Books are more than just a source of solace. They can serve as a doorway to other realms, a link to a different past or future, a base for philosophies, and a safety net in difficult times.
Reading mental health books may be an effective approach to process your experiences, learn about psychology, and frequently discover strategies and skills to support you in your day-to-day activities. In addition, they can help your mental health toolkit by offering various strategies, academic research, and accounts of people who have encountered similar difficulties.
This article will feature a curated list for those seeking to read more about mental health and who wish to improve it.
This is Depression by Dr Diane McIntosh
In “This is Depression,” psychiatrist Dr. Diane McIntosh discusses her experiences treating individuals who have been diagnosed with depression over the past 20 years. She walks readers through the typical causes of depression, how depression is diagnosed, and the many treatments that might be suggested to a patient.
Her approach to the subject is supported by research, and she also uses patient tales to give real-world examples for anyone dealing with depression in their own lives. Anyone dealing with depression in their lives, whether it be their own or that of a loved one, ought to read this book.Â
Maybe You Should Talk To Someone by Lori Gotlieb
This book will help you experience sessions through a counselor’s perspective and realise they are human just like you if you’re anxious about seeing a therapist.
Writing about her experiences as both a patient and a therapist, Lori Gottlieb examines the world of therapy from a distinctive angle. You’ll be enthralled by the stories she shares and astounded by the book’s startling revelation that we are all fallible human beings.
This Too Shall Pass by Julia Samuel
Julia Samuel, a psychotherapist, utilises hours of patient discussions to illustrate how people respond to adversity in different ways. Her analysis of the experiences she provides, supported by academic and medical research, demonstrates how, despite everyone’s mental health being unique and should be prioritised, so should the use of clever, easily implemented coping techniques.
The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine Aron
15 to 20 percent of people, according to Aron, are very sensitive. Bright lighting, busy areas, loud noises, and strong smells might cause HSPs to feel overwhelmed. They might stay away from violent movies out of a fear of feeling overwhelmed, out of stress from a hectic schedule, or out of exhaustion from too much socialising.
She believes that sensitive people have an exceptional capacity for detecting subtleties, avoiding mistakes, and paying close attention. Readers can learn to manage their overarousal and get over their social anxiety with the help of case studies, self-tests, and exercises from Aron.
Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson
The memoir by journalist Jenny Lawson, chronicling her lifelong battle with depression and other mental health issues, is both humorous and lovable. Furiously Happy looks at how people can live and find happiness in spite of mood disorders like depression and explores the intricate, frequently contradictory realm of mental health.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Made Simple by Seth J. Gillihan
The 10 techniques in “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Made Simple” for enhancing people’s mental health advance the idea of mindfulness. Author Seth J. Gillihan, Ph.D., focuses on practical strategies that help people overcome anxiety and depression, such as recognising negative thoughts. The book is an easy-to-read guidebook with a wealth of tiny, straightforward procedures that lead to success, even though each tool has extensive research to support it.
Be Calm: Proven Techniques To Stop Anxiety Now by Jill Weber
Clinical psychologist Jill Weber, Ph.D., assists people from many walks of life in controlling their anxiety. All of this information is broken down into three categories by “Be Calm”: feelings, acts, and thoughts.
Each section focuses on one primary anxiety symptom that a person may experience and offers an explanation, methods to manage it, and a way to achieve inner serenity. Whatever the circumstance, it is simple to read, comprehend, and apply to your life.
Emotional First Aid by Guy Winch
An illness can worsen or spread if it is not treated like a wound. So instead of prescribing medications to patients, Winch offers techniques and resources to help you assemble your own emotional first aid kit. Throughout the book, he addresses issues including failure, low self-esteem, guilt, rejection, loneliness, loss, and trauma.
Loving Bravely by Alexandra H Solomon
The author offers 20 lessons to assist readers commit to their emotional growth and well-being because she believes that true love begins with them. Psychologist and relationship expert Solomon introduces the concept of relational self-awareness. She believes you may create a stronger foundation for loving both yourself and other people if you are aware of your own relationship strengths and flaws.
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking The Stress Cycle by Emily and Amelia Nagoski
The book defines burnout as a reduction in sense of accomplishment, depersonalization, and emotional weariness. According to the authors, just because you’ve dealt with a stressor in your life doesn’t mean you’ve finished the stress cycle. Staying in the loop can, you guessed it, lead to burnout. Through extensive research and practical workbooks, Emily and Amelia Nagoski explain how to comprehend your body’s reaction to stress, break the stress cycle, and apply deliberate problem solving.
Books on mental health are a great starting point for learning about psychology and how the brain affects mood, behaviour, and thought.
No matter what your circumstance, whether you are working through your own mental health journey, brushing up on your self-care, or are just simply interested in psychology, picking up a book can be useful.
