September 30, 2022

No matter how content, miserable, or frustrated you may currently feel; It is always important to put your mental health first. This may seem like an obvious statement, but this is often a rule that most people tend to forget about. Although this topic is commonly under looked, one’s mental health can change their entire life for the better or worse. When a person’s mental health is at a low, it can cause difficulty to complete everyday tasks as simple as going to work or doing the dishes. Or, per se, if their mental health is at a high, the person will most likely have a better outlook on life and have the motivation to go above and beyond those daily tasks.

These books–that I’ve discovered–overall exceeded expectations when talking about mental health, and giving a good view of the topic’s ups and downs. When reading, it is best to try and relate to the experiences or feelings mentioned to better understand how to either get better or maintain your mental health. In my personal opinion, reading about topics as sensitive as these can make you feel less alone, and even give you an idea of where to start healing from it.

In Jamison’s memoir, An Unquiet Mind, the author displays her first-hand experiences when it comes to the mental illness, bipolar disorder. This book goes over the (very much) real struggles people with the disorder have to go through every single day. Anywhere from manic episodes to suicide attempts, your heart will break even more with each page. Though Jamison also gives another point of view, which is her now healed self. Reading this can help you to understand how severe mental health can be, and how to heal yourself.

In this novel, Matt Haig opens up publicly for the first time about his struggles with depression and anxiety. Haig gives his readers insight into what it’s like to face these battles every day. The positive twist to this book though, would be his tips and advice on how to live a healthier, happier life with these mental health challenges. 

Girl, interrupted goes into the deeper and darker sides of mental health. The story is based on the author, Susanna’s, experience in a mental hospital after being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. As much as this novel displays the symptoms and struggles of Susanna’s disorder, it also talks about the other patient’s mental illnesses as well.

This book is a bit different from the previous ones mentioned. Instead of discussing the downsides of mental health, the author describes ways of overcoming and healing from mental illness. Harris shows what great opportunities come from taking care of yourself and your mental health. The Happiness Trap is a great example of “not letting depression (or other mental challenges) take over your life.”

The inspiring poet, Michaela Angemeer, portrays beautiful and meaningful poetry on mental health. Most feel that her words make one feel less alone and accepted for who they are even with their mental health. Her poems cover the darker side of mental illness and how to move forward. This book is perfect for those who are struggling in their lives.

Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 988