The perfect resource for helping you to beat your depression or persistent low mood, either by yourself or with the support of a health professional.


This book will help you to both understand your depression and treat it effectively through a brief psychological intervention known as behavioural activation therapy. Written in a friendly, engaging (and jargon-free!) style, this self-help guide encourages interactive reading through tables, illustrations and worksheets. Case studies illustrate the use of the therapy and demonstrate how you can gradually overcome your condition.


The How to Beat series of books has emerged from recent, revolutionary healthcare service innovations which have made effective psychological treatments available to more people than ever before. The books are designed to allow those who experience common mental health problems to either help themselves to recover or get the best possible benefit out of their contact with health professionals. They contain easy to understand treatments drawn from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is recommended by the scientific evidence. They are written by authors with considerable experience in the field of CBT training, research and clinical practice.


Dr Mark Papworth is a consultant clinical psychologist. He worked at Newcastle University as programme director for the post-graduate certificate in low intensity psychological therapies and also taught on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. In doing so, he has been involved in the training of countless psychological therapists in the North of England. He has also worked in Newcastle and North Tyneside family doctors' practices, treating patients there for some 25 years. He currently works in private practice in Newcastle at 'Psychology Northeast'.