6 Great Books for Those Suffering from Depression

Suffering from depression is never easy. Thankfully, though, there are many different treatment options. Individuals can opt to talk with a therapist; they can receive transcranial magnetic stimulation through services like Smart Brain and Health; they can take medication; or they can find ways to manage it on their own. No matter what type of treatment you opt for, there are always ways that you can learn more about your illness and try to understand it better. There are many books for every experience out there, and books for depression are widely available to help you and your loved ones cope. Take a look at the following six great books for those who suffer from depression.

photo not mine

1. Darkness Visible

Darkness Visible is based on a true story. It was written by Wiliam Styron, who is the author of Sophie’s Choice. During the book, he discusses his own battle with depression. It discusses his time with therapy, his medication, his hospitalization, and even his suicidal thoughts. If you truly want to fully understand what someone with depression goes through or find out that you’re not alone, then this book is definitely one you must read.

2. Listening to Prozac

Most people who suffer from depression are placed on medication, and one of the most popular medications is Prozac, a pill that is an anti-depressant and supposed to make you happy. Listening to Prozac is a book from 1993 that recounts how the drug actually had an impact on Dr. Peter Kramer’s patients. If you are unsure about medication for depression or simply want to learn a truth about it, then this is a good book to read.

3. Prozac Nation

Prozac Nation is another true story. At the age of 10, Elizabeth Wurtzel was diagnosed with depression and put on Prozac. While in college, she gave up on the medication and decided to self-medicate with ecstasy and cocaine. This story is a detailed depiction of what she went through, as well as her thoughts on America’s obsession with pushing anti-depressants down sufferers’’ throats.

4. The Bell Jar

Sylvia Plath is a well-known author who suffered from depression. Unfortunately, when she did, people just assumed it was something that you would just “get over”. The Bell Jar is an autobiographical book about her own depression. In fact, only one month after this book was published, Plath let her depression take over, and she committed suicide. Not only does this book give great insight into how depression can change your life, but it also serves as a bit of hope for those with depression to not follow in Plath’s footsteps.

5. The Black Veil

For some people, depression can be managed with medication and therapy. For others, a hospital stay is also required. The Black Veil is a detailed account of author Rick Moody’s stay at a hospital while battling with depression. Not only do you witness his experiences, but the book also details his family’s history with depression, too. Although it may seem like a dark book, Moody does find a way to use his humor and wit throughout the story to help bring light to the subject in a way that’s not so brooding.

6. Perks of Being a Wallflower

There are times when everyone feels different, and that’s what it’s like with depression. The Perks of Being a Wallflower may not provide you with any answers or detailed researched, but it does help to remind you that you’re not alone in this world if you are depressed. This is a great book to read for those with depression to simply feel connected to someone else.

Suffering from depression is not easy, but it can be managed. You have plenty of options to choose from in order to get help, so make sure that you talk with your healthcare professional and find the treatment that works right for you. And while you’re seeking treatment, know that there are books out there that can also help you on your journey to a longer and happier life.