Synopses & Reviews
Most Americans work long hours, eat on the fly, and lead increasingly sedentary, isolated lives. Alongside this lifestyle, depression rates have skyrocketed: approximately 1 in 4 Americans will suffer from major depression at some point in their lives. Where have we gone wrong? Dr. Stephen Ilardi sheds light on our current predicament and reminds us: our bodies were never designed for the sleep-deprived, poorly nourished, frenzied pace of twenty-first century life. In fact, our genes have changed very little since the days of our hunter-gatherer ancestors and are still building, in effect, Stone Age bodies. Herein lies the key to breaking the cycle of depression.
Inspired by the extraordinary resilience of aboriginal groups like the Kaluli of Papua New Guinea (who rarely suffer from depression), Dr. Ilardi prescribes an easy-to-follow, clinically proven program that harks back to what our bodies were originally made for—and need. Here you can find the road back to lasting health by integrating the following 6 elements into your life: an omega–3 rich diet; exercise; plenty of natural sunlight; ample sleep; social connections; and participation in meaningful tasks that leave little time for negative thoughts—all things that our ancestors had in abundance.
Already, The Depression Cure program has delivered dramatic results, helping even those who have failed to respond to traditional medications. Interweaving the stories of many who have fought—and won—the battle against this debilitating illness, this groundbreaking book can illuminate the path to lifting the fog once and for all for you or a loved one.
Review
Harriet Lerner, author of The Dance of Anger “This book isn’t just about depression. Dr. Ilardi’s program can help all of us live with more zest and a greater sense of well-being.”
Bookslut Founder Jessa Crispin in The Smart Set
“Those who have suffered recurring, meaningless bouts of depression might want to reach for The Depression Cure rather than Unstuck, especially those sick of hearing how they should search their mental illness for wisdom.”
“The Bookworm Sez” (nationally syndicated column)
“Intriguing. Author Stephen S. Ilardi seems to be onto something when he points out that our ancestors didn’t sit at a desk all day and fight traffic to go home stressed-out…Pick up a copy of The Depression Cure. With your doctor’s blessing, a fair amount of effort, and this book, ‘snapping out of it’ might be a snap.”
Bookviews.com
“[Ilardi’s] program helps patients reclaim six ancient lifestyle elements that can improve or eradicate depression. These include a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, the critical building blocks for brain structure and function; enjoyable activities that keep us from dwelling on negative thoughts; exercise that stimulates important brain chemicals; sufficient sunlight exposure to keep the body’s clock in sync; social support to avoid isolation; and healthy sleep habits that allow the brain and body to recover. It works for me and it will work for you!”
Metapsychology Online Reviews
“A very good self-help book. Ilardi writes clearly, avoiding jargon, and speaking eloquently about many topics. His depiction of negative lifestyle influences on people's emotions and actions are on target… this is a splendid book because the recommendations made should lead to a healthier lifestyle for most people…Overcoming depression is not a simple challenge but one, I suspect, has a chance of success by reading this book.”
Kansas Alumni
“Ilardi’s theory draws on discoveries in cognitive neuroscience and evolutionary psychology, which add heft to his common-sense advice…The Depression Cure arrays data that may inspire action.”
Day Spa Magazine
“Has a number of physical tips for staving off the mental wear and tear.”
Midwest Book Review
“A realistic, fine guide, this is a recommendation for any general lending or health library.”
Newsday
“As a supplement to professional help, you might pick up this book. Ilardi offers a common-sense approach.”
Library Journal
“Practical, straightforward, grounded in persuasive research, this book is recommended for anyone seeking an alternative approach to treating depression.”
PsychCentral.com
“A comprehensive book.”
Science Writers
“Ilardi’s book prescribes an easy-to-follow, clinically proven program that harks back to what our bodies were originally made for—and need.”
Beliefnet.com
“[Ilardi’s] six steps…are crucial to a recovery program from depression.”
Tucson Citizen
“In addition to practical advice, this book contains success stories of his patients, tips on measuring progress and suggestions for overcoming roadblocks.”
The Guardian (UK), 7/19/10“As a respected clinical psychologist and university professor, Ilardi’s views are hard to dismiss.”
Synopsis
When Dr. Stephen S. Ilardi set out to find, once and for all, a cure for depression, he first identified the remedies already proven most effective for treating the condition. From his extensive search of the scientific literature, he assembled a 6-step program, presented here for the first time in book form. While each individual treatment component is already proven valuable in its own right,
The Depression Cure is the first approach to
combine these treatments into a comprehensive program, while also explaining their rationale and providing step-by-step guidance.
The six key elements include vigorous physical activity; a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids; abundant natural sunlight exposure, which boosts Vitamin D levels and mood and keeps the brain’s internal body clock in synch; ample restorative sleep each night; extensive social connectedness; and continuous participation in meaningful, engaging tasks that leave little time for dwelling on negative thoughts. Already, The Depression Cure program has been shown to deliver dramatically better results than antidepressant medications alone.
Synopsis
A clinically proven 6-step program for beating depression by reclaiming lifestyle elements from our evolutionary past
About the Author
Stephen S. Ilardi, PhD, is associate professor of clinical psychology at the University of Kansas and the author of over 40 professional articles on mental illness. Through his active clinical practice, Dr. Ilardi has treated several hundred depressed patients. He lives with his family in Lawrence, Kansas.