How Come They’re Happy and I’m Not?: The Complete Natural Program for Healing Depression for Good

241 Pages·2012·2.01 MB·English

by  Peter Bongiorno ND LAc

First published in 2012 by Conari Press Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC
With offices at:
665 Third Street, Suite 400
San Francisco, CA 94107
www.redwheelweiser.com

Copyright © 2012 by Peter Bongiorno, ND, LAc
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,
without permission in writing from Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC Reviewers may
quote brief passages.

ISBN: 978-1-57324-580-7

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data available upon request
Cover design by Jim Warner Cover photograph ©Radius/SuperStock Interior
by Maureen Forys, Happenstance Type-O-Rama
Figures 1, 3, and 4 first printed in Peter Bongiorno's Healing Depression:
Integrated Naturopathic and Conventional Treatments. CCNM Publishing,
2010. Reprinted with permission.

Printed in the United States of America MAL

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

www.redwheelweiser.com
www.redwheelweiser.com/newsletter
This book is dedicated to my patients who have been, by far, my greatest
teachers, inspirations, and help in writing this work. It's an honor to work
with courageous women and men every day who share their stories, fears,
intelligence, and passion for life with me in hope. I thank you and all who are
challenged by mood. I offer my most profound respect and admiration.
I co-dedicate this book to every researcher whose tireless lab work and
clinical hours contributed to the information that made this book possible.
The best six doctors anywhere And no one can deny it
Are sunshine, water, rest, and air Exercise and diet.
These six will gladly you attend If only you are willing
Your mind they'll ease
Your will they'll mend
And charge you not a shilling.
—NURSERY RHYME, SCHOOL LIFE, VOL IV, 1920
CONTENTS
Acknowledgments
Introduction: A Short History of Depression
PART I: The Quick Solution—why They are Happy
1. Owner's Manual to This Book
2. The Fast Lowdown of What to Do: The Top Seven Steps to Healing
Depression
Step 1: Determine if You Should Be Taking Medication
Step 2: Ask Your Doctor to Run Certain Tests
Step 3: Start Taking These Supplements Immediately
Step 4: Move Your Body
Step 5: Add These Foods to Your Diet
Step 6: Get the Right Amount of Sleep
Step 7: Add These Supplements if You Are Taking Medication
Have Hope
PART II: Filling in the details
3. What Happy People Have in Common
Diet
Exercise
Sleep
Sunlight
Stress
Your Brain on Television
4. Checking Out Your Engine and Cooling the Fire
Blood Tests
Digestive Work
Detoxification and the Brain
How to De-Inflame and Detox
5. Your Daily Regimen: What Supplements Are Right for You?
Oils for Good Mood
Vitamins for Body and Mind
Amino Acids for the Brain
The Best Herbal Choices for You
Energetic Help with Homeopathy
A Cold Splash: Water Therapy
6. Bringing in the New
Positivity Work
Psychotherapy
Yoga
Meditation and Breathing
Spirituality and Religion
Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
Massage
Manipulation
Craniosacral Therapy
Emotional Freedom Technique
Biofeedback
Art Therapy
Music Therapy
Part III: Meds, Gender, and Seniors
7. If You're on Medication, Read This!
Supplements to Support Your Medication
Dumping the Meds
8. Gender and Aging
Specifically for Women
For Seniors
How Come They're Happy and I'm Not?: Individualized Recommendation
Checklist
References and Resources
Index
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
To my best friend, wife, and fellow naturopathic doctor, Pina, who did
everything else there was to do so I could write.
I thank my parents, Peter and Patricia, for giving me every opportunity in life
to follow my passions. To the Bongiornos, LoGiudices, Coppolas, and
Zaccarias for their constant love.
Tremendous gratitude to Patricia Karpas and Mary Jane Ryan, who allowed
this project to take substance and connect. To Caroline Pincus and everyone at
Red Wheel/Weiser and Conari, who made my maiden voyage into the non-
academic publishing world a kind and gentle learning experience.
. . . and to Sophia, my little rock star.
This book is strictly informational and is not intended as a substitute for
medical advice. If you have a specific health concern or are experiencing
any symptoms that scare or concern you, please contact a health care
professional in your area and seek immediate medical help.