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30 Days 30 Ways To Overcome Depression
From bestselling author Bev Aisbett comes a proven, practical and simple workbook to help people manage their depression, with a month's worth of daily strategies and exercises for work and for home.
When you're suffering from depression, sometimes it's as much as you can do to get out of bed, let alone read a book. But this just isn't any other book. This is a practical day-by-day workbook, with clear, simple daily building blocks and exercises designed to help pull you out of the inertia of depression. It's a highly approachable, concise and above all practical way to help manage depression.
Featuring all-new material from experienced counsellor and bestselling author of the self-help classics Living with IT and Taming the Black Dog, Bev Aisbett has based this book on many of the exercises she has been teaching and writing about for the past twenty years to help people manage their depression.
When you're suffering from depression, sometimes it's as much as you can do to get out of bed, let alone read a book. But this just isn't any other book. This is a practical day-by-day workbook, with clear, simple daily building blocks and exercises designed to help pull you out of the inertia of depression. It's a highly approachable, concise and above all practical way to help manage depression.
Featuring all-new material from experienced counsellor and bestselling author of the self-help classics Living with IT and Taming the Black Dog, Bev Aisbett has based this book on many of the exercises she has been teaching and writing about for the past twenty years to help people manage their depression.
- GenresMental HealthNonfiction
224 pages, Paperback
Published December 30, 2019
About the author
Bev Aisbett
41 books16 followersIn 1991 Bev Aisbett launched a full–time freelance career in cartooning and illustration. Around this time, Bev experienced an ordeal commonly known as anxiety disorder. Out of this experience she developed the character "IT" which led to the successful publication of Living With IT, Living IT Up and Letting IT Go. Bev has also published "Get Real, dealing with body image and eating disorders" and in 2000 the successful "Taming the Black Dog: A guide to depression."
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 9, 2021
Direct quote for day one... "Clearly, your first choice was to become depressed". Actually depression is an illness not a choice. Couldn't even make it to day two. Perhaps its "snap out of it"...
Try applying this approach to other illnesses, for example - I happened to sprain my ankle... did I choose that?? According to this book I should focus on what could I have done instead of spraining my ankle.
Try applying this approach to other illnesses, for example - I happened to sprain my ankle... did I choose that?? According to this book I should focus on what could I have done instead of spraining my ankle.
May 29, 2020
Very superficial, not in-depth at all. Just skims the surface. The advice is more like what you’d get from a friend who means well but doesn’t really know what to say.
January 10, 2023
I had such high hopes, and in the end I utterly hated this book. I was insulted from the outset where Aisbett writes “clearly your first choice was to become depressed”.
I took this one out at the library after being diagnosed with severe depression, and wanted to read something practical to supplement my medication and therapy. I love the concept of having to read a handful of pages a day and work through activities, as anyone who has experienced depression knows that getting out of bed, let alone committing to anything extensive, is a massive challenge. THIS IS NOT THAT BOOK.
Some of the practical exercises include:
“Consider the qualities of people who feel good about themselves and enjoy life. How might you adopt these same qualities?”
And
“Keep clear of heavy or depressing conversations. Instead, talk to people about pleasant things.”
I mean, seriously? At this point I’d half expect the last page of the book to read “congratulations, you’re depression is now cured!” - although the actual ending is really not far off, to quote; “for Pete’s sake, have more FUN!”
This book makes out that depression sufferers have a victim mentality. I absolutely do not feel like a victim of my diagnosis and I am doing everything I can to feel better, while battling to overcome both the physical and mental blocks that make life with depression so difficult. There is nothing I want more in life than to feel better.
With all that said, this book may have value for some readers - perhaps if the book was retitled “30 Days 30 Ways to Overcome Pessimism”…?
I took this one out at the library after being diagnosed with severe depression, and wanted to read something practical to supplement my medication and therapy. I love the concept of having to read a handful of pages a day and work through activities, as anyone who has experienced depression knows that getting out of bed, let alone committing to anything extensive, is a massive challenge. THIS IS NOT THAT BOOK.
Some of the practical exercises include:
“Consider the qualities of people who feel good about themselves and enjoy life. How might you adopt these same qualities?”
And
“Keep clear of heavy or depressing conversations. Instead, talk to people about pleasant things.”
I mean, seriously? At this point I’d half expect the last page of the book to read “congratulations, you’re depression is now cured!” - although the actual ending is really not far off, to quote; “for Pete’s sake, have more FUN!”
This book makes out that depression sufferers have a victim mentality. I absolutely do not feel like a victim of my diagnosis and I am doing everything I can to feel better, while battling to overcome both the physical and mental blocks that make life with depression so difficult. There is nothing I want more in life than to feel better.
With all that said, this book may have value for some readers - perhaps if the book was retitled “30 Days 30 Ways to Overcome Pessimism”…?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2020
Simple, brief and not overwhelming. Really good practical tips for ways to help others through depression and yourself. Can be abrupt but straight to the point and succinct. A good resource for social/health workers. Maybe hard for someone in a deep depression to take on board, but a good motivator for everyone. Gives tips to reassess thoughts, perspective which is helpful for even those not suffering depression.
April 11, 2021
Ridiculous
March 10, 2022
There are several uplifting self-help books out there but this one ain’t it. Imagine being told that depression is a choice. The author’s tough love approach is tone deaf and harmful to her target readers. The tips you can get from this book, you can get it from elsewhere. If you plan to get this for yourself or for a loved one, don’t. Please choose anything but this demoralizing book. Deserves -100 stars.
May 24, 2024
Don't read this book if you're depressed.
There are so many better ones that use science and psychology backed advice. This is mainly a book about developing a positive attitude - and it does so in a very victim-blaming and often aggressive way. Author says several times that depression is a choice. Many of the suggestions are tone-deaf and off the mark.
There are so many better ones that use science and psychology backed advice. This is mainly a book about developing a positive attitude - and it does so in a very victim-blaming and often aggressive way. Author says several times that depression is a choice. Many of the suggestions are tone-deaf and off the mark.
September 7, 2024
This book is filled with dangerous misinformation and oversimplifications that can be harmful to its target audience—individuals suffering from depression.
Firstly, the book repeatedly suggests that depression is a choice and can be overcome through sheer willpower and positive thinking. This is a gross oversimplification of a complex mental health condition influenced by various factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, and life events. Suggesting that individuals can simply “snap out of it” invalidates their experiences and can lead to feelings of guilt and shame.
Secondly, the advice to “fake it until you make it” and emphasising smiling to lift one’s mood are misleading and potentially harmful. While positive behaviours can influence mood to some extent, this advice ignores the reality of “smiling depression,” where individuals mask their true feelings behind a façade of happiness. This can delay seeking help and exacerbate the condition.
Moreover, the book’s exercises, such as writing down choices that could have prevented depression, place undue blame on the individual. This is akin to blaming someone for having a physical illness and is both unfair and unhelpful.
As a trained counsellor in Australia, Bev Aisbett should adhere to the National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce, which emphasize the importance of implementing evidence-informed practices and quality improvement processes. The advice in this book violates these principles and can discourage individuals from seeking the professional help they need.
Furthermore, the contents of this book are in direct contradiction to what reputable sources advise when supporting someone with depression. According to evidence-based guidelines, statements like “snap out of it,” “just try harder,” and “cheer up” are harmful and should be avoided. These statements can invalidate the individual’s experiences and make them feel worse.
In conclusion, “30 Days, 30 Ways to Overcome Depression” is a dangerous resource for those suffering from depression. Individuals must seek evidence-based treatment from mental health professionals who adhere to ethical standards. Do not read this book or buy it for your loved ones. Instead, seek out more reputable sources and professional help for managing depression.
Firstly, the book repeatedly suggests that depression is a choice and can be overcome through sheer willpower and positive thinking. This is a gross oversimplification of a complex mental health condition influenced by various factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, and life events. Suggesting that individuals can simply “snap out of it” invalidates their experiences and can lead to feelings of guilt and shame.
Secondly, the advice to “fake it until you make it” and emphasising smiling to lift one’s mood are misleading and potentially harmful. While positive behaviours can influence mood to some extent, this advice ignores the reality of “smiling depression,” where individuals mask their true feelings behind a façade of happiness. This can delay seeking help and exacerbate the condition.
Moreover, the book’s exercises, such as writing down choices that could have prevented depression, place undue blame on the individual. This is akin to blaming someone for having a physical illness and is both unfair and unhelpful.
As a trained counsellor in Australia, Bev Aisbett should adhere to the National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce, which emphasize the importance of implementing evidence-informed practices and quality improvement processes. The advice in this book violates these principles and can discourage individuals from seeking the professional help they need.
Furthermore, the contents of this book are in direct contradiction to what reputable sources advise when supporting someone with depression. According to evidence-based guidelines, statements like “snap out of it,” “just try harder,” and “cheer up” are harmful and should be avoided. These statements can invalidate the individual’s experiences and make them feel worse.
In conclusion, “30 Days, 30 Ways to Overcome Depression” is a dangerous resource for those suffering from depression. Individuals must seek evidence-based treatment from mental health professionals who adhere to ethical standards. Do not read this book or buy it for your loved ones. Instead, seek out more reputable sources and professional help for managing depression.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2024
Listened to the audiobook and felt that I was being reprimanded the whole time, I almost DNF it but I wanted to know why was I being yelled at ?!!
I’m so glad I didn’t listen to this while being actively depressed that would’ve been dangerous.
I’m so glad I didn’t listen to this while being actively depressed that would’ve been dangerous.
Read
October 5, 2024This book is toxic waste. It's potential to harm or even kill mentally ill people cannot be understated. Bev Aisbett should give back every penny she made off this book to her readers, then wear a sign on her for the rest of her life saying I THINK YOU ARE A SUCKER.
Aisbett has absolutely no idea what depression is. None. You cannot "overcome" depression with happy thoughts and chanting mantras.
She does recommend getting rid of all negative or abusive people in your life ... but a person in the grips of major depression will be unable to recognize these people.
This is why books on depression should only be written by people with depression or by mental health professionals. Her About the Author page claims that she's a "trained counselor" in Australia. Apparently, anybody can be a trained counselor in Australia just by claiming to be one.
She also has NO IDEA how to WRITE A BOOK without CAPITALIZING at least once every other sentence. She has NO IDEA how ANNOYING this quirk is.
She's also repetitive, seems unable to structure a paragraph, and doesn't cite sources, or list any kind of references for this shitty book.
You're better off reading Charles Bukowski or listening to Tom Waits than reading this. If you're lucky enough to have a doctor, talk to him/her/it. Don't read this book. It will not help.
No stars for this borrie.
Aisbett has absolutely no idea what depression is. None. You cannot "overcome" depression with happy thoughts and chanting mantras.
She does recommend getting rid of all negative or abusive people in your life ... but a person in the grips of major depression will be unable to recognize these people.
This is why books on depression should only be written by people with depression or by mental health professionals. Her About the Author page claims that she's a "trained counselor" in Australia. Apparently, anybody can be a trained counselor in Australia just by claiming to be one.
She also has NO IDEA how to WRITE A BOOK without CAPITALIZING at least once every other sentence. She has NO IDEA how ANNOYING this quirk is.
She's also repetitive, seems unable to structure a paragraph, and doesn't cite sources, or list any kind of references for this shitty book.
You're better off reading Charles Bukowski or listening to Tom Waits than reading this. If you're lucky enough to have a doctor, talk to him/her/it. Don't read this book. It will not help.
No stars for this borrie.
October 25, 2020
I really liked this book and highly recommend.
Straight to the point, explained in simple forward language with daily step by step activities to get you out of the hole. When I started reading I was inside a very dark hole but I committed to follow the book to find some light. It took me a little more than 30 days to complete it but I definitely see things a bit different now. I am more aware of the stories I create in my head so whenever I catch me going down that path again I remind myself to gently bring me back to the present and really question those thoughts and beliefs. And if it all seems too hard I just tell myself to try to get up and just do the next ‘right’ thing (one small thing like brushing my teeth) and after that I tell the same thing again and carry on throughout the day. It’s been working so far.
Straight to the point, explained in simple forward language with daily step by step activities to get you out of the hole. When I started reading I was inside a very dark hole but I committed to follow the book to find some light. It took me a little more than 30 days to complete it but I definitely see things a bit different now. I am more aware of the stories I create in my head so whenever I catch me going down that path again I remind myself to gently bring me back to the present and really question those thoughts and beliefs. And if it all seems too hard I just tell myself to try to get up and just do the next ‘right’ thing (one small thing like brushing my teeth) and after that I tell the same thing again and carry on throughout the day. It’s been working so far.
May 18, 2022
I initially read this when I had depression. At the time I was seeing a psychologist and was on anti-depressants. I found this book really helpful. Especially since it was light to read and provided some really practical activities. It made simple sense and it helped me get through the day. Sometimes barely.
I did re-read it in a better mental state and noticed it did not resonate much at all. I thought it was condescending and the version I had had this weird set-up on CAPITALISING certain key words. It just added to its patronising tone.
But, I find myself still fond of the book and it has a place on bookshelf in case I ever feel I need it again.
I did re-read it in a better mental state and noticed it did not resonate much at all. I thought it was condescending and the version I had had this weird set-up on CAPITALISING certain key words. It just added to its patronising tone.
But, I find myself still fond of the book and it has a place on bookshelf in case I ever feel I need it again.
February 22, 2020
Usually, tough love and straight honesty is good with me when reading a self or mental help book. This one is short and in that vein and for some reason, even I found it harsh which was surprising after loving authors like Gary John Bishop, author of Unfu*k Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life.
I learned somethings and techniques, there is no doubt of that. Still, I had to take in the suggestions really slowly because as a whole the wording was so judgemental. I felt bad, worse by the wording even as the described techniques had value.
Color me torn other than I will say if you have to be comfortable calling a spade a spade with this book, if you'd like unicorns, easy answers and rainbows...keep looking.
I learned somethings and techniques, there is no doubt of that. Still, I had to take in the suggestions really slowly because as a whole the wording was so judgemental. I felt bad, worse by the wording even as the described techniques had value.
Color me torn other than I will say if you have to be comfortable calling a spade a spade with this book, if you'd like unicorns, easy answers and rainbows...keep looking.
July 17, 2021
Easy to read, a good one for those who struggle with focus!
December 1, 2022
Not for everyone, but a great guide in better thinking.
December 12, 2024
The format is practical and easy to follow. There's some solid advice and useful tips. However, not all of the advice seemed great, and the tone may not appeal to everyone.
December 14, 2024
A few tips.
June 14, 2025
Dla kogoś w depresji - zdecydowane NIE. Dla kogoś kto szuka fajnych technik, narzędzi - ok. Tylko trzeba zindywidualizowac ich podanie
February 20, 2020
A very engaging practical book. It does not beat around the bush. Short too and easy to read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews