Depression affects many people at some point in their lives. Fortunately, by changing certain thoughts and behaviour patterns you can greatly improve how you feel. This tried, trusted and much recommended book explains how low mood can affect your life. It helps you understand why you sometimes feel low, anxious, angry, or guilty. It also teaches proven practical skills to help you change how you feel. By using the clearly described practical tools inside, you can make helpful changes to your life.

Chris Williams is a professor of psychosocial psychiatry and honorary consultant psychiatrist at the University of Glasgow, UK. His main clinical and research interest is in the evaluation of self-help approaches that provide wider access to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approaches. Dr. Williams developed the Five AreasTM approach, and his books and resources are used nationally in the UK through NHS Direct, NHS Choices and NHS24 and internationally in a series of major projects.

Understanding Why You Feel as You Do. Starting Out ... and How to Keep Going if You Feel Stuck. Making Changes. Practical Problem Solving. Being Assertive. Building Relationships with Your Family and Friends. Information for Families and Friends - How Can You Offer the Best Support? Doing Things that Boost How You Feel. Using Exercise to Boost How You Feel. Helpful Things You Can Do. Unhelpful Things You Do. Noticing Extreme and Unhelpful Thinking. Changing Extreme and Unhelpful Thinking. Overcoming Sleep Problems. Alcohol, Drugs and You. Understanding and Using Antidepressant Medication. Planning for the Future.