LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A book signing event for Dr. Jess Wright’s new book, “Breaking Free from Depression: Pathways to Wellness,” will be held from 1-2:30 p.m., Saturday (Dec. 3) at Barnes & Noble at The Summit, 4100 Summit Plaza Dr.
Wright, director of the University of Louisville Depression Center and professor of psychiatry at UofL, has co-authored “Breaking Free from Depression” with his daughter, Dr. Laura McCray, a family physician with the University of Vermont. The book is available in both paperback and e-book formats from Guilford Press.
The book provides six treatment methods for depression and is written so that readers can put together a personalized anti-depression action plan that works best for each individual.
“There are many different paths that lead to depression and equally as many paths that can be taken to wellness,” Wright said. “Fortunately, you do not have to choose one path out of depression. You can combine ideas and methods from more than one perspective on depression to craft a plan that works best for you.”
Mental health providers have long believed that self-management is a key to successfully dealing with depression and Wright and McCray present evidence-based strategies for doing so in clear, compassionate language. Options from antidepressant drugs and behavior techniques to diet and lifestyle changes and spiritual resources are outlined in the book.
“Each of the paths is based on a different way of understanding depression and overcoming it,” Wright said. “Whatever ‘itinerary’ you choose, this book will help you overcome roadblocks that have prevented you from achieving wellness in the past.”
Along with the book signing, the event on Saturday will feature information on the UofL Depression Center.
About the authors
Wright holds both M.D. and Ph.D. degrees and is well-known in the psychiatric profession as an authority on depression and cognitive behavioral therapy. He has authored award-winning books for both mental health professionals and the general public. He was founding president of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, is a Fellow of the American College of Psychiatrists and is a past recipient of UofL’s Distinguished Educator of the Year Award.
McCray is an M.D. who practices family medicine in Burlington, Vt., with a focus on mental health in primary care. She is clinical assistant professor of family medicine and associate director of the Family Medicine Residency Program at the University of Vermont. She is a recipient of family medicine teaching awards both at the University of Vermont and the University of Pennsylvania.