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‘The most helpful book I’ve ever read about understanding and working with depression … skimps on neither scope nor substance. Dowds covers everything from evolutionary theories of depression to the impacts of globalisation and social media, taking in epigenetics and economic status, gender and gut flora. She conveys a strong sense of the emotional, cognitive, somatic, existential and relational qualities of depression, and shares many practical ways of engaging with its different dimensions. And she still finds space to recurrently sound, and deepen, her key developmental themes.’

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Isobel Todd, psychodynamic counsellor, SCAP no. 141 (Summer 2021) sussex-counselling.co.uk

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‘The focus on depression as an immediate and common experience that is on the increase (while being hard to work with), marks this book out as essential reading not just for therapists and trainees, but for anyone interested in deepening and expanding their knowledge and awareness of the impact of depression, its evolution and manifestation within the context of contemporary society.’

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Pauline Macey, MIACP, IJCP Vol. 21 Issue 3 (Autumn 2021)

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‘The plainness of [the] title belies the freshness, rigour and creative synthesis of up-to-date thinking in the book. Both broad and deep in perspective … Dowds does justice to the complexity of depression. … This is a truly fascinating read and will be of great interest to anyone who really wants to understand what depression is’

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Roz Carroll, co-editor with Jane Ryan of ‘What is Normal? Psychotherapists Explore the Question’

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‘well worth reading for anyone who wants to reacquaint themselves with the theory and practice in relation to depression and also those who may want pointers as to how to keep up to date with the latest thinking in the field.’

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Eleanor Dunn IAHAP, ‘Inside Out’ Issue 95 (Autumn 2021)