Finding Books about Depression for Young Adults
Before jumping at recommendations for books about depression in young adults, it is critical to first look at what the cause of depression is. Instead of recommending ten books, I am going to help you get the best out of your internet search for the perfect book.
If a young lover has just been dumped by their long term crush, they will need very different advice, inspiration and motivation from a book - than someone suffering depression because they also have the challenge of being neurodivergent.
It will be very different again for someone who has suffered childhood abuse, dealing with gender issues, grieving, or dealing with the confines of strictly religious societies. The causes of depression are endless.
Each individual also needs a different approach and has different values, backgrounds, and culture. There are many types of help for depression, including:
Mindfulness & Meditation
CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Hypnotherapy - self hypnotherapy in books
Tapping - a form of physical pattern interrupt
Educational & Awareness - what depression is about
Emotional Intelligence & Emotional Awareness
Affirmations, Self Talk, & Self Love
Inspirational and Motivational
There is a great deal to think about before buying a book recommendation you see on TikTok. What someone reviewed as five star, may or may not be the perfect book for you. It may be perfect for a second or third read from where you are now. If you read some books too soon, it can be like trying to climb up a ladder by skipping the rungs. It makes it hard work, or feel as if you cannot achieve what you set out to do.
Never give up searching for the perfect book. It is out there.
As a young adult looking for a book, jot down some notes about your own circumstances, and use longer keywords such as 'books about depression for young adults with ADHD' or 'books about childhood trauma and healing' or 'books about managing depression through university'. think deeply about what you are searching for.
Book vs Books is another thing to experiment with in keywords. Many 'promotional sites' will put lots of 'books' on a website to reach up the rankings, plus sites like Amazon, will be favored when searching for books but by changing the word to book you can often find a direct author website and learn more about the background of their book before choosing to buy. Their book may also be available on a different platform to the ones you were searching on.
BRAIN UNCHAINED
I have also written a self-help book about depression for young adults, which focuses more on emotional dysregulation, neurodiversity, and learning to manage your own emotions by understanding how your emotional cycle works. It provides bitesize learning, with places to fill out your own reflections on your emotional cycle, your barriers, and your goals.
Often self-help books will provide specific advice that is relevant to you, especially when you know the root cause - but don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. There is no shame. Sometimes there is a hidden underlying cause to depression that takes time to discover and work on. Many people are now being late diagnosed as neurodivergent, after years of stress, anxiety and depression went undiagnosed.
The fact that your are even searching for books about depression in young adults is a promising sign that you will find what you need.