Rapid Relief from Emotional Distress

This book was a critical component in saving my life. I was in an auto rollover accident and lost use of my left leg and arm and nearly died. In the hospital I contracted MSRA which nearly killed me. Two days after I left the hospital I developed a clot in my left lung. I am only 35 and my life changed dramatically. I couldn't do the things I use to and there is no way for me to describe how bad I felt. I did not care about anything. A family member gave their copy of this book and it quickly changed the way I look at life. My gratitude will always go out to the authors; Emery and Campbell.

I read this book more than 15 years ago and I still use the strategies today. In fact, now that my own teen is dealing with depression issues, I've taught him to use the strategies as well. I read the book after about 2 years of psychotherapy. While the therapy was VERY helpful, this book gave me very concrete skills and within a month, I no longer felt the need to continue therapy. If you faithfully complete the exercises, you can learn great techniques that make a difference.

Here's what I like: pages 20-21 list of factors in dealing with feelings pages 25-26 list of mental blockage indicators pages 30-31 kinds of resistance to change pages 40-48 emotional strategies ==> how<br> to improve emotional intelligence!!!<br> pages 136-138 list of inappropriate communication<br> techniques. <br>The general strategies developed in pages 1-96 are<br>applied later to anxiety, anger, loneliness, depression.<br>An appendix expands this list to confusion, disappointment,<br>envy, facial tics, frustration, guilt, and helplessness.

i have a copy of this book i have referred to many times since the 80's. i do not know the authors, nor do i have any vested interest in a submitting a complimentary review. i have never submitted such a review before. i attest that this book is the single most helpful self-help book that i have ever had the good fortune to read. in one's darkest hour, it can help you INSTANTLY...i am happy it is still available, and i am buying a copy for a friend in need (not wanting to part with my own!)

Among the hundreds of serious and not-so pop psych books I've read, "Rapid Relief" actually works. Particularly useful is the "emotional scale" which can help you understand what you or others are going through as you go through your ups and downs. However "Rapid" is NOT a substitute for deep work with an qualified, experienced and insightful therapist. Instead it's an execellent source of day to day coping stratgies. For eight bucks, that's quite a deal.