Best Self Help Books For Anxiety And Depression (2024 Updated)

This book is spot on for people with anxiety. Its practical, well researched, and insightful. Dont think twice, just get it!

Recommended by a therapist as a means to improve her cognitive and speech. Seems to be working.

GREAT resource for those in the counseling field. My co-workers also like and use this.

This book is reassuringly written with expert awareness of how normal stress and anxiety responses can subtly and quite easily shift into becoming chronic and unhealthy. The clear fact format is just what is needed to remind anyone prone to suffering from anxiety, that it can be easily managed with the necessary awareness and right approach.

This book deals with the process thoroughly, from the problematic thoughts and the mental, emotional and physical symptoms they produce, and then ways to challenge these thoughts to enable a different perspective and overcoming of unnecessary and unhelpful anxiety.

I bought this book for my Husband and the comments above are his and not mine. He has found the contents interesting and he is pleased that I purchased it.

Have always had mild anxiety but the last 12 months it has been terrible and I have experienced horrible panic attacks also. Stumbled across this book and have found it to be very informative and helpful in understanding my anxiety and how amazing the brain is in helping to combat and create new pathways to keep my anxiety under control due to understanding the why and how.

The brain is an amazing thing. I have only just discovered this fact.

I would keep this book as a handbook to constantly refer to when needed. It is informative and shows practical actions to take to help yourself. I would however consider using the information to help work in conjunction with a therapist to better understand and reinforce the pathways outlined.

I think this is an absolutely fantastic book and I highly recommend it to anyone who is even potentially thinking they may have some issues with residual anxiety. It’s jam-packed with fresh insights, encouraging stories and a spirit of understanding and overcoming.

Well done! My only concern is that there are times when people really do need some medication to overcome serious organic anxiety issues, and we don’t in any way want to downplay the importance or needed help they may receive from such medicine.

I realize there are segments of the population reading this that may feel there is a lot of overmedicating going on, however, in recent years, I’ve personally run into many in the healthcare professions who are reluctant to offer any medical help for psychological issues, that may well end up being more easily resolved by starting medication first, and then concurrently joining into a therapy program.

But I LOVE this book and wouldn’t in any way want to deter anyone from purchasing it. It’s well worth the money and so much more beyond! I’ve personally found it very helpful. Bravo!.

I thought this was well written and a great support to handling anxiety. I loved the encouragement rather than quick words of stop being anxious or questioning a persons faith because they struggle with anxiety that is so often spoken in the christian community.

I three step by step suggestions found in the middle. My suggestion would be to consider other personality types. You went into it a little bit. In my family, my anxiety falls within the perameters mentioned in the book.

However, my sons anxiety does not seem to come from that same place. Their anxiety has a much different base. I would really like to understand them more or give them a book to help them understand themselves better and how to work with anxiety that stems from not being able to start or fear of failure.

Thank you for listening. Tina.

Everyone has some anxiety, but others have more. I have seen this happen to at least one in my family. Therefore I decided to purchase a copy for each household in the family for part of their Christmas gift.

I read the book first before gifting. I think that Dr John has hit the nail on the head. He says anxiety is basically a sign that something is bothering you. It could be something that someone did to you or something that you have done.

One thing he says is to write down what is bothering you. That may make make the problem easier to deal with. I think he is right. Another thing that came through to me was sort of confronting the problem.

Then if it can be resolved that is great, but if it can’t then you have tried your best and if that isn’t good enough you may now move on. I think that may be where my one special family member may have finally come to even without gift of Dr.

John’s book. I don’t know, maybe this member has already read Dr. John’s book, but if not it will reaffirm that this person has given their best effort.

The authors clearly think they are cute and funny. I am a psychologist and would NEVER recommend this to a client. After using it I *might* be less anxious, but definitely be more depressed. It so lightly approaches subjects or almost makes fun of subjects of morality, that it could leave one hopeless and sad.

I personally found it depressing. These types of books need not be superficial or entertaining. Simply, I found it inappropriate.

This book was amazing!!! I had so much fun using this book. It was informative and funny and Very stress relieving I want to buy another one because I enjoyed it so much. 5 stars all the way!!!

Book is aimed only at American’s. Thought it would have more actual activities to do not just suggestions. Got through it very quickly. Had a couple of useful things to keep in mind.

Excellent book. If you are willing to do all the exercises throughout the book that Dr. Burns assigns. It’s a multi faceted approach in Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Everyone is different. Thus, do all the assignments to see what works for you.

The answer may surprise you. This book takes commitment. If you commit, you’ll get results. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is some of the assignments are tedious. But then, it takes many years to get to the point of panic.

So,what’s a few weeks doing the exercises if it brings about recovery. Just do it.

Instead of allowing the boogieman of panic control you, one must learn its origin. Panic is a reaction from within. Some of us are more prone to anxiety than are other people. My ex used to call me a “scary cat.

” I told her to write me a poem; she declined. Those of us, who have sensitive nervous systems, have it for a reason. However, sometimes, this alarm system has a mind of its own, goes off sending me a warning, which I find hard to shut off.

In addition, I also recommend two other books by David D. Burns: Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy Revised and Updated and The Feeling Good Handbook. Feeling Good will focus specifically on Depression and The Feeling Good Handbook is for other uncomfortable feelings and negative thoughts.

The quality of the papers of the book is terrible. When I use a highlighter in a page it appears in the next pages… the contents of the book is good but the quality of the papers is terrible.

People are different. The key to this book is that it presents many solutions and real life examples, one or two of which are bound to resonate with a person who worries too much. I bought this book 40 years ago when I worried too much about things that didn’t need to be worried about in the way I was worrying about them.

The book solved my problem. Since then when friends or family are being overwhelmed by worry I get them their own copy. It has helped every one of them, sometimes by reading only the section about living in day tight compartments.

One person I know went to see a counselor and got the same advice except had to pay a lot more money for it. To anyone who worries, read this book! And if you start to worry again, read the book again! It works.

Highly recommend! I bought it for a friend who really is a worrier, but ended up reading the whole book myself! While we already know many of the truths found in this book, the reminders and the stories are invaluable.

I really recommend it, even if you are NOT a worrier! There are so many little things that we all need to hear again. A very quick and worthwhile read!.

I purchased this book right before going through the hardest month in my life. I felt like this book was brought to me in preparation to what I was about to happen. Let me tell you that if you are going through hard times, and you need help prioritizing what’s important and what’s not in your life, then this book will open your eyes and make you laugh at some of the things you’ve been so worried about.

The amount of examples mentioned by the author really enforce the message and are a great way to see how people found ways out.

This book would be interesting if you were a psychology student or the like but for the general person looking for help it is hard going. Very wordy for the troubled a person looking for some help though.

I will be brave and say she needed to dumb this down some what. Much of the text is used for describing what can go wrong in our neurocycle, the science behind the method and it’s associated studies that prove the method.

Unfortunately the how to apply the method section is only a small section of the book and I didn’t find much helpful information there, although an app is mentioned. I follow Dr Leaf on Facebook and generally like her postings and find them helpful though.

Dr. Caroline a Christan author, brings out info from a scientific point of view that MANY people are unaware of! I would recommend this book and I believe this information will bring hope to your current situation, whatever it is!.

This book is really repetitive and not at all helpful for implementation of the 5-step technique. Examples would have been more helpful. Really disappointing.

Such a great read for someone who suffering from anxiety or just every person in general. The author explains the mechanics of our brains and what triggers us to feel certain ways in such a simple and humorous way.

The information imparted by this book is amazing & easy to understand. I bought a book for myself & one for each of my sisters. Once you realize that your thoughts can be habitual you can change the habit into better dialogue to increase your happiness.

A must read.

For those who aren’t ready to heed the message, this book may came like a hole in the head – but I think it’s such an important message to have. I can’t remember ever reading such truth about mental illness – I truly hope that those that read this can mine the gold rather than simply being offended by what she has to say.

In essence, you are in control of your fate – and when you take responsibility for owning your self, your entire existence will change for the better. Dive in.

I love this book! It is filled with wisdom as well as actionable advice. I feel so much better after having read it and have purchased 2 more to give to friends. After reading about 1/4th of the way in I decided to give it to a friend after I finished.

Then at the halfway mark I decided I need to keep it and buy more for friends. I will read this book again and again. Thank you Dr. Brogan for all of your amazing wisdom.

This information is well researched and documented. Good info for everyone to know, regardless of gender. This information is a true life saver with both mental and physical issues.

Three words to describe Depression, Anxiety, and Other Things We Don’t Want to Talk About would be hopeful, practical, and effectively written. I added this book to my cart during my third or fourth round of depression.

Medication as a treatment for mental illness is stigmatized in Christian culture. Searching for approval for why I was trying *another* antidepressant and feeling guilty, I bought Ryan’s book. Sadly, it fell victim to my mountainous “To Be Read” pile, and I didn’t read it until now.

Ryan Casey Waller tells the story of his struggle with addiction, depression, and anxiety which God used to spur Ryan into becoming a therapist. He begins the book by telling his own story of preaching while he was drunk one Sunday.

Amidst slurred words, he denied being intoxicated to those who confronted him later that day. It was at that point he entered a rehabilitation program. Honestly, there is no section I didn’t enjoy! I think I appreciated the practical nature of the second half most, from explaining the differences between counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists to how to approach talk therapy.

Ryan makes a case for using medication to treat mental illness in the most simplistic terms. I wish I would have had a guide like this before walking down my mental health roads, walking with my husband through his, and giving advice to friends or other family members.

This book is, by far, the most accessible book I have read on this topic. Ryan welcomes everyone to sit with him, to hear his own story if the reader cannot relate. Depression, Anxiety, and Other Things We Don’t Want to Talk About will sit on my shelf for recommendations if you need anything referencing mental health; this is your baseline.

Ryan Casey Waller’s book is available to purchase now! “What the church needs to do at this moment is get more comfortable declaring this truth in the face of the crippling realities of mental illness.

” Three words to describe Depression, Anxiety, and Other Things We Don’t Want to Talk About would be hopeful, practical, and effectively written. I added this book to my cart during my third or fourth round of depression.

Medication as a treatment for mental illness is stigmatized in Christian culture. Searching for approval for why I was trying *another* antidepressant and feeling guilty, I bought Ryan’s book. Sadly, it fell victim to my mountainous “To Be Read” pile, and I didn’t read it until now.

Ryan Casey Waller tells the story of his struggle with addiction, depression, and anxiety which God used to spur Ryan into becoming a therapist. He begins the book by telling his own story of preaching while he was drunk one Sunday.

Amidst slurred words, he denied being intoxicated to those who confronted him later that day. It was at that point he entered a rehabilitation program. Honestly, there is no section I didn’t enjoy! I think I appreciated the practical nature of the second half most, from explaining the differences between counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists to how to approach talk therapy.

Ryan makes a case for using medication to treat mental illness in the most simplistic terms. I wish I would have had a guide like this before walking down my mental health roads, walking with my husband through his, and giving advice to friends or other family members.

This book is, by far, the most accessible book I have read on this topic. Ryan welcomes everyone to sit with him, to hear his own story if the reader cannot relate. Depression, Anxiety, and Other Things We Don’t Want to Talk About will sit on my shelf for recommendations if you need anything referencing mental health; this is your baseline.

Ryan Casey Waller’s book is available to purchase now! “What the church needs to do at this moment is get more comfortable declaring this truth in the face of the crippling realities of mental illness.

”.

This book shredded my heart. Our family has been trying to walk on eggshells around a severely depressed and recently suicidal, MUCH LOVED sibling for many years. I feel much more aware of her hideous struggle after this honest and hard-hitting discussion.

I will engage differently, pray better and be quick to say it is not her choice, she can’t “just get over it”. Thanks for featuring it!! Cyndi Keller, Phoenix, AZ.

Very helpful, even in the midst of the worst of times. The sentences are full–read slowly and allow them to sink in. The author has a wealth of knowledge from his education in law, ministry, therapy, and as a co-sufferer.

His perspective is particularly helpful for people of faith.

This book presents the polyvagal theory and its impact on various anxiety and physical problems. Well written as there are anatomical and physiological concepts presented. It concludes with simple exercises to activate the ventral vagal nerve.

It is excellent, and I would recommend it to everyone.

I was sceptical at first, and the book is quite repetitive, but the more I read the more I was impressed by the author’s knowledge of the central nervous system and the detailed explanations of how different nerve branches are involved in and affected by various bodily functions/states.

The exercises in the back of the book are easy to follow and have already been very helpful. I was so surprised after using the ‘Basic Exercise’ to successfully stop a migraine I felt coming on. Glad to have this book in my reference library.

This is a wonderful in depth book regarding the power of the Vagus Nerve & its ability to powerfully impact our well being. But I feel that many may find it a bit technical, it’s more written for other therapists rather than lay people.

If you can trudge through THAT, the exercises (which make up about 1/3 of the book) are valuable and practical, and are a better option than the woo woo suggestions online about stimulating the Vagus Nerve in a positive way.

Doing these exercises DAILY can be life changing for stress management and I have found that my overall health and well being is very much improved.

I bought this quite some time ago, thought I didn’t need it, then bought it again now and have relished the words within. It’s not easy to read, as it is quite deep, but it is incredibly informative on how depression happens, is maintained, and how mindfulness practice can help to keep depression at bay.

In spite of aspects of the writing, this book deserves a five-star rating. If you have suffered with depression, whether mild or severe, the methods explained here are truly a way out of the darkness.

The authors explain how time-honored meditation practices can help people break the downward spiral of thought and feeling that leads to depression. They carefully describe these practices and outline an eight-week program for introducing the recommended methods.

There’s a CD included in the book which can lead people through the meditations, as well. I found the writing repetitious and somewhat dull, but the value of the material greatly outweighs these weaknesses.

Imagine successfully treating a lifelong debilitating illness, without the expense and other down sides of dependence on standard Western medical practice. This may well be within our reach.

I’m reading this book now. As a retired mental health case manager and Parish Nurse, the fact that this author could and did write this book is amazing in its self. He addresses issues that people have difficulty talking about & offers hope through the combination of psychology and spirituality.

I brought this book on audible first and because I liked it so much I had to buy the paper copy. Anyone who is interested in what the food we eat now days really does to our health this book covers it all.

I have many many times told friends and family about this book again anyone looking to gain more knowledge of food and the affects then definitely buy this book.

This is a great book for those who are not closed-minded to the fact that healthcare and the drug companies are wroking together to maximize profits at the expense of those who trust them. I have long beileved that doctrors are not necessarily in the business of curring people as much as they are concerned with maintaining patients as a source of income.

And the drug companies are not concerned with anything but getting rich, even if they have to invent diseases to do so. This book explains how to have a better quality of life and not just a better quantity; and it is all done naturally without drugs or the doctors who push them.

Gloss over the medical terms and doctor speak and just focus on the process and the results and you will get a lot out reading the book. Then put the advise into pratice and stick with it. If unsure, find a wholistic doctor who is a fundamental clinician and believes along the lines of this book and you will get it right for life with the joy of living.

IšverstiShow in original languageI am enjoying the books Less Fret and Anxious for Nothing. They certainly are very timely and Max Lucado provides so much insight and guidance throughout the books. So glad I purchased them!!.

IšverstiShow in original languageIf anyone is having a faith or life crises this book can help. No judgement just Christ lead direction!