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Depression is a very real mental health disorder that can rob you of your joy, sense of worth, and purpose. As a clinical psychologist, I work with clients from all different walks of life who experience depression. Contrary to popular belief, even individuals who appear to “have it all” and are quite successful by society’s standards, aren’t necessarily immune to depression.
I provide guidance to help my clients get to the root of their depression, challenge negative belief systems, while learning strategies that improve how they cope with stress, sadness, and disappointment. As a result of our work together, my clients are able to lead healthier, happier lives where they feel more grounded and at ease.
While therapy is wonderfully effective, I understand that many people don’t have access to the necessary treatment, and even for some who do, they may not be willing to take that step to seek help.
The choice to seek professional help is just that, a choice, and a highly personal one at that.
If you’re not quite ready to speak to a professional regarding depression, you don’t need to suffer in silence. Believe it or not, reading can be a powerful tool in combating depression: The right books can not only help you learn coping techniques, but they can also help normalize your experience, helping to alleviate mental stress or pain. In fact, bibliotherapy, or the practice of using books as treatment for mental health concerns, has been implemented by doctors.
5 top self-help books for depression from a clinical psychologist
5 Self-Help Books for Depression
1. Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy.
2. The Mindful Way Through Depression – Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness.
3. The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time.
4. I Don’t Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression.
5. A Mind of Your Own: The Truth About Depression and How Women Can Heal Their Bodies to Reclaim Their Lives.
1. Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David Burns
Feeling Good is written by David D. Burns, M.D., a psychiatrist with decades of clinical experience. The book has sold more than 4 million copies and holds the title of the “most prescribed self-help book” for people struggling with depression.
The choice to seek professional help is just that, a choice, and a highly personal one at that.
2. The Mindful Way Through Depression – Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness
By Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal, and Jon Kabat-Zinn
The Mindful Way Through Depression is a testament to mindfulness as a legitimate and effective treatment approach to mental disorders. Medication is an option, but learning to be in the moment is a powerful and often overlooked method of coping with life difficulties and reducing mental tension.
If you’re not quite ready to speak to a professional regarding depression, you don’t need to suffer in silence.
3. The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time
By Alex Korb, Ph.D.
Korb’s scientific approach to self-help empowers readers by arming them with concrete knowledge of how their brains work. He explains that depressed people are not broken—their brains are simply wired differently—and with the tools to reprogram our thinking we can make real change toward happiness, with or without medication.
Learning to be in the moment is a powerful and often overlooked method of coping with life difficulties and reducing mental tension.
4. I Don’t Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression
By Terrance Real
With dozens of case studies on men and depression, this self-help book delves into the difference between male and female depression. Traditionally, men have been emotionally stifled by societal expectations of gender roles. Real’s book opens the floor for a deeper discussion on male mental health.
The right books can not only help you learn coping techniques, but they can also help normalize your experience, therefore alleviating mental stress or pain.
5. A Mind of Your Own: The Truth About Depression and How Women Can Heal Their Bodies to Reclaim Their Lives.
By Kelly Brogan, M.D., and Kristin Loberg
Brogan and Loberg take a feminist approach, arguing that women are often over-prescribed antidepressants. This self-help book for depression recommends holistic efforts and a 30-day approach to healing issues such as depression, panic, grief, and more.
When Even Simple Steps Feel Overwhelming
We understand that when you’re in the throes of depression, even the simplest decisions can feel exhausting. We’re here to make the process as easy as possible with our free Therapist Matching Questionnaire. By answering just a few simple questions, you give our Client Concierge team the information they need to match you with therapists who align with your preferences and needs.
You’ll receive personalized matches directly to your inbox, and every therapist offers a complimentary consultation so you can ask questions, see how it feels, and decide if it’s the right fit for you. You’re in control of the process, and we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.
It’s not about making a commitment or having all the answers—it’s about taking a small step toward exploring what healing might feel like. Remember, even when it feels impossible, taking the smallest step forward can make all the difference.
Additional Resources for Depression
Sometimes, finding the right words or ideas can help you feel less alone. If you’re looking for more tools to support yourself, below are additional self-help books for depression that can provide guidance, inspiration, and practical strategies.
These resources aren’t a replacement for professional care, but they can be a helpful companion on your journey. Explore the list here, and know that support is always available when you’re ready to reach out.
Remember, you’re not alone. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, you can call, text, or chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Explore our full list of crisis resources here. Help is always just a call away.
