Dr Tony Bates approaches the whole area of depression with sympathy, understanding and knowledge. He explains depression, outlines the common and not so common signs, looks briefly at some of the theories that have been put forward to explain it, and provides those affected with the necessary tools to help deal with it.

This is a practical and easily accessible book. The prescriptive chapters will provide sufferers with the help they need to deal with self-defeating behaviours and to change patterns of relating to others that keep them vulnerable to depression. The key message is that clear and compassionate thinking helps build self-esteem and gives us back a trust in ourselves that gets lost when we become depressed. Dr Bates also addresses important issues that are frequently overlooked for partners and families who live with a depressed person.

Other titles in the series The CommonSense Approach include 'Sleep', 'Stress', 'Pregnancy', 'Headaches', 'Addiction' and 'Men's Health'.