The Best Books to Read For and About Depression and Anxiety
I've been thick in a season of depression for the last few months, and while there is a lot that is discouraging and frustrating about fighting against feelings that seem overwhelming, there has been a lot of good in this season too. I've been so grateful for the support system I've found with friends, family, my church, my coworkers, and my counselor and psychiatrist. I've also been so grateful for resources that have offered advice, encouragement, inspiration, and help along the journey that is walking through the wilderness.
I wanted to share a variety of books that have been helpful for me in my mental health journey. Not all are specifically about depression or meant for those battling depression, but all have been uplifting to me in this season. Almost all are faith-based, several are more clinical than others, and several were specifically recommended to me by my Christian counselor.
I hope they're helpful, encouraging, and enlightening for anyone who finds themselves battling depression and anxiety. As always, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or are looking for any other specific resources!
ps-- there are affiliate links here!
Here are my best book recommendations for and about depression and anxiety:
Switch On Your Brain: The Key to Peak Happiness, Thinking, and Health by Dr. Caroline Leaf // read my review on Instagram here
My Name is Hope: Anxiety, Depression, and Life After Melancholy by John Mark Comer // read my review on Instagram here
Learning to Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor
The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe about Ourselves by Curt Thompson // read my review on Instagram here
The Dream of You: Let Go of Broken Identities and Live the Life You Were Made For by Jo Saxton // read my review on Instagram here
Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brene Brown // read my review on Instagram here
On Edge: A Journey Through Anxiety by Andrea Peterson
Fierce Faith: A Woman's Guide to Fighting Fear, Wrestling Worry, and Overcoming Anxiety by Alli Worthington // read my review on Instagram here
Whole: Restoring What Is Broken in Me, You, and the Entire World by Steve Wiens // read my review on Instagram here
The Healing Path: How the Hurts in Your Past Can Lead You to a More Abundant Life by Dan B. Allender
No More Faking Fine: Ending the Pretending by Esther Fleece
When the Heart Waits: Spiritual Direction for Life's Sacred Questions by Sue Monk Kidd
If You Feel Too Much: Thoughts on Things Found and Lost and Hoped For by Jamie Tworkowski
Small Victories: Spotting Improbable Moments of Grace by Anne Lamott
