Read an Excerpt

Why are you reading this book?
I decided to write this book because I think I can help you learn the skills necessary to understand and overcome feelings of depression and low self-esteem. I've written several other books about depression, but they were for counselors and psychologists, not for students. This one is just for you.
Are you ready to hear about the hard part? You had to know there was a catch, didn't you? There's always a catch. Okay, here it is.
Since there really isn't any magic in the world, you won't feel differently if you don't think and act differently. Your friends, parents, teachers, dogs, cats, and gerbils can't make you feel better. I certainly can't magically fix your life with a book, but I can help you learn some ideas and activities that have been proven to work. To feel better you're going to have to actually do some of the things that I'll be suggesting. Your life won't suddenly be perfect, but you'll feel better.
Over the years I've worked with hundreds of students and they've had a lot of luck with the ideas I'm going to teach you. You can learn to have a happier life, but it will not be easy. If you work hard at the things in this book, you'll feel better. If you don't work hard, you probably won't. You are totally free to choose. But keep in mind you are also free to experience all the unhappiness your heart can bear.
Learning to "un-depress" yourself is like learning any new skill. It takes a lot of hard work and practice. There are absolutely no shortcuts, but the rewards are worth the effort.
I want you to understand the way this book is laid out. The first half of the book will be explaining important concepts about depression and low self-esteem. The last half will be spent applying what you've learned to your life. Now, it's time to get to work.