36 Best Books About Depression for Anyone Who Wants to Learn More About Mental Health

"This book is brilliantly written in a causal, snarky tone that most anyone can relate to as so utterly human," says Kate Balestrieri, Psy.D., licensed psychologist. "With a whole lot of reality and a healthy dose of levity, the authors walk the reader through un understanding of how to develop resilience, in the face of just about any of the bitter pills life has to offer."

Don't be scared by the word "poems" on the cover. This is the fictional story of a woman named Poloma who goes about her everyday life feeling like a fraud for the depression she's hiding inside. It's written in the style of poetry, but is easy to understand as a narrative story.

"If a person enjoys novels, I love this book for more of a storytelling approach," says Laura Rhodes-Levin, L.M.F.T., founder of The Missing Peace Center for Anxiety in Los Angeles. Solomon speaks about mental illness from personal experience in this National Book Award winner, but he also weaves in science and history to provide a well-rounded understanding of depression.

For people who prefer the young-adult genre, this book tells the story of an NYC teen struggling to compete with his peers. Eventually, the pressure to ace exams, get into the best schools, and land an elite job becomes way too much for him to handle as his anxiety and depression take over.

"This book is very inspirational and helpful whether you suffer with depression or have a loved one who is struggling," says Vinay Saranga, M.D., psychiatrist and founder of Saranga Comprehensive Psychiatry. "The author shares the personal account of his darkest days and how he turned it all around. It’s honest, heartfelt and offers immense hope."

Age 49, chronically depressed, and not a runner, Sweeney has lost hope. That's when she takes a chance on jogging and begins to feel the transformative power of exercise. In this memoir, she shares how running enabled her to regain control of her mental health.

"I found this book to be very easy to read with great tips about depression," says Rhodes-Levin. In it, Harris explains how he had a panic attack while on national television and realized he needed to figure out what was going on in his body and mind in order to regain control.

If you or someone you love is experiencing postpartum depression, pick up this book. The isolation the author felt after the birth of her child made her realize how little acknowledgement society gives to the mental burdens placed on new moms.

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"Hari delineates a strong case for disconnection—from nature, security, one's values, etc.—as the foundation for depression and despair," says Balestrieri. "Describing the necessity for reconnection, this book offers the reader pivotal shifts toward developing meaning, purpose and community, as the collective antidote to hopelessness, dejection, and depression."

After a friend died by suicide, Christle grappled with her own dark emotions and began to research crying—why we cry and what it means to us as a society. In this touching read, she mixes science with first-person experience.

"I really like this book because it brings us back to basics," says Dr. Saranga. "It lays out specific and all-natural steps to relieve depression and help the body reach optimal physical and mental health. It really drives home the point that our bodies were not meant to thrive the way modern society demands."

If you're looking for a lighter read, here you go. During Reed's personal battle with depression, she began posting one positive thought every day on Facebook. Now, all those positive vibes are packed together in one spot, beautified even further by Reed's own drawings.

"There is something in this book for everyone," says Dr. Saranga. "Not only will it help with depression, it helps with a lot of mental health topics that take a toll on people, and offers great strategies to work through them. It’s about as close as you can come to having your own personal therapist."

Originally published in 1994, this book explores a generation hooked on prescription drugs to treat various mental health issues. Along the way, Wurtzel incorporates her own depression troubles.

"In this book, Rosenberg outlines incredible tools people can use at home, at work, or just about anywhere to help them regulate their nervous system, giving the mind and body a jumpstart back to place of feeling more regulated," says Balestrieri. "His easy-to-read-and-understand explanations of what is happening in the body demystify the experience of heavy emotions, and empower the reader with immediate options for self-soothing."

It's more uplifting than the title implies—we promise. Paperny attempted suicide in her 20s and then vowed to find out more about the depression that nearly killed her. To write this book, she scoured the research and interviewed medical experts. The result? A text she hopes will give others a better understanding of depression.

Seligman explains in practical terms how you can change your mindset, step-by-step. "This book teaches positive psychology," says Rhodes-Levin. "It's actually a book that I used in my thesis about how to change your perspective."

This book is for anyone whose perfectionism has prevented them from living their life to the fullest. It explains that yearning to put up a facade that everything is okay while you crumble inside—and how to combat it.

Comedian Jessica Holmes is no stranger to depression. Her memoir gives a more positive spin to the debilitating condition. The humor she injects into the situation will help you realize sometimes life is ridiculous and you're really not alone.

Armstrong's memoir tells the story of her 18-month bout with suicidal depression and the clinical trial she joined in a desperate attempt to feel better. The experimental treatment involved shutting down her brain for 15 minutes at a time—10 different times over the course of a month. It may sound intense, but she hasn't felt suicidal since.