Say "NO!" to Depression: Universal Rules

This Russian popular psychology book by psychotherapist Andrey Kurpatov, initially published under the title "5 Life‑Saving Steps: From Depression to Joy" in 2005 and republished between 2019 and 2022 in the "Universal Rules" series, serves as a practical guide to understanding and overcoming depression through a structured program based on the author’s medical and psychological experience; Kurpatov explains in detail that depression is not merely low mood but a result of stress, brain exhaustion, and a vicious cycle of negative reactions, and introduces five key steps to break this cycle; the book outlines symptoms, triggers, self‑help algorithms, practical exercises, tables, and therapeutic parables, supplemented with case studies and reader testimonials, emphasizing that one can actively participate in their own recovery using relaxation techniques, cognitive reframing, behavioral changes, and lifestyle restoration; it is written in accessible, jargon‑free language, laced with humor and clear structure, which readers note helps them gain insight into depression’s nature, enhance awareness, regain self‑control, and restore joy in life