The Best Depression Workbooks

If you are depressed, you know the pain of sadness, loneliness, hopelessness, guilt, helplessness, and/or isolation. Therapy and/or medication are certainly good tools for coping with depression. However, there are some great depression workbooks you may want to use in conjunction with therapy and/or medication or even by themselves in order to help you learn how to cope and live with depression.

The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Depression:The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Depression by William J. Knaus, ED.D. is one of the best workbooks you may utilize for learning to cope with depression. This workbook details the causes of depression, the types of this condition (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder, Postpartum Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder), and the difference between depression and sadness. This book also includes a depression inventory, teaches you gratitude techniques, teaches you how to recognize depressive thinking (I.e., cognitive distortions), and teaches you how to use logic to defeat this type of thinking. You will also learn how to recognize and defeat depressive beliefs, how to combat hopelessness thoughts, how to tolerate frustration, how to utilize relaxation techniques, how to cope with emotional stress such as panic and guilt, and much more from this book.

Of course, there are examples and plenty of exercises you can utilize to practice what you are learning while working through this book. You may purchase this book at Amazon for approximately $16.

The Depression Workbook: A Guide for Living with Depression and Manic Depression:The Depression Workbook by Mary Ellen Copeland is a workbook that may be especially helpful for individuals who are newly diagnosed with depression or Bipolar Disorder (formerly known as Manic Depression). This book details the symptoms of depression and Bipolar Disorder, explains the possible causes for these conditions, and helps you learn how to take responsibility for your own mental wellness. Additionally, you will learn how to use mood charts to track your mood, how to develop a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), how to find mental health professionals who can help with your condition, and how to utilize relaxation, exercise, and diet to improve your mood.

Of course, this workbook offers you plenty of exercises where you can practice the skills you've learned. You may purchase this book from Amazon for approximately $16.50.

The Mindfulness & Acceptance Workbook for Depression: Using Acceptance & Commitment Therapy to Move Through Depression & Create a Life Worth Living: Another great workbook for individuals suffering from depression is The Mindfulness & Acceptance Workbook for Depression. This workbook takes a different approach than many other books on depression in that it helps you understand the reason you might be feeling depressed. In other words, depression may be a symptom of another problem going on in your life.

This book will also help you accept what you are unable to change, identify your values, create a life plan and vision, and become mindful. Finally, you will learn how to make and keep commitments and how to accept and give support. You may purchase The Mindfulness & Acceptance Workbook for Depression at Borders or on the Borders website for approximately $22.

The Depression Solutions Workbook:The Depression Solution Workbook takes a unique approach to helping individuals overcome depression as the book utilizes cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing whereas most workbooks only utilize one type of therapy exercises in helping individuals overcome this condition. This book details the symptoms of and risk factors for depression as well as protective factors for the condition. In addition, you will learn how to recognize exceptions to depression, such as remembering moments when you are happy. You will also explore the advantages and disadvantages of depression as well as the advantages and disadvantages of changing.

You will also learn how to identify your depression triggers, such as disappointing or painful social experiences, feelings, and thoughts, how to examine and change your thoughts, and how to cope with interpersonal stress. The Depression Solutions Workbook may be purchased through Barnes & Noble or on the retailer's website for approximately $19.

Depressed & Anxious: The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Workbook for Overcoming Depression & Anxiety: Depressed & Anxious by Thomas Marr, Ph.D. utilizes the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) approach to help individuals overcome their depression and anxiety. First, you will learn about DBT as well as the different types of depression and anxiety disorders from which a person may suffer. With this book, you will learn core DBT principles and skills such as mindfulness skills, how to regulate your emotions, and how to tolerate stress. Coping skills and how you can treat specific symptoms are also discussed.

You may purchase Depressed & Anxious: The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Workbook for Overcoming Depression & Anxiety at Borders or the retailer's website for approximately $22.

If you feel depressed or have an official diagnosis of depression, these workbooks may help you learn how to cope with your feelings and live a more fulfilled, happier life.

Sources:

Amazon: The Depression Workbook: A Guide for Living with Depression and Manic Depression:
http://www.amazon.com/Depression-Workbook-Guide-Living-Second/dp/157224268X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1288395812&sr=8-1#_

Borders: The Mindfulness & Acceptance Workbook for Depression: Using Acceptance & Commitment Therapy to Move Through Depression & Create A Life Worth Living:
http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=1572245484

Barnes & Noble: The Depression Solutions Workbook: A Strengths And Skills-Based Approach:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Depression-Solutions-Workbook/Jacqueline-Corcoran/e/9781572245785/?itm=1&USRI=The+Depression+Solutions+Workbook

Amazon: The Depression Solutions Workbook: A Strengths and Skills-Based Approach:
http://www.amazon.com/Depression-Solutions-Workbook-Skills-Based-Harbinger/dp/1572245786/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1288395812&sr=8-4#_

Borders: Depressed & Anxious: The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Workbook for Overcoming Depression & Anxiety:
http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=1572243635