This book was written to illuminate and clarify the pivotal role patterns of avoidance have on the development and maintenance of depression. All too often this author has seen both laypersons and professionals view and treat people suffering from chronic depression as if their condition is something they are simply born with, an attitudinal problem, or a condition caught like some type of disease. Consequently, their symptoms of depression tend to receive minimal or superficial treatment in the form of antidepressant medication or "pep talks" aimed at getting them out of their chronic...