Wilson, who has lived with anxiety for most of her life, argues for befriending it rather than fighting it, mixing her own story with research and conversations with others. Not every reader will agree with her conclusions, but it is candid and reassuring. Rated 4 on Audible.

Brewer, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, explains how anxiety feeds itself through habit loops and teaches mindfulness-based ways to interrupt them. It is practical and science-based, and he reads it himself. Rated 5 on Audible.

Boyes, a psychologist, offers practical strategies for common anxiety traps such as overthinking, avoidance and perfectionism. At under five hours, it is a short, hands-on listen.

Stossel, a magazine editor who has lived with severe anxiety, combines his own story with the history, science and treatment of the condition. It is long and thorough, and often funny despite the subject.

The Nagoski sisters explain the stress cycle and how to actually finish it, with advice on rest, movement and connection. It is aimed at women under constant pressure, but anyone running on empty will find something useful. Rated 5 on Audible.

Smith, a clinical psychologist, offers short, practical tools for low mood, anxiety, motivation and self-doubt in a friendly, easy style. It is easy to take in a little at a time, and she reads it herself. Rated 4 on Audible.

Maté draws on case studies and research to argue that long-term stress and suppressed emotion can contribute to illness. Some of his claims are debated, but it is a thoughtful look at the link between mind and body. Rated 5 on Audible.

Mayer, a gastroenterologist, explains how gut bacteria and the brain communicate and how that connects to mood, stress and anxiety. It also covers diet, in a clear, science-based way.

A classic of cognitive behavioral therapy, in which Burns, a psychiatrist, shows how distorted thinking feeds depression and how to challenge it. It comes with exercises you can try as you listen. Rated 5 on Audible.

Hari argues that depression and anxiety have causes beyond brain chemistry, such as loneliness, a lack of meaning and stressful work, and looks at ways to address them. His claims are debated, but the book is widely read and thought-provoking. Rated 5 on Audible.

Styron’s short, famous account of his own severe depression describes what it felt like from the inside. At just over two hours it is brief and intense. Rated 4 on Audible.

Moe, host of the podcast of the same name, tells his own story of depression, from family history to the triggers that pull him down. The humor is gentle, and the tone is that of a kind friend who understands. He reads it himself.

Jamison, a psychiatrist who has written widely on mood disorders, draws on research and clinical experience to explain why people die by suicide and how it might be prevented. It is heavy but compassionate, and best taken at your own pace.

Ikpi, a writer and mental health advocate, writes about living with bipolar II and anxiety, including the years before she was diagnosed. The essays are candid, lyrical and very personal, and she reads them herself. Rated 5 on Audible.

Gottlieb, a therapist, writes about her patients and about seeking therapy herself after a breakup. It is warm, funny and moving, and gives a look inside therapy from both sides of the couch. Rated 5 on Audible.

The former child actor writes about her controlling mother, her eating disorder and her slow road to recovery, with sharp humor and no polish. It is easy to finish quickly, and she reads it herself. Rated 5 on Audible.

Lawson writes with wild humor about living with depression, anxiety and other conditions, and about finding joy where she can. It is very funny, sometimes sad, and she reads it herself. Rated 4 on Audible.

Wolynn explores how trauma in earlier generations may shape anxiety, fears and patterns in a family, and offers exercises for working with them. The science of inherited trauma is still developing, but many listeners find the ideas useful. Rated 4 on Audible.

Van der Kolk, a psychiatrist, explains how trauma affects the brain and body and surveys treatments such as therapy, yoga and EMDR. Some of its claims are debated, but it remains one of the most widely read books on the subject. Rated 5 on Audible.

Levine and Heller explain anxious, avoidant and secure attachment styles and how they play out in relationships. It gives clear, practical advice for understanding yourself and your partner. Rated 5 on Audible.

A psychologist looks back at five patients who faced deep trauma and what helped them recover. Humane and sometimes funny, it shows what good therapy can do.

Kinsey, a dietitian, writes for queer, trans and Black, Indigenous and other people of color about diet culture, body image and finding a healthier relationship with food. It is short and direct.

Jaffe argues that the mental health system fails people with severe illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with too many ending up homeless or in jail. He makes a case for more treatment, a view that is debated among mental health advocates.

Plath’s semi-autobiographical novel follows Esther Greenwood through a summer of unraveling and a stay in a psychiatric hospital. It remains one of the best-known portraits of depression in fiction. Rated 4 on Audible.

Eleanor lives a strict, solitary routine until an unlikely friendship with a coworker starts to draw out a painful past. It is funny and moving, with a narrator who captures her awkward, blunt voice. Rated 5 on Audible.

A novel about a family shaped by depression, told through the parents and three children, especially the eldest, Michael. It is sad but also funny and tender. Rated 4 on Audible.

Sisters Miranda and Lucia are close until Lucia starts hearing voices and is diagnosed with a mental illness. The novel follows Miranda’s efforts to help and what it costs them both, shared across five narrators. Rated 4 on Audible.

Two teenagers, one grieving and one struggling with depression, meet at the top of their school bell tower and begin to help each other. A moving young adult novel with heavy content, including suicide. Rated 4 on Audible.

A young adult novel about Emory, whose brother’s addiction and a car accident upend their family and small town. It treats addiction and its effects on everyone around it with honesty. Rated 5 on Audible.

Four friends move to New York, and the story gradually centers on Jude and his past. It is a long, dark novel about trauma, friendship and love, with heavy themes including abuse and self-harm, so check content warnings first. Rated 4 on Audible.