More Than the Blues?

* Reviews *

Part of the Issues in Focus Series, this book does a good job of introducing the health topic of depression to the reader by starting off with a story about a young man who talks to his Mom about the way he has been feeling and what he then goes through to start to get help for his depression. With other chapters on the symptoms, causes, and treatment of depression, a teenage reader will get a solid understanding of depression, be able to recognize the physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms in themselves and others, and learn how to get help. Ultimately, this knowledge may help a reader prevent the most serious consequence of depression, which is suicide. The text is clearly written and is interspersed with stories and statistics that keep the reader moving through the pages so that one never thinks that this just a boring medical book. There is also evident consideration in the text for people who may have depression or who may have someone else in their family with depression and discussion of how the illness or disorder affects all involved. The chapter notes and further reading sections of the book add citations and internet links to further information, making this title a good place to start research and a good title to add to a health class book list., Children's Literature