Further Reading

As our book is part memoir, part how-to, we wanted, rather than have a long list of detailed self-help guides and academic text books, to include similar-ish books to ours that we have read and feel are of benefit to readers…

We Need to Talk: A Straight-Talking Guide to Raising Resilient Teens by Ian Williamson (Vermilion, 2017)

If you’ve got teens in the house, you need to talk to them regularly (and then some). This book takes you through the conversations you should have with them (and I should have had with Michael before it all went horribly wrong).

Depressive Illness: The Curse of the Strong (3rd Edition): Volume 3 (Overcoming Common Problems) by Dr Tim Cantopher (Sheldon Press, 2012)

This is a useful starter book – sufferers and parents will benefit from it – as it gives you a really good overview of depression and what it’s all about. ‘No one’s to blame’ is the right place to begin.

The Recovery Letters edited by James Withey and Olivia Sagan (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2017)

Letters written by those who have experienced depression (and come out the other side) to those who are currently suffering. Powerful and moving but, best of all, full of advice and hope for the future. Inspirational at times.

Overcoming Depression: A Self-Help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques by Paul Gilbert (Robinson, 2009)

Michael’s a big fan of CBT and this book takes you through it step by step.

Shoot the Damn Dog: A Memoir of Depression by Sally Brampton (Bloomsbury Publishing, 2009)

Raw, honest, painful, hard to read at times – but you will come out the other side with a better understanding of depression and how to manage it.

Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig (Canongate Books, 2015)

A well-deserved best-seller, and described as ‘an instant classic’ by The Guardian. Frank, funny – it ticks all the boxes. You must read this, whether you’re experiencing depression or have a loved one who is.

Boys Don’t Cry: Why I Hid My Depression and Why Men Need to Talk about Their Mental Health by Tim Grayburn (Hodder & Stoughton, 2017)

Depression, anxiety and men – not a great mix. Things are getting better in terms of mental health becoming more understood by the general public. In our experience, women and gay men and transgender folk are more tuned in than straight white men, especially older ones. This is a book that should be read by everyone, especially (white, straight, middle-aged) men.

Anxiety: Panicking about Panic: A Powerful, Self-Help Guide for Those Suffering from an Anxiety or Panic Disorder by Joshua Fletcher (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2014)

Joshua lived with anxiety disorder for years – who better to tell you what it’s all about and how to deal with it? Some very strong advice to follow.

We’re All Mad Here: The No-Nonsense Guide to Living with Social Anxiety by Claire Eastham (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016)

This is a brilliant book – Claire has long personal experience of social anxiety, what she calls ‘a crafty shapeshifter’ – and really nails the different ways of handling it. We love this book.

Beating Eating Disorders Step by Step: A Self-Help Guide for Recovery by Anna Paterson (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2008)

Another self-help guide written by someone with her own experience to draw on and who has mixed personal commentary with how-to guidance. Parents and loved ones will find it helpful too.

Mad Girl by Bryony Gordon (Headline, 2016)

Depression, OCD – we love the honesty and the writing, so funny at times. It’s a book I keep coming back to reread favourite bits (even for those who don’t suffer from OCD, it’s a great read).

The Mind Workout: Twenty Steps to Improve Your Mental Health and Take Charge of Your Life by Mark Freeman (Piatkus, 2017)

This book mixes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other therapies to offer 20 ways to get your mind thinking positively. Practical, informative and funny in places as well.

Dear Michael, Love Dad by Iain Maitland (Hodder, 2016)

The book that started it all for us – Michael’s story, from my viewpoint, from 2007 up to 2012 (and a little bit beyond). It would be impolite to praise this, so we’ll leave it to others. ‘Wonderful, moving, humorous…extremely poignant’, Charlie Mortimer, Dear Lupin. ‘This is a wonderfully entertaining and moving book, with lessons for every parent’, Daily Mail.