The Upward Spiral

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A book review of The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression One Small Change at a Time by Alex Korb, Ph.D.

A book review of The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression One Small Change at a Time by Alex Korb, Ph.D.Stars: *****

New Harbinger Publications (2015)
Depression/Neuropsychology
240 pages

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Summary: Depression can feel like a downward spiral, pulling you into a vortex of sadness, fatigue, and apathy. In The Upward Spiral, neuroscientist Alex Korb demystifies the intricate brain processes that cause depression and offers a practical and effective approach to getting better. Based on the latest research in neuroscience, this book provides dozens of straightforward tips you can do every day to rewire your brain and create an upward spiral towards a happier, healthier life.

Whether you suffer from depression or just want a better understanding of the brain, this book offers an engaging and informative look at the neuroscience behind our emotions, thoughts, and actions. The truth is that there isn’t one big solution to depression, but there are numerous simple steps you can take to alter brain activity and chemistry. Some are as easy as relaxing certain muscles to reduce anxiety, or getting more sunlight to improve your mood. Small steps in the right direction can have profound effects―giving you the power to become your best self as you literally reshape your brain, one small change at a time.

The Upward Spiral

I read this as an ebook and I loved it. Usually books about depression say the same things but this book is different. A lot of what is said may sound obvious (get more sleep, eat better) but it’s not just that simple. The author uses neuroscience to explain WHY these things work and also HOW to do them.

The book explains how we don’t just wake up depressed one day, that it comes on slowly and gets worse when bad things happen or because of depressive symptoms that just cause a downward spiral. So the book is about how to create an upward spiral, to spiral yourself out of depression little by little.

I have Bipolar which includes depressions but Bipolar depression is a little different from regular or unipolar depression. However I still found the book helpful. Even more so, I realized it would help others I know who are struggling. Having a husband and kids and therefore a routine and people who depend on me has really helped me to manage day to day life even while severly depressed. Even if you live alone, there are small steps you can take that will get you moving or give you something to do which will help pull you out of depression.

I know when I’m depressed (and even sometimes when I’m manic as I get dysphoric mania) I feel drawn to doing things that make me feel worse such as watching tv or reading books about death, or suicide or upsetting things. Or I just want to crawl in bed and stay there all day or never go outside. But if I’m forced to do some of these things or I’m too busy to wallow in upsetting media, I usually feel even just a little bit better. This book explains why that is.

Highly Recommended

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About Kathleen

I've been a nonfiction lover for as long as I can remember. I love children's nonfiction as well and love to share my knowledge and the books I gained them from, with the world. I wish more people would give nonfiction a chance.