I’m looking for a book that can basically be a wake-up call. I personally primarily deal with depression (tied in to loneliness due to having no friends, and my weight) and social anxiety (for meeting people, not just being in public. I don’t have a problem with that). Even though no amount of advice I read will matter if I don’t put in the work to change, I want a book that can kind of put me on the right path. But not one that offers generic advice like “Think happier thoughts and you’ll cultivate a happier mindset”, or something that goes way off the cuff and offers dangerous advice like “Those antidepressants you’re taking don’t work. Chuck ‘em in the bin”.
I basically want a book that’s like “Here’s what’s going on, here are some things you can apply to your daily life to have a happier outlook and mindset, and here’s what you would need to do to change for good”. Something that actually works for people from all walks of life.
by Matilda_Mother_67
4 Comments
*Atomic Habits* by James Clear is what comes to mind for me.
For something that’s less self-helpy and more investigative research, Michael Pollan’s *How to Change Your Mind* is a fascinating and very palatable dive into the author’s personal journey through clinical/traditional psychedelic medicine for the first time, after he was already over 50 years old no less.
Cognitive behavioral therapy workbooks have a track record about even with talk therapy. Here’s a free example
https://cogbtherapy.com/free-online-cbt-workbook
Retrain Your Brain by Seth Gillihan is also well reviewed.
*The Completion Process: The Practice of Putting Yourself Back Together Again* by Teal Swan.
I know she’s a bit controversial as a person, but the first chapters of this book are pure gold. It’s not about acquiring new tricks but rather letting go of all kinds of trauma (micro or macro), which she explains in a practical way.
Soundtracks – Jon Acuff.
I think it could help you out. Practical, funny, and advice I still practice. It’s not depression focused, but is focused on self-talk and has actually practical advice on how to improve your stance. I laughed at points in this book and appreciated the author’s vulnerability, unlike a lot of self-help books it actually hit in a way few books in this genre do.