It's Not Always Depression by Hilary Jacobs Hendel | BOOK REVIEW

A book that will guide you through understanding your emotions, as it's not our thoughts that affect our emotions but as Hilary states, the other way around. 

Before I get into the book, It's not always depression is written by Hilary Jacobs Hendel, a certified psychotherapist who has published many articles for The New York Times. She also has a very popular blog, The Change Triangle - a method she mentions in her book.

Hilary's book is unlike some other self-help books I've read, as it follows a format where she explains the methods through the therapy sessions of her clients. For example, the second chapter on Releasing Emotions follows 'Fran's Anxiety, Panic and Grief'. You read about Fran's background and why she attends the therapy sessions. You learn of Fran's progress through what is known as 'the change triangle'. I'll explain further - 

The Change triangle basically represents the mind. Each corner of the triangle is a different aspect - core emotions, defences and inhibitory emotions. 

You use the triangle to indicate how you are feeling emotionally. The aim is to get to the bottom of the triangle where there's 'calm and clarity'. 

This might all sound a bit bonkers but Hilary explains it so thoroughly using an example from her own life as well as her client's. I wouldn't dare explain it on here - i'd just get confused, haha. 

The book also includes quiz's and activities to help you track your progress throughout reading the book. There are also helpful information boxes throughout, such as 'things to know about panic attacks' and 'the perfection myth'.

I'll highlight the chapters below and the issues than come up in the case studies, to give you an idea of what sort of areas the book is helping in - 

• Getting to know the change triangle
• Releasing core emotions (anxiety, panic and grief)
• Identifying trauma (depression & navigating conflict; science of attachment; giving yourself compassion; self-parenting)
• Core emotions (rage)
• Inhibitory emotions (social anxiety, shame, guilt; joy and gratitude)
• Defences (moving through trauma to peace)
• The open-hearted state (the authentic self).

I'd recommend this book to someone who is currently attending therapy and wants some extra reading to help them through their personal challenges, or anyone who is interested in reading about their emotions, to learn how they can listen to them and not just cover them up (with a defence) - see I learnt something from the book!

It's Not Always Depression by Hilary Jacobs Hendel, published by Penguin Life, is available now from Amazon UK* for £10.11. 

*this is an affiliate link meaning I receive a small profit if a purchase is made. 

I received this book from Penguin Life for review. All opinions are honest and my own. 

Have you heard of The Change Triangle before? Would you consider buying this book?