Ambarish Ganesh
Book-hoarder, tea-taster, dosa/momo lover, mountain sheep, okayish caricaturist. Also, I pronounce ‘pronouns’ as pronounce.
8 Books To Fight Depression That Truly Work
Hopelessness is not an uncommon state of mind I’ve had, and I particularly remember this one time when things were extremely non-favorable and my moods were in the dumps. Constant self-pity and anger brimming, I had practically given up on the many opportunities life had to offer back then. Existence continued in the lull until one day this brilliant Zen Pencils comic helped defog my mind. Soon I hit Stephen Fry’s books along with a few others, and these really helped me get a hold of myself and shape better projections of the future.
The month of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, here are some bookish suggestions that I believe will help you conquer your despair-demons the same way they helped me conquer mine.
Good Omens, by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
As far as funny’s concerned, it stands at par with The Hitchhiker’s Guide To Galaxy. Add to it the poignant philosophy that’s wrapped in a whimsical package, this is jetpack for your road-hit spirits.
Shoot The Damn Dog, by Sally Brampton
A bitingly honest portrayal of depression by none other than the glamorous and successful founding editor of Elle magazine. Along with her perspective on the disease, it offers insight on how to spot depression in people and how to help them.
Furiously Happy, by Jenny Lawson
A quirky take on depression and anxiety, this book washes all dirty laundry in public and even brags about it. The author talks about her mental illness in a funny, impactful way.
Hyperbole and a Half, Allie Brosh
With a character that inspired a series of memes, this book has funny observations about the most random things in life. Add to it those hysterical illustrations and your laughter therapy is set.
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, by Jonathan Safran Foer
A 9-year-old boy loses his father in the 9-11 attack on World Trade Centre and discovers a key his father left behind. Little does he know that this key will open doors to his deepest sensibilities and bring closure to his unfortunate personal loss.
It’s Kind Of A Funny Story, by
A teenage boy o the point of suicide discovers hope and a new perspective of himself. A fresh telling of what depression actually does to a person.
How To Be Happy, by
A unique workbook that demands an active participation from the reader to fight anxiety and depression, and also helps find pleasures in little everyday things.
The Happiness Trap, by Russ Harris
You have a feeling that the grass is always greener on the other side and everyone else is happy except for you? Russ breaks that mindset in his amazing BS-free book and asks you to accept yourself as you are, before making yourself better.
