Uncovering Happiness - by Elisha Goldstein (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In seven simple steps, Uncovering Happiness uses cutting-edge mindfulness and self-compassion techniques along with innovations in neuroscience to help you combat depression and take back control of your mind, your mood, and your life.

Most of us believe when we're depressed that our situation is hopeless. That's a mistake. Dr. Elisha Goldstein reassures us that the secret to overcoming depression is in harnessing our brain's own natural antidepressant power to create a more resilient mind.

Uncovering Happiness is grounded in two key foundations: mindfulness, which research shows reduces the risk of relapse and can be a powerful alternative to medication, and self-compassion, a state of mind in which you understand your own suffering with an inclination to support yourself. Dr. Goldstein explores these tools--as well as purpose, play, and confidence--and the specific techniques we can use to put them into action. Together, these elements can transform an experience that would typically force us into a downward spiral into an opportunity to establish self-worth.

At its core, Uncovering Happiness is a persuasive argument for hope. Just because you've suffered from depression in the past doesn't mean you must do so in the future. By learning to build up the sections of the brain that protect you from the disease and slow down the sections that foster it, you can enjoy the good times, survive the difficult times, and open yourself up to a life that truly feels worth living.

Review Quotes

"Uncovering Happiness contains a persuasive argument for hope."-- "Images of Depression, Blog Review"

"Uncovering Happiness helps depression sufferers build a mindful and compassionate engagement with mood disorders by drawing on inner resources that are available to each and every one of us."--Zindel Segal, Ph.D., author The Mindful Way Workbook and Distinguished Professor of Mood Disorders, University of Toronto Scarborough

"A smart, straightforward guide to happiness. A trip worth taking."--Ellen Langer, PhD, author of Mindfulness, 25 year Anniversary Edition and Professor of Psychology, Harvard University

"A treasure trove of information and techniques to foster peace of mind, and invaluable insight for those of us who are so often at war with our thoughts."-- "Everyday Health"

"A very important book and an invaluable resource for anyone who has experienced depression as well as for those who love them."--Sharon Salzberg, Co-Founder of the Insight Meditation Society and author of Real Happiness

"For those who have lost precious seasons of their life to the tenacity of depression, this book offers a pathway of hope. Drawing on current findings in neuroscience, his own dedicated personal practice and extensive clinical experience, Elisha Goldstein offers expert guidance in bringing mindfulness and self-compassion- the two most potent strategies I know--to healing our hearts and minds."--Tara Brach, Ph.D., author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge

"If you want to flourish instead of feeling anxious, empty or down in the dumps, Uncovering Happiness offers the practical science-based tools to create a new life of meaning, connection and well-being. In this fabulous resource filled with helpful insights, Elisha Goldstein paves the way to easily understand the core components of happiness and shows how to take the steps to weave them into a rewarding tapestry of a new way of living fully."--Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., Clinical Professor, UCLA School of Medicine and author of the New York Times bestselling Brainstorm and Mindsight

"There is deep wisdom here, spoken in a way you can hear it, as well as short-cuts--practices that insure your journey of uncovering happiness will succeed. This is a book to keep by your bedside, long after you've read the stories, identified your triggers and practiced the tools. It will remind you of all the ways you can access the joy beneath whatever story you are telling yourself. I loved this book."--Amy Weintraub, Founding Director of the LifeForce Yoga Healing Institute and author of Yoga Skills for Therapists: Effective Practices for Mood Management

"This is one of the best books on working with depression I've read. It is beautifully written, easy to understand, and incorporates the latest empirical evidence to back its points. This book has the power to change your life." --Kristen Neff, author of Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself

"Thorough, credible, and so supportive, this book offers proven strategies for lifting your mood and coming home to your natural happiness. Dr. Goldstein grounds his very practical tools and tips in the latest brain science, and his warmth and wisdom fill every page."--Rick Hanson, Ph.D., author of Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence

"Uncovering Happiness is an invaluable handbook filled with poignant stories about Dr. Goldstein's own life delivered with clear, practical wisdom that people seek in difficult times. This not only adds up to a crucial recovery program for depression, but a more enduring life of contentment, calm and happiness."--Susan Stiffelman, author of Parenting Without Power Struggles