Depression and coping

Depression is more than just feeling sad—it’s a condition that affects how you think, feel, and handle daily life. It can make even simple tasks feel exhausting, take the joy out of things you used to love, and leave you feeling stuck in a cycle of hopelessness. It’s not just “in your head” or something you can snap out of—it’s a real struggle that can happen to anyone. The good news is that with the right support, whether through therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication, it is treatable, and you don’t have to go through it alone.

The feeling good handbook

David D. Burns, MD

Summary: The Feeling Good Handbook by Dr. David D. Burns is a self-help guide based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. It provides practical exercises to help readers overcome depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and relationship difficulties. 

Why we like it: it has actionable strategies, is empowering & self-directed, and effective for many issues. It is written in accessible terms and is not filled with jargon.

The cognitive-behavioral workbook for depression

William Knaus, EdD

Summary: through a series of worksheets and exercises, you will learn the basics of how to cope with depression, how to prevent relapses, and tips to begin your depression recovery one manageable step at a time.

Why we like it: it uses clinically proven CBT techniques with structured exercises to challenge negative thinking and improve mood.

The mindful way through depression

Williams, Teasdale, Segal and Kabat-Zinn

Summary: The book explains how negative thought patterns contribute to depression and teaches mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) techniques to develop awareness, acceptance, and emotional resilience.

Why we like it: it is evidence-based, accessible to read, non judgmental and compassionate, and has practical exercises.

The hilarious world of depression

Hosted by John Moe

Summary: The Hilarious World of Depression is a series of frank, moving, and funny conversations with celebrities and comedians who have dealt with this disease. Every interview includes learn how the person has dealt with depression and managed to laugh along the way. “One part comedy, one part therapy.”

Why we like it: this award winning podcast is relatable and validating- putting various celebrities in the spotlight to share their stories of both hope and sadness- mixed with wonderful heart-warming comedic moments.

We do not receive any compensation, commissions, or financial incentives for the recommendations provided. All resources and suggestions are shared solely based on their quality, credibility, and potential benefit, without any outside financial or biased influence.