Some people prefer videos, some prefer books. I’m the latter. Here are lucky 7 books for assisting with mental health struggles. Whether the struggle is fighting with General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), clinical depression, or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) recovery; mental health matters. These 7 books to help with anxiety and depression I hope will help you.
Find the right book to fight anxiety and depression for YOU.
My biggest key in any of these posts showing books or videos on how to manage depression is to find in the bookstore, the library, or online the one book that clicks for you. Don’t get discouraged if the first book/video isn’t the answer to your depression and anxiety. This is your free pass to put the book down/stop the video before the end and move to another one if it’s not being as helpful as you hoped it would be. That source exists in the world like a precious gem to hold and to cherish.
I’m not a doctor nor a therapist so I cannot say what is perfect for you. Books can offer valuable insights and tools, but it’s important to seek professional help if you’re experiencing significant mental health struggles. A therapist or counselor can provide personalized support and guidance based on your specific needs. Lets search for that one gem that clicks to help you through those moments between therapy sessions. I’m happy to help you find it.
1) The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
“The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown can be found on Amazon here.
This book is No.1 on this list for a reason.
Brené Brown challenges the societal pressures of perfectionism and encourages readers to let go of unrealistic expectations and the need for constant approval. The book serves as a guide for those seeking to live a more authentic and fulfilling life by embracing imperfections, practicing self-compassion, and embracing vulnerability as a source of strength. It offers valuable insights and practical tools for cultivating resilience and fostering deeper connections with oneself and others.
“The Gifts of Imperfection” invites readers to embrace their true selves and celebrate their unique strengths and vulnerabilities. It encourages individuals to let go of shame and fear of judgment, and instead, cultivate a sense of worthiness and wholeheartedness.
2) High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard
How Extraordinary People Become That Way
This seems like a book to help grow business but it really isn’t. High Performance Habits provides practical insights, exercises, and real-life examples to help readers integrate these habits into their daily lives. Burchard emphasizes the importance of consistency, self-reflection, and continuous improvement to create long-term success and fulfillment.
There are 6 key habits he goes over that work together as the foundation and structure in a life:
Clarity, Energy, Necessity, productivity, Influence, and Courage
This one clicked extra hard for me. Brendon Burchard also recovered from TBI. He delves into the habits and strategies that can help individuals reach their highest potential and achieve extraordinary results in various areas of life. The points he made in this book reminded me of the person I look up to most in my life, Fitzaey, my spouse.
3) The Upward Spiral by Alex Korb
Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time
This book explores the neuroscience behind depression and offers practical strategies to break the cycle of negative thinking and boost mood. It provides actionable steps to improve mental health and increase happiness.
Nerrrrrrd
That’s ME and I’m PROUD of it. I want to know scientifically how something can help. It’s fascinating and invigorating. Korb explains the brain’s role in depression and how various factors, such as neurotransmitter imbalances, neural circuitry, and negative thinking patterns, contribute to the downward spiral of depression. He emphasizes that depression is not solely a result of personal weakness but rather a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
The Upward Spiral presents evidence-based techniques and lifestyle changes that can positively impact brain function and alleviate depression symptoms. Through this, Alex Korb highlights the importance of small changes and how they can create an upward spiral of positivity and well-being.
4) First, We Make the Beast Beautiful by Sarah Wilson
A New Journey Through Anxiety
Sarah Wilson shares her personal journey with anxiety and provides insights, strategies, and coping mechanisms for managing anxiety. Correspondingly her book explores the connection between anxiety and creativity and offers a fresh perspective on living with anxiety.
Emphatically, “First, We Make the Beast Beautiful” aims to destigmatize anxiety and provide a sense of solace and understanding to those who struggle with it. It offers a unique perspective on anxiety and encourages readers to reframe their relationship with it, seeking ways to embrace and transform it into a force for positive change.
5) You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life
This is another book not specifically focused on mental health, this empowering book encourages self-love, personal growth, and overcoming self-doubt. It provides practical advice and exercises to develop confidence, embrace change, and create a fulfilling life.
Indeed, “You Are a Badass” empowers readers to take responsibility for their lives and make the necessary changes to align with their passions and desires. Sincero encourages readers to trust their intuition, follow their dreams, and live authentically without the fear of judgment.
Overall, the book serves as a motivational guide for individuals seeking to overcome self-doubt. This is the key to create a life filled with purpose, joy, and success. It offers practical tools, inspiring stories, and a positive perspective to help readers tap into their inner badassery and unleash their full potential.
6) Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha
Significantly drawing from Buddhist teachings and her own experiences as a psychologist and meditation teacher, Tara Brach guides readers through the process of embracing their lives with compassion and non-judgment. She emphasizes the importance of accepting ourselves, others, and the present moment as they are. Rather than resisting or trying to control them.
Furthermore, Radical Acceptance delves into the concept of radical acceptance in relation to difficult emotions, painful experiences, and challenging relationships. She provides guidance on navigating through suffering and developing resilience by leaning into discomfort and embracing life’s inevitable imperfections.
Conversely there are common human struggles of self-criticism, shame, and fear, offering practical tools and mindfulness practices to cultivate self-compassion and create a more loving and accepting relationship with ourselves. Brach explores how the practice of mindfulness and meditation can help us reconnect with our inner wisdom. Through this wisdom we can experience a deep sense of peace and wholeness.
7) Craft a Life You Love by Amy Tangerine
Infusing Creativity, Fun & Intention into Your Everyday
Amy Tangerine encourages readers to embrace their creativity and find ways to incorporate it into their daily routines. She emphasizes the idea that creativity is not limited to traditional artistic pursuits. Art can be expressed in various aspects of life, from personal style and home décor to problem-solving and decision-making.
This is yet another time where I mention I already reviewed it. Click here for my previous, more elaborate review I’ve done. As a kid when asked what I wanted to do when I grew up it was: “I want to be an artist. Like Bob Ross!” No seriously. I commend my little self for finding such a sturdy idol. Although I don’t know how I’d look with a fro. I wanted to be soothing and create but as I grew older getting an art degree is frowned upon. Basically going into the artistic field is not very financially helpful to beginners. Amy Tangerine gave me permission to just… do it. Money or no money it’s okay to play and have fun with art. It made me feel more comfortable with pushing what simply brings me joy.
There is hope for a brighter future.
Recovery is possible! Undoubtedly these are stories of individuals who have overcome their mental health struggles and found happiness and fulfillment. Healing takes time. Recovery is a process, and it may have ups and downs. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you navigate your mental health journey.
It’s not a burden of you to reach out to professional help on top of reading books. Regardless, books are a brick laid between mental health professionals’ structural columns.
Thank you for taking the time for looking through.
– Rachel
