Written by: Dr. Harshi Shingra
It seems that mental health awareness is gaining ground. From athletes to celebrities to princesses to interviews to books. Prioritizing your mental wellness in today's hectic world has never been more highlighted. While electronic representations are sold more than hardbacks, books are still a gateway to change, education, and freedom. A 2019 survey revealed that almost 1 in 5 adults are struggling with mental health challenges, so looking for resources is imperative.
The Ten Best Books On Mental Health
Mental health encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, and many books concentrate on one subject. Whether it is trauma, addiction, anxiety, abuse, depression, or any other comorbidities, you’re bound to find several options to address the issue. Books are great tools to assist with understanding and provide encouragement for an individual or someone dealing with a loved one. Some great options include the following:
1 - Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions by Russell Brand
Widely known comedian and actor Russell Brand shares his story of addiction to vices including heroin. The premise of this book is to ask yourself: "what pain is your addiction masking?"
2 - What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce D. Perry, M.D. Ph.D., and Oprah Winfrey
A deep discussion on how childhood trauma follows into adulthood and how to confront and heal from it. By asking the question 'what happened to you?' versus 'what's wrong with you?' we can all better understand how past trauma controls our behavior and reactions.
3 - Stop Overthinking by Nick Trenton
Turning off your mind is essential to good mental health, acclaimed author Trenton says. Laying awake at night questioning and worrying about everything leads to burnout, anxiety, and spiraling thoughts. This book, released earlier this year, will help you learn to quiet the inner monologue.
4 - The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel Van der Kolk
This self-help teaches you to understand how trauma of any kind leads to addiction, divorce, PTSD, depression, and more, so you can move forward. This book provides a plethora of tools to conquer your demons.
5 - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Made Simple by Seth J. Gillihan, Ph.D.
Designed to change thinking patterns, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a successful psychological remedy. It’s used to help with such conditions as panic, anxiety, worry, anger, depression, and more. This all-in-one self-help guide helps you build self-confidence and improve coping skills while teaching you the 10 basic strategies of CBT.
6 - Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find—and Keep—Love by Amir Levine M.D. and Rachel Heller M.A.
Teaming up to discuss attachment issues, psychiatrist and neuroscientist Amir Levine and psychologist Rachel Heller, help readers understand how they relate to love. According to these well-known doctors, there are three ways that people behave in relationships: anxious, avoidant, or secure. Which one are you and how is it affecting your ability to build relationships?
7 - The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health: Navigate an Unequal System, Learn Tools for Emotional Wellness, and Get the Help You Deserve by Rheeda Walker, Ph.D.
An advocate for inequalities in healthcare for the Black community, Dr. Rheeda Walker, leads POC down the path to emotional wellness.
8 - Undoing Depression: What Therapy Doesn't Teach You and Medication Can't Give You by Richard O'Connor, Ph.D.
With a holistic approach, Dr. O'Connor assists those paralyzed by depression. He promises lasting recovery, life satisfaction, and healthy, even-keeled emotions by creating healthier habits.
9 - Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab
A licensed therapist explores the idea of learning to say 'no' and setting boundaries in your personal and work life. A too-tight schedule can lead you to burnout, depression, and often, anger. And loved ones can pour out toxicity into your life that robs you of your peace. In Boundaries, you’ll learn how to stand up for yourself and maintain healthy relationships without apology.
10 - You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment by Thich Nhat Hanh
Written by Buddhist Zen master and monk Thich Nhat Hanh, this 160-page manual teaches you the art of mindfulness and inner peace. Hanh leads you through a variety of skills to help you live in the moment.
Although all of these reading materials are helpful, keeping mental health problems a secret will only result in shame and isolation. It’s essential to talk with a professional when dealing with mental health challenges. Long-term and serious repercussions from undiagnosed conditions can be life-changing and dangerous.
Sources:
nimh.nih.gov - Mental Illness
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov - The Introduction of a Healthy Reading Scheme for People with Mental Health Problems: Usage and Experiences of Health Professionals and Library Staff
sunshinebehavioralhealth.com - Heroin Withdrawal, Duration, Symptoms and Treatment
nami.org - Mental Illness Should Not Be a Secret
