Depressive Illness – The curse of the strong Dr Tim Cantopher (Sheldon Press)

Dr Cantopher argues that depression is a physical illness in the same way that measles or pneumonia are illnesses. He explains what is happening in your body to cause this debilitating condition, outlines some of the principles of psychiatric theory and points the way to recovery and staying well.

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You Can Beat Depression A Guide to Prevention and Recovery by Dr John Preston (Impact Publishers)

This self help guide talks about the different types of depression, helps the reader to look at his/her own condition and how to use proven self-help procedures.

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Understanding Depression by Dr Kwame McKenzie and Philip Wilson (Family Doctor Series)

The authors describe the illness of depression and examine some of its causes and treatments. The book contains some ideas about how you can help yourself as well as how family and friends can help.

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Taming the Black Dog by Patrick Elverton, (Howtobooks)  

Winston Churchill called his depression the Black Dog. This self-help manual offers a formula for winning the battle with the black dog. It is for those for whom depression arises from the impact of exceptional circumstances such as childbirth and menopause, commercial and professional failure, accident, grief, divorce or debt as well as for those more permanent "owners of the Black Dog".

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How to Lift Depression….Fast (The Human Givens Approach) by Joe Griffin (Human Givens Publishing)

This book describes how you get depression and why it is so exhausting. It offers clear guidelines on how to get out of depression. One reviewer described the ideas presented here as going beyond the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approach.

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Malignant Sadness: The Anatomy of Depression by Lewis Wolpert (Faber and Faber)

A professor of biology, the author has experienced depression. The book looks at psychological explanations but offers no quick-fix, rather an overview of the illness and therapy alternatives.

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Sunbathing in the Rain by Gwyneth Lewis, (Flamingo)

This book points out that though there is no quick and easy solution to depression, time and acceptance can ease the illness. The author suggests that depression may be from the subconscious ‘frantically trying to tell you something’.

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Beat Depression with Self Help Techniques by Andrew Vass (Apex)

This book illustrates that, by using a range of self-counselling techniques to explore our inner world of thoughts and feelings, it is possible to overcome our problems and move on. This book adapts techniques from a variety of therapies and ideas including Person Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Sports Therapy, and Stoic Philosophy.

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Overcoming Depression and Low Mood: A Five Areas Approach by Dr Chris Williams, Hodder Arnold

Fully updated and based on extensive feedback, this book is a series of short self-help workbooks for use by people experiencing low mood and depression. The workbooks use the Five Areas Approach to provide a practical and effective way of improving how you feel.

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The Feeling Good Handbook by David D. Burns, MD. published by Plume Book and Feeling Good, The New Mood Therapy published by Avon Books 

Powerful congnitive therapy techniques and step-by-step exercises that help you cope with depression and day to day problems. Step-by-step exercises help you cope with a variety of everyday problems.

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Mind Over Mood: Cognitive Treatment Therapy Manual for Clients by Christina Padesky and Dennis Greenberger, Guildford Press;

This book helps the reader learn to challenge the negative thought processes which exist around depression. It includes photocopiable worksheets and examples of how the techniques worked for other people.

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Overcoming Depression by Paul Gilbert, Constable and Robinson

This book provides practical ideas based on Cognitive Therapy techniques to gain control over depression and low mood for those affected by depression as well as carers and health professionals.

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Overcoming Panic by Derrick Silove and Vijaya Manicavasagar (Constable and Robinson)

A complete course to help the reader beat panic attacks and the stresses they cause. The author, who has both researched and taught self-help techniques, describes clinically-proven therapy techniques.

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Overcoming Anxiety by Helen Kennerley (Constable and Robinson)

A guide explaining how to overcome problem fears and anxieties of all kinds - from panic attacks and phobias to executive "burn out" - in order to regain confidence and self control. A step-by-step self-help plan is included.

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The Worry Cure by Robert Leahy (Piatkus Books)

A useful self-help book that helps tackle severe worry and tension

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The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne (New Harbinger Publications)

A practical guide offering help to anyone who is struggling with panic attacks, agoraphobia, social fears, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviours, or other anxiety disorders. Step-by-step guidelines, questionnaires, and exercises will help you learn skills and make lifestyle changes.

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Writing to Heal by James Pennbaker (New Harbinger Publications)

This book helps readers translate their traumatic, emotionally disturbing experiences into powerful writing through guided journal writing exercises

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Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life: The New Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by Stephen Hayes (New Harbinger Publications)

This book features step-by step mindfulness and acceptance exercises for effective relief from emotional pain. This book explains acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), through step-by-step exercises that readers can use to get relief from emotional pain. Written by ACT's founding theorist, the programme in this book can help someone cope with a range of problems, from anxiety to depression, eating disorders to poor self-esteem.

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The Mental Health Handbook: The Complete Guide to Treatment Care and Resources by Tony Drew and Madeleine King (Piatkus)

Comprehensive information and advice on different forms of mental illness and their treatments including professional help, help in a crisis, help for carers and employment and training.

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How You Can Survive When They’re Depressed by Anne Sheffield, Crown Publications  

Each year hundreds of thousands of people are affected by a depressive illness, yet it doesn't just affect them. This book explores depression from the perspective of the people who are closest to those suffering from this disorder.

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Caring for Someone with Depression is by Toni Battison. Age Concern Books

The book looks at what depression is, and particularly how it affects older people, the caring role, maximising good health and sources of support.

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The Natural Way to Beat Depression: The Groundbreaking Discovery of EPA to Successfully Conquer Depression by Basant Puri

Information about Omega 3s and how they can help some people with depression

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Potatoes Not Prozac by Kathleen DesMaisons

For many who suffer mood swings or depression, or who frequently feel bloated or exhausted, the problem may lie with their body chemistry. This is a nutritional plan designed to maintain the correct balance between seratonin, beta-endorphin and blood sugar.

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