by Marie Stroughter
Unfortunately, the first poor choice author/therapist A.B. Curtiss makes, is in the titling of her book, Depression is a Choice. She feels she has a revolutionary new theory to deal with depression; however, those to whom she is targeting her book must still be suffering with depression, and therefore the title might be off-putting, if not downright offensive, to readers.
The next poor choice Ms. Curtiss makes is in the style of writing. One of usual the assessment questions for depression screening involves the ability to concentrate. I supposed this is assessed because those with depression have difficuties in concentrating. Therefore, I wondered why any therapist knowing this would choose such an extremely circuitous and prosy route to make her points. She uses fancy quotes from many literary sources, rather than simply making her points. Though I am college educated, and a fellow writer, I found myself bogged down by much of the language choices she employs. A style such as this would be fine for a Jane Austen novel, however, not for a self-help book. Case in point:
"Our soul remains merged with the self, and our self remains merged with the
mind. I cannot yet see through that "one-way mirror" of the soul that enlightened
ones such as Buddha describe. I keep company with that larger part of humanity;
those of us who, like moons in a cosmic midnight, know not the sun to which we
owe our luminous existence. But I have transcended my enmeshment with my
mind enough to be able to free myself from depression as an act of will."
Additionally, I frequently found what I felt to be contradictions. On one page, the author states, "I am not claiming however, that I control depression." [Authorīs emphasis] Yet on the next page, she says, "....and the discovery and exercise of what precautions I must take in order to "command" it." My question: are not controlling something, and commanding it, one and the same?
I do not possess the mental health background that Ms. Curtiss does. However, she makes some statements that appear to me to be out of step with what mainstream psychology tells us. For example, she states that, "Depression is essentially a trick of the mind." My understanding is that it is often the result of a hormonal or chemical imbalance! Yet, on the very next page, the author asserts, "It is our perception of depression that is the problem more than the low level of seratonin that seems to cause all the trouble." Another contradiction, and a medical falsehood!
What I found most astounding about this book, is that it was written by someone who claims to have suffered from depression! Many of the self-help books are written by clinicians who tell you to get out of bed and brush your teeth each day...and who donīt understand what a struggle it is to do such when severely depressed. Further, anyone who has ever been truly clinically depressed does not enjoy it! Yet, this author states, " And like an old sea captain whose experiences have toughened him into a worthy adversary of the mighty ocean he sails, at times, and from a respectful distance, I too regard my own unfathomable "deep" with an awe not unmixed with affection. Depression, well encountered, has many virtues." I have no affection for my malady, nor have I found any virtues in the condition, whatsoever.
Everyone must choose for themselves which course to pursue in dealing with depression. Some may appreciate this authorīs unique take on it. I, however, found much in this book to be offensive and condescending. Next week, Iīll share with you some things which I found to be much more helpful. If you have read this book and wish to share your insights,drop by the Depression Forum!
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