self help book for depression

[zookeeper]

Can anyone please recommend a self help book for dealing with depression. My ex dp has been dogged with depression for much of his life and it is threatening to overwhelm him. He says he feels completely alienated from people and alone. He is drinking too much I suspect (another issue!) which doesn't help. His home is verging on filthy and he doesn't eat well

I want to help him without getting too involved - he is so lethargic and just doesn't seem to have any energy or enthusiasm for anything. Underneath it all he is a gentle sweet person. He has our dcs to stay with him every other weekend and they have started to notice he is not well; hence my concern. He does care for them reasonably well and I check on them when they are with him and with him to see if he is coping.
Please help

[Foxinsocks]

Mind Over Mood is good (just google it as there might be a specific one for depression but it's an interesting self help book)

[zookeeper]

thank you foxinsocks

[joanofarchitrave]

Manage your Mind is supposed to be good - doctors recommend it etc.

DH has found mindfulness meditation really useful - got the first course on the NHS.

[Foxinsocks]

I'd recommend you reading it too. It's really interesting for those who don't suffer from depression but are close to someone who does. It's an A4 size book and has some exercises for him to do.

[redheadsunited]

Dr Caire Weekes- Self help for your nerves - it was written in 1962 so some of the language is a bit old fashioned (eg using the term nervous breakdown to describe a clinical depression and a slight focus on sedation), however, if you can get by this it is without a doubt the best book I have ever read in terms of my depression. I only wish I had of had the energy to read it when I was ill. It describes perfectly EVERY symptom of depression and why each horrid symptom occurs It made me realise that I was not actually going insane (which sadly i often feared) and that it was simply an illness that had to be treated gently and effectively. I honestly cannot recommend it highly enough, it has given me a wonderful insight into my illness and definitely strengthened my full recovery. It is available on Amazon.
HTH

[NannyPlumIsMyMum]

I strongly recommend The Mindful Way Through Depression by Williams .
Please look at the reviews on Amazon .
My DH's counsellor recommended it . It's brilliant .

[Pancakeflipper]

I second Redheadsunited suggestion of reading Dr Claire Weekes. I have used this several times through work. It is a little old fashioned but it is short, concise which helps when your brain is whirring around. It is reassuring and makes the sufferer realise that they are not alone, this is a condition and they can get help and help themselves.