A book about Depression

I found out in 2006 that two of my close family members were suffering from Depression, and they still are, but getting better.
At first I just listened as they explained how it all happened and when they got diagnosed, what it is like to be depressed, how they feel on good days and the many bad days etc etc. As positvie as I tried to be that they were going to be OK, it isn't as easy as what I thought.
As well as the person who has the depression, it is a hard thing for anyone to deal with, as I have found living so far away to be of any support.
Recently, I was on an aeroplane, and looked through a magazine and read the book review page. There was a book mentioned called 'Shoot the Damn Dog' by Sally Brampton. She is a depressive and this book is a memoir of her life of depression. I bought this book through Amazon UK, hoping it may help me understand the illness better and how I can support my family members better.
So far I am a third of the way through the book and it has already opened my mind (more) on how terrible this illness is. Finally on page 99 she tells you ways for people to help loved ones with depression.
I thought I would share this with you all as I am sure I am not the only one that is dealing with this. Sally said that years ago when she was well, she read that 1 in 10 would suffer from some form of mental illness. Now it is 1 in 4 and at any one time, 25 percent of us will suffer from 'mental distress'.
On the inside cover of this book it says - 'There are no promises, only suggestions... With its raw, understated eloquence, this book will speak to anyone whose life has been haunted by depression, and offers help and understanding to those with loved ones who suffer from this debilitating condition.

Bridget