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National Book Lovers Day

Daniel Hageman 

Whether reading a memoir of someone’s struggle with depression and their journey to wellness, or engaged in a workbook that teaches coping strategies, books can help in our own road to wellness. For National Book Lovers Day, we’d like to suggest a few good reads ...

Whether reading a memoir of someone’s struggle with depression and their journey to wellness, or engaged in a workbook that teaches coping strategies, books can help in our own road to wellness. For National Book Lovers Day, we’d like to suggest a few good reads that might complement your treatment for depression or other condition, whether you’re pursuing TMS Therapy, medication, talk therapy or a combination of modalities.

Memoir Suggestions

3,000 Pulses Later: A Memoir of Surviving Depression Without Medications by Martha Rhodes . Published in 2013, this memoir is a classic among Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy patients and physicians. Rhodes details the crippling depression that almost took her life—and how TMS Therapy helped her overcome it. With thorough explanations of TMS Therapy treatments and the road to recovery, this is a helpful read for those considering TMS Therapy.

Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness by William Styron . From the author of Sophie’s Choice comes a firsthand account of descent into clinical depression. A testament to how depression is not just a “women’s affliction,” Styron’s unflinching descriptions of depression serve as illumination for family members hoping to understand what a depressed loved one is experiencing. For readers who are themselves depressed, this memoir is a journey of hope and ultimately, recovery.

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson. This irreverent memoir bills itself as “hysterical, ridiculous book about crippling depression and anxiety.” Lawson details her lifelong struggle with varying degrees of depression and anxiety—readers who have also struggled with mental illness will find much to relate to, and laugh along with, in this memoir.

Shoot the Damn Dog: A Memoir of Depression by Sally Brampton . The so called “dog” refers to Brampton’s personification of her relentless depression despite being the successful magazine editor and prize-winning journalist who launched Elle magazine. Complete with recommendations for the therapies and exercises that Brampton tried as she struggled for wellness and a recommended reading list, it serves to both educate readers and diminish the shame surrounding depression.

The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression by Andrew Solomon . An exhaustive work, this book serves as both a recounting of the author’s personal experiences with depression and a scientific examination of the history, manifestation , and treatment of depression around the world.

Workbook Suggestions

How to Be Happy (Or at Least Less Sad): A Creative Workbook by Lee Crutchley . This friendly, illustrated workbook takes the reader through a series of exercises meant to promote mindfulness and illuminate straightforward paths to feeling better. Free of clichéd suggestions or unattainable goals, Crutchley’s simple but thought-provoking directives are refreshing and accessible.

Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David D. Burns, MD . This classic workbook guides readers through the science behind and practice of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to combat negative feelings and actions. While this workbook is not a substitute for depression treatment under the personal care of a psychiatrist, it can be a useful tool for learning to navigate the everyday negative self-talk, catastrophizing, and feelings of guilt or inadequacy that depression often brings.

Disclaimer: Greenbrook does not endorse the views or opinions contained in the titles above. Please be advised that the information presented here is for information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All readers are encouraged to discuss any issues or concerns they may have with their behavioral health providers.

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