Thousands of members of MyDepressionTeam connect with one another and read each other's stories to gain perspective and validation about living with depression. Another way to discover how to live better with depression is through books written by people who have experienced it. We combed through member book recommendations and collected a list of the most popular.

1. Rainbows, the Coolest Book About Beating Depression by Buddy Valentine
A unique, candid, and zany self-help book, written by someone actually living with depression. With over 100 practical and easy tips categorized by color—pink is for food and exercise, purple is for pets and helping others, and brown is for coffee and chocolate—it is clear why this is one of the most top-rated and revolutionary pieces of advice for people living with mental illness.

2. The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time by Alex Korb PhD
This no-nonsense explanation of the neuroscience of depression reveals that, while there is no simple cure to depression, there are countless biologically proven ways to reverse that downhill spiral.

3. How to Be Happy (Or at Least Less Sad): A Creative Workbook by Lee Crutchley
This engaging and enlightening creative workbook for people living with mental illness will make you feel more self-aware of your psyche, if not a twinge happier.

4. Depression & Other Magic Tricks by Sabrina Benaim
Famous performer of the poem "Explaining My Depression to My Mother," talks love and loss, successes and failures, and mental health in this memoir.

Check out some book recommendations and favorites from members of MyDepressionTeam:

"I'll happily read your book when it is done."

"Went to an AA meeting, spent 90 minutes talking with my new sponsor and read my chapter on the big book. Feels good."

"After many good days, I started feeling down when I heard a song that stirred up sadness. I guess it was a trigger but I've been reading many self-help books and YouTube videos which state to let the feeling be and it will pass."

What book about depression do wish you knew about when you were first diagnosed? Share in the comments below!