"Over decades of psychotherapeutic work, Deary has witnessed the theater of change: how ordinary people get stuck, struggle with new circumstances, and finally transform for the better. He is keenly aware that novelists, poets, philosophers, and theologians have grappled with these experiences for far longer than psychologists. Drawing on his own personal experience and a ... range of literary, philosophical, and cultural sources, Deary has produced a ... portrait of the human condition"--Amazon.com.
How to Live Series
This series delves into the depths of human psychology, exploring our ingrained habits and resistance to change. It offers insightful perspectives on how we can actively question our established patterns of behavior. Discover the refreshing power of transformation and embrace new beginnings. This collection serves as a guide to a better way of living, infused with courage, humor, and purpose.
Recommended Reading Order
Drawing on cutting-edge science and personal stories, this essential book addresses fatigue, burnout, stress, and trauma, resonating with anyone feeling pushed to their limits. The author, a health psychologist and practitioner at a fatigue clinic, delves into the nature of suffering and what occurs when we reach our breaking point. While major traumas are rare, he emphasizes that frequent challenges, such as multiple setbacks or prolonged difficulties, can lead to unhappiness, worry, and exhaustion. This state of "breaking" is not just psychological; it manifests physically, as our mental and physical well-being are interconnected. When the systems that help us navigate life become dysregulated, we struggle to cope. However, by understanding how life's turbulence affects us, we can better tackle our challenges. The book incorporates clinical case studies, groundbreaking research, and references from philosophy, literature, and film, presenting a compassionate perspective on human struggle. It advocates for the importance of rest and recuperation, offering a hopeful vision for those navigating the complexities of everyday life.