David's Inferno: My Journey Through the Dark Wood of Depression [Paperback]

David's Infernocombines intensely personal reminiscences of a two-year nervous breakdown with contemporary insights on how manic-depression manifests and how it is diagnosed and treated. Author David Blistein shares his experiences to shed light on the darkness of depression for fellow travelers as well as those who care about them.

Millions of people suffer from major depressive episodes. All of them want relief but, more importantly, most simply want to know that they are not alone. With gentle wry humor and a compassionate tone,David's Infernooffers a tale of realization, acceptance, and hope. It is neither prescriptive nor opinionated, seeing all forms of therapy as potentially beneficial in the continuum of care.

David's Infernois also an ideal book for friends and family of those suffering from depression, helping them to better understand what their loved ones are experiencing.Foreword
Preface
 
THE DARK WOOD
Words Fail
 
LIMBO
Fifty-Three Years, Four Months, and one Helluva Week
Make Up Your Mind
 
HELL
Looking for Traction
Road Trip
Diagnosis
 
PURGATORY
Hard Turns and False Tops
The Wit and Wisdom of Neurotransmitters
Prescription Medicines
Alternative Medicine
Self-Medication
Who Knows?
Visible Means of Support
Married to the Madness
Therapy
Strange Obsessions and Glimmers of Light
 
HEAVEN ON EARTH
The Labyrinth
 
PARADISE
Miracle of Miracles
Crazy Wisdom and Creativity
Depression and Spirituality
 
THE DIVINE COMEDY
Beholding the Stars
 
Psychiatric Notes
Annotations, References, and Random Notes
Chapter Notes
Glossary
Index
Acknowledgments It takes us deep into the mysteries of depression, and its power to transform our relationships, our creativity, and our very selves—a remarlC&