A Bookworm's Guide To 15 Best Books On Mental Health

Understanding mental health can sometimes feel like deciphering the Rosetta Stone, with hefty volumes like the DSM threatening to outmuscle even the most enthusiastic bookshelf. But fear not! We've curated a list of the best books for mental health that won't require a forklift to navigate. Say goodbye to the daunting thickness of official textbooks and hello to a collection of good mental health books that are insightful, engaging, and, dare we say, enjoyable. These great mental health books not only unravel the mysteries of the mind but do so with a touch of humour and accessibility, making the exploration of mental health both enlightening and entertaining. 

15 Best Books for Mental Health

1. This Is Depression

Author: Dr. Diane McIntosh
Year published: 2019
Genre: Self-help
Rating: 4.12/5

In This Is Depression, Dr. Diane McIntosh, a seasoned psychiatrist, blends research with patient narratives to provide a concise yet empathetic exploration of depression. With 20 years of experience, she demystifies the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options, offering a crucial guide for those facing depression. The mental health book's strength lies in its accessibility and relatable stories, making it an invaluable resource for students navigating mental health challenges. Dr. McIntosh's expertise transforms this good mental health book into a beacon of understanding and hope, fostering compassion for those dealing with depression.

2. We've Been Too Patient: Voices from Radical Mental Health

Author: Kelechi Ubozoh and L.D. Green
Year published: 2019
Genre: Personal narrative
Rating: 4.17/5

In one of the best books for mental health, We've Been Too Patient, editors Kelechi Ubozoh and L.D. Green assemble a compelling anthology of 25 stories that bravely tackle the harsh truths of mental illness. Addressing overmedication, electroconvulsive therapy, and involuntary hospitalisation, these narratives shed light on transformative and often distressing experiences. Beyond personal stories, the collection, one of the best books for mental health, serves as an educational tool, exposing systemic flaws in mental healthcare. For students, this anthology is an eye-opening journey, instilling empathy and a profound awareness of the need to dismantle stigmas surrounding mental health.

3. The Body Keeps the Score

Author: Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
Year published: 2014
Genre: Self-help
Rating: 4.41/5

For those confronting trauma, Dr Bessel van der Kolk's The Body Keeps the Score unveils the profound impact on both mind and body. A #1 New York Times bestseller, it explores how trauma compromises pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. Van der Kolk delves into neuroscience breakthroughs, offering accessible insights and treatment methods harnessing the brain's neuroplasticity. Beyond science, the mental health book introduces unique therapies like yoga and EMDR, providing a guide for healing. Praised by experts like PTSD researcher Ruth A. Lanius, MD, PhD, it reshapes perspectives on trauma, offering a transformative journey to recovery.

4. Hope and Help for Your Nerves: End Anxiety Now

Author: Dr. Claire Weekes
Year published: 1969
Genre: Self-help
Rating: 4.26/5

Tailored for individuals grappling with intrusive, repetitive thoughts that trigger anxiety, Dr. Claire Weekes' Hope and Help for Your Nerves: End Anxiety Now serves as a lifeline. Addressing the physical symptoms of an overactive nervous system, this mental health book empowers readers with behavioural techniques to regain control.

Ever felt captive to relentless thoughts? Drawing from psychiatry's pioneering work, Dr. Weekes provides a step-by-step guide to understanding and alleviating anxiety symptoms. Through her own experiences, she offers a clear-cut path, allowing readers to reclaim their inner strength. This good mental health book becomes a beacon for anyone seeking practical strategies to quell the flames of intrusive thoughts and find enduring relief from anxiety.

5. The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober

Author: Catherine Gray
Year published: 2017
Genre: Self-help
Rating: 4.33/5

Ideal for those in recovery or curious about sobriety's perks, Catherine Gray's The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober sheds light on the positive aspects often overlooked. Drawing from her own battle with alcohol addiction, Gray intertwines personal anecdotes, scientific facts, and expert insights. From the depths of addiction to the unexpected joys of sobriety, Gray shares a compelling narrative. While not a mental health professional, her relatable experience assures readers they're not alone, emphasising the manifold benefits of embracing sobriety or moderating alcohol consumption, making this one of the best books for mental health.

6. Healing the Trauma of Abuse: A Women's Workbook

Author: Maxine Harris
Year published: 2000
Genre: Self-help
Rating: 4.11/5

Tailored for women navigating partner abuse, Healing the Trauma of Abuse: A Women’s Workbook extends a gentle hand toward recovery. Authored by Maxine Harris and clinicians at Community Connections, this vital resource is among the best books for mental health, addressing the profound impact of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Offering a 4.6-rated guide on Amazon, it introduces problem-solving and self-advocacy strategies, fostering self-esteem and healing. Covering topics like boundaries, self-soothing, and communication skills, the workbook provides a compassionate approach for women, offering a crucial tool to rebuild, reclaim self-worth, and traverse the path to healing from the trauma of abuse.

7. Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle

Author: Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski
Year published: 2019
Genre: Self-help
Rating: 3.96/5

For individuals wrestling with boundary challenges, Burnout by Emily Nagoski, Ph.D., and Amelia Nagoski, DMA, unfolds a transformative strategy to overcome burnout. The sisters delve into the distinctive ways women experience burnout, addressing emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and diminished accomplishment. With a four-star rating on Goodreads, this good mental health book becomes a practical guide, providing insightful tools and worksheets to comprehend the body's stress response. The Nagoski sisters stress the importance of closing the stress cycle and preventing burnout through meticulous research and planful problem-solving. Despite conversational critiques, it remains a gold standard among the best books for self-help, promoting mental health prioritisation and a joyful approach to navigating stress.

8. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone

Author: Lori Gottlieb
Year published: 2019
Genre: Autobiography
Rating: 4.38/5

Lori Gottlieb, the seasoned therapist turned unexpected patient, offers a witty and endearing exploration of self-discovery in Maybe You Should Talk to Someone. Blending humour and honesty, Gottlieb delves into the truths and lies we tell ourselves in this standout among good mental health books, unravelling the potential harm when left unchecked. This New York Times bestseller invites anyone considering therapy yet hesitant to open up into the therapeutic world. Through her dual roles as practitioner and patient, Gottlieb's memoir unveils the universal need for connection and the healing power of vulnerability. With wisdom and humour, she normalises the human experience, proving that even therapists seek support, reminding us there's strength in seeking help when needed.

9. How to Feel Better: A Guide to Navigating the Ebb and Flow of Life

Author: Cathy Rentzenbrink
Year published: 2023
Genre: Non-fiction
Rating: 3.87/5

In How to Feel Better, Cathy Rentzenbrink delivers warm, gentle guidance for those seeking comfort amidst life's inevitable ups and downs. Rather than dictating how to live, Rentzenbrink offers essential insights with compassion. From her etiquette for handling bad news to imparting words of wisdom to her son, the mental health book provides a comforting space for readers to make sense of upheavals and navigate the daily ebb and flow of life. With a characteristically compassionate tone, Rentzenbrink's approach becomes essential reading, offering solace and understanding for anyone seeking to find their way through life's challenges.

10. Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find—and Keep—Love

Author: Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
Year published: 2010
Genre: Non-fiction
Rating: 4.15/5

For individuals seeking to deepen personal relationships, Attached explores the transformative realm of adult attachment theory. Psychiatrist Amir Levine and psychologist Rachel Heller modernise the original concept, delving into how early relationships shape our closest connections. Providing solace for those grappling with anxiety and conflict, the mental health book imparts a contemporary understanding of emotions rooted in upbringing. With three distinct attachment styles—anxious, avoidant, or secure—readers embark on a self-discovery journey, gaining insights to foster improved relationship dynamics. Hailed by Danielle Friedman, LMHC, as a guide offering answers and reasons behind emotional responses, Attached proves essential for navigating the intricate terrain of human connections.

11. The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You

Author: Elaine Aron
Year published: 1997
Genre: Self-help
Rating: 3.85/5

In The Highly Sensitive Person, sensitivity becomes a superpower for the 15 to 20 per cent of individuals profoundly affected by the world around them. Aron, a highly sensitive person herself, shares two decades of research in a guide to thriving in an overstimulating world. Going beyond therapy speak, the mental health book explores the challenges faced by highly sensitive individuals—overwhelmed by bright lights, crowded spaces, and strong smells—yet celebrating their unique ability to notice life's subtleties. Through case studies, self-tests, and exercises, Aron empowers readers to understand and embrace their sensitivity, offering practical tools to navigate personal life, love, and career with resilience and self-awareness.

12. Loving Bravely: Twenty Lessons of Self-Discovery to Help You Get the Love You Want

Author: Alexandra H. Solomon
Year published: 2017
Genre: Self-help
Rating: 4.18/5

For those on a journey to enhance self-esteem and deepen connections, Loving Bravely by Alexandra H. Solomon, Ph., stands as a transformative guide. Endorsed by Danielle Friedman, LMHC, the mental health book gently steers readers toward profound self-discovery and family exploration, making it a trusted resource for meaningful relationships. Solomon, a psychologist and relationship expert, asserts that authentic love commences with self-love. Through 20 lessons, she navigates readers toward emotional well-being and growth, introducing the concept of relational self-awareness. By understanding strengths and weaknesses in relationships, Loving Bravely becomes a cornerstone and one of the best books for mental health, specifically for building a solid foundation for self-love and fostering fulfilling connections with oneself and others.

13. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Author: Stephen R. Covey
Year published: 1989
Genre: Self-help
Rating: 4.16/5

For those striving for increased productivity and focus, Stephen R. Covey's timeless classic, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, stands as a beacon of self-improvement. Esteemed by therapist Timmons as a tool for intentional living, Covey's book has left an indelible mark in both business and self-help realms since 1989, making it a pinnacle among the best books for mental health.

Covey imparts principles that guide readers in finding balance, efficiently prioritising life areas, and proactively navigating responsibilities. Addressing burnout and organisational challenges, the book offers a transformative approach to establishing healthy routines and effective communication. With over 20 million copies sold and 88 per cent five-star reviews on Amazon, Covey's teachings prove influential, described by many as transformative and life-changing.

14. The Kindness Method

Author: Shahroo Izadi
Year published: 2018
Genre: Self-help
Rating: 3.82/5

In challenging times, cultivating self-kindness becomes essential. Behavioural Change Specialist Shahroo Izadi offers a unique perspective in The Kindness Method, asserting that lasting change is anchored in self-compassion. Born from professional expertise and personal experience, this method provides an empowering journey toward positive transformation. Whether the goal is weight loss, reducing alcohol consumption, or enhancing relationships, Izadi's approach, rooted in kindness, fosters a sense of empowerment and readiness for change. In a world seeking resilience, The Kindness Method, recognised among the best books for mental health, becomes a beacon, guiding individuals toward lasting transformations through the transformative power of self-kindness.

15. Solve For Happy

Author: Mo Gawdat
Year published: 2017
Genre: Self-help
Rating: 3.98/5

Mo Gawdat, armed with his engineering training, addresses the elusive pursuit of happiness by crafting an equation for enduring joy. Fueled by a personal mission to share happiness principles following the loss of his son, Gawdat encapsulates his profound insights in Solve For Happy. Offering solace and a fresh perspective on life's challenges, the mental health book becomes a guide to unlocking lasting happiness. Gawdat's message and methodologies, rooted in an engineer's precision, provide a transformative lens through which readers can approach the world, ultimately discovering a profound sense of solace and a renewed outlook on life.

In the universe of mental health literature, these books emerge as steadfast allies for students navigating the intricate terrain of emotions. From the practical self-kindness principles of The Kindness Method to the calculated equations for enduring joy in Solve For Happy, each work offers a unique roadmap. These pages unfold as empathetic companions, resonating with the reader's experiences and offering tangible tools for self-discovery. As students grapple with life's challenges, traumas, or aspirations, these written companions extend understanding and resilience. These are truly the best books for mental health, offering profound insights and practical wisdom.