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