The Upward Spiral

Like reading a mildly interesting term paper.

“You can't control what you see, but you can control what you're looking for.”

Good book for a basic explanation of how depressive, negative thoughts and behaviors interact to start the downward spiral into depression. The bulk of the book retells the various studies and experimental results in neuroscience that explain how depression might work, in a more accessible way for the general reader. If this is the first book you've picked up on neuroscience/depression, it's a good introduction.

Go for good enough. Worrying is often triggered by wanting to make the perfect choice or by trying to maximize everything. When buying a used car, you want one that is cheap, reliable, safe, sexy, the right color, and fuel efficient. Unfortunately, no single option is likely to be the best in all those dimensions. If you try to have the best of everything, you're likely to be paralyzed by indecision or dissatisfied with your choice. In fact, this kind of “maximizing” has been proven to increase depression. So don't try to make the most amazing dinner; start out by just making a good dinner. Don't try to be the perfect parent; just be a good one. Don't try to be your happiest; just be happy.”

This is a well written, comprehensive, scientifically sound overview of the mechanisms of depression. Reading this was an enjoyable experience, the way it's written makes the topic seem much less dreary.