Defeating Depression: The Calm and Sense Way to Find Happiness and Satisfaction

by Leo J. Battenhausen

Do you feel stuck, trapped in a cycle of loneliness, despair, discontent and sadness? Do you have trouble sleeping, have to "wind” yourself up to get out of bed in the morning, have difficulty concentrating and focusing on work, loved ones and family? According to a recent survey 54 million people do. Defeating Depression will guide you toward identifying, understanding, coping with and healing conflicts and issues in your life so you will no longer feel powerless and filled with pain. Finally, you will be free to find and enjoy happiness and satisfaction.

Defeating Depression will teach you how to identify these problem areas in your life and overcome barriers before you feel like they are paralyzing you. It will provide you with the tools to face life's issues and show you how to handle undesirable feelings, attitudes, reactions and falsities that cause too many people to feel powerless. Compiled from his twenty-five years of experience, Battenhausen's revolutionary "Calm and Sense" approach will empower you to take control of your life and feelings, not just today, but in the future.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2011

About the author

MA MSW LCSW LCADC

Reviews

[Aimee · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is giving me toxic positivity vibes. I got some good pointers, but the overall feel was, "this is how you don't deal with your feelings. Good vibes only!!~" I am not into it. I can be sad and feel sad sometimes. I don't dwell on things to the point where I cannot get out of bed. And I have never been diagnosed with depression, so this book isn't for me. Like I said, a few good pointers, but overall, not for me.

[Nour Haji · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells us that you will not find happiness outside yourself. If you want to be happy and satisfied, look for that only inside yourself.
The writer gives many real examples about people who came to him seeking help for their problems. He tries to tell us through his book, that if you use your calm and sence to understand your world, you will find that most of the problems will be solved.
ESP (emotional, social and professional) portfolio is to be kept in balance, try to invest in it.
Life is once, live it as it is!

[Risha Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a be all end all but it helps. If you are feeling low it could help you with your storm.

[Emaan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stuck

[Anna del C. Dye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is based on the author’s research, personal experiences, and his clients’ real life experiences. This is very good book for those who are ready to make a commitment and get read of depressions. Everything in this book points to a complete recovery and a brand new look for the reader’s future. Battenhausen has learned much with his patients and he is sharing those finding with all those who are ready to take over their lives and have a fulfilling future.
Depression is a horrible sickness, and, when it plagues someone, it not only afflicts them but also all those who care for the affected person. It is very hard to get rid of. Battenhausen uses Calm and Sense to teach his clients how to take charge. It is a lot of work, but everything in it is doable if you want your happiness back bad enough.
Regardless of age, gender, stage of life, economic status, race, religion, daily circumstances, profession, family composition, etc.; there are many things in life today that can cause feelings of unrest, anxiety, insecurity, frustration, sadness, fear, immobility, lack of confidence, stress, or not fitting in. In this book you will find good tips and a way to change your world for a calmer place.
Imagine what your life would be like if you could remain Calm and make Sense of all the adverse and unpleasant situations and people you encounter. That is what you will find and much more in this uplifting and sensible book. Just remember that the information contained in this book is not meant to be a substitute for professional evaluations and therapy with mental health professionals. This is an awesome book for anyone with or without depression. Those who live with depression will benefit the most, but those who live with them will find many answers and ways to help the affected person and themselves. Highly recommended.

[Foresight Literary Lounge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having endured two significant losses in my life (the death of my grandmother and subsequent death of my mother), I found myself with a cloud hanging over me. I felt "heavy" and isolated myself from people and events which previously brought me pleasure. As much as I tried, I could not shake this feeling. It became abundantly clear to me that something was wrong as I drove in to work each morning and would begin to cry for no apparent reason. Through therapy aided by antidepressants, I now find myself in a much better place.

Due to my own unique experience, I was intrigued by the book Defeating Depression by Leo J. Battenhausen. Battenhausen introduces the reader to what he calls the "Calm and Sense" way to find happiness and satisfaction, and draws upon his own research and experiences (personally and professionally) to drive home the point that "...it is all manageable; life can be brighter, happier and more wonderful if we learn to use Calm and Sense in all we think and do." As I read the first two chapters, I couldn't help but wonder if "Calm and Sense" could be simplified to "Common Sense." In no way am I simplifying this author's approach, but as I continued to read, one thing became very clear: depression, in whatever state, is the manifestation of a struggle with some aspect of our life.

I agree with the author that reading this book felt like I was sitting and talking with a trusted friend. Defeating Depression is intended to help those battling depression find peace in their lives; however, I found the book to be much more enlightening than that. This book, though not a substitute for professional evaluation, fundamentally will teach you to love, appreciate and accept yourself.

J'son M. Lee, Reviewer

[Stephanie Dagg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Defeating Depression: A Calm and Sense Way to Find Happiness and Satisfaction by Leo J Battenhausen is not just another book about depression. Yes, this is a well-served market but sadly depression is an ever increasing modern phenomenon, and it’s beginning at a younger age - now fourteen and a half. There is plenty of room for a new approach to dealing with the condition. This particular book is about remaining calm while trying to make sense of what it is in our lives that is making us depressed. Battenhausen shows us how to take control of the situation, to learn to love ourselves and to overcome the demons, procrastination, shadows from the past and lack of purpose that pull the rug out from under our feet.

Battenhausen brings many years of experience as a social worker, relationship specialist and counsellor to his writing. He has a very readable style and never blinds us with science as he provides the various definitions we need. Examples from real life illustrate the author’s teaching and serve to inspire the reader. We can make changes. We can defeat our depression from within by learning to live in the moment and trust ourselves and others. We can end the destructive behaviours that drag us down. There is no instant cure - it’s up to us but we can do it. The author tells us he believes in us and we’ve learnt to trust him in this book. His closing advice is to “laugh more, worry less”, listen to calm and use our sense in all we do. The book ends with an exclamation mark which for me sums up Battenhausen’s infectious positive and proactive attitude.

[Spencer · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was clearly written by and for nuerotypical folks who are stuck in a hard part in their life and not for those with actual depression. I had to stop reading the book because it insulted people with mental illnesses throughout. The last thing that I read before I simply said that I won't read it anymore was page 44 when it talks about how some mental illnesses are (to paraphrase) "being over diagnosed and if they simply had Calm they would be fine." Which is a complete insult to those who actually have that illness, such as myself. It then goes on to talk about how (again, to paraphrase), "Mental illnesses are being over diagnosed and that being Calm is better than just a pill." Way too guilt people who actually need these things to get by as well just be a total jerk about it. It then goes on trying to justify this blanket statement and insults, but I am honestly glad that I got this from my library than actually paying for this trash.

[Zeynep · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is very helpful and realistic book.I believed in me after reading it.I strongly recommend to read it