Reviewed by Jasmine Booker. Jasmine graduated with a BA in psychology from SUNY Purchase College in May 2020. She has completed a post baccalaureate program and is currently an intern at New York Medical College for a pediatric psychologist, Lila Pereira, PhD.
Authors: Jacqueline B. Toner, PhD, and Claire A. B. Freeland, PhD
Publisher: American Psychological Association
Copyright: 2016
ISBN: 978-1-4338-2274-2
Pages: 154
Price: $12.74 (members) $16.99 (nonmembers)
Also available on:Amazon Kindleopens in new window
Depression can be a very complex and difficult topic to discuss and convey. It is all the more challenging being the teenager experiencing it. The book Depression A Teen’s Guide to Survive and Thrive is a teen friendly book that focuses on defining, pinpointing patterns of, and practically combating depression among teenagers.
Written in plain and easy to read language, this guide can make the process of battling depression just a little easier for its readers. The guide contains prompts, checklists, writing spaces and activity suggestions throughout every chapter, creating an interactive reading experience that urges the reader to really think and apply the information to themselves.
The book progresses chapter by chapter starting with a definition and adding clarity about what depression is and how it may show up in the life of teens. As the pages turn, there are chapters such as “The Loop of Depression” and “The Impact of Your Thoughts.” Throughout these chapters, teens are encouraged to be open to getting help when necessary. They are also faced with real and hopeful truths that validate their experience, but also offer assistance on how to be aware of themselves, and to take a proactive stance in their battle against depression.
The book ends with a chapter entitled “Strength in Numbers,” reminding its readers that they are not alone in this fight, and that “HELP IS OUT THERE!” Teen depression can be very scary to deal with. Although this guide can be an effective tool for teens to use to learn more about depression and take the necessary steps to confront their own experience, as the book states, this is not a catch all. Professional help should be sought in addition to reading and engaging with this book.
