Robert Nicholls is a freelance writer. His blog, robertnicholls.online, is focused on mental health (depression and anxiety), self-help, personal development, business, governance, leadership, life, society and culture. Nicholls lives on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.

Chapter One: Into the Darkness

- Doctor, I have a few questions

- The shadow boxer

- What caused me to be depressed?

- How long will it last?

- What treatments are available?

Chapter Two: The Black Hole

- The status quo

- No fuel in the tank

- Why is everything blue?

- All pain, no pleasure

- Why can't I concentrate?

- Beware of the black dog!

- I am a failure

- Adjusting the belt

- To sleep or not to sleep-that is not the question

- Mountains from molehills

- Enter anxiety

Chapter Three: Barriers to Treatment

- Back to the railway station

- Stigma

- Perceptions become a reality

- Symptoms as barriers

- Adequacy of support

- Lack of resources

Chapter Four: No Pain. No Gain.

- Medications

- Psychotherapists

- Exercise and lifestyle choices

- The keys to successful treatment

Chapter Five: Coping Strategies

- Coping strategies that worked

- Important lessons learned

- Other alternatives

Chapter Six: Your Recovery Team

- Selecting your therapist

- Who can be your therapist?

- How do I find a psychologist?

- What to consider when making the choice

- What to expect in your first few therapy sessions

- Identifying warning signs

- Finding a therapeutic alliance

- What is 'good' therapy?

- During the sessions

- After the sessions

- Evaluating other team members

Chapter Seven: Practical tips for carers and supporters

- Platitudes do not cure depression

- Table 1: What not to say

- No magic words

- Table 2: What to say

- Warning signs

- A note about warning signs

- Prevention tips

- Self-care for the supporter

Chapter Eight: Beyond Darkness

What did you think?

Acknowledgments

Endnotes

About the Author