5-star book review on Amazon from Prof Neil Frude, the clinical psychologist who started Books on Prescription, a list of recommended books that GPs can prescribe for mental health. ” Miriam Akhtar’s excellent book breaks new ground, being the first self-help guide for depression that is based on Positive Psychology. It is well-written, accessible and reflects the latest research that applies Positive Psychology (which is often referred to as ‘happiness science’) to helping people who are in emotional distress. Of course, there is the disclaimer that this book is not a substitute for professional help, and those who are experiencing severe clinical depression will certainly need the help of a professional clinician, but there is growing acknowledgement that much can be done to aid recovery, to build resilience, and to reduce the risk of subsequent relapse by helping people to address aspects of their outlook and their lifestyle. This is what this book does extremely well. Miriam Akhtar is very well-versed in positive psychology research and she presents a well-informed guide to increasing optimism, cultivating an attitude of gratitude, engaging in mindfulness and other strategies for building resilience and turning a vicious circle into a virtuous circle in which things get better and better. Martin Seligman has said that when he was successful in treating people with depression he recognised that he didn’t generally leave them happy; he often left them empty. There is increasing proof, and increasing recognition, that continued well-being comes from having a lifestyle that is engaged and meaningful. The need to strategically create a life of meaning and engagement is especially strong for people who are vulnerable to depression or other kinds of emotional distress. This very readable and thoroughly sensible book will help people to manage their thinking and their lifestyle so that they reduce their current distress and reduce the risk of future distress. There is growing interest in the application of positive psychology ideas and strategies to clinical issues and this book is an excellent early example of what might well become a highly significant movement.”  Professor Neil Frude, Consultant Clinical Psychologist