Hand-Me-Down Blues - by Michael D Yapko (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

A powerful, family-based approach to understanding and treating depression that goes way beyond Prozac

Many people have been led to believe that depression is caused simply by a chemical imbalance in the brain, and as a result they look to science for convenient answers, hoping that "a capsule a day will keep depression away." Unfortunately, this narrow focus on biology and the use of medications has often led people to overlook other important influences, such as how our families can affect emotional health in powerful ways.

In Hand-Me-Down Blues, Dr. Michael Yapko carefully describes how the family can play a crucial role in the development of and recovery from depression. Parents introduce their children to various life experiences and inevitably reveal their own values, perspectives, and biases. Children typically learn to interpret life events in the same way their parents do, and their interpretations can be a basis for depression. Once depression strikes, it distorts family relationships, splintering families as it spreads from one person to another like a virus. Thus, children can "inherit" depression less from their parents' genes and more from their parents' attitudes and behaviors.

Review Quotes

"Without a doubt, depression is a prevalent and psychologically painful disorder often passed from one family member to another. This breakthrough book skillfully teaches families how to cope with and also prevent the spread of this disorder by providing sound wisdom and insightful guidelines that empower both parents and children to take responsibility to make better choices day to day. Again the false dichotomy of 'nature or nurture' is exposed, and the power of insight and choice exalted." --Dr. Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families

"In Hand-Me-Down Blues, Dr. Michael Yapko combines current psychological research with good common sense. He explores how family members can help each other fight depression. Yapko is a sophisticated professional, but it's obvious he has been around ordinary families. His writing reflects both kinds of experiences. I highly recommend this important book." --Mary Pipher, Ph.D., author of Reviving Ophelia and The Shelter of Each Other

"A rigid family of beliefs posits that the proper treatment of depression is 'better living through biochemistry.' Dr. Michael Yapko, an internationally renowned expert, brilliantly argues for a broader view: Living better in families provides the real chemistry for happiness. Read this book and catalyze enduring change." --Jeffrey K. Zeig, Ph.D., director, The Milton H. Erickson Foundation, and president, Zeig, Tucker & Company Publishers

About the Author

Michael D. Yapko, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist in private practice who lectures worldwide on the subject of depression. He is a member of the American Psychological Association and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and a Fellow in both the Royal Society of Medicine in England and the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. He lives with his wife near San Diego, California.