoning or being scared. I simply say, "You can't come in here. I've got better things to do." Then I just slam the door and get going! And it works!!! Oh, the blueness may push through for awhile - maybe off and on for a day or even a few days - but it stops "huffing and puffing" when it realizes the house isn't coming down!
The difference is, I know what's going on now, and I have a choice to give into depression or not. And with the Grace of God, I have been making the choice to just not be depressed. This sounds simplistic, I know. I felt the same way at first. Why do we think that something has to be difficult or complicated to work?? I had another test in the relationship category. These are killers, when one is proned to being depressed, you know? But, again, I turned my thinking in a different direction and chose not to be worried, sad, guilty, shameful - you know how it is. I just kept moving and doing tasks that needed to be done and before I realized it, the house was clean, the errands were done, and the sun was shining!! A miracle!!!
I can't sing enough praises for Depression is a Choice . Any of you who are tired of depression stealing your life, read this book! I guarantee that you will be as successful as I have been. If the title throws you off, then change it to say: Staying Depressed is a Choice. And as you read, you will find this to be true. We don't have to stay that way. Some of the techniques may seem just too simple to work, but believe me, they're not! THEY DO WORK!! Some of the technical neuroscience stuff is a bit difficult for me to understand, but for those of you who need the complicated stuff, that is there too! Something for everyone!!
I don't understand all about why the techniques in the book work, but "this one thing I do know. I was blind. And now I see!!" Praise God for leading me to this book!
Reviewer: Alexander Seth Marcus from Austin, TX United States
Okay, so perhaps the author's style is a bit symptomatic of her manic approach to life. And perhaps I did get a little lost in her free associative style. She definitely casts a wide net, and though I agree with much of her cultural commentary, it definitely could have been better organized. All this said, Depression is a Choice offered me a lot of hope just when I was about to finally give in to anti depressants. My entire family has been on them for years, everyone I know supports me going on them, and I was getting to the point where I thought that without them, I might not survive the holidays. Curtiss helped pull me through. I wish her anecdotes about her manic and depressive episodes were consolidated into more of a memoire, because they were by far the most entertaining and encouraging aspect of the book. I could relate all too well, and it was a revelation that my doomed real estate scheme, my doomed diet schemes, and all my other ill fated schemes were ill fated because they were manifestations of mania, and poorly guided as decisions. If you're a manic depressive on or considering medication, I highly recommend this book. It has its flaws, but they're overshadowed for me by how much I gained in wisdom.
Re: Mind over Matter, No problems!!, 12/11/02
HEAR HEAR!!!! I've been clean of anti-depressants for about a year now and all that you say is totally true. People will finally start to figure out these drugs are dangerous and are screwing up millions of lives, men, women, and such precious children. No one deserves to be medicated without their consent. I was forced to take these meds, even though I was crying out for help, and no one would listen (Crying now at the comp, god help me!). No one would give me the time to day to help me. Only my best bud, my hubby stood by me and supported me through all this. My family still to this day thinks I should be medicated again "for my own good." NO! NEVER AGAIN! I wish that I could join a group that would take a stand against these money hungry, devouring pharmaceutical companies and sue them up the A** and bring justice to those who have been irreparably harmed by these "legal" substances. If the drug works for you, well then fine, you are welcome to it. But remember, 1 drug may lead to 2, 2 to 4, 4 to 8. Just look at Wynona Ryder! 8 med prescriptions FORGED!!!! Is this the kind of thing we want to do to ourselves and our kids? Medications are fine to relieve symptoms FOR A FEW DAYS!!!! NOT FOR YOUR ENTIRE LIFE! You get a cold, you take Tylenol Cold. Minimal side effects. You feel crappy for a few days, then you get better. The same thing goes for depression, you have good days and bad days, fun times and hell time. Getting out of yourself is the key. There is an AWESOME book out called "Depression is a Choice" and it's is an EXCELLENT book on the subject. I've NEVER read a more profound discussion ever written on this topic. Everyone who struggled with depression should find it and read it. It helped me with the last vestiges of the "dis-ease" and helped me to get a grip on life, and to live again. Get out of yourself, help a friend, play with your dog and maybe buy him a bone at Petco, or something, but do something for someone else and you are SURE to feel better. If depression is anger turned inward, then there's the problem. It's turned INWARD. You have to turn OUTWARD to heal from this. It's the ONLY way.....meds are not the answer, they cause to much suffering and grief. Think of the lined velvet pockets of the CEO's of the drug companies when they "tell" you it's a "chemical imbalance." Of course it is....their "chemical" can cure it. SNAKE OIL!!!