When Words Are Not Enough

by Valerie Davis Raskin

Book Overview

One in four women will experience clinical depression, anxiety, or premenstrual depression in her lifetime. The good news is that popular new prescription drugs like??Prozac and Xanax bring much... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553067133
• ISBN13: 9780553067132
• Release Date: May 1997
• Publisher: Broadway Books
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Sympathetic and informative

I consider this the best book to start with if you are a woman wondering if you have depression and/or a companion illness, or a woman who has been diagnosed and is deciding which treatment to try. Depression (including premenstrual depression), anxiety disorder, OCD and sleep disturbances and available medication and non-medication options are explored thoroughly and clearly by Dr. Raskin. What sets this book apart from other depression/medication books is that it addresses women's particular concerns, largely neglected by the others. Topics I am often asked about on my web site (and have not had good answers for) such as pregnancy/breastfeeding and medication and weight gain as a side effect of medication are discussed in a sympathetic, informative manner. Essential information about antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication, including side-effects, usual dose ranges and pregnancy ratings round out "When Words Are Not Enough," making it a very complete resource for women.

this is a great book

Chapters 2-10 of this book are titled: Why can't I shake this? Why am I so explosive? Why can't I just relax? Why can't I stop worrying? Why can't I get a good night's rest? If you need these questions answered, this book will answer them.One of the other reviewers mentioned that some of the medical words were too techincal or scientific for the lay person (possibly true). I would suggest reading Appendix B which explains all kinds of medications and side effects in a chart form.The second part of the book discussed medications and their possible side effects. I was very surprised to know that I was having small side effects from my antidepressant and didnt even realize it. (weight gain, strange dreams)I also liked the chapter on wanting to have children. I kept having the feeling that it was wrong for me to want children. I kept thinking "how can I take care of a child when I cant even take care of myself?" Dr. Raskin sorts through that whole dilemna.

Highly Recommended Addition to Your Library

I suffer from Anxiety Disorder with Panic Attacks and Depression. Dr. Raskin's book has been very helpful to me in a variety of ways. Dr. Raskin simply explains the biology of these problems in such a way that I finally understood that I am not at fault, or a "weak" person. She gives wonderful views on different medications and their strengths/weaknesses. She answered about 95% of my questions and even answered questions I didn't know that I had. I refer to her book often (it is filled with bookmarks and highlighted areas) and would highly recommend it to anyone struggling with anxiety, panic, depression, OCD, or premenstrual depression. It is especially important to note that Dr. Raskin's book isn't at all "scary". Some books on this subject can tend to scare the person who is already anxious. Dr. Raskin is very comforting and wise....she is the psychiatrist you wish you had.

Compassionate, informative, validating and comforting

I picked up this book and became emotionally attached to it from the first page. I am a social worker and a woman who suffers from depression and am already well versed in the illness of depression and its remedies. I thought I knew everything I could possibly know about this subject, yet this book provided guidance, support and encouragment in addition to clinical information. The end result was quite powerful. Most importantly, this book reminded me that I am not a failure for the way I feel. Despite all my knowledge and experience with this subject, while in the throes of depression, I felt like a failure. This book helped me to understand my experience in a different way and feel less alone. I am also pregnant and this book was the first I found that provided information and guidance, without judgement, about pregnancy and depression and medication and nursing. It helped me to remember that dealing with my depression is another way of being a good mother.I am very thankful for Valerie Raskin's book and the sensitivity and comfort she provided me at a difficult time. I plan to recommend this book to my own therapist and clients, as well.

Unbelievably Clear, Compassionate and Validating

I had been a psychotherapist for many years (and still am) and mother of two when I developed postpartum depression after the birth of my second child. I never thought it could/would happen to me. Well it did and now, more than two years after the fact, I immediately burst into tears after reading this book...why didn't anyone tell me then what this book told me now? Besides being clear and understandable about medicine and other treatment approaches, Dr. Raskin's voice is deeply compassionate: I have finally started to let go of the shame and tell my story, which represents one of the darkest periods of my life. Besides that, I have been recommending this book to my own primary care doctor, therapist, colleagues, clinical consultant...basically to everyone I know who is in a position to help women with postpartum and other depressions, OCD and anxiety. If you are a woman struggling with any of the above conditions, do not delay in getting your hands on this book. This book is outstanding!