I picked this one up at the library because it looked very interesting. I often peruse the psychology section just to see what they’ve got, and depression is one of my interests, so…
Dr Whiffen is an excellent author. The stories she shares in this book are compelling, though of course they are composites of many of her clients. I learned a lot about myself as I read this book, both about how I relate to the world and how the world may contribute to my own struggles with depression.
Whiffen writes in a manner that is easily understood by the layperson, and that means that what she’s talking about is accessible – something that is tremendously important when writing a book for people who probably picked it up because they wanted to understand themselves better and may need its advice as they look for a therapist.
The only thing I had a problem with is that the book doesn’t really delve into differing neurologies at all. Instead, Whiffen focuses primarily on neurotypical women – that is, women whose only problem is depression. There is no exploration of how ADHD or a learning disorder or other disability may impact a woman’s relationships and the possibility of her developing a mood disorder. I think I may well write her about this, and ask if she has studied it or knows of anyone who has, since it is (of course) something that has great relevance to my life.