List of Self-help Books for Depression
Depression can stem from many factors like family issues, being stressed at work, tense moments with partners, or conflicts with friends. Those who are depressed tend to withdraw from others, clamming up completely from those that surround them. Everything seems hopeless and bleak, with no light at the end of the tunnel to keep the hope going. Suffering from bouts of depression can lead to severe health problems if not taken care of, and those who rely on self-help books can get expert advice on how to deal with this very strong emotion.
Trauma has a way of putting us into this dark four-walled enclosure, where nothing really seems to matter anymore, or exist. The idea of having to deal with depression until 'till death do us part', is not an easily conceivable thought. To help get yourself out of that rut you've been trapped in for so long, these books could be your way out.
Recommended Self-Help Books for Depression
To be able rise up and above all the mess in your life after having been through rough n' tough times, is something that takes optimism and self-motivation. To be able to make it to the other side as a renewed person by nudging yourself to move forward, chin up - is a mark of courage and dedication. Let's take a look at the best books on depression, that can help people recover from their depressive states.
Speaking of Sadness - Depression, Disconnection and the Meaning of Illness by David Karp
A professor reveals the intricacies of what depression can do, along with theories about this illness and the treatment available for it. He takes reports from another 50 volunteers who come forward to share similar stories about how depression can take its hold. Being a patient of this illness himself, Boston college based professor David Karp brings to light different perspectives from varied angles, where those who suffer from depression will find great solace in this read.
Darkness Visible - A Memoir of Madness by William Styron
Suicidal depression has its own horrifying revelations when it comes to those who are familiar with the effects of this kind of depression. Writer Styron reveals his time when under this illness, and how it can be very lonesome when in the epicenter of its influence. The stories in this book entail those of sleepless nights and treatment that led to psychiatric help, with him ending up in a hospital. The book focuses more on how families need to understand loved ones as victims of suicidal depression, rather than treating them any differently.
Against Depression by Peter D. Kramer
References to the infamous painter Van Gogh have been made on how creativity and illness were matched as one, thus making him known for who he was - a disturbed yet respected artist. The myth that one has to be under mental / emotional strain to excel at a talent is debunked and explained in much detail in this enthralling book that is a must-have for anyone coping with depression.
The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Depression: A Step-by-Step Program by William J. Knaus
A therapy known as REBT or rational emotive behavioral therapy, is one that deals with focusing on positive behavior as a replacement for what is negative, to be able to alter irrational thought processes. This self-help book is simple to correlate to, where stories and strategies come to the fore in simple straightforward text to help those suffering from depression.
Feeling Good - The New Mood Therapy by David D. Burns, M.D
Psychiatrist David D. Burns M.D., emphasizes on how drugs do not have to be the go-to problem solver when it comes to procrastination, guilt, anxiety and the other problems that revolve around depression. The techniques in his book are proven and will help those in coping with depression in all its forms, while emerging renewed and positive after they've read this great find. He also includes an All-new Consumer's Guide to Anti-depressant Drugs, along with vital questions answered about how to handle various emotions linked to dark parts of the human psyche.
Overcoming Depression and Low Mood: A Five Areas Approach by Chris Williams
This book is one of many in the series of short self-help workbooks that people can use to help combat against moods and depression. It stresses on the CBT or Cognitive Behavior Therapy approach which is of great help to those in need of uplifting and helpful information on how to deal with such problems. It guides readers on how to change their lives and outlook, by being a book that isn't detached from emotion but is kind and supportive to readers through its gentle and encouraging content.
Beyond the Blues: A Workbook to Help Teens Overcome Depression by Lisa M. Schab, LCSW
Teens are going through as much a rough time as adults when dealing with the different shades of depression, maybe more so than older people. People do not understand that teens struggle to stay attuned to what surrounds them, with many feeling dejected and alone with no hope of ever finding friends or breaking free from such a turmoil of emotions. This read will help teens grow out of their cocoon-like encasements and approach life in a new way, with varied help strategies on how to deal with conflict, and feelings that pervade teen minds.
List of Self-Help Books on Depression Worth Looking Into
Besides the descriptive books mentioned earlier, there are many other reads that you should check out which are just as helpful. Let's take a look at what you should be stacking up on now.
- Control Your Depression by Peter Lewinsohn
- The Loss of Happiness in Market Democracies by Robert Lane
- The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
- When Someone You Love is Depressed by Lauren Rosen and Xavier Amador
- Overcoming Depression by Paul Gilbert
- Self Coaching: How to Heal Anxiety and Depression by Joseph L. Luciani, Ph.D
- Listening to Depression: How Understanding Your Pain Can Heal Your Life by Lara Honos-Webb, pH.D
- Breaking the Patterns of Depression by Michael Yapko
- Unholy Ghost: Writers on Depression by Nell Casey
- Depression: The Way Out of Your Prison by Dorothy Rowe
- Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think by Dennis Greenberger (PhD) and Christine A. Padesky (PhD)
