Depression is just part of being a teenager, right?
A global pandemic. Climate change. School shootings. Cyberbullying. Racial violence. War. Not to mention school, money, relationships, social media, parental expectations, and pressure, pressure, pressure. Our world and our minds can be pretty dark places, and you’re not alone if you’re struggling or feeling stuck. But what if you could stop that spiral of depression and reverse it? You may not be able to change the world around you, but you can change how you respond to it.
Written by a clinical psychologist specializing in adolescent mental health, this engaging guide offers an array of prompts, quizzes, exercises, and other activities you can use to jumpstart your motivation and turn destructive thoughts and behaviors into positive outlooks and actions that lead to a more promising future. Combining new research in neuroscience with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavioral activation, the activities in this guide will help you understand and identify:
- What depression is, what causes it, and why is it so prevalent in teens?
- Why you? What specific conditions in your life, your brain, your body, and your experience are making you feel this way?
- Why managing stress is a much better coping strategy than trying to avoid it
- Small, no-pressure steps you can take to start rebuilding motivation (and why doing stuff is better than not doing stuff)
- How to set, reach, and build on healthy, realistic goals that leverage your unique strengths
If you’re ready to reverse the spiral of depression and start living the fun and engaging life you deserve, this activity book can help you get started. So, grab a pencil, get comfortable, and let’s do this.
In these increasingly challenging times, kids and teens need mental health resources more than ever. With more than 3 million copies sold worldwide and translated into 260 languages, Instant Help Books are easy to use, proven-effective, and recommended by therapists.
Industry Reviews
"Amy Mezulis is a brilliant psychologist and scientist who brings her talents to bear in this important and practical book to help teens help themselves out of depression. In plain, accessible language, Mezulis explains what depression is, and offers dozens of actions--many of them low cost or no cost--that teens can take to work out of a downward spiral of depression."
--Janet S. Hyde, PhD, professor emeritus of psychology and gender and women's studies at the University of Wisconsin--Madison, and coauthor of The Psychology of Women and Gender--Janet S. Hyde, PhD
"Reversing the Spiral of Depression for Teens contains evidence-based, practical tools for teens to use to help improve their mood and challenge their depression. Mezulis offers easy-to-read and relatable materials to help teens understand their depression and make change across several aspects of their lives--from sleep to exercise, motivation, and self-esteem. This self-help book is a great option for teens who may face barriers to accessing other mental health treatment."
--Jaclyn T. Aldrich, PhD, clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at the Ohio State University, and psychologist at Nationwide Children's Hospital--Jaclyn T. Aldrich, PhD
"Having witnessed the devastating impact of depression on adolescents in my personal life, I am thrilled to endorse this resource. Mezulis presents evidence-based, psychoeducational information in a manner that is 'right-sized, ' accessible, and engaging. She then integrates it into interactive exercises that will equip teens with tools for recovery and coping. Reversing the Spiral of Depression for Teens is an invaluable tool for teens, clinicians, and parents."
--Lynette H. Bikos, PhD, ABPP, board certified in counseling psychology; professor and chair in the department of clinical psychology at Seattle Pacific University; and author of ReCentering Psych Stats--Lynette H. Bikos, PhD, ABPP
"Mezulis uses clear language to illustrate complex ideas in ways that are understandable to parents and teens. This book offers science-backed insights into what depression looks like, what can trigger it, and what can keep people trapped in it. Accessible language and engaging exercises help identify an individual's unique experience with depression, and offer strategies that may aid in breaking the momentum of depression."
--Joshua Ahles, PhD, child and adolescent psychologist in independent practice in Issaquah, WA--Joshua Ahles, PhD
"This is a life-changing workbook for any teen struggling with depression. Mezulis combines the most trusted, evidence-based treatment for depression with her deep understanding of the teen worldview to create a workbook that is engaging, practical, and profoundly attuned. If you are searching for a solution to relieve depression, this is it--your teen will feel better faster and carry that forward into lasting well-being."
--Katey Nicolai, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist specializing in teen mental health, VP of clinical services at a teen mental health practice, and parent of two--Katey Nicolai, PhD
"What a wonderful book! Mezulis is excellent at making clear what depression is, and provides a strong set of tools that are easy to apply in everyday life. The variety of research-based strategies are well explained and come with many opportunities for reflection and practice. Readers are encouraged to explore personal strengths and take action. This book is a must-read for all adolescents, including those not currently struggling with depression."
--Margot Bastin, PhD, associate scientist at Oregon Research Institute, and research fellow at KU Leuven in Belgium--Margot Bastin, PhD
