Men are, that they might have joy. (2 Nephi 2:25.) This is one of the basic doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. How can we achieve greater joy in our lives—and why do we sometimes experience depression and even despair? In Overcoming Depression, Richard King Mower, a practicing psychologist who specializes in helping people overcome depression, describes what depression is, how it affects people's lives, and some helpful techniques for alleviating or overcoming depression and increasing joy. "Depression is a confusing word," he writes. "It is used to describe a broad range of feelings, from disappointment, to 'being down in the dumps,' to not caring if we live or die... It is also a common problem. Although some people are more susceptible than others, everyone can get depressed. Depression is the most frequently diagnosed psychiatric illness in the United States." Dr. Mower notes that "there are also times when we may experience depression or despair, even if we are trying to keep the commandments of our Heavenly Father... Depression is not a punishment for unrighteousness or lack of zeal in the gospel. It also cannot always be relieved by resolving conflicts between one's current lifestyle and the commandments. Everyone has hard times because this life is a mixture of pleasure and pain and an opportunity to learn how to enlarge ourselves and transcend our troubles." Overcoming Depression, is a book for those who have been or are depressed as well as those who want to help others who are depressed.