10 Reviews: Best Self-Help Books for Anxiety and Depression (Apr 2024)

Just as you’re ready to nod off, does your mind suddenly decide to bring up all the embarrassing things you’ve ever done? The sensation of anxiety and depression is significantly impacted by the presence of intrusive thoughts, which can be rather painful. Moreover, a wonderful day or a good night’s sleep can be ruined by intrusive thoughts, which are taught how to swiftly stop by psychotherapist Sally Winston, who teaches how to regain control of your brain and take it back.

"I am 58 pages into this book and not only does it describe specifically what I was experiencing, I was breathing sighs of relief just a few pages in. For anyone dealing with unwanted ruminations, confusing thoughts, or are flat out plagued by “what if” scenarios, this book is absolutely for you. I recommend this book a million times over! 10/10"

by gunnar

An excessive amount of stress or stress that is not effectively controlled can frequently initiate or exacerbate feelings of anxiety and despair. Neuroscientist and expert in mental and neurological health, Dr. Caroline Leaf is a maestro in both fields. This book provides a wide variety of approaches that can be tried out in order to ascertain which ones are most useful for each individual. Therefore, reading this book will help you a lot in managing your emotions.

"I really enjoyed this book! It made me re-think a lot about the choices I’m making in my life. I would read it again and would recommend it to everyone who’s looking for self care ideas."

by Gloria G.

This book is the definitive evidence that those who aid others are not immune to the possibility that they will require assistance themselves. Lori Gottlieb, a licensed therapist, discusses how she helps people who are going through difficult times while continuously battling her own emotional turmoil. Moreover, this book provides multiple tiers of interwoven stories about people who are battling with the feelings that are a direct result of life presenting itself in challenging ways.

"I love this story. The story of a therapist's clients. The story of herself as a client. Somehow she breaks down pretty complex counseling techniques and stories about growth and makes them understandable and relatable."

by Kindle Customer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that is often used to find irrational and negligible thoughts and replace them with rational and motivating ones. Dr. Gillihan uses a whole-person approach to help his readers find thought patterns that are keeping them from achieving their potential and to start moving them toward happiness and a sense of purpose. Therefore, this helps them reach their goals at work and at home.

"I enjoyed reading this book because of how applicable it was. Not only does he describe what the principles of CBT are, but he gives you solutions for anger, anxiety, and depression; which are based on one's thoughts, emotions, and behavior. I enjoyed how strategic it was and recommend it to all my friends."

by Peter Garay

The first step to getting better from depression is to know what it is. In this book, psychiatrist Diane McIntosh talks about depression and the different ways to treat it so that the reader can make an informed choice about what treatment to get. If you understand depression, you will be able to describe it and talk about it with friends, family, and care providers. In addition, having a community that understands and helps you is one of the best ways to fight depression.

"I was recently diagnosed with major depressive disorder and this book was very helpful in understanding what depression is and what it is doing to my brain and body. I appreciate how compassionate the author is and the consideration of other things that go hand in hand with depression."

by Callie Tompkins

There are situations when grief can bring on episodes of despair. Finding healthy ways to cope with and work through one’s grief can help ward against future bouts of sadness and create a more focused sense of purpose as one works through the healing process. Therefore, Julia Samuel, a licensed psychotherapist, offers both tales and practical advice to help clients successfully negotiate the challenging and therapeutic process associated with bereavement.

"Practical tips for dealing with any kind of loss. This is a messy topic and the author has done justice in teaching how to handle it."

by Kindle Customer

Harris is the most well-known proponent of ACT, or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. ACT is a relatively new type of treatment that contends that the key to overcoming melancholy, anxiety, or addiction is not necessary to get rid of negative sensations. The Happiness Trap is also one of the most accessible and enjoyable psychological books available. In addition, the activities are exciting and engaging, and the writing is clear and enjoyable.

"Interesting approach on acceptance and the myth of happiness pursuit, I particularly like how it doesn't deny pain and sadness but actually teaches you how to deal with them instead of just hiding them deep within. I'm treating it as a user manual for my life right now."

by HAL

Godwin’s Law holds that the longer any internet conversation goes, the greater the likelihood that someone will be compared to Hitler. This likelihood approaches one hundred percent as the topic continues. Well, the longer an internet debate about depression, anxiety, or any other issue related to mental health continues, many people would offer Feeling Good to the people involved, and eventually, the probability will approach one hundred percent.

"This book is awesome for anyone who is battling ptsd anxiety etc.. I deal with both on a daily basis and it gets me threw the day."

by Tina rosario

Because of Wilson’s style of writing and the way her brain operates, this is the case. In First, We Make the Beast Beautiful, the author flies from story to story, jumping from ten years ago to the present day to childhood, from personal disasters to scientific research. Therefore, in this book, you will get the best example of what it’s like to live with several anxieties and prosper in your present life.

"I have suffered from anxiety for over 40 years. I found several parts of this book with good explanations for why we suffer from anxiety and ways to deal with it. I borrowed this book from the library and now I'm going to purchase it because I believe it can be a useful tool to help me live with this often debilitating condition."

by Kindle Customer

Solomon’s book, “An Atlas of Depression,” offers a comprehensive look at depression, including personal experience, medical experience, pharmaceutical therapies, history, cultural interpretations, and Solomon’s own personal battles with the illness. It’s a fascinating read. A lot is covered in this book, so be prepared for your mind to be blown. Therefore, the mix of Solomon’s experience and how well-written the book is is what makes the book so compelling.

"Incredibly insightful book. As a scholar of this field in psychology, Mr. Solomon's views and method of research and writing are respectable and truly impressive. I have enjoyed his other books as well. Absolutely some of my favorites and jam-packed with meticulous, appreciable detail. I hope you and others can grow and expand from this read."

by Cactus Jack