Choosing to Live: How to Defeat Suicide Through Cognitive Therapy

I am a psychologist who has worked with suicidal individuals every day for 30 years and I found many new ideas in this book. I borrowed it from the library and read it and I was so impressed by it that I ordered 2 copies today: one for my reference and one to loan my patients. I used ideas from it with my patients the first day I read them. Very practical and written to speak to the suicidal individual right where they are, addressing directly the thinking that people fall into when depressed and phrased in the words that I have heard from my patients thousands of times. I don't know where the one-star reviewer is coming from: I did not in any way feel that this book was talking down to the reader or not taking their concerns or situation seriously. It is honest and forthright, no rah-rah Pollyanna preaching.

I do individual therapy and crisis intervention in a large community mental health center. This book has proven itself as an effective tool for helping those in crisis, as well as those who have an ongoing struggle with suicidal thoughts. This is, by far, the most practical, readable, and useful book written for the person struggling to stay alive. I encourage nearly all of the clients with whom I work to purchase and use this book. I even keep a loaner copy on hand for those who cannot afford it! Perhaps the greatest strength of this book is the authors' ability to teach numerous proven therapy techniques while conveying a genuine concern and respect for the person struggling to stay alive. This helps create a sense of hope. For treatment providers, it models compassionate cognitive therapy for those who arguably need it most. I think this book should be required reading for mental health professionals whose training programs often do not adequately address work with suicidal individuals. If you struggle with thoughts of suicide, know someone who does, or work in the field of mental health, I highly recommend this book. It will change the way you look at suicide.

I read this book at a tough time in my life when I was being treated for depression and seeking and collecting reasons to "keep on keeping on." Besides clear information on the nature of depression and suicidal thinking, the book has several ways to personally interact with the material, through charts to complete, lists to make, etc. These help the reader to brainstorm about wiser and healthier responses to problems and sad or overwhelming emotions. It was a significant aid to the work that an experienced therapist was able to offer me. Now a few years later, as a counselor myself, I find I can use this book with my clients who are in therapy as a type of "homework" that they can work through on their own. I recommend this book as well to anyone who has a loved one dealing with suicidality. It will help you get inside his/her thinking so you can be a wiser helper. One cavaet: if you buy this book because you are wrestling with suicidal thinking or plans please also talk to your M.D., call a local crisis hotline (or 1-800-273-TALK) or 911, or go to your hospital's ER. Let a professional add his/her training to your wise and brave choice to live!

As an RN and a person with bipolar disorder, I have walked the tightrope of life/death scenerio many times. Stressors of daily living, family, divorce etc. had cause my cycling and depression to increase and had I have attempted suicide several times.I have read extensively both selfhelp books and autobiographies of people with depression and bipolar disorder to no avail looking for help.Although I am on medications and seeing a cognitive-behavorial therapist for some time and while I understood what he was saying. I wasn't able to assimiliate it until I read this book.This book changed my life. I give this book freely to friends who are in need of answers for this book has both rich insite and the forthrightness that hits home.Thank you,the authors, for writing it. It has closed the door to suicide forever for me and has truly changed my life.

This book is an excellent resource for anyone thinking about suicide. It is written in a well organized step by step format starting with an overview of suicide facts and how to determine if you are suicidal. The authors then show us how our distorted thoughts and belief systems can make life seem hopeless. They even explore the advantages and disadvantages of committing suicide. From there they guide us through the various techniques to improve our outlook on life and how to step back from thoughts of suicide. Although this book contains lots of useful information on suicide prevention, it was written in easy to read, well organized format that can easily keep the attention of those in a depressed state. Definitely a valuable book for those who are thinking of suicide or who know of someone suicidal