Rise from Darkness: Paths Out of Depression Toward Happiness by Kristian Hall

Rise from Darkness: How to Overcome Depression through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Positive Psychology: Paths Out of Depression Toward Happiness is Kristian Hall’s comprehensive guide to overcoming depression. Combining personal history, a guide for both sufferers and friends/family members, and step by step instructions about how to lift yourself or others from the scourge of depression, the book covers depression from every conceivable angle with great erudition and empathy.

The book’s main weakness is one of organization. Someone who is in the deep throes of depression may not have the patience to read the fundamentals of brain chemistry, for example. Some may respond very well to this information, as his thoughts on depression are sound, especially his exposition about “reality filtering,” and how environment can affect our thought processes. However, what might have worked better was to combine his actionable techniques with his discussion of fundamentals: a step-by-step guide from the get-go.

That said, there is so much information here, and Hall is so clear in his understanding of the subject – both intellectually and from personal experience – that it’s an effective guide overall. Perhaps it is best read by those not currently in the throes of a depressive episode. Whatever the case, this is a commendably thorough look at depression. It’s agreeably light on self-reference and instead gives a broad-stroke vision of all causes and cures for depression, and should be very helpful to those afflicted.

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