Full disclosure before it needs to get said: Yes, I know that whatever books are recommended are not replacements for getting a therapist and counseling and all that. And possibly medication. I do have a therapist that, while I’ve only been able to have one session with thus far, I have a good feeling about and would like to see him as often as my schedule allows.
That all being said, I’m wondering if there are some books out there that tackle the thoughts I’ve been having under the umbrella of depression such as SI, not feeling like I have a purpose, not feeling like my friends (who I never had ever before two years ago) really want me around, and also trauma from the passing of a family member I was close with, among other things. Any book(s) that cover those topics but that also don’t have any sort of agenda like religion and following God (I’m an atheist) and anything spiritual (again, atheist. I know there are some atheists who are spiritual, but I’m not). Basically nothing that isn’t scientifically proven to help in some way.
by Mad_Season_1994
4 Comments
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
San Manuel Bueno, Martyr. – Miguel de Unamuno
(The MC is a Catholic priest who does not believe. It’s a philosophical read).
Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson.
I highly recommend DBT skills training in a group therapy setting in addition to individual therapy.
Book recs:
The DBT Skills Workbook: Practical Exercises for Learning Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, and Distress Tolerance by Matthew McKay, Jeffrey C. Wood and Jeffrey Brantley
Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by Pete Walker
On grief:
It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine