Depression is a mental health disorder that affects 280 million people worldwide according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This challenging condition can rob you of your joy, self-worth and overall purpose. Contrary to popular belief, individuals who appear to “have it all” may be successful by society’s standards, but that does not mean they are immune to depression. While therapy and medication have become essential treatments, self-help books for depression have become a valuable resource to gain better understanding of their condition.
Bibliotherapy or the practice of using books as treatment for mental health concerns have been prescribed by doctors to patients with depression, in hopes that reading will help them find connections and remind them that they are not alone. Self-help books for depression offer a wide range of strategies and techniques to help manage their symptoms, improve their mental health and live a fulfilling life.
With several self-help books for depression on the market, it’s essential to consider the author’s qualification and expertise. Look for books written by mental health professionals such as psychologists or psychiatrists as they have experience working with individuals with depression. It’s also important to consider the book’s approach to treatment since some may focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), while others may explore mindfulness or meditation techniques
If you’re struggling with depression, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will explore the best self-help books for depression to supplement your treatment or gain a better understanding of your condition. These books can be a great place to start in order to help you on your journey towards better mental health.
- Types of Depression
- Diagnosis and Common Symptoms of Depression
- Best Self-Help Books for Depression
- How to Heal Yourself from Depression When No One Else Can
- Let That Sh*t Go: A Journal for Leaving Your Bullsh*t Behind and Creating a Happy Life (Zen as F*ck Journals)
- Unf*ck Your Brain: Getting Over Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Freak-Outs, and Triggers
- Recovering from Depression: A Guide to Overcoming Your Self-Sabotaging Behaviors and Learning Healthy Coping Mechanisms
- The 10 Best-Ever Depression Management Techniques
- Reset: Powerful Habits to Own Your Thoughts, Understand Your Feelings, and Change Your Life
- Retrain Your Brain: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in 7 Weeks
- How to Stop Feeling So Damn Depressed: The No BS Guide for Men
- Self-Love Workbook for Women
- Frequently Asked Questions
Types of Depression
It’s normal to feel down every once in awhile, but if you find yourself sad most of the time, you may have clinical depression. There are several types of depression that have particular symptoms. They may also appear at different times.

Diagnosis and Common Symptoms of Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed. Healthcare providers can diagnose you with depression based on a thorough understanding of symptoms, medical records and mental health history. One must also have five depression symptoms every day, nearly all day, for at least two weeks based upon The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Your medical provider may also request for medical tests to see if there are any underlying medical conditions causing your depressive symptoms.
Symptoms may vary depending on the type of depression and can range from mild to severe.
- Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness.
- Feelings of anger, irritability, or frustration.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities in daily activities .
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia) or excessive sleeping (hypersomnia).
- Changes in appetite or weight.
- Loss of energy or fatigue.
- Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness.
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, or making decisions.
- Thoughts of self-harm or death by suicide.
- Unexplained physical problems (back pain, headaches or sexual dysfunction).
Depression can cause difficulties in all aspects of life such as in the community, at home, at school or at work. If you feel depressed or are in immediate danger of harming yourself, be sure to make an appointment with a mental health professional as soon as you can. Otherwise, you may dial 988 on your phone to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Best Self-Help Books for Depression

If you’re not ready to speak with a mental health professional regarding depression, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Reading has become a powerful tool to combat and alleviate mental stress or pain. The right books will not only help you learn healthy coping techniques, but they can also help normalize your experience.
Whether you’re looking for guidance to cope with negative thoughts, build resilience or find hope and inspiration, we have gathered the best self-help books for depression based on expert recommendations and customer reviews.
How to Heal Yourself from Depression When No One Else Can
- Scher, Amy B (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages - 02/23/2021 (Publication Date) - Sounds True Adult (Publisher)
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, “How to Heal Yourself from Depression When No One Else Can” by Amy B. Scher is worth considering. In the book, the author shares her approach to treating depression, which involves using energy therapy such as
“The Sweep and Thymus Test” and “Tap” techniques to release negative emotions and clear stuck energy. She also discusses how depression affects the whole self and provides practical exercises to help readers let go of emotional baggage and patterns. Additionally, these practical tools can easily be incorporated into daily life.
Let That Sh*t Go: A Journal for Leaving Your Bullsh*t Behind and Creating a Happy Life (Zen as F*ck Journals)
- Sweeney, Monica (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 128 Pages - 07/03/2018 (Publication Date) - Castle Point Books (Publisher)
Do you have negative thoughts you want to let go of in order to create a happier life? “Let That Sh*t Go” by Monica Sweeney is a journal that helps individuals work through their negative thoughts and emotions. It’s visually appealing, nice colors, and fun prompts make it a joy to use. It has several exercises that can help with anger and irritability, making it a great tool for anyone struggling with these issues. Additionally, writing in a journal has proven to be a great way to work through personal issues and discover one’s true self.
Unf*ck Your Brain: Getting Over Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Freak-Outs, and Triggers
- Harper, Faith G. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 192 Pages - 11/07/2017 (Publication Date) - Microcosm Publishing (Publisher)
Seeking a scientifically grounded approach to overcoming anxiety, depression, anger and other triggers? If so, then look no further. “Unf*ck Your Brain” by Faith G. Harper is an excellent resource that can provide you with practical advice to help deal with these mental health issues on a daily basis. The book is easy to understand and is both engaging and relatable. The author also uses humor and empathy to make the content more interesting.
Recovering from Depression: A Guide to Overcoming Your Self-Sabotaging Behaviors and Learning Healthy Coping Mechanisms
- Kelly, Maggie (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 129 Pages - 11/28/2022 (Publication Date) - Self Publishing (Publisher)
Globally, an estimated 5% of adults suffer from depression according to the World Health Association (WHO). If you’re one of them and on the search for a self-help book to aid in your recovery, then “Recovering from Depression” by Maggie Kelly might be the right choice for you. It is a concise guide that offers practical advice on dealing with depressive symptoms that may affect your overall quality of life.
The author draws from her own experiences to provide insights into healthy coping mechanisms and overcoming self-sabotaging behaviors. While some readers may find the author’s tone to be a bit harsh, she takes a tough-love approach to helping her readers in order to make healthy changes.
The 10 Best-Ever Depression Management Techniques
- Wehrenberg Psy.D., Margaret (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 312 Pages - 02/14/2011 (Publication Date) - W. W. Norton & Company (Publisher)
“The 10 Best-Ever Depression Management Techniques” by Margaret Wehrenberg is a self-help book that focuses on solutions to battling depression rather than dwelling on problems. The book offers a deeper understanding of how the brain makes people depressed and provides practical techniques to change it.
Wehrenberg is a licensed psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience in treating anxiety and depression, assuring you that the content is factual and reliable. The techniques provided in the book are easy to understand and implement, making it a great resource for all individuals who want to take control of their mental health and transition into a new chapter in their life. However, it’s worth noting that the book does not replace professional therapy or medication
Reset: Powerful Habits to Own Your Thoughts, Understand Your Feelings, and Change Your Life
- Fileta, Debra (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 224 Pages - 03/14/2023 (Publication Date) - Harvest House Publishers (Publisher)
Your thoughts and feelings are powerful and can negatively impact your day to day life. If you’re struggling to break free from unhealthy cyclical behaviors, then “Reset” by Debra Fileta might be exactly what you need. This self-help book combines psychology and faith, which can help you transform your behavior. The book provides 31 powerful and sustainable practices that are grounded in psychology, rooted in God’s Word, and designed to help you make long-lasting changes.
One of the strengths of this book is that it helps readers recognize the “why” behind their emotions and actions, allowing them to identify where they need healing. By rewiring your brain’s default settings and making simple adjustments to your mindset and habits, you can begin taking small steps towards achieving your personal growth goals.
Retrain Your Brain: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in 7 Weeks
- Gillihan PhD, Seth J. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 236 Pages - 10/18/2016 (Publication Date) - Callisto (Publisher)
Anxiety disorders and depression are the most common mental health issues worldwide according to the World Health Organization (WHO). With that being said, “Retrain Your Brain: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in 7 Weeks” by Seth J. Gillihan is a comprehensive self-help book to manage depression and anxiety. The book is written by a psychologist with 15 years of experience in using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat patients. With these practical CBT techniques, it can help you identify and replace negative thought patterns and behaviors with positive ones.
The book is divided into seven chapters, with each chapter covering a different aspect of cognitive behavioral therapy. The unique weekly structure of this therapy workbook is designed so each activity builds on the previous week’s work as you apply these techniques in your daily life. Relatable, real-life examples make the information and activities more accessible to CBT newcomers.
How to Stop Feeling So Damn Depressed: The No BS Guide for Men
- Horwitz PhD, Jonas A. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 160 Pages - 12/01/2018 (Publication Date) - New Harbinger Publications (Publisher)
While depression is more prevalent in women than in men, men suffering from the mental illness are less likely to receive treatment or get diagnosed. This is mainly due to the stigma and pressure men face as society expects them to “man up” or “tough it out.” In fact, it is seen as a form of weakness or not “manly.” However, as time changes, society has been more open to speaking up about their emotions, specifically men.
If you’re a man struggling with depression, don’t fret – you’re not alone. The book “How to Stop Feeling So Damn Depressed: The No BS Guide for Men” by Jonas A. Horwitz is a straightforward guide to help you overcome depression. The author is a psychologist who provides jargon-free strategies to help identify and cope with your symptoms.
The book emphasizes the importance of taking depression seriously and viewing it as a separate entity – “The Beast” – that tries to trick you into doing things that make you feel worse. It also offers practical solutions to put The Beast in its place, providing actionable steps to start feeling better. The book has been selected as an Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Self-Help Book Recommendation, making it a valuable addition to any self-help library.
Self-Love Workbook for Women
- Logan MSW LCSW, Megan (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 174 Pages - 09/29/2020 (Publication Date) - Callisto (Publisher)
Women are more likely to suffer from mental illnesses as compared to men. If you’re a woman in need of that extra boost of confidence, the “Self-Love Workbook for Women” by Megan Logan is a comprehensive guide to help you build self-esteem and improve your relationships. The book includes a variety of exercises to engage with your sense of self-love, and the companion journal encourages you to go even deeper with writing and reflection. The proven techniques are rooted in mindfulness, self-care and positive psychology to help you on your journey of self-discovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can reading self-help books be as effective as therapy for depression?
Self-help books can offer valuable insights and strategies for managing depression, however they should not be considered a substitute for professional therapy, rather a complement to therapy or a helpful resource for those who do not have easy access to therapy. Therapy can provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore thoughts and feelings and receive personalized guidance and support from a mental health professional.
How can self-help books complement traditional depression treatments?
Self-help books can provide individuals with additional tools and strategies to supplement traditional depression treatments such as therapy and medication. They can also offer a sense of empowerment and control over one’s own mental health by providing practical guidance and exercises for managing symptoms.
How do self-help books for depression integrate mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques?
Self-help books for depression often integrate mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques by teaching individuals how to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques and develop healthy coping strategies to improve their overall well-being.
What should I look for in a self-help book to ensure it’s credible and beneficial?
When selecting a self-help book for depression, it’s important to choose content that is evidence-based and written by qualified professionals with expertise in the field of mental health. Look for books that have been reviewed and recommended by mental health professionals or have received positive reviews from readers who have found the book helpful in managing their depression.
Disclaimer: Last update on 2025-02-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
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