This book investigates the core question of how individuals construct their own psychological prisons through the lens of depression. Dorothy Rowe, a renowned clinical psychologist, utilizes her extensive background in personal construct theory to argue that depression is not merely a chemical imbalance but a logical response to a world that no longer makes sense to the individual. She presents a framework where the reader is encouraged to examine their own belief systems and the ways in which they maintain their own unhappiness as a form of protection against the unknown.

Experts and readers alike recognize this work as a foundational text in cognitive-behavioral approaches to understanding depression. The prose is noted for its clarity and accessibility, making complex psychological concepts understandable for those currently experiencing depressive episodes.