I hope you’ve enjoyed the posts about mental health this week and found them useful in some way. Firstly we looked at how bloggers can support their mental health, then we looked at how caffeine can affect anxiety (and what happened to me when I gave up caffeine entirely).
So today I’ve got a bit of recommended reading for you, with three great books all related to mental health in different ways.
First up is the book I’m reading at the moment – Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig
This is a memoir of Matt Haig’s experiences with anxiety and depression in his twenties. It’s very warm and engaging, and although the story is a tough one, ultimately the outcome is positive. It’s a good one to read if you are struggling right now, because it’s hopeful without being preachy. This is the third Matt Haig book I’ve read. He’s a really fantastic writer so you are in good company here.
Next recommendation is the book I read last – Breaking Mad: The Insider’s Guide to Conquering Anxiety by Anna Williamson with Dr Reetta Newell
You might remember the author of this book, Anna Williamson, as the presenter of Toonattik on CITV. I used to watch her presenting the cartoons on Channel Five’s Milkshake. But behind the upbeat children’s presenter persona, Anna was struggling with anxiety and panic attacks. This is her story, laced with practical tips and advice from Clinical Psychologist Dr Reetta Newell. It’s an easy to read, nicely designed book, with text broken up by cartoons, making it a good choice for a younger person struggling with mental health issues. There are plenty of practical exercises to try, all wrapped in the sensitivity and warmth of someone who’s been there too.
And finally, a book I’ve written about before and still recommend because I think it’s an underrated classic – Embracing Uncertainty by Susan Jeffers
This is not so much about mental health problems, and more about navigating the world we live in with your mental health intact. If your mind is rarely peaceful, and especially if you are a worrier who wants to stop worrying, this is the book for you. It was originally published in 2003, and I think the world has only gotten more uncertain since then, so it’s more relevant than ever.