Hi there all, 

Hope you're all well.

I would like to ask for your advice, my grandfather has suffered with extreme depression for MANY years now, outbursts have become a regularity in our house now, and he even contemplates suicide at times.

I've recommended to him in passing conversation about meditating, to which he's later asked me to give him a book that can help him. The books I do have though are written mainly from an understanding that one already has at least some familiarity with Buddhism and the tradition that meditation arises from.

Could you guys recommend some books that perhaps are for complete novices, without a lot of the jargon.

I would appreciate any help you could provide,

Regards,

James 

Hello, James.

First, it would be irresponsible of me not to ask if your grandfather is being treated or is on any kind of medication for his depression. Is he? Meditation is not a cure for depression, especially for a person who has voiced suicidal thoughts.

So... for now I'm going to assume he has seen doctors and is being treated for his issues. That said, here are a few books on meditation, for beginners:

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind

How to Meditate

Buddhism Plain and Simple

Hi,

Thanks for the response. 

He's been going through depression for almost two decades now. 

Yes he's on medication as well.

Thank you for the recommendations.

I’m also assuming that he gets treatment, preferably both medication and therapy. This is a very accessable book if your grandfather is okay with the geek jargon: https://deconstructingyourself.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/The_Mindful_Geek_Free_Giveaway.pdf

If he's having outbursts and thinking about suicide it doesn't seem like his depression is well-controlled or properly managed, and he may be dealing with other problems as well. It's definitely not the time to introduce something destabilizing like meditation.

Sounds like what he really needs is better therapy and possibly a second opinion or review on his meds from a specialist.

True. I take my advice back.