Reviews (2)

Presicion through simplicity
As an individual unfamiliar with the nuances of AS, I found "My Social Stories Book" particularly effective in identifying, conveying and demystifying what is mundane for most people, but what can be overwhelming for those with AS.Sean McAndrew's brilliant translation of the text via child-friendly illustrations relevant to their respective scenarios are what make a publication like this one truly work.Much like crosswalk symbols, these illustrations must be absolutely simplistic in order to be unmistakeably understood. Much respect to McAndrew who rendered the abstract idea of divorce in such tender illustrative grace.

Writing your own stories is better
This book is too expensive for what it offers, and is definitely not recommended,write your own stories, since so many examples are available online.Read more

Subjects:  1. Allied Health Services - General    2. Audiology & Speech Pathology    3. Autism    4. Autism in children    5. Autistic children    6. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    7. Education    8. General    9. Juvenile literature    10. Narrative therapy    11. Social Issues - Depression & Mental Illness    12. Sociology    13. Special Education - General    14. Special Education - Socially Handicapped    15. Treatment    16. Fiction dealing with specific issues    17. Life Skills & Personal Awareness, General Studies    18. Teaching of children with emotional & behavioural difficulties   

Reviews (21)

High-quality and informative...
This tome is organized extremely well; one can start at the beginning or jump directly into any chapter.The background information is helpful and lucid for parents and the stories from the teens themselves tells it like it is but at the same time gives hope and tells of "the light at the end of the tunnel" for depressed teens, that things do get better.Highly recommended!

OK for teens wanting a quick-reference tool...
In When Nothing Matters Anymore, Bev Cobain offers a teen-friendly reference guide to adolescent depression, complete with self-help suggestions, counseling resources, and case studies of teens who sought help for their illness and now lead "normal" adolescent lives. Cobain is a credentialed author: a certified registered nurse, a mental health professional, and a recipient of the National Mental Health Association's Green Ribbon Award for efforts on behalf of teen depression awareness; however, the book reads like Cliff's Notes of a more comprehensive text - as if Cobain simply compiled the bullet-point lists, sidebars, and quick-reference statistics from an American Psychiatric Association web listing for teen depression. When Nothing Matters Anymore relies little on Cobain's personal observations and extensive experience, and too much on peppy, inspirational messages from its case study teens.
Recomended for any teen with dissapointment
For the last year or so I had a few questions for myself. Why am I here? Whats my pourpose in life? Cant I just be dead? Dang do I wish I could give my life for some one else. This is really good book for any teen...
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Young Adult Social Situations    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Depression (Psychology)    4. Depression in adolescence    5. Depression, Mental    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    9. Personal issues   

Reviews (1)

Great Easy Resource
This is the story, written autobiographical style, about a boy diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It takes you from the begining and answers frequently asked questions about the disorder. This book really helps you gain a perspective on having a disorder, especially highlighting the manic and depressive episodes. Highly recommended reading for anyone who may be, or will be working with individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder or other mood disorders. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Psychology    2. Children's All Ages - Psychology    3. Clinical Psychology    4. Manic-depressive illness in adolescence    5. Psychology    6. Social Issues - Depression & Mental Illness    7. Social Science - Psychology    8. Medical / Psychiatry / Child & Adolescent    9. Popular medicine    10. Psychiatry    11. Psychology | Clinical   

Reviews (1)

I am Recovering
As a teenager with depression I selected this book, not knowing what it was like.Well I started to read it and it all made sence.Every chapter focuses on a differnt part of depression, what it does or what you can do.Some things seem a little easy for an older teenager, bur still helpful.I see that as being able to help all adolcents, at differnt ages.Easy to read and easy to understand. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Depression in adolescence    3. Depression, Mental    4. Education    5. General    6. Juvenile literature    7. Life Stages - Teenagers    8. Mental health    9. Psychotherapy - Counseling    10. Self-Help    11. Teenagers    12. Advice on parenting    13. Coping with illness    14. Counselling   

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Family & Relationships    4. Parenting - General    5. Social Issues - Depression & Mental Illness    6. Special Education - General    7. Children's Books/Ages 9/12 Nonfiction    8. Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Issues / Depression & Mental Illness    9. Topical/Mentally Challenged   

Reviews (3)

A beautiful Woman, a Beautiful Book
Samantha herself gave me a copy of this book, and I cannot tell you what a true gift it was.As a woman who has struggled with my own anxiety disorder for almost 10 years, the honesty and reality of her story moved me often to the point of tears.Everyone who feels alone with their anxiety, or who knows someone who suffers from an anxiety disorder, should read this book, if only to know that THEY ARE NOT ALONE.Knowing Samantha and seeing firsthand what a lovely, sane, compassionate, accomplished woman she has become, in spite of her disorder, makes her book all the more powerful for me, because it shows me that there is hope!I recommend this book to anyone!

A window into somewhere you never want to go
Reading this book is almost like reading somebody else's diary.Samantha Schutz is open and honest with the most intimate details of her life during a nightmarish four year period from the end of high school through college graduation.
A true gem!
Samantha Schutz's book,'I don't want to be crazy' is an amazing and vivid portrayel of a young woman's struggle with panic/anxiety disorder.I am positive this book will help many young women who are experiencing similar struggle.Further, I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fascinating and impressive read!A wonderful first book for this author; I look forward to more publications. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anxiety disorders    2. Biography & Autobiography - General    3. Children's 12-Up - Poetry    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Poetry    7. Poetry (Young Adult)    8. Poetry - General    9. Social Issues - Adolescence    10. Social Issues - Depression & Mental Illness    11. Social Issues - Special Needs    12. Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Situations / Adolescence   

Reviews (12)

Read this because our children are reading it
What separate this story of a family's struggle with a son's suicidal depression are the son's and his girlfriend's own first-person accounts of their psychological torments.Maybe these accounts, together with author Griffith's lucidity, explain why so many young people seem to be seeking this book out.They certainly make the lack of mental health support this family found all the more shocking.

Worthy of a Nobel Prize for Brilliance and Generosity
Reading this book was one of the most affecting entertainment experiences I have ever had. I venture to say that not since the 12-hour 1973 TV documentary, 'An American Family', has there been -- in print or on video -- as fully realized a portrait of a family in crisis as is portrayed in this astonishing work.The story begins with the highest possible drama in recounting the near-fatal suicide attempt of an exceptionally bright, seemingly well-adjusted 17-year-old boy in the bedroom of the upper middle class D.C. home he shared with two loving and dedicated parents.In fact, at the time of his attempt, Will was actually being raised by four remarkable parents, as both his mother (author Gail Griffith with whom he was living when he overdosed on anti-depressant drugs intending to die) and his father (with whom he was also extremely close) had each acquired a second spouse; not only had the respective step-parents embraced Will as if he were their natural child, but the four adults had achieved unusual harmony amongst themselves, beautifully integrating their extended families.No post-divorce rancor or other trauma, no major drug or alcohol problems, few dark clouds of any kind appeared to have unleashed the violent storm that nearly destroyed a promising young man.Partial answers to the riddle of why Will crashed are suggested by Griffith's history of her own lengthy depression and hospitalization, as well as her painfully detailed portrait of Will's girlfriend, Megan, who was also suffering from severe depression as well as an addiction to cutting her skin with razor blades and knives. Indeed, Griffith, in securing the right to publish contemporaneous letters and diary notes from young Megan Mathews (interspersed with those of Will and many other family members) tells a story of a second deeply-troubled self-mutilating teen, who, like Will, eventually manages to regain her mental health; not only does the quality of Megan's writing add an excellent further dimension to Griffith's story, but I feel certain that the excerpts from Megan are our introduction to an uncommonly talented writer -- whose own books I eagerly look forward to reading.As Will rallies from a 2-day coma, his family confronts their fears that he might attempt a second try, as well as guilt and anger over the mystery of what led to the first attempt. Griffith ably stitches together the story of Will's earlier years and then recounts the intensive family effort to locate what proves to be a rare and remarkable institution, Montana Academy, which accepts Will and shepards his year-long recovery to where he regains a strong will to live and resume normal life in the 'real' world.Griffith pauses throughout her narrative to alert parents to what she learned from this excruciating experience -- how to foretell suicide threats, how to diagnose and deal with depressed children, how to work with psychiatrists and other doctors, how to evaluate and manage anti-depressant drugs, and many other insights into preserving family mental health. Virtually no names are fictionalized in this book, which adds to its authenticity and underlines the courage of the many family members, friends, and others who cooperated in this supremely generous offering -- which no parent should miss the opportunity to learn from.

Moving and Inspirational
The circumstances of Gail Griffith's story are too familiar to many of us who have shared the suffering of family members with mental illnesses.Congratulations to Will, Gail and their family and friends for finding a way out of the darkness and for their courage in showing others that it can be done. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1950-    2. Adolescent Psychiatry    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Case studies    6. Depressed persons    7. Depression in adolescence    8. Developmental - Adolescent    9. Griffith, Gail,    10. Griffith, Will    11. Life Stages - Adolescence    12. Parental Memoirs    13. Psychology    14. Suicidal Behavior    15. Suicide    16. Teenagers    17. United States    18. Psychology & Psychiatry / Adolescent Psychology   

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Diet / Personal Health    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Depression in adolescence    4. Depression, Mental    5. Health & Daily Living - General    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Mental health    8. Social Issues - Depression & Mental Illness    9. Social Problems (General) (Young Adult)    10. Teenagers    11. Depression in adolescence - Popular works    12. Depression, Mental - Juvenile literature    13. Juvenile Nonfiction / Health / General    14. Children's Books/Young Adult Social Situations   

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Family & Relationships    4. Parenting - General    5. Social Issues - Depression & Mental Illness    6. Special Education - General    7. Children's Books/Ages 9/12 Nonfiction    8. Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Issues / Depression & Mental Illness    9. Topical/Mentally Challenged   

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Depression (Psychology)    3. Depression in adolescence    4. Developmental - Adolescent    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Life Stages - Teenagers    7. Mental health    8. Parenting - General    9. Popular works    10. Psychology    11. Teenagers    12. Advice on parenting    13. Coping with personal problems    14. Depression, Mental    15. Parent and teenager    16. Psychology & Psychiatry / Adolescent Psychology   

Reviews (1)

relevant book
I received a copy of this book when I needed it most. It not only helped me understand the turbulence in my teenagers' lives , it acknowledged the heartache and stress of parents like me during these years.
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Subjects:  1. Adolescent psychology    2. Christianity    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Christianity - Christian Life - Parenting    5. Life Stages - Teenagers    6. Parent and teenager    7. Religion    8. Religion - Marriage & Family    9. Religious aspects    10. Stress in adolescence    11. Christian Living/Relationships/Parenting    12. Depression in adolescence    13. Family & Relationships/Life Stages - Teenagers    14. Religion / Amish    15. Religion / Marriage & Family    16. Religious Orientation/Christian    17. Topical/Family   

Reviews (6)

Unrealistic
Being a teen myself I couldn't help thinking that, like, this so isn't how it is. The author seemed to think that teenagerdom is like this sort of ten year long bummer. All the talk is about depression, abusive parents and rejection. It just didn't click with me. I thought that being a teenager is about getting loaded and making out with the chicks who come out to California looking for film careers and modelling contacts. Okay, so it isn't all great, like that time when I totalled my Jaguar, like, the day after Dad gave it to me. And my dad's like, "No sense of responsibility" and I'm like "Hello? Does the word 'square' mean anything to you." And I had to, like, get my lawyers make him buy me a new car. I mean, talk about abusive parenting.

Like everyother
This book is like everyother how to get through life books. It was more like a text book. It got a little boring and was a little stupid.

The Title Says It All
"Life Happens" is the title and the theme of the book itself. Dr. McCoy with her degree and implied treasure chest of knowledge and experience did not really give practical, helpful advice. Most of the time,"bad things happen to good people" was all that could beunderstood from the chapters. The "letters" that open eachchapter do seem authentic but do not seem to have any real purpose. I'veread other works that made better use of anecdotal passages such as BevCobain's book on depression. The authors, however, did have greatorganization. The "common crises" generally covered almost all ofthe problems teens face today. However, some chapters such as that onparental abuse or homosexuality received too little attention. In addition,again, the advice offered by the doctor all seemed redundant and unhelpful.Overgeneralizations seemed to be the sticking point here. Also, the issuesof hospitalization or medication were not covered in depth. The book isn'ta guide but more like the somewhat helpful ramblings of two individuals whoshould have offered more information. Finally, the dearth of information onmental health resources was troubling. However, I give three stars becauseany attempt to inform the world about the dangers and severity ofadolescent mental disorders is one step forward for society. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anxiety in adolescence    2. Children's 12-Up - Psychology / Counseling    3. Children's Books/Young Adult Social Situations    4. Depression in adolescence    5. Depression, Mental    6. Psychology    7. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    8. Social Science - Psychology    9. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings    10. Stress (Psychology)    11. Stress in adolescence   

Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Depression in adolescence    3. Developmental - Child    4. Neuropsychology    5. Prevention    6. Psychology    7. Suicidal behavior    8. Suicide    9. Teenagers   

Reviews (4)

Losers want to be depressed
Anyone stupid enoughe to negate God from there lives deserves to be depressed.The Review from April 1999 is a case in point.I hope that kid hasn't "offed" himself.He sounds like the type that wants to blame everyone else for his problems including God.Everyone has faith in something.Everybody worships something.This kid is mad at God and more than likely mad at his parents as well."Boo Hoo.I'm having a tough life."GET OVER IT and look to your Creator to be your help."I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.NO ONE comes to the Father but by Me" JESUS.Narrow minded maybe, but at least I'm happy.I love and I am loved. I have a woderful wife, two loving and kind-hearted children.Life is hard but so what.It's fun.I'm blessed to be a blessing.Any parent who reads this please set a solid example for you kids.Love them undonditionally and repent of your past failures.This is a good book.

Great Christian resource on teen depression
First, let me say what this book is and isn't. It is a book on depression in teenagers with a Christian perspective. If you aren't Christian, I'd say you're better off with When Nothing Matters Anymore by Bev Cobain. It is also a book on teen depression from a psychological perspective, written by a psychiatrist. If you're looking for a "spiritual warfare" approach, Neil Anderson's written a lot of good stuff for teens. If you think psychology is too secular for a Christian to partake of and a real Christian would never get depressed, I pray that you never have to go through the experience of mental illness. Very Helpful
I disagree with the depressed teenager reviewer. There is no happiness until we stop relying on external forces and concentrate on the relationship with God. Another excellent book is "Love is achoice" and for teenagers sean covey's"seven habits forteenagers" is an excellent readable for teenagers life management bookand resource book, including depression. Another good book for teenagers is"taming the tiger"-stress management for teenagers and it issecular in nature. A Youth Ministry Worker ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Religion - Christian Living    2. Children's Books/Young Adult Social Situations    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Depression in adolescence    5. Depression in children    6. Depression, Mental    7. Family - General    8. Happiness    9. Health/Fitness    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Juvenile literature    12. Religion - Inspirational    13. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    14. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings   

Reviews (1)

A high school introduction
This is one of the Oxford Portraits series that brags that their books are "based on the most recent scholarship [and] they draw heavily on primary sources."Unfortunately, Oxford does not see fit to include footnotes or a bibliography, at least not in this example.Yes, it is a small book aimed a high school level, but the absence of sources is nonetheless inexcusable and would add few additional pages.
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Subjects:  1. 1802-1887    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    4. Biography & Autobiography - Women    5. Care    6. Children's Books/Young Adult Biography    7. Children: Grades 3-4    8. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    9. Dix, Dorothea Lynde,    10. History    11. Juvenile literature    12. Mentally ill    13. Reformers    14. Social Issues - Depression & Mental Illness    15. Social Science - Psychology    16. United States    17. Women social reformers    18. History, Other | History of Medicine    19. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Political   

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Depression (Psychology)    4. Depression, Mental    5. Health & Daily Living - Diseases    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Manic-depressive illness    9. Mental illness    10. Social Issues - Depression & Mental Illness   

Reviews (1)

good help
this is a good book to read when you are just feeling in the pits..need help? pick up the book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    2. Depression    3. Depression (Psychology)    4. Depression in adolescence    5. Depression, Mental    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Life Stages - Teenagers    9. Self-Help    10. Social Issues - General    11. Body & health    12. Social Sciences   

Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    2. Juvenile Nonfiction    3. Mental illness    4. Psychology, Pathological    5. Social Issues - Depression & Mental Illness    6. Social Issues - General    7. Social Problems (General) (Young Adult)    8. United States   

Reviews (1)

Unbalanced Feelings
I would recommend this book to any teenager undergoing any type of change.This book helped me cope with my unbalanced feelings during my parent's divorce. One day I was able to bottle up all my anger, and act as if nothing had happened.At other times, I would just break down and cry. Ups&Downs helped me realize what I was doing and taught me how toprevent myself from doing so.Now I am able to face the facts and live mylife the way it was before. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Psychology    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Depression (Psychology)    4. Depression in adolescence    5. Depression, Mental    6. Health - Maturing    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Reference - General    10. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings   

Reviews (1)

The Designer
The book was great.But I would only point it in the young adult direction. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books - Young Adult    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Depression in adolescence    4. Depression, Mental    5. General    6. Juvenile literature    7. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings