Author/Mental Health/Substance Abuse Therapist Taps Personal and Professional Experience to Stop Depression Dead in Its Tracks

ITHACA, N.Y., Jan. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to depression, there's simply no reason to wade through its drowning waters - and that is at least one of many key messages about depression that author Kathy Reagan is communicating to everyday people in her recently published book, "Stop Suffering Needlessly - How to Quickly Recover From Depression," edited by Ted Papperman, Ph.D. (Createspace, 2011).

The book is a tribute to those who've been victimized by the "thief" of depression, a very real, oppressing illness that "can rob you of your health, your relationships, your livelihood, your joy and peace, and your very self," she writes. Yet despite alarming facts, the prevalence and nuances of depression are still misunderstood. Understanding that "you're not alone" in suffering is a critical, powerful starting point in following Reagan's nine steps for recovery.

"The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that major depression is a serious medical illness affecting 15 million American adults, or approximately 5-8 percent of the adult population in a given year. That number does not include children and adolescents who suffer too," Reagan says. "The good news is that 80-90 percent of those who treat their depression do recover from it."

Since Reagan published her book, she's presented at a Barnes & Noble book signing and other public events. The author delivers a unique perspective - she's not only an experienced therapist, who has treated countless patients for depression, but she has also recovered from depression personally. Reagan knows what depression feels like, how to coach people out of suffering, and the empowering steps required for remaining healthy.

"Stop Suffering Needlessly" is unique - it's very user-friendly and easy to read. Geared toward a number of markets, from adolescents to adults, it's ideal for those being treated, as well as for those who don't have access to or cannot afford treatment. The 147-page roadmap for recovery is packed with helpful information and insights, relapse prevention tips, and hundreds of resources.

Interestingly, Reagan designed her book for those not currently experiencing depression, too. "Stop Suffering Needlessly" helps this audience with early detection to stop depression's sneaky onset dead in its tracks. It's also been an invaluable tool for those working regularly with at-risk individuals - today's teachers, ministry and even the military.

"Stop Suffering Needlessly" is available through major online booksellers (http://tinyurl.com/6q7mlyh), Kindle and most e-readers.

About Kathy Reagan

Kathy Reagan holds a master's degree in community/clinical psychology from Mansfield University in Pennsylvania, and is a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (C.A.S.A.C). She's also a grateful mother of five adult children and grandmother of six wonderful grandchildren so far. She currently works as a mental health therapist on an adult inpatient psychiatric unit in upstate New York.

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SOURCE Kathy Reagan