Previously published: New York : Coward, McCann & Geoghegan, 1972.

1. WHY WE BECOME DEPRESSED -- Depression and unreality -- The pursuit of illusion -- The inner-directed person -- 2. GROUNDING IN REALITY -- elation and depression -- Grounding the individual -- Some bioenergetic grounding exercises -- 3. THE ENERGY DYNAMICS OF DEPRESSION -- The depressive condition -- The suppression of feeling -- Suicide and negativity -- The lack of energy -- 4. A CASE OF DEPRESSION -- The problem -- The treatment -- 5. THE PSYCHOANALYTIC VIEW OF DEPRESSION -- The loss of a love object -- A gloomy picture -- The reactions to the loss -- A proper mourning -- 6. DECEPTION AND SELF-DECEPTION -- playing the game -- Woman on a pedestal -- Love versus discipline -- 7. FAITH -- The importance of faith -- Power versus faith -- The psychology of faith -- The growth of faith -- 8. THE LOSS OF FAITH -- The erosion of our roots -- An epidemic of depression -- The demise of God -- 9. REALITY -- Getting in touch with reality -- Being in touch -- 10. A FAITH IN LIFE -- Animism -- The libido and energy -- The spirituality of the body.

An eminent psychiatrist®s revolutionary plan for conquering depression. The depressed person, says Dr. Alexander Lowen, is out of touch with reality - and especially with the reality of his or her own body. This inspiring, pioneering book explores the cultural and psychological forces that contribute to this condition and shows how we can overcome depression, first by reestablishing the connection to our physical selves and learning to recognize the physical manifestations of our emotions. Drawing on his vast experience with depressed patients, Dr. Lowen then outlines a series of simple but remarkably effective exercises that help us reawaken to our own inherent energies, enable us to express our love and uniqueness, and recover our spirituality and faith in living. Book cover.