8 Depression Blogs That Provide Support—And Some Other Media Too

If you're struggling with depression, it's easy to feel like you're all alone. Your family and friends might not understand exactly what you're going through. And it can be easy to not know exactly where to turn, making a frustrating and emotional situation even harder. Thankfully, with the internet at your fingertips, it's much easier to find the support you need while you work on overcoming your depression. There are many blogs, books, and podcasts addressing the topic of depression that you can benefit from.

Finding the right one can help you feel understood while also helping you discover valuable tips you can use as you work towards overcoming your depression.

Best Depression Blogs

We've covered a range of blogs here. Some are from professional organizations and others are from people who have dealt with depression themselves. This will give you a good selection to get both professional opinions, read about personal experiences, and receive advice.

1. NAMI Blog

NAMI stands for National Alliance on Mental Illness. This is a nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to support those that are struggling with mental illnesses like depression, educate the public, and put an end to the stigma surrounding mental health.

This blog is full of useful information. There are posts to help you understand what depression is and how to recognize it, along with how to get help. There are posts about media and depression, tips for improving relationships, tips for living with depression, and just about anything else you can imagine.

You can find the blog at: https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog

2. Time To Change

The Time to Change blog is working to put an end to the discrimination that those with mental health challenges face. There are blog posts written by individuals that have personal experience living with depression.

Reading through these blog posts can go a long way in helping you to know that there are others that are going through what you are. Sometimes just knowing that you aren't alone and you aren't the only person who has problems can help.

Read the blog: https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/

3. Wings Of Madness

This blog has been around for more than twenty years. It's a great resource for both those that are living with depression and those that love someone who is struggling. You can find out about the latest treatment options, as well as learning important tips that you can use as you seek help or help a loved one to get the help that they need.

Visit the blog at: https://www.wingofmadness.com/

4. Blurt

As soon as you arrive at the website for Blurt, you see the words "Increasing Awareness and Understanding of Depression." This blog is all about peer support. The writers want you to know that other people understand what you're going through. They work to help educate people with depression so they have the tools they need to work towards recovery.

Find the blog at: https://www.blurtitout.org/blog/

5. OC87 Recovery Diaries

This is a great way to see that you aren't alone and to find out what has worked for others as they work (or worked) to overcome depression. There are recovery stories here from people who have overcome all types of mental health conditions.

Read recovery stories at: https://oc87recoverydiaries.org/

6. Anxiety And Depression Association Of America

This association is working to spread education and support those with anxiety and/or depression. This is a great resource for where to go when you need help.

Check out the ADAA blog at: https://adaa.org/blog

7.     Depression Marathon

This blog was created by a runner who struggles with depression. The blog has won multiple awards for being one of the best depression blogs out there.

Check it out at: https://depressionmarathon.blogspot.com

8.    Patrice M. Foster

If you are a parent dealing with a child who is struggling with anxiety and/or depression, this is a great resource for you. There are plenty of articles on how to help and support your child and what you need to know to have a better understanding. Childhood and teen depression are on the rise, and this blog is working to provide parents with the support that they need.

Read the blog: https://patricemfoster.com/blog

Books For Depression

If you prefer reading longer books to shorter blog posts, there are some great books on depression that may offer you support and help you through your struggles. There are books for both those that are diagnosed with depression, those that are trying to understand depression, and those trying to support others that are struggling with it.

1. The Depression Cure: The 6 Step Program To Beat Depression Without Drugs

In his book, Steven Ilardi discusses his theory on why we are seeing more depression in the modern age than there was in past generations, as well as why depression seems to be a first world country disorder. Based on his findings, he has discovered six areas that we need to focus on more to naturally overcome depression:

• Brain Food

• Don't Think, Do

• Antidepressant Exercise

• Let There Be Light

• Get Connected

• Habits of Healthy Sleep

His program has high success rates and has been found to even help people that have struggled to find relief through other forms of more traditional treatment.

2. The Upward Spiral

Dr. Alex Korb wrote this book to teach others about the neuroscience behind depression that causes people to move on a downward spiral. 

3. Hardcore Self Help: F**k Depression

If you usually don't care for self-help books, then you might want to check out this read by Dr. Robert Duff. In this book, he talks to you as a friend and not a doctor. He uses plain language instead of medical jargon to tell you why your brain is struggling, what you can do to change it, and why people suck so much when trying to support you.

4. The Mindful Way Through Depression: Freeing Yourself From Chronic Unhappiness

This book was written by four mental health professionals who explain why people often become more depressed instead of better when they try to think their way out of being depressed, as well as why you can't just snap out of it when you try. 

Podcasts For Depression

If podcasts are more your jam, there are some great podcasts on depression and mental health that you should check out.

1. The Hilarious World Of Depression

This podcast is hosted by comedian John Moe. Depression is a serious problem in the world, including the world of comedians. He interviews other comedians that have dealt with depression in their lives to provide insight to other people and to let people know they are not alone. And being hosted by a comedian with comedian guests, you may just find yourself laughing as you listen, which is a good thing when fighting depression.

2. The Brain Warrior's Way

This podcast is hosted by Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen. They work to explain the neuroscience behind things like depression, anxiety, ADHD, memory loss, love, and more. Their show also provides valuable tips that you can use to overcome depression in your life.

3. The Hardcore Self Help Project

If this sounds familiar, it's because the host is the same guy that wrote the book above. He brings his no b.s. help to audio. He has the knowledge and expertise from his professional career as a psychologist but is also a "regular dude that wants to help." You can find episodes on a variety of topics surrounding the world of depression and mental health.

One Final Note

If you are struggling with symptoms of depression, it can help to learn more about the disorder and hear encouraging stories from others through depression blogs, books, and podcast. However, that alone might not be enough to really give you the help that you need. These media formats can be great to use along with traditional forms of treatment, such as medication and therapy.

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can be a very effective way to work through depression. CBT can be done online, and it involves seeking out your negative thoughts and replacing them with more positive ones. Research has shown that online CBT is just as effective as that done in person. 

If you are struggling, reach out to a therapist to talk about your experiences and get the help that you need. Meet with a local therapist or check out BetterHelp. At BetterHelp, our licensed therapists are affordable and extremely convenient. You don't need to worry about going out to an office. Just sign on wherever you have an internet connection. If you need support to work through your depression, reach out for help.