Creating Optimism

by Bob Murray, Alicia Fortinberry

Based on the authors' more than 20 years of research and practice, this unique, seven-step program challenges the conventional wisdom that healing occurs from the inside out. It shows that real change comes from building healthier relationships with other people, our own bodies, nature, and spirituality. The program can be used either without medications or in conjunction with them.

Genres: Psychology, Self Help

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 9, 2004

About the author

Bob Murray is a psychologist, author, and cofounder of Fortinberry Murray, a global consultancy dedicated to building relationship-centered cultures in organizations. Drawing on neuroscience and behavioral science, he has helped shape leadership and strategy for Global 500 firms and professional institutions. With Alicia Fortinberry, he developed a practical system for strengthening human connection to enhance resilience and performance. Their acclaimed Uplift Program for depression, sponsored by the University of Florida, and best-selling books Creating Optimism and Raising an Optimistic Child have reached thousands. Bob also led President Obama’s US National Workstress Initiative.

Reviews

[Jen Oliver-provost · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are deciding on whether to read this book or not, here is my summary:
The authors present the argument that our society is plagued by so much depression and mental health because of our far stray from our hunter gathering band days. They suggest that the communal lifestyle allowed everyone to feel secure in their relationships (therefore less feeling of abandonment) and a sense of purpose.
There is an emphasis on the connection between current mental health and the programming that one received by the adult influences in their early childhood.
They describe the Uplift Program and seven "steps" to overcoming the debilitating effects of depression. These steps include identifying and defeating your inner saboteur, reconnecting to your body, creating healthy relationships, elevating your self-esteem, uncovering your competence, accessing the power of shared purpose, and deepening your spiritual connection.

[Rebecca]

I've just started reading this book. It targets depression. That's true.

Let's forget about the D word. It talks about how to be happy.

Really it focuses on the need of a person to be part of a community, to have healhy relationships, and to have certain needs met, specifically: connection to others, autonomy, self-esteem, competence, purpose, connection to your body (including physical health and sex and stuff), connection to nature (including having pets or plants), spirituality.

This book is right on with the way I've been thinking lately.

So far, I reccommend it.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this book is written for depressed people, I found the section on relationships especially helpful and encorporated some of the principles into my own life. From the standpoint of treating depression, these authors have a 94% sucess rate at 2 year followup. I think we should be paying attention to what they are saying.

[Sheena · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an awesome book. I learned way too much from it to write about.

[Evon]

Even though this book is intended for those overcoming depression, I have found it to be very helpful as fas as getting back to the basics of my happiness and self discovery.