top 5 books about mental health & wellbeing
“You look at me and cry; everything hurts. I hold you and whisper: but everything can heal.”
Rupi Kaur
Whether you are a devout 'self-help' lover or simply like to dip in and out of reading, these 5 titles will help to inspire good mental health and wellness at home.
Maybe you have been managing your mental health for years and just need new insight, or perhaps you have only just realised the power of our bodies largest and most intricate organ. Either way, getting your hands on any of these books will point you in the right direction of happiness.
Taking a breath and finding a moment to slow down and reflect is more important than ever. Vikram Patel cited "There is no health without mental health; mental health is too important to be left to the professionals alone, and mental health is everyone's business."(1)
"There is no health without mental health; mental health is too important to be left to the professionals alone, and mental health is everyone's business."
True words to hold close when fearing your mind. We are always in control, it's just a matter of accessing and implementing the right information. And that's where this list of brilliant books about mental health, wellbeing and self-care come in.
From expert-led books outlining advice on reflection and positive change, to first person experiences in managing difficult life scenarios, mindful creativity, poetry and of course, the healing power of plants, makes this the perfect place to start.
These books ARE NOT a substitute for professional help, which you should always seek if your mental health issues are impacting your day-to-day life. But they should provide you with some insight into different ways that emotions can be managed and outlooks on mental health and general wellness.
1. Life Honestly: Sharing opinions from smart women // The Pool
A guide from modern women around the world. This book covers everything from bad sex to bad boys, work inequality and outrage to the joy of learning something new and creating connection.
2. The Sun and her Flowers // Rupi Kaur
There is something quite breathtaking about Kaur's outlook on life, learnt through the short verses of her poetry. You read as though you are reading her thoughts, and relate as though they are the words you have been trying to find. Poetry is a beautiful medium of literature that can be picked up and put down so easily, without commitment. Perfect for those who 'don't read'.
3. Stop. Look. Breathe. Create // Wendy Ann Greenhalgh
The essence of therapy in creativity, this book guides you through mindfulness and follows up with 10 creative projects to put into action the tips you have learnt. Maybe you think you are not creative at all and are hoping to fill a missing gap. This could be it!
4. Ten Times Happier - Owen O'Kane
Owen worked on the front line of mental and physical health services for over 20 years and helps you realise how to let go of the beliefs that don't help you, tackle harmful habits and access resilience. A brilliantly down-to-earth read.
5. The Healing Power of Plants - Fran Bailey
Bailey refers to the imbalance a lot of our lives hold, especially whilst living in man-made conditions under heated roofs and air-con work places. She passionately describes how plants are the lungs of the planet and side steps into our ancestry beliefs to respect nature and use it to our benefit. If you have green fingers and find mother earth holds space for you, this is the book you need.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health, you can find support and resources on our website, Instagram and on the blog.
Further afield, these websites and charities are a good place to start too.
MIND “We provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.”
EVERY MIND MATTERS “Every Mind Matters is a campaign run by NHS England, which features the mental health tool My Mind Plan at the heart of their resources and advice for those facing mental health problems.”
FEEL GOOD CLUB "A guide to feeling good and being okay with it when you're not"
If you are struggling with your mental health, you can also ask your GP for a referral to NHS Talking Therapies, or you can self-refer.
For confidential support, you can also call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
