Books and Music
Movies/Videos
Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Books
It can be very difficult to read or concentrate when you are depressed. I did manage to muddle my way through the following books, which I found very helpful.
Attitudes of Gratitude, M.J. Ryan
Eat Pray Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
Faith, by Sharon Saltzberg
Kitchen Table Wisdom, by Naomi Schawrtz
Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle
The Mindful Way Through Depression, Freeing yourself from Chronic Unhappiness, by J. Mark G. Williams, John, D. Teasedale, Zindel V. Segal, Jon Kabat-Zinn
Take the Stress Out of Your Life, by Dr. Jay Winner. Dr. Winner also offers mindfulness and stress management classes through Sansum Clinic in Santa Barbara, CA.
The Untethered Soul, by Michael Singer
When Things Fall Apart, by Pema Chodron
Wherever You Go, There You Are, by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Why Am I Still Depressed?, by Jim Phelps, M.D.
Zen Path Through Depression, by Philip Martin
Articles
The Hidden Blessing of Limitation
Stopping the Worry, Reversing Negative Thinking and Creating Space for Peace and Joy in Your Life.
Books for Family and Friends
Books
Hatfield, A.B., & Lefley, H.P. (1993). Surviving Mental Illness: Stress, Coping, and Adaptation. New York: Guilford.
Marsh, D.T., & Dickens, R. (1997). How to Cope with Mental Illness in Your Family: A Self-Care Guide for Siblings, Offspring and Parents. New York: Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam.
Mondimore, F.M. (1999). Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families. New York: Johns Hopkins University Press.
Mueser, K.T., & Gingerich, S.L. (1994). Coping with Schizophrenia: A Guide for Families. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
Rosen, L.E., & Amador, X.F. (1996). When Someone You Love Is Depressed: How to Help Your Loved One without Losing Yourself. New York: Simon & Schuster.
Music and Audio Books
Here are some songs and audio podcasts that I find are inspiring and help me when I am not feeling well.
- Part of Something Beautiful – Alexi Murdoch
- Closer to Fine – Indigo Girls
- World I Know – Collective Soul
- Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve
- Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles
- Dry the Rain - The Beta Band
- Skating Away - Jethro Tull
- Tree Hugger - Kimya Dawson
- Turn, Turn Turn - The Byrds
Audio Books
Healthy Sleep – Andrew Weil
Oprah and Eckhart Tolle 10 week class “A New Earth Finding your Life’s Purpose.”
Metta Meditation:
This is a set of deep intentions for daily practice to cultivate lovingkindness, or Metta, in ourselves. Place your left hand on your chest and your right hand on your belly, and repeat these phrases to yourself, either silently or quietly, repeating each one slowly a few times. Soon, you will have memorized them. With daily practice, these intentions begin to take root and guide our thoughts and actions.
May I be safe, free from inner and outer harm
May I be happy, joyful and content
May I be healthy, strong and healed
May I love my life exactly the way it is
May I love myself exactly the way I am
May I experience ease of wellbeing