What's a good book for a man dealling with depression?

Question

My boyfriend is dealing with some deep depression...he doesn't think he's worth very much and is always putting himself down somehow. It's very frustrating for me to see him struggling with his own personal demons, whatever they may be. I worry about him. He wants to change tho and I want to help him. Are there any books out there that can help him deal with his issues, maybe even ones that deal directly with men and depression, specifically "macho" type men who don't like to show their feelings?

We've been together for over 4 years and things are just starting to surface in regards to his depression. In no way is he controlling or ever have been, just something that happened to him early in his life that he quite doesn't know how to deal with and thinks it's best not to say anything, to just bury it deeper and hope it goes away. I've suggested he talk to a professional but he doesn't believe they can help him. I thought I could a step could be by giving him a book that we can both read and perhaps help and understand what he's going through....them maybe he would see someone to talk to.

Answer 1

Be careful of this guy. Usually men with low self esteems become controlling one way or another.
You should take him to a doctor and forget the books.

Answer 2

I would like to suggest an old book that came out in the 1950's (it was a best seller) and a magazine which is put out by the foundation established in the name of its author. The book was first published in 1952 and stayed a best seller for 188 weeks. It is still available:

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale; "The Power of Positive Thinking"; Ballantine Books, Reissue edition, Aug. 1, 1996
ISBN-0-449-91147-0
The magazine, Positive Thinking Magazine, Is available by going to:
www.positivethinkingmagazine.com

I suggest this book and magazine not because they deal specifically with depression but because they provide a mind-training way to solve the prime cause of depression which is negativity It is religiously oriented I might add, but not fundamentalist religion, so if you have a problem with religion it may not help you. But certainly positive thinking will help..

Good luck with your positive attitudes, good mental health, peace and Love!

Answer 3

Depression is a very serious condition with potentially very serious consequences. Of course, you probably know this. Books can be entertaining, but they will not cut it.

If the chemicals in your gut get out of whack, you can develop digestive problems. This is a medical problem. If your liver enzymes get out of whack, you may have cirrhosis. This is a medical problem. If the chemicals in your brain get out of whack, you may develop depression. This is a medical problem. It is not a sign of weakness or failure. We know these things. We are not in the Middle Ages.

Sometimes, thought and behavior modification will be enough to treat depression (yes, I'm talking about psychotherapy). Other times, medication can help. Sometimes, both are needed.

Strongly encourage him to see a doctor. If that doctor doesn't help (give him or her a fair chance though; it may take months to make real progress), see another doctor. And so on.

Being supportive can be crucial. It can also be a thankless and frustrating task. Be prepared for this. Your support is important even if that fact isn't communicated to you.

Answer 4

Give him these ideas:
Here are some good ideas:
1. Do something that gets your heart rate up a bit like, walking, running, biking, and swimming.
2. Eat Whole, Organic foods like: Broccoli, Cabbage, Organic Brown Rice, Beans, Spinach, Sweet Potato, Apples, and other fruits and vegetables in their Natural State.
3. Avoid eating corn, white bread, white rice, white potatoes, candy, sodas, chips, and anything else that you already know you shouldn’t be eating.
4. Drink clean water as your beverage of choice. Avoid Fruit drinks and fruit juices (unless YOU juice them yourself)
5. Stop smoking, drinking beer & wine, and drinking coffee.
6. Get 8 hours of sleep each night.
7. Hang out with people who want to be healthy.
8. Avoid anything with High Fructose Corn Syrup.

Tone up the muscles:

1. Join a gym and get a trainer.
2. If you’re short on cash, start a light stretching & yoga regimen.
3. Do push-ups, and light dumbbell curls for the upper body.
4. As I said above, walk, run, swim, and or bike
5. Take an aerobics class, a yoga class, or some other fitness class.
6. Join the local YMCA.
7. Buy or borrow this book by Bill Pearl called GETTING STRONGER. http://www.billpearl.com
In the book, he describes everything you need for a great fitness plan.
8. Compare your fitness scores to other people by clicking on the President’s Challenge Brochure link here: http://www.presidentschallenge.org/misc/downloads.aspx


Mental Health:

1. Get a friend to talk to each day about your feelings.
2. If you have some money or insurance, get a counselor to talk to.
3. Learn how to meditate.
4. Join a support group for the issue you’re dealing with.
5. Ask your Higher Self (or God) for guidance.
6. Start keeping a diary or journal about your feelings & thoughts.
7. Write a ‘gratitude’ list every night.
8. Do something that makes you happy each day like: listen to your favorite music, draw, paint, write, or anything creative.
9. Do something for someone else who needs help.
10. If the above suggestions don't improve your mental health, talk with your therapist about the possibility of taking some medication.

Take care of yourself

Yam King

Answer 5

a good book in general is "Tuesdays with Morrie" its not really about depression but its a good book about whats important in life. (it might help..?)

Answer 6

i was gonna say tuesday`s with morrie but someone beat me to it. glad to c that we have the same great book idea