Buddhist Practices for Overcoming Depression

While many mental health books rely on secular mindfulness, Buddhist Practices for Overcoming Depression offers something fuller: a healing path grounded in the broader landscape of Buddhist wisdom. Drawing on early Buddhist psychology, the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, and contemporary self-compassion research, Tim Desmond shows how depression grows from patterns of self-criticism, shame, and learned helplessness, as well as how these patterns can be transformed with clarity and tenderness. Each short chapter offers a concrete practice, from recognizing the energy of difficult emotions in the body to cultivating the small joys and connections that strengthen resilience. Interwoven with teachings on loving-awareness, impermanence, and nurturing wholesome mental formations, the book supports a shift in how readers hold themselves and their experience. For anyone seeking depression recovery through authentic Buddhist practice—not just Buddhist-flavored therapy—this is a rare and hopeful resource.