Top 10 Best Books for Overcoming Depression and Anxiety
- Published -
- Reading Time: 4 minutes
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Written by - Chiranjeev Jaiswal
- Reviewed by - Dr. Josh Johnson
Anxiety is not a walk in the park, but you know what is worse? Depression. Even more gut-wrenching is knowing that there are around 3,102 horrible self-help books out there which are negating to make strides where it vaguely suggests to sprinkle fairy dust and instantly everything will magically change. It does blow, if not for the well-intentioned friends or family telling you to get over it or keep your head up.
The authors tackling issues like anxiety and depression frankly speaking makes them more appealing to readers. This is because instead of tackling the issue at hand, bullshitting their readers by saying that the problem will just poof into thin air, they accept how unfortunate the circumstance it but gradually assist the person in addressing it.
Books are great for both offering guidance and giving comfort which makes dealing with depression and anxiety much more manageable. Here are ten such splendid books that will motivate you towards healing and resilience.
source – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlDgowUAyx4
Note: The video content is intended to provide supplementary information and a different perspective on the discussed topic. All information and advice presented in this article are based on expert guidance and review.
The Variety of Mental Health Books
Mental health books can be categorized as follows:
Feeling Less Alone – Readers can classify these books under self-help as the author narrates their life experiences and how they were able to overcome the challenges. Self-help books give readers hope that if the author succeeded in bettering their life, so can they. This genre is the most inspiring.
Greater Understanding/Research – These types of books try to build the readers understanding of their life situations. These books explain what the latest research suggests that’s happening in your brain and what the most effective treatments may be. Readers build their understanding and knowledge about their problem and use the book as a co-self-help book.
Exercises/Actions – Personally, I am not a fan of books which demand you to remove a sheet of paper and scribble a bunch of nonsense every other page. But I do understand, if such a thing works for some people. And as I stated above, some of these exercises are very powerful. And in case the exercises are well-built (usually produced by a therapist or psychiatrist with a lot of experience), you can get good results from these books.
1. The Happiness Trap by Dr. Russ Harris
This guide focuses on teaching the reader Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or ACT, which is a breakthrough technique for getting rid of negative thinking. Dr. Harris provides exercises which aid in learning to let go of things that don’t matter.
Why read it
Practical tips to tackle anxiety or stress. Great for self improvement.
2. Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by Dr. David D. Burns
This book that is based on CBT offers great solutions to identify and combat distorted thinking patterns that amplify depression.
Why Read It?
Great results due to focus on distortive thoughts which challenge one to alter their thought process.
3. Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression — and the Unexpected Solutions by Johann Hari
Hari looks into the depression inducing factors and offers a viewpoint beyond just medical treatment.
Why Read It?
Great ways to motivate oneself to build meaningful relationships.
Integrates narrative with relevant data and circumstances.
4. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
Through the power of her insights, vulnerable individuals are able to unveil the authentic selves that remain dormant within. Overcome shame and self-doubt with ease with the help of Brené Brown.
Why Read It?
Restore self compassion and emotional growth.
Shame and self-doubt fade, and you learn to embrace your inherited imperfections.
5. Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig
A contemporary tragic memoir, Matt Haig conveys his life experiences with severe depression and anxiety while sharing valuable advice with the intent of helping the socially depressed.
Why Read It?
Heartwarming yet relatable.
Untouched truths gushed through his words that built a connection.
6. The Mindful Way Through Depression by Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal, and Jon Kabat-Zinn
These authors help an individual free themselves from the downward spiral of depression using a unique blend of mindfulness techniques.
Why Read It?
Learn the principles of mindfulness meditation and reap meritable rewards within.
Elevate your sense of awareness and presence.
7. Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Dr. Kristin Neff
Allow Dr. Neff’s radical self compassionate ways of treating yourself the same way you treat others work wonders for you self-criticism.
Why Read It?
Eradicate self harmful thinking and wake up to self love.
Scientific reasons are at the epicenter of this book.
8. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
The Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist Viktor E. Frankl, who pioneered Logotherapy, writes about his experiences in Nazi concentration camps. Frankl argues in this insightful classic that even amid suffering, one could find meaning.
Why Read It?
A moving account of resilience amid hope.
Reminds readers to find meaning in suffering.
9. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
The latest research indicates that trauma and mental health are intricately connected to physical health. The book addresses this interplay in detail.
Why Read It?
Provides insight on how unresolved trauma can impact the body and explain some medical issues.
Contains ideas for wholistic treatment.
10. Mind Over Mood by Dr. Dennis Greenberger and Dr. Christine A. Padesky
As a workbook, it is very practical. CBT principles are applied to changing negative thought patterns that compromise emotional health.
Why Read It?
Contains practical strategies to follow to manage emotions.
It is very accessible to all kinds of readers.
Final Thoughts
Depression and anxiety are a complex interplay of emotions and their understanding often remains blurry. But these books can provide much needed guidance on hope, resilience, and gaining back your life. From scientific insights to various practical tools, this list has a lot to offer.
Today is the day to start your journey. At times, having the right set of words spoken at the right time is all it can take to kindle the embers buried deep inside you.
