Co-authored by Mitch Golent, Ph.D. and his wife, Susan K Golent, Ph.D., this reissue includes more information than the first edition, addressing the most immediate effects of depression, its impact on close family members and specific suggestions for coping with the situation. The first part is devoted to "Understanding Depression", the who, the why and the impact on family members. Later chapters are action-oriented, defining the role of the relative, comforting a depressed loved one, treatment through psychotherapy, available drug therapies, resistant depression, depression and chronic illness, diagnosis, alternative therapies, etc.

No longer cursed with the stigma of mental illness, depression is much more common in the general public, facilitating a broader discussion, many people aware of relatives and friends who battle for normalcy and a return to a functional life. Having already experienced the many issues for family members of a depressed loved one, I was more interested in the author's take on surviving the emotional toll of depression and the long-term effects on family members, including inherent complications, such as chronic depression and bi-polar disorder, the more challenging aspects of the illness that do not readily respond to psychology or drug therapy.

The authors do list specific measures that allow the family member to be helpful without damaging himself, creating an environment of positive reinforcement by keeping a journal, attending to outside friendships, continuing familiar routines and seeking relief when necessary. It is imperative to remain emotionally healthy and supportive without harming one's own emotional and physical health. Primarily directed toward the well-being of the ally of the depressed individual, family members can take hope from learning some basic rules of self-care when faced with the depression of a loved one. There are lists of questions to determine whether someone you love (or yourself) is experiencing depression and lists of suggestions for creating a supportive environment.

Choosing a book about depression is difficult, but once there is a diagnosis, the friend or family member can begin to educate himself about the particulars of the disease and define his role in supporting the patient. What works well for one may be ineffective for another; what is helpful in this book may not be thorough enough for someone with special issues. Given the broad approach, this book acts as a primer, an introduction to depression, the diagnosis and treatments available, allowing the reader to familiarize himself with terminology and therapies. In the same vein as "I'm OK, You're OK", this book supports the family member in dealing with a very complicated disease, reminding him that the first priority is taking care of oneself. Luan Gaines/2007.