In Mindfulness for Black Dogs and Blue Days, Richard Gilpin shares his on-going journey with his 'black dog' (the term memorably coined by Winston Churchill to describe his depression), shedding light on this often misunderstood subject. Frank personal anecdotes and therapeutic insights reveal how we can find a path through depression and how mindfulness can create that path. Also included are short, original contributions from other established experts in the field of mindfulness.
Definitely one of the most insightful books on depression I have read. The current 'progressive' approach to depression, seems to be that it is an illness, just like any illness that can be treated. Treat infectious disease with antibiotics; treat depression with medication or talking. But as the author write 'Dark nights of the soul are not ailments to be removed or overcome, but are an acknowledgment that 'progress' through life is not necessarily linear, consciously directed or, at times, even possible' and 'Depression, with all its shapes and expressions, is just one of the necessary expressions of human existence.' Such an approach offers more hope to sufferers of depression. It's part of life and you can learn to manage it and learn from it.
Fairly insightful and easily readable. Various ideas, practices, and recommendations are peppered throughout. That the book is written by somebody who has suffered from depression first hand provides a little comfort. A book to read and re-read, when necessary.