Positive Psychology for Overcoming Depression ― Self-help Strategies to Build Strength, Resilience and Sustainable Happiness

An updated version of the groundbreaking 2012 book that was the first of its kind to explain how using the evidence-based practices of Positive Psychology – the "science of happiness" – can help people beat the blues and live a happier, more fulfilled life.

According to the World Health Organization, 350 million people worldwide currently suffer from depression. This book is aimed at anyone suffering mild to moderate episodes who would like to help themselves get better using natural anti-depressants. After all, happiness is not a spectator sport. 

The text explains key strategies to help you not only overcome depression but also reduce the chances of it occurring or recurring. As such, it acts as both prevention and cure. As you practise the simple yet highly effective exercises, you will find your mood lifting, your confidence, resilience, positivity and strength growing, and your outlook becoming more optimistic. These strategies come from a combination of the author's professional knowledge and practice, and her background as someone who has suffered from depression herself. 

Miriam begins by explaining the core principles of Positive Psychology – what it takes to feel good, function well and flourish. She then goes on to focus on how the scientifically-grounded techniques of Positive Psychology, such as learning to savour positive events, practising gratitude, playing to your strengths and learning optimism, can help to prevent visits from the dreaded 'black dog' and, ultimately, allow the sun to shine on your life once more.

Miriam Akhtar was one of the first practitioners to graduate from the MSc in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP), a course set up by Prof. Martin Seligman, co-founder of positive psychology. She is now an expert in the science of happiness and was one of 100 global experts invited to contribute to the World Book of Happiness and the World Book of Hope. Miriam works as a trainer, coach and consultant through Positive Psychology Training (www.positivepsychologytraining.co.uk). She is a visiting lecturer and serves on the faculty of the Executive MAPP (MSc in Applied Positive Psychology) at the University of Lisbon. She is also an inspirational speaker and presents keynotes at events throughout Europe. With a background as an award-winning journalist, Miriam is now the author of five books, including her most recent Watkins title What is Post-Traumatic Growth? Find Miriam on Twitter as @pospsychologist and like her Facebook page: Miriam Akhtar, Positive Psychology Training.