Includes bibliographical references and index.

Instant cures? -- Why rock climbing? -- Sitting on the rocks at the foot of the cliff -- Finding the cave : ideas for the very bad days -- What is depression? -- What causes depression? -- Being kind to ourselves -- Someone to talk to -- The "good-enough" principle -- Strategies for living -- What about professional therapy? -- Preparing for the bad days -- Clarifying our coping strategies -- How can i get started? -- What preparations can i make? -- Things we need to take -- Life is difficult -- Things to leave behind -- Negative thinking -- Getting to know ourselves -- Emotions are okay -- Overcoming fear, worry, and panic -- Understanding our anger -- Managing guilt -- Understanding how we see ourselves : our self-esteem -- Boosting our self-esteem --Understanding the "losses" in our lives -- Understanding stresses -- Fears -- Falling off -- Picking ourselves up and having another go -- Using our dreams to help us -- Loneliness -- Reaching the overhang and facing the impossible -- "You'll be glad this happened?" -- Missing the foothold -- Reaching the top -- Now for the mountain! -- On reflection.