Oct/Nov 2009

Flagging the Therapy

Pathways out of Depression and Anxiety

by

Dr Harry Barry

The author of this fascinating and unique book, Dr Harry Barry, is a medical doctor based in County Louth, who has a particular interest in mental health issues.  Dr Muiris Houston, Medical Correspondent for The Irish Times says that Flagging the Therapy is another superb  contribution from one of Ireland’s most insightful doctors.  This book follows on from Dr Barry’s best seller – Flagging the Problem – A new approach to mental health - whereby the reader is introduced to the mood system by using an innovative flag system to examine anxiety, depression and other related conditions.

Dr Barry’s new book – Flagging the Therapy, examines the various therapies used to tackle these conditions with a particular emphasis on how the different treatments for anxiety and depression actually work.  Dr Barry advocates a holistic approach in understanding anxiety and depression and demonstrates his ability to achieve this using great     insight and sensitivity.

A person’s health lies not in his possessions, his home, car, bank balance, title or position in life but in his connections, the bonds that tie us together, all the key relationships in our lives.  These ‘connections’ say Dr Barry are similar to the neurons in our brain, both needing a positive and nourishing environment in which to flourish.  Stress, bereavement, separation, unemployment, illness, hurt and pain can all have a devastating effect on these ‘connection’  throughout our lives.  So the journey begins.  With the help of this book and the expertise and understanding of its author Dr Barry, who has ‘walked this walk’ with many people, you can begin on a holistic pathway which is both practical and easy to follow.  The journey takes the reader through the mysteries of the mind and the brain.  Finding the right ‘therapy pathway’ for you is, says Dr Barry, the secret for those suffering from mental health difficulties.  It is the way to get well and stay well.  It is Dr Barry’s hope that your journey through this book, Flagging the Therapy will help you to choose the right path.

Dr Barry examines the neurobiology underlying mind pathways and understands that some readers may wish to bypass this chapter, or read the summary at the end of the chapter before moving on to the Therapy Pathways.  Dr Barry emphasises here that each person is unique and special and that damage can be done by not placing the individual’s needs at the centre of their therapy process.  Dr Barry advocates a    holistic approach, treating the whole person.

In Chapter 4, The Anxiety Pathway, Dr Barry highlights observations made by Professor Paul Salkovskis at the No Panic Conference in 2008, in Dublin, where Dr Barry was also a speaker.  One important observation is that anxiety is a normal reaction.

Covered next is The Depression Pathway, which, for me, gives one of the most comprehensive insights into the         complexities of depression in its many forms, I have ever read.  Dr Barry further illustrates this with allegorical case studies.  Yet, I found Dr Barry work very readable; He has the ability, not only to truly understand anxiety and depression but to impart that knowledge to others.

Flagging the Therapy has been described by others as enlightened,  insightful, fascinating, compassionate and complex, yet easy to read and understand.  I agree with this and found this book to be unique in both its message and the way in which it is delivered. 

The book concludes with a comprehensive technical section, plus information on drugs and therapies commonly used to treat anxiety and depression, also help groups and contact details.  These include No Panic with thanks from Dr Barry to our own Caroline McGuigan for her support.

In summary Flagging the Therapy is described by the Sunday Independent as not just for sufferers of mental illness but for everyone who has the slightest interest in good health and human happiness, so would be of interest to those struggling with anxiety and depression and other mental health related issues, their families, friends and carers, also professionals, doctors, social workers, community nurses, therapists and counsellors. Anyone with an interest and a need for insight into mental health issues would benefit from reading this book.

www.libertiespress.com  ISBN No: - 978-1-905483-65-5

Available from all good book shops and Amazon @ £12.74