I approached this book as a complete beginner, never having read anything of its kind before, and as someone who doesn’t suffer particularly from depression or anxiety.  Tresidder’s light conversational tone and anecdotal way of writing made the book very accessible, and easy to read.  He describes himself at one point as ‘a friendly, chatty sort of person’, which is conveyed throughout the book by the way he communicates with his reader.  This is not to say that the book lacks substance.  It is well researched, and Tresidder has a gift for concisely and coherently conveying the essence of the arguments of other authors, whose work he refers to.  This makes the book ideal for a first time reader.

Tresidder speaks of ‘emotional blocking’ as a problem induced by society: children are born without blockage, and are conditioned by society to hide their emotions, instead of confronting them.  He speaks in a lucid and straight–forward way about usually abstract and complicated feelings, offering a clear ‘Map’ of the stages involved in dealing with emotions. He uses the image of the ‘Shadow’ to explain that unresolved emotions do not disappear but follow us through life, warning of the danger of failing to confront difficult feelings, leading to emotional blockage

The book does not solely deal with the abstract side of emotions, however.  Tresidder recognises the strong link between physical and mental health, that the two are intrinsically intertwined.  He explains the scientific theory behind this by talking about the way in which endorphins work, and about the chemical balance required in the body.  He gives physical ways in which we can improve this balance, referring to both Eastern and Western thought.  For example, he talks about the use of yoga, acupuncture and flower essences.  I found the chapter entitled Physical Influences on our Emotional Well-Being particularly interesting, because it explained the negative effect on the body (and therefore the mind) of everyday things, such as unrefined sugar and caffeine.  This chapter offered a clear understanding of how anxiety attacks can be triggered, and therefore a useful guide to ways of avoiding them.

I would recommend the book as useful and informative.  It offers a friendly and understanding voice, with good, positive advice.   

reviewed by Georgina Wilks