Creating Optimism : A Proven, 7-Step Program for Overcoming Depression

by Alicia Fortinberry

A POWERFUL BLUEPRINT TO ACHIEVE LIFELONG HAPPINESS A revolutionary new approach to beating depression through lasting, supportive relationships This breakthrough book describes a revolutionary new approach to overcoming depression that has proven far more effective (94 percent success rate based on follow-up questionnaires) than drugs, psychotherapy, or both combined. Based on the authors' more than 20 years of research and practice, and sponsored by the University of South Florida, 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. Drawing upon the latest research in neurobiology, psychiatry, and evolutionary psychology, the authors lay bare common myths about depression--what it really is and what causes it. They arm readers

Genres: Psychology, Self Help

241 pages, Hardcover

First published January 9, 2004

About the author

Alicia Fortinberry is a behavioral expert, author, and cofounder of Fortinberry Murray, where she helps leaders and organizations cultivate sustainable, relationship-based success. Her pioneering work with Bob Murray integrated neuroscience, psychology, and systems theory to demonstrate that relationships are the foundation of human well-being and achievement. Together they created award-winning programs such as Uplift, and coauthored Creating Optimism and Raising an Optimistic Child. Alicia has lectured at leading universities including Duke and Melbourne Law School and consults globally on culture, resilience, and leadership development.

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.