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story archive >> '; document.getElementById('storyimage').src='images/anna100.jpg';">Picture of Anna After bouts of depression during 6th form and at uni, Andy found counselling to be a revelation despite initial scepticism, helping him recognise how earlier experiences had affected him... more > >
"As cheesy as it may seem, reading inspirational writing works. I mean inspirational stories about people who've come through adversity, for example. It's comforting to see how others have gone through the same trials and tribulations and have come into the driving seat of their own lives." Fayola
Students Against Depression
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If you have found reading the info and stories on this website useful then you might enjoy reading books which can provide greater detail or further inspiring stories. This page lists a few recommendations from students and those who have worked with them to tackle depression.
There is good evidence that so-called "bibliotherapy" can be highly effective*. Official book prescription schemes are increasingly available in the NHS, from doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. Many university or college counselling services also lend out useful books alongside counselling. Books can be very useful, but should not usually be seen as a complete alternative to getting professional help from a doctor or counsellor.
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This is an excellent book, filled with clear, un-patronising explanations and abundant good advice.
The first section explains the biology, psychology and sociology of depression in greater detail, with an interesting chapter on how evolution may have shaped our vulnerability to depression. The main part of the book goes into much more detail about depressed thinking habits and how to challenge them in practical, effective ways.
There are also several other helpful titles in this series, including Overcoming Anxiety (by Helen Kennerley)
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A best-selling self-help workbook that takes you step by step through the process of changing your negative thinking. It has a chapter focusing on depression, but is also about challenging unhelpful thinking patterns in general. It has blank "record sheets" to photocopy, such as an activity sheet for recording your activity levels. Very helpful for putting the ideas from this site into practice.
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An excellent book which goes a step beyond challenging unhelpful thinking patterns, describing how to develop positive attitudes and 'superskills' for a more fulfilling life, including good study habits. A useful companion to support your strategies, particularly as you work on practising positive habits.
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An inspirational book about the need for us each to make meaning for our lives. A useful antidote to depression's tendency to rob lives of meaning. From the Amazon synopsis: "Viktor Frankl was uniquely able to observe the way that both he and others in Auschwitz coped (or didn't) with the experience. He noticed that... everything can be taken away from us except the ability to choose our attitude in any given set of circumstances... He came to believe that man's deepest desire is to search for meaning and purpose." (see depression & the meaning of life)
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A classic in the pop psychology self-help genre. Quite simplistic and repetitive, but this book has inspired millions of people and the basic message is worthwhile. Potentially a useful support for challenging some forms of depressed thinking.
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Discusses the links between food and mood in general, much of which is relevant to depression. Clear, succinct explanations and advice about how to use the information in order to make useful practical changes.
There are many other useful Mind Guides. See the other useful websites page for details.
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First published in the 1930s, this classic best-selling self-help book still has useful things to say about building social confidence and social skills.
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An inspiring and practical look at the paradoxes of human relationships - how we strive for independence, yet also feel lonely; desire closeness, but often feel disappointed. Helps to understand and address your own unhelpful patterns in relationships. There is also a companion title called The Intimacy and Solitude Self-therapy Book: developing inner strength, flexibility and choice with hundreds of therapeutic exercises to work on by yourself.
If you have enjoyed reading the real student stories on this site, you may be inspired by other stories of overcoming adversity. Books recommended by student consultants include:
One Child (and others) by Torey Hayden
Finding Fish by Antwone Fisher
A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer
famous names
It can also be inspiring to learn more about some of the famous or well-known people who have been affected by depression. Why not look up details of those you are interested in?