Although mental health is a vital component of overall wellbeing, it is frequently overlooked until serious problems develop. There has been a rise in awareness of mental health issues in recent years, but many people still struggle to find viable ways to approach their challenges. Books are a valuable tool that can provide comfort, advice, and insights to people struggling with their own mental health. They can also help in understanding and supporting a loved one going through an emotional crisis.
Let’s look at ten books (from a therapist’s personal bookshelf) in this blog that can help you understand and take better care of your mental health. These books address a range of topics related to mental health, giving readers the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their mental health journey. These books have helped me understand and reflect on mental health during my training as a therapist (and also my evolution as an individual). I hope they will prove to be an equally enjoyable and insightful read for you too.
Comforting Reads
- James Stewart and K Roméy's book "Dinosaur Therapy" is based on the well-liked webcomic series of the same name. This collection of comic strips shows dinosaurs attempting to deal with issues and feelings that humans encounter on a daily basis. The primary characters, portrayed as dinosaurs, deal with problems including self-doubt, anxiety, sadness, and the quest for purpose in life. Readers going through comparable hardships might find solace in the book's blend of relatable struggles and humour through their exchanges. All things considered, "Dinosaur Therapy" blends humorous pictures with perceptive analysis of the human condition, making it a distinctive and captivating book for anyone trying to laugh and find comfort in the midst of life's challenges.
- "This Book is for You" is a thought-provoking and inspirational piece by Worry Lines, an artist whose messages and straightforward graphics frequently touch on mental health and self-compassion. An assortment of sketches and brief texts that address the reader directly, providing encouragement, empathy, and gentle reminders to look for oneself make up the fourth-wall-breaking book. Finding calm in daily life, personal development, and mental health are some of the themes that organise the book's content. A seamless and captivating reading experience is produced for the reader by the artwork's complementarity with the text. It can be considered as an honest and encouraging guide meant to encourage and soothe readers. Readers are inspired to contemplate and find peace is the blend of language and art.
- Charlie Mackesy's "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse" is a masterfully drawn book. Through straightforward yet insightful dialogue between its four title characters, this endearing story delves into themes of friendship, kindness, and self-discovery. In the course of his trek through the forest, the young protagonist of the tale encounters a fox, a horse, and a mole. All of these animals improve the boy's adventure and impart important life lessons by contributing their distinct viewpoints and insights. The illustrations in the book are just as important to its narrative as the words, and offer a spectacular visual treat. The characters and their journey come to life thanks to Charlie Mackesy's beautiful and poignant illustrations. The book is an effective combination of moving prose and vivid illustrations on every page, making it a poignant and reflective read.
Accounts around Mental Health related Issues
- “Em and the Big Hoom” by Jerry Pinto- The Mendes family is shown in Jerry Pinto's book "Em and the Big Hoom" as they struggle with their mother's bipolar affective disorder (BPAD). The main characters in the book are Imelda, popularly referred to as "Em," Augustine, also known as "the Big Hoom," their daughter Susan, and their unidentified son, who provides the book's narrative. Love, resiliency, and the effects of mental illness on a family are among the topics explored in the book. Authenticity and tender vulnerability are the core features of this novel, as Pinto extensively draws from his own life experiences of having a mother who struggled with bipolar disorder and upbringing as a Goan Catholic in Mumbai. In addition to the Windham–Campbell Literature Prize, the book also received the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Crossword Book Award, and the Hindu Literary Prize.
- "A Book of Light: When a Loved One Has a Different Mind" is an anthology of intimate writings compiled by Jerry Pinto (you can probably tell by now that I cherish this author!). The book provides readers with a glimpse into the experiences of those who have loved ones suffering from mental illnesses. Caregiving for someone with a mental illness presents a variety of obstacles, heartbreaks, and moments of grace. Each essay tackles these themes in a captivating narrative. By candidly sharing their own experiences, the contributors raise awareness of a range of mental health issues, such as substance abuse, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and more. Through their stories, the book hopes to promote empathy and understanding while lessening the stigma associated with mental illness.
- The memoir "Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window" was written by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and well-known Japanese television personality. It describes Kuroyanagi's unusual education during World War II under the direction of her progressive school headmaster, Sosaku Kobayashi, and was originally published in 1981. The story begins with young Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, adoringly referred to as Totto-chan, being kicked out of her traditional elementary school for her disruptive and inquisitive behaviour (often associated with ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder). The book offers a glimpse into how different children (with unique qualities and potentials) can develop to the best of their abilities with the right mix of care, nurturance, and educational reforms. Kuroyanagi makes a strong argument for the value of creating an atmosphere where kids may flourish as individuals by using Totto-chan's experiences as a lens.
On the Philosophy of Grief
- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry published his novella "The Little Prince" for the first time in 1943. It is a timeless allegory that explores issues of love, grief, and the essence of human ties by fusing a fairy tale with philosophical ideas. The narrator of the narrative, an aviator, opens by describing his plane crash in the Sahara Desert. He encounters the Little Prince, a small child, while attempting to fix his plane, and he is asked to sketch a sheep. The pilot agrees, and the Little Prince's tale is revealed throughout their exchanges. The book is still recognized as a classic because of its deep philosophical concepts and beautiful narrative. It keeps drawing in readers of all ages and serving as a poignant reminder of the value of love, inventiveness, and heartfelt perception.
- Oliver Jeffers' beautifully drawn children's book "The Heart and the Bottle" tackles themes of loss, grief, and the regaining of wonder and love. The story, which addresses the emotional toll of losing a loved one and the process of healing and re-embracing life, is heartwarming and pertinent to both adults and children. It is a heartfelt and perceptive book that takes a soft approach to talking about loss and the value of having an open mind to life's marvels. It challenges readers to confront their feelings and muster the strength to become better, finally coming to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings. The narrative serves as a tribute to fortitude as well as the timeless influence of love and curiosity.
- Tyler Feder's graphic memoir "Dancing at the Pity Party: A Dead Mom Graphic Memoir" delves into the author's grief after the death of her mother, who was diagnosed with cancer. It is an impactful, funny, and deeply emotional read. Feder gives viewers a close-up view of the emotional journey of losing a loved one through story and candid illustrations. Her drawings are straightforward and emotive, perfectly expressing the subtle emotional undertones of her voyage. The book, which is both poignant and perceptive, presents a genuine and unvarnished depiction of grieving. Her skillful fusion of humour and sorrow serves as a sympathetic compass for all those who have suffered loss, rendering it an invaluable tool for dealing with the complex emotions of grief.
Understanding therapy
Lori Gottlieb's captivating memoir "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed" offers a close-up view of the therapy profession from both sides of the couch. Gottileb, who is not only a psychotherapist but also an author, offers deep insights into human emotions, relationships, and the healing process via accounts of her personal experiences as both a patient and therapist (yes, therapists also take therapy!). The writing is incredibly compassionate, funny, and honest. She skillfully combines expert analysis with first-hand stories to make abstract psychological ideas approachable and relatable. The book's narrative style captivates readers, bringing them into the author's and her patients' emotional worlds. The book is an insightful and beneficial resource for anyone contemplating therapy.
Both in India, and around the world, stigma surrounding mental health concerns frequently prevents people from getting the help and support they need. With more advocacy and resources available, the situation is, nevertheless, evolving. Professional help along with an understanding of emotional challenges can make a significant difference in managing mental health.
Online therapy is a great alternative for people who are apprehensive to seek in-person therapy since it provides accessibility, convenience, and privacy. Through it, people can access support from the comforts of their homes, overcoming social and geographical barriers.
Why Rocket Health India Can Help
Rocket Health India provides comprehensive online mental health services, including therapy and psychiatry options. They provide conveniently accessible, individualised treatment with a team of highly qualified professionals and a user-friendly interface. Their services are made to meet the specific requirements of individuals with regard to mental health, making sure that everyone gets the support they require.
Conclusion
Improving our mental health is essential since it plays a vital role in our overall well being. The books discussed in this blog can provide helpful management tips and insights for mental health issues and mental wellbeing. Coupled with professional help, like online therapy from Rocket Health India, individuals can take significant strides towards better mental health. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and taking the first step can lead to a fulfilling and balanced life.
Start your path to improved mental health with Rocket Health India's expert online therapy services. Take charge of your mental health now to set the stage for a happier, healthier future. Don't put it off. To find out more and schedule your first session, go to the Rocket Health India website.
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