Low mood, depression
These pages offer lists of recommended resources on various themes, including books, websites, apps and more. They have been put together by members of the counselling service team: we hope they offer some useful suggestions. We have included a range of resources and, inevitably, you may find that some things are more helpful than others. Feedback is always welcome; the pages are updated on a regular basis.
A note on language: Sections are organised by theme to help you find your way to resources relevant to you. We recognise that there are many ways to describe and categorise mental health and emotional difficulties, identity and lived experience. As such, these themes are by no means definitive or exhaustive. We encourage you to explore the material here in order to find out what fits for you.
The University is not responsible for the content displayed on external links. We recommend that you seek advice from your GP if you have concerns about your mental health, or if you are experiencing a crisis please refer to our student help page for urgent support.
Read
Books
Overcoming Depression - Paul Gilbert (Bodleian e:book available)
Feeling Good - David Burns
Real Self Care - Dr Pooja Lakshmin
Managing Depression - David Westbrook
The Mindful Way Through Depression: Free Yourself From Chronic Unhappiness - Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal and Jon Kabat-Zinn (Bodleian e:book available)
The Mindfulness & Acceptance Workbook for Depression - Kirk D Strosahl & Patricia J Robinson (Bodleian e:book available)
The Happiness Trap - Russ Harris (Bodleian e:book available)
Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression, and the Unexpected Solutions – Johann Hari
Websites
HealthTalk – Depression and Low Mood (Young People)
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) for depression and suicide prevention among men
I had a Black Dog (video)
The Compassionate Mind Foundation
Wellbeing Podcasts (Mental Health Foundation)
Togetherall support network for emotional health
The Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Association
Watch
Nature. Beauty. Gratitude - Louie Schwartzberg
Inside out – 2015, a light-hearted Disney film to understand the beauty of emotions, even sadness
Learn and connect
Workshops
Workshops and Groups - University of Oxford
- Low Mood Group
- An Introduction To Mindfulness
- Managing Depression & Low Mood
- Balance Your Thinking
Oxfordshire Recovery College - runs free courses on a variety of topics including understanding depression and self compassion skills