Healesville author publishes 18th book

Dr Bob Rich with his new book. Picture: JED LANYON

By Jed Lanyon

Multiple award-winning Healesville based author Dr Bob Rich recently published his 18th book.

“From Depression to Contentment: a self-therapy guide” provides a step-by-step manual for improving the everyday life for those suffering with depression.

Dr Rich, now retired, has qualifications in counselling psychology, and ran a psychological counselling practice for 22 years.

Dr Rich believes that if depression was mainly a matter of heredity, it wouldn’t be a growing problem. The fact of its rapid increase points the finger at society, not the individual.

“A major reason for dread, despair and unhappiness for many people is that they accurately see environmental disaster looming,” he said.

“For an even larger number, this knowledge is there, but suppressed, denied or unacknowledged.”

Dr Rich recommends this book to anybody suffering from depression, or has loved ones that suffer from depression or people working in the mental health field who might learn from him.

“Typically people who read my books come to think of me as their friend, I don’t want to be some arrogant guide telling someone what to do,” he said.

“This is the path I walked, it worked for me. Apply it conscientiously and see how it works for you.

“I want to make a difference. I’m not so much interested in selling books, as having people read my work. I want to help make this planet at least a survivable place,” Dr Rich said.

Dr Rich responds to those in need via email on his blog ‘Bobbing Around’.

More information regarding Dr Rich’s new book can be found on his blog.

‘From Depression to Contentment: a self-therapy guide’ was released in February in hard copy, and the electronic copy will be out soon.