The Depression Cure: The 6-Step Program to Beat Depression Without Drugs

Most Americans work long hours, eat on the fly, and lead increasingly sedentary, isolated lives. Alongside this lifestyle, depression rates have skyrocketed: approximately 1 in 4 Americans will suffer from major depression at some point in their lives. Where have we gone wrong? Dr. Stephen Ilardi sheds light on our current predicament and reminds us: "our bodies were never designed for the sleep-deprived, poorly nourished, frenzied pace of twenty-first century life." In fact, our genes have changed very little since the days of our hunter-gatherer ancestors and are still building, in effect, Stone Age bodies. Herein lies the key to breaking the cycle of depression.

Inspired by the extraordinary resilience of aboriginal groups like the Kaluli of Papua New Guinea (who rarely suffer from depression), Dr. Ilardi prescribes an easy-to-follow, clinically proven program that harks back to what our bodies were originally made for—and need. Here you can find the road back to lasting health by integrating the following 6 elements into your life: an omega-3 rich diet; exercise; plenty of natural sunlight; ample sleep; social connections; and participation in meaningful tasks that leave little time for negative thoughts—all things that our ancestors had in abundance.

Already, "The Depression Cure" program has delivered dramatic results, helping even those who have failed to respond to traditional medications. Interweaving the stories of many who have fought—and won—the battle against this debilitating illness, this groundbreaking book can illuminate the path to lifting the fog once and for all for you or a loved one.

“Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy , January 2015 [Ilardi] helps us think about how mental illness is not what many think it is (mental or moral weakness) and how popular approaches for treatment (medication and some alternative treatments) need to be better understood."”

Bookviews.com "[Ilardi's] program helps patients reclaim six ancient lifestyle elements that can improve or eradicate depression. These include a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, the critical building blocks for brain structure and function; enjoyable activities that keep us from dwelling on negative thoughts; exercise that stimulates important brain chemicals; sufficient sunlight exposure to keep the body's clock in sync; social support to avoid isolation; and healthy sleep habits that allow the brain and body to recover. It works for me and it will work for you!" Metapsychology Online Reviews "A very good self-help book. Ilardi writes clearly, avoiding jargon, and speaking eloquently about many topics. His depiction of negative lifestyle influences on people's emotions and actions are on target... this is a splendid book because the recommendations made should lead to a healthier lifestyle for most people...Overcoming depression is not a simple challenge but one, I suspect, has a chance of success by reading this book." Kansas Alumni "Ilardi's theory draws on discoveries in cognitive neuroscience and evolutionary psychology, which add heft to his common-sense advice...The Depression Cure arrays data that may inspire action." Harriet Lerner, author of The Dance of Anger "This book isn't just about depression. Dr. Ilardi's program can help all of us live with more zest and a greater sense of well-being." Bookslut Founder Jessa Crispin in The Smart Set "Those who have suffered recurring, meaningless bouts of depression might want to reach for The Depression Cure rather than Unstuck, especially those sick of hearing how they should search their mental illness for wisdom." "The Bookworm Sez" (nationally syndicated column) "Intriguing. Author Stephen S. Ilardi seems to be onto something when he points out that our ancestors didn't sit at a desk all day and fight traffic to go home stressed-out...Pick up a copy of The Depression Cure. With your doctor's blessing, a fair amount of effort, and this book, 'snapping out of it' might be a snap." "Dr. Ilardi reminds us that our bodies shouldn't be sleep-deprived, or subjected to poor diets and frenzied twenty-first-century life...The book describes an easy-to-follow, clinically proven program that follows a clear system to what our bodies need." ?Huffington Post

Stephen S. Ilardi, PhD, is associate professor of clinical psychology at the University of Kansas and the author of more than forty professional articles on mental illness. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas.

In the past decade, depression rates have skyrocketed, and one in four Americans will suffer from major depression at some point in their lives. Where have we gone wrong? Dr. Stephen Ilardi sheds light on our current predicament and reminds us that our bodies were never designed for the sleep-deprived, poorly nourished, frenzied pace of twenty-first century life. Inspired by the extraordinary resilience of aboriginal groups like the Kaluli of Papua New Guinea, Dr. Ilardi prescribes an easy-to-follow, clinically proven program that harks back to what our bodies were originally made for and what they continue to need. The Depression Cure program has already delivered dramatic results, helping even those who have failed to respond to traditional medications.

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