Member Reviews

It sounds like an odd thing to say about a book to do with depression but I enjoyed this book. I read it from cover to cover but it's really the kind of book you can dip in and out of. Especially if you're currently in the depths of your depression, it's the kind of book where you can pick something from it to try and help lift that, particularly bad day. I definitely will be keeping this somewhere visible for when that kind of day rears its ugly head. I think picking one of these ideas, like growing a plant or giving painting a try will definitely be achievable and helpful.

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This was a fun read with great illustrations and sections that all touched on anxiety, stress and depression really well. Simple ways that you can carry with you through the years.

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I reviewed this title from a digital e copy on a kindle, which is the reason I can not comment on the illustrations.
I believe a great format for this book would be spiral bound. You could flip to any idea, lay the book flat as you read or follow through.

This is a quick read, if you just read cover to cover but the reader will get most benefit from returning to read again slowly and implementing each suggested activity. I liked how the author put a personal spin on the topic. He writes in a calm, gentle voice I could relate to, like having a conversation with a friend. A patient friend who gives good advice and would not presume to tell me how I am feeling, SHOULD feel, or tell me exactly what to do. This book gives valid and easily doable activities which offer the reader moments of relief and a sense of control over something.

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I really relates with this book about how to overcome depression.

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For some this can be a handy resource. (4 stars)

Ugh, depression is the worst. I've been experiencing different types of depression from a really young age. Sadly, it runs heavily through my family and often manifests alongside addiction, eating disorders, and anxiety. Because I've experienced it in different ways at different ages and paired with different life circumstances I am ever searching for more ways to combat it. 21 Ways to a Happier Depression isn't going to cure anyone and it doesn't claim it will either but it could be a useful resource for those who are struggling.

My most recent—and most debilitating—bout with depression would not have been helped much. When it's a struggle to get out of the bed, finding the will to make the bed can be all but impossible. And that's one of the simplest suggestions here. Even so, many of the 21 ways could and will benefit anyone struggling with depression. Many of them are creative pursuits, others just simple self care. Maybe they seem difficult and for some they most definitely aren't realistic, but for others it might be a list to work through. One thing I find helps me during my depressions is having someone else give me lists of things to do. This book could be just that if you need it.

If you're living with depression or know someone who is I believe this book has the potential to bring some distraction at the very least and even moments of happiness if you're open to it.

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This book, has the author said, didn't provide anything that I wouldn't be able to find if I googled "ways to fight depression" and that was disappointing to say the least. Although, I did enjoy reading about how the author dealt with his depression.

I didn't publish a review on this book since I felt I didn't really have much to say about it and that wouldn't benefit anyone. I do very much appreciate the opportunity to have read this book, so thank you very much.

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A short book of inspirational advice with some artwork thrown in. I think my depth could have been added.

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First of all, this book is not address to people with persistent depressive disorders but it is actually for people who are feeling blue or lacking some motivation as the author clearly states it. So if you are like me, you probably will not find this work very useful.
I enjoyed it. I thought it was an interesting approach and tried some of the ideas. Even though a couple of them really worked for me I have to say that I was left with the feeling that I wanted more from this book. This is the thing: just because it works for the author doesn’t mean it’s going to work for you. But if you are someone who sometimes has a rough time finding motivation this is a book you should try reading because you will make the most of it.

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What a cute book! I loved it! I have a rather old Kindle (4th generation) so unfortunately the pictures didn't format very well, but I could tell that I would love them if I had a physical copy of the book. This book is perfect for people with ADD/ADHD like myself, who can have a hard time concentrating on one thing for a prolonged period. Short and sweet! It's also great for people looking for practical advice, without any kind of psycho babble. As someone with anxiety, I'm not sure I could handle saying "yes" to everything for a month (or even a week), but all of the other suggestions definitely seem doable! I will be writing a review shortly. Thank you again for the opportunity to review this book!

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This wasn't what I was expecting. As someone who has experienced depression, this wouldn't be something that I would recommend to anyone.

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As someone who has suffered from depression for a long time i had read lots of books about it and that carry advice for dealing with the illness. This one was a complete disappointment. There was nothing new or insightful in it and honestly i don't think the information carried in it warranted being put into a book.

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While this book presented nothing revolutionary, it was a nice compilation of gentle hints and nudges to get me past the drudgery of chronic depression.

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Seth writes in such a way that you actually go through the book within minutes. It had such a 'feel-good' vibe to it with practical steps on how to pick yourself up when you are in an emotional rut. I particularly enjoyed the illustrations as they were so colourful.

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I was a bit apprehensive about reading this since we all know self-help books - they're written by people who seem to have it together already and therefore it can all sound very patronising.

No need to worry though, I really liked 21 Ways to a Happier Depression! It gave me a lot of useful ideas about managing my depression and anxiety, from dealing with a panic attack to painting something as an outlet for all those feelings trapped inside.

The beautiful artwork goes well with the book's message - staying calm and finding that inner peace that's so elusive to those of us who often overthink the small things until we're sick with worry.

Would recommend :)

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I needed this! I wanted something that would help with my anxiety and depression and this really helped! It gave me things to do that I never thought of before and that I know would be good to try.

Anything that helps me is something I want to read.

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Such a cute little book. Its not for the severely depressed...but would work for people fighting bad days and just need a little pick me up. I think it has some great suggestions. Artwork was beautiful!
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley.com.

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It's hard to put a 'fun read' tag on a book about depression, but the tricks he suggest do work.

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Thanks to Netgalley for an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. I have suffered from depression, anxiety, stress, you name it, for many years and was very excited to read this book from Seth Swirsky. I also saw he is a big fan of baseball, as I am, which made it even more fun for me to enjoy, especially when I read that one of his suggestions included writing his baseball heroes (I would love to write Texas Ranger stars Adrian Beltre and Josh Hamilton). This book offers some very creative and innovative methods to stop brooding and get your mind off of current troubles. I loved the illustrations, and I think that children that suffer from similar problems can benefit from Swirsky's suggestions as well. My therapist works with kids also, and some of her favorite activities are art therapy (painting masks), board games or just going outside and throwing the ball around. A big plus for readers in a depression: this book is simple and easy to do. It doesn't take a lot of energy or preparation to complete, and you will reap the benefits very quickly.

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