Books are more than just comfort. They can be a portal to different worlds, a bridge between a new past or future, an outpost for philosophies, and a support system for times of need. Reading allows learning new information and skills which are unknown to oneself. Trisha Sengupta Writes.
In the era of COVID-19 world, where corona has affected not only humans physically and economically but also their mental health. While dealing with a mental illness can be isolating. Therapy and mindfulness are powerful steps in seeking help. Mental health books can be a useful way to process one’s experiences and also help in their daily life.
Here, WhatsOn has curated some of the books that cover the subjects of depression, anxiety, addiction, self-love, relationships, and more.
‘The Body Keeps the Score’ by Bessel van der Kalk***
Trauma comes in all forms, from near-death experiences to unexpected loss. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk uses recent scientific discoveries to reveal how trauma doesn’t just impact the mind, but also the body. This book gives away through the depths of trauma with unique approaches to therapy like yoga and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. The book has garnered the interest and praise of many in neuroscience and psychology.
‘Recovery: Freedom from Our Addiction’ by Russell Brand**
This book provides lessons that can be applied to a variety of addictions and provides steps for people with addiction and their loved ones to get the help they need. The comedian uses humor and compassion while weaving his own story of addiction with the advice he’s learned while in recovery. The Brand isn’t a mental health professional but his experience, as a result, helps readers feel less alone in their struggles.
‘This Song Will Save Your Life’ by Leila Sales***
And on that note, This Song will Save your Life goes to show that depression doesn’t look just one way. In it, 16-year-old Elise Dembowski is driven by years of bullying and loneliness to a half-hearted attempt at suicide. But, then she stumbles across a chance at a new life, as a DJ. “the emotional resonance of Elise’s journey…feels very much of the moment”.
‘Highly illogical Behavior’ by John Carey Whaley***
As a part of a plan to get into college, Lisa Praytor wants to free her former classmate Solomon Reed of his debilitating agoraphobia. So, it’s obviously not as simple as that. As Publishers Weekly explains, this is a lighter take on the topic of mental health, ‘Printz Award- winner Whaley…tackles heavy, heady topics with a light touch, populating his perceptive and quick-witted story with endearing, believably flawed teens’.
‘Sepia Leaves’ by Amandeep Sandhu**
Amandeep Sandhu’s novel is an evocative take on a young man’s understanding and acceptance of his mother’s schizophrenia, as he goes through old family pictures. Readers looking for a sense of closure for unresolved trauma left from a troubling dynamic. With parent can find solace in this poignant coming-of-age tale.
