Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2015. This book is exactly what it says. The Noonday Demon: An Atlas Of Depression February 1, 2002, Simon & Schuster Audio Audio CD in English - Abridged edition "All encompassing, brave, and deeply humane...It is open-minded, critically informed, and poetic at the same time, and despite the nature of its subject it is written with far too much élan and elegance ever to become depressing itself." Hope lies in finding ways--as Solomon clearly has--to harness its powerful lessons. As a fellow depressive, I find this book very helpful. The melancholic, Freud observed, has "a keener eye for the truth than others," and Solomon is a case in point. This might not be the best book to read during a particularly difficult time because the author describes in great detail some of his darkest moments and that may be a trigger for some people. He expresses the view that, ultimately, this episode has made him a better person, and he concludes by reflecting, ``each day I choose to be alive, is that not a rare joy?''. Off the charts in its enlightening, comprehensive analysis of this pervasive yet misunderstood condition. While outlining the major treatments, Solomon's discussion covers brain chemistry, the classes of antidepressants and their possible effects and efficacy rates, as well as the successful resurgence of electroshock therapy, talk therapy, surgical options and alternative therapies (e.g., herbal, homeopathic and hypnosis). Unable to add item to List. Calling depression the "flaw of love," 2001 National Book Award-winner Solomon (A Stone Boat) brings a stunning breadth of research to this widely misunderstood and often stigmatized illness. Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. And, while it may worsen or improve, depression will never be eradicated. Brilliantly written book, though quite dense in parts. However, he does not stop at the analysis of his own breakdowns; his insights into depression span not only autobiography, but also the scientific and historical roots of depression, its treatment, and the effect of this disorder on the Western world. . He discusses updated information on various drugs and treatment approaches while detailing his own trials with them. Solomon has made an important contribution to the public understanding of the notion of depression. The author describes his intimate relationship with depression, and proposes that, for those that survive it, life is richer. I am constantly amazed at Andrew Solomon's ability to inject evocative language into what could be a potentially dry and clinical subject. Interweaving personal experiences with scientific reporting, he has produced a meditation on the human capacity to suffer—but also to prevail. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. The Noonday Demon is Andrew Solomon’s National Book Award-winning, bestselling, and transformative masterpiece on depression—“the book for a generation, elegantly written, meticulously researched, empathetic, and enlightening” (Time)—now with a major new chapter covering recently introduced and novel treatments, suicide and anti-depressants, pregnancy and depression, and much … The Noonday Demon is a fascinating read for anyone with an interest in depression and mental illness, either personal or professional. The author is very brave in the great detail in which he writes about his own depression. Brilliantly written book, though quite dense in parts. Solomon's willingness to provide us with this no-holds-barred annal is … The book is not only personal but comprehensive, covering depression throughout the ages as well as its present manifestations, and in all aspects, including all forms of treatment. Time to find our own center, and get our life back into balance! Drawing on his own struggles with the illness and interviews with fellow sufferers, doctors and scientists, policymakers and politicians, drug designers and philosophers, Solomon reveals the subtle complexities and sheer agony of the disease. Solomon rails against the use of terms such as ``chemical'' in discussions of causation -- not because he fails to recognize the importance of biologic change, but because such reductionist terminology is meaningless. I found this really helpful. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 3, 2019, I have read numerous books on mental health. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 23, 2016. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, © 1996-2021, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. The Noonday Demon is Andrew Solomon's National Book Award-winning, bestselling, and transformative masterpiece on depression—"the book for a generation, elegantly written, meticulously researched, empathetic, and enlightening" (Time)—now with a major new chapter covering recently introduced and novel treatments, suicide and anti-depressants, pregnancy and depression, and much more. He makes a strong case for the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of clinical depression and deplores the ignorance that leaves many without the chance to receive adequate or appropriate treatment that might ``give them back their life.''. Such a project is ambitious, and those who have had clinical depression may be disappointed that he does not try to console other sufferers or to offer specific self-help techniques. Something we hope you'll especially enjoy: FBA items qualify for FREE Shipping and Amazon Prime. I am enjoying reading it, but found it amusing the copy I received had a pamphlet for suicide prevention in the front, I am unsure if that is Standard Operating Procedure for this book but if this was a special treat just for me, Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2014. “The Noonday Demon” is a synonym for depression. By his own account, he grew up as a healthy, happy, white American from a privileged background. William A. Barry October 06, 2008. I have in my possession a book that won the Pulitzer Prize in 2001. Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. The giving of ourselves over to depression. Breaking Out of the "Man Box": The Next Generation of Manhood. I have not been able to put it down. The author is very sympathetic, and relates his own experience with depression without losing objectivity. Great read for this suffering with anxiety/depression, Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2016. The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression lesson plan contains a variety of teaching materials that cater to all learning styles. Depression. The backbone of this superb work is the author's narrative of his own struggles with severe depressionDhis musings on its multifarious causes and on the role that his privileged socioeconomic status has played in its successful management. It is named the noonday demon probably because of the physical fatigue, hunger, thirst, and exhaustion that makes the monk’s spirit droop. It indicates a demonic figure thought to be active at the noon hour which inclines its victims (usually monastics) to restlessness, excitability and inattention to one's duties. I know I've experienced moments of great joy, that I might never have known had I not been through the hell of major depression. It comes from biblical sources: Psalm 90:6 of the Hebrew Biblereads "mi-ketev yashud tsohorayim": from destruction that despoils at midday. Does this book contain inappropriate content? Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2014. It helps with understanding the disease, as well as giving lots of details of history. Of course, it is actually play, nonetheless an amazing and interesting literature. Please try again. Off the charts in its enlightening, comprehensive analysis of this pervasive yet misunderstood condition, The Noonday Demon forges a long, brambly path through the subject of depression--exposing all the discordant views and "answers" offered by science, philosophy, law, psychology, literature, art, and history. Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2020. This book is exactly what it says. The excellent abridgment looks at all manifestations of depression, from violent acting out to morbid self-loathing, and the author doesn't spare any details in the telling of his own trail of symptoms. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness. Do you believe that this item violates a copyright? Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a service we offer sellers that lets them store their products in Amazon's fulfillment centers, and we directly pack, ship, and provide customer service for these products. The Noonday Demon: An Atlas Of Depression, Due to its large file size, this book may take longer to download, Scribner; 1st edition (November 16, 2011). This journalistic approach allows Solomon to convey a great deal of information in the form of fascinating, if sometimes horrific, life stories. Highly recommended not just for those who suffer themselves, but for anyone looking for a clear window into the world of depression. Would you like to be able to communicate more effectively? It is during periods like this that depression can take on a life of it’s own, and we feel helpless and overwhelmed. ''The Noonday Demon'' is an inspired title for a survey of depression, deriving from biblical texts that include the King James version of Psalms 91:6 (''the destruction that wasteth at noonday'') and the Roman Catholic Douay version, which refers to ''the noonday devil.'' I can tell the writer had a mission to make a point about depression, I could never ever put into words the sense this made in just the first few chapters. It is called “The Noonday Demon” and is by Andrew Solomon. Fears, stress, anxiety and depression could sometimes knock us down. Please try your request again later. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. It is also beautifully written. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. To be creatures who love, we must be creatures who can despair at what we lose, and depression is the mechanism of that despair. He describes a pharmaceutical company's surreal stage production (involving Pink Floyd, kick dancers, and an opener à la Cats) promoting a new antidepressant to their sales team. Quite simply, a work of pure genius. I am enjoying reading it, but found it amusing the copy I received had a pamphlet for suicide prevention in the front, I am unsure if that is Standard Operating Procedure for this book but if this was a special treat just for me, Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2014. Abbot Tryphon. Depression has always been quite common in our species, and probably always will be, although we'll find better ways to treat it. I love that this book is literally like an encyclopedia of depression, analysing the condition from every possible angle with sound evidence and meaning, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 7, 2014. The book is not only personal but comprehensive, covering depression throughout the ages as well as its present manifestations, and in all aspects, including all forms of treatment. How to Listen with Intention: The Foundation of True Connection, Communication, and... CBT Toolbox for Depressed, Anxious & Suicidal Children and Adolescents: Over 220 Wo... Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks. I am constantly amazed at Andrew Solomon's ability to inject evocative language into what could be a potentially dry and clinical subject. He uses his considerable skills as an author to explore the problems of definition and diagnosis -- when, for instance, does human sadness become clinical depression? Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2017, This book is exactly what it says. The Noonday Demon is formidably well researched: Solomon has a particularly keen touch with quotations and the testimony of others, building up … T he Noonday Demon’s contribution to our understanding not only of mental illness but also of the human condition in general is stunning. Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2014. The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression was written over a five-year period, providing an intimate and complete work that examines scientific research, historical aspects, and public perspective of mental disease. I bought this book because I heard about it on a podcast. Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. Solomon can give no easy explanation of why he is vulnerable to recurrent depression, and he does not associate any specific events with the onset of the episode he describes in detail. It is open-minded,critically informed, and poetic at the same time, and despite the nature of its subject it is written with far too much élan and elegance ever to become depressing itself.” (Richard Bernstein, The New York Times), Andrew Solomon is a professor of psychology at Columbia University, president of PEN American Center, and a regular contributor to. A great book about a difficult and harrowing, and all-too-often shaming subject. “Listen to the people who love you. I think this book is VERY resourceful for a person who wants to know how depression feels to others. A longtime sufferer of severe depression himself, Solomon willingly shares his life story with readers. It's perfect for me - a mix of really fascinating insights into historical and cultural aspects of depression mixed in with an honest tale of his and others' lived experiences. It helps with understanding the disease, as well as giving lots of details of history. it’s harder to see God’s beauty late in the afternoon, in the thousand of minutes in the middle of my days that doesn't seem worth of photographing. In addition to the self-help and parental advice genres is the literary and philosophical study of depression that harks back to Richard Burton's The Anatomy of Melancholy. Drawing on his own struggles with the illness and interviews with fellow sufferers, doctors and scientists, policymakers and politicians, drug designers and philosophers, Solomon reveals … Parts of the book are painful to read, but the overall effect of the book is hopeful. His candor about his own fight against depression and the elements of the experience that challenged him to learn, to change, and to salvage something positive do provide some hope for the future. has been added to your Cart. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 26, 2017. It informs deeply in every manner -- personal, scientific, historical, and political -- about the roots, experience, and treatment of clinical depression. Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity, First, We Make the Beast Beautiful: A New Journey Through Anxiety, An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness, The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time, Undoing Depression: What Therapy Doesn't Teach You and Medication Can't Give You, Far and Away: Reporting from the Brink of Change, “All encompassing, brave, and deeply humane. He tried a number of treatments, including psychoanalysis (which he says was ``like firing a machine gun at the incoming tide'') and various types of medication (some of which he used simply to obliterate the day). Under Solomon's care, however, such tales offer much more than shock value. Brilliant. Apart from that I found it a fascinating read by an excellent author. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 26, 2017. Copyright © 2002 Massachusetts Medical Society. But Solomon commands the language--and his topic--with such grace and empathy that the constant flow of references, poems, and quotations in his paragraphs arrive like welcome dinner guests. It besets the monk at about the fourth hour of the morning [ten a.m.], encircling his soul until about the eighth hour [two p.m.]. He chronicles his research visits to assorted mental institutions, which left him feeling he would "much rather engage with every manner of private despair than spend a protracted time" there. Please try your request again later. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. It would also be a great book for family and friends of someone suffering from anxiety/depression as it accurately and emotionally explains what people with anxiety/depression sometimes go through. This compassionate work that never simplifies complex matters is essential for all collections. The demon of acedia, which is also called the noonday demon, is the most burdensome of all the demons. Deceptively simple chapter titles (including "Breakdowns," "Treatments," "Addiction," "Suicide") each sit modestly atop a virtual avalanche of Solomon's intellect. I could not get very far into the book because it triggered me hugely when it hit the exact marks for me early on in the reading. Inside you'll find 30 Daily Lessons, 20 Fun Activities, 180 Multiple Choice Questions, 60 Short Essay Questions, 20 Essay Questions, Quizzes/Homework Assignments, Tests, and more. The 2001 National Book Award Winner for Nonfiction. As a fellow depressive, I find this book very helpful. The section on suicide was actually encouraging--the author delineates between being suicidal and having suicidal thoughts. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. First it makes the sun seem to slow down or stop moving, so that the day appears to be fifty hours long. He also exposes the apparent conflict between the tendencies, on the one hand, to trivialize major depression and, on the other, to use selective serotonin-reuptake-inhibitor antidepressants as a panacea for an array of nonclinical problems. Despite success in his career, he became unable to undertake the simplest tasks, had frequent periods of intense anxiety, and avoided social contact with friends. Possibly good for a person going into the psych field? --Liane Thomas Solomon gives insights into the experience of depression (he describes it as a living death) but manages to avoid trading in cliches. Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. This book also shows how even someone with severe anxiety and depression have found ways to push on. It is an accessible book that persons from clinical and nonclinical backgrounds can and should read. Wounded Minds: Understanding and Solving the Growing Menace of Post-Traumatic Stres... Understanding the Human Mind: The Pursuit of Consciousness, The Emotional Gift: Memoir of a Highly Sensitive Person Who Overcame Depression, How To Analyze People: The Power Of Emotional Intelligence. The Noonday Demon For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions. I think this book is VERY resourceful for a person who wants to know how depression feels to others. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. There was a later paperback under the Touchstone imprint. Rather, acedia is a gloomy combination of weariness, sadness, and a lack of purposefulness. Apart from that I found it a fascinating read by an excellent author. He goes into a bit too much detail for me on the pharmaceutical side of things but others may find that interesting. Unable to add item to List. Teaching The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression. His memoir thoughtfully looks at how people across the globe react to their depressive vulnerabilities and/or their life-draining circumstances. Want to Understand Someone with Depression? Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2016. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 23, 2016. Clinicians may quibble about his definitions and descriptions of various treatments and their mechanisms of effect (for example, he calls cognitive therapy a psychodynamic psychotherapy). Does this book contain quality or formatting issues? One of the best book on the subject, up there with Kay Redfield Jamison. I have been dealing with anxiety and depression for years and this book really helped me realize that I'm not alone. Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2018. EMBED (for wordpress.com hosted blogs and archive.org item tags) Want more? Sometimes, the legacy of depression includes a wisdom beyond one's years, a depth of passion unexperienced by those who haven't traveled to hell and back. Having watched Andrew Solomon talk, I decided to buy his book. I love that this book is literally like an encyclopedia of depression, analysing the condition from every possible angle with sound evidence and meaning, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 7, 2014. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. It's perfect for me - a mix of really fascinating insights into historical and cultural aspects of depression mixed in with an honest tale of his and others' lived experiences. Solomon explores depression from personal, social, and political perspectives. The author describes his intimate relationship with depression, and proposes that, for those that survive it, life is richer. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. Quite simply, a work of pure genius. Solomon's willingness to provide us with this no-holds-barred annal is courageous and selfless, to say the least. YZO0L8PW0433 \\ Kindle The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression (Hardback) The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression (Hardback) Filesize: 2.93 MB Reviews A really awesome book with lucid and perfect information. He enjoyed positive relationships with his family and had a strong network of friends. I have yet to have any of my loved ones read it yet but I can imagine it would be very eye opening to them. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, © 1996-2021, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living: A Guide to ACT, The Noonday Demon: An Atlas Of Depression. Finish What You Start: The Art of Following Through, Taking Action, Executing, & Se... One Survivor's Guide for Beating Depression and Thriving Thereafter: Simple, Practi... Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity, First, We Make the Beast Beautiful: A New Journey Through Anxiety, Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time, An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness, The Noonday Devil: Acedia, the Unnamed Evil of Our Times (French Edition), “All encompassing, brave, and deeply humane. I know I've experienced moments of great joy, that I might never have known had I not been through the hell of major depression. Yet The Noonday Demon stands as a testament to all those qualities that are lost during times of deathly meaninglessness: it describes numbness with … Yet, in the early 1990s, depression crept up on him and took over his life, so that even getting out of bed and going to take a shower became an overwhelming challenge that he frequently failed to overcome. The author is very sympathetic, and relates his own experience with depression without losing objectivity. Not wishing to kill himself by more conventional means, he decided, with the logic that characterizes a man on the edge, that indulging in frequent unsafe homosexual sex with strangers would put him at high risk for AIDS. . Solomon begins with his own journey through several severe depressive episodes. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. Solomon cogently argues that, in the end, everything about a person can be described as chemical if one wishes to think in those terms: if depression is chemical, then so is love and so is intelligence. It is open-minded,critically informed, and poetic at the same time, and despite the nature of its subject it is written with far too much élan and elegance ever to become depressing itself.” ―, Andrew Solomon is a professor of psychology at Columbia University, president of PEN American Center, and a regular contributor to. The New England Journal of Medicine is a registered trademark of the MMS. Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout. Having watched Andrew Solomon talk, I decided to buy his book. But from the authority of these experiences comes a message of limitless hope and a heartfelt urging to never give up when besieged by depression in any of its forms. This tells of his own descent into the hell of acute depression. Advanced embedding details, examples, and help! This is not a book to be skimmed. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Drawing on his own struggles with the illness and interviews with fellow sufferers, doctors and scientists, policy makers and politicians, drug designers and philosophers, Andrew Solomon reveals the subtle complexities and sheer agony of the disease. Jan Scott, M.D. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. The eloquent, cerebral prose distinguishing his book (the writing of which, he says, consumed his life for five years), is mirrored in Solomon's equally articulate and refined reading style, marked by traces of a crisp British accent and a consistent, soothing tone. EMBED. Depression has always been quite common in our species, and probably always will be, although we'll find better ways to treat it. However, he clearly had all the classic symptoms of a major depressive episode and was so debilitated by this disorder that he returned to live with and be cared for by his 70-year-old father. Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2020. I'd highly recommend this book if you are depressed or are living with someone who is depressed. T.W. I have not been able to put it down. Learn more about the program. No_Favorite. Please try again. The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living: A Guide to ACT, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed, Feeling Great: The Revolutionary New Treatment for Depression and Anxiety, A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters, The Upward Spiral Card Deck: 52 Ways to Reverse the Course of Depression...One Small Change at a Time, Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in.