If you are like me (Shannon) you have spent time looking for depression coloring pages, or an adult coloring book that helps with mental health. Since I have spent so much time looking for free coloring pages, I decided now that I have found some great adult coloring pages, and books, I am going to share them.
Better yet?! I have free printable coloring pages you can access.
Even though most of us have not sat down and colored in years, I have found that it is a great way to be in the present moment. I find that it’s a creative way to get out of my own head. As my therapist says, anxiety wants to keep you in the past or make you fear the future. My anxiety levels can sometimes get me into a depressive state.
I have found that on bad days, I have trouble keeping myself occupied healthily. More specifically, if I have already taken a walk, I’m too worked up to get work done. I need a way to work through the time and calm my mind. That is where coloring comes in.
Depression Coloring Books Help Me
I know. It’s weird even using the term, depression coloring book, but it is what it is. Some adult coloring books are just titled that, adult coloring books. I have found that some coloring books with positive affirmations and motivational quotes help, but sometimes it’s best not to have even to read the words and just color.
A 2017 study found that adult participants found that their depressive symptoms and anxiety were reduced after coloring.
There are some inspirational color books out there. Then, some are really funny! Depending on what works for you to reduce your feelings of anxiety and depression, you may choose a genre that is different than mine.
I am going to list some of my recommended free coloring sheets to help with depression. I will also share some of my favorite adult coloring books that help me.
Resources for Free Depression Coloring Pages
If there is one thing that helps relieve some of my stress, it is the word free. So, let’s start there! The following are resources where you can access and download free coloring pages to help you with your mental health.
Depression Coloring Books
As I mentioned earlier, these books work for me when I need a big stress relief coloring page. They help reduce my anxiety and cope during heavy depressive states.
Thrill Murray Coloring Book
This coloring book was given to me years ago by someone who knew I was a big Bill Murray fan. I never used it until I started reading about how much coloring, even as an adult, helps with depression. When I got the coloring book out, I was shocked I still had it, but glad that I did. I have to say, even though it is not deemed as being for depression, it is a great depression coloring book.
Something is relieving about coloring in the lines of drawings, remembering different films that Bill Murray was in, and having a chuckle or smile unexpectedly.
Swear Word Coloring Book
This book did make me crack up a few times. There really is nothing more fulfilling than coloring in the words, “Zero Fucks Given” in such a dainty design. This amazing product features coloring pages of all the swear words you can imagine, all drawn by the author.
The best thing about this book is deciding which color to use when filling in the flowers around the word, “Wanker.”
Go ahead, you can laugh. It’s funny.
Here are some other great depression coloring pages in books that you may find helpful.
//widgets.shopstyle.com/shopstyle-widget-snippet.jsFree Resources for Downloadable or Printable Coloring Pages
There is a plethora of resources for free depression coloring pages but I have found these are the best and most useful for me. I hope that you will find them useful, too.
Free Mandala Designs Coloring Book
Mandala designs are known to promote inner peace and tranquility. These are really great for taking your mind off of anything else while you weave your coloring through the intricate spaces of each coloring page.
Leave it to Crayola to give us some nostalgic coloring pages. These are their adult coloring pages and are a good time.
Social, Mental, Emotional Health Coloring Pages
This is an article about how important socialization is for the aging, but, here me out. They also have some really great positive and cool coloring pages that help you cope with depressive symptoms. Plus, they are free, so give them a try.
Canva is an untapped resource when it comes to depression coloring pages. Check out these that I found. You can make your own, or even find others by searching through the templates.
There Are No Rules with Coloring
As opposed to when we were kids and were constantly told to stay in the lines when we were coloring, there are no rules with adult coloring. Don’t stress over your coloring. Even if you are a perfectionist, you may find that coloring helps reduce anxiety.
Whether you find inspirational coloring books, comedic coloring books, or even a child’s coloring book, just the process of coloring will almost immediately calm you.
Please note, that this is meant to share our experiences with depressionThis is not meant for you to use as a self-diagnosis nor treatment. If you feel you have depression, or experiencing signs of depression or any emotional distress, please seek professional help.
You may also enjoy reading more on When is Depression Awareness Month or learning more about Mental Health Activities to Improve Your Overall Wellness.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all. The beauty is that it’s accessible to everyone, regardless of artistic ability. You don’t need to be an expert artist to experience the therapeutic benefits.
Try both and see what works for you. I have found, even as a digitally minded person, coloring with Crayons on paper helps me more than digital coloring.
While adult coloring can be a helpful tool for managing depression, it should not replace care from a medical professional.
