Today I want to share my favorite books about mental health with you. These books have really helped me when I have gone through hard times.

Reading is one of the best things you can do for your mental health.

This is because of either increasing your knowledge about mental health and being more comfortable with the topic or finding someone you really relate to that makes you feel less alone.

These are the best books to read when depressed. And remember that you are not alone. You can chat with these therapists online for free at any time.

13 of the Best Books About Mental Health

I think that no matter what you’re currently going through, there’s a book for that. And everyone has their personal preference as to which books are best for them.

That’s why I put together this reading list based on the different levels you may be at.

Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, self-love, being more mindful, or just need simple reminders that you’re doing just fine, this booklist of the best books about mental health is for you.

Some of them teach you how to journal and meditate, others are fictional, but all of them provide inspiring and helpful ways you can start improving your mental health.

I will also update this list as time goes on, and feel free to let me know what other books you enjoy reading!

Radical Self Love by Gala Darling

If you are at a point where you don’t believe in yourself and aren’t sure what your purpose is, Radical Self Love walks you through this.

Gala Darling talks about her previous experience with an eating disorder and struggling to fully accept herself.

Now, she has written a book and travels all around the world teaching other women how to love themselves! She’s learned the best, most practical ways to focus on self-love so you can begin to live your best life.

Let it Out by Katie Dalebout

If you’re interested in learning how to journal your way to self-discovery, Let it Out by Katie Dalebout will teach you how to do that.

Discovering in her darkest hours that a journal is the greatest tool in finding your purpose, healing yourself, and creating the life you most desire, Katie has assembled the remarkable tools and insights that will elevate your life and get you “unstuck”—for good.

Rising Strong

I am definitely biased towards Brene Brown – especially Rising Strong – because it was what gave me hope during a moment of desperation in my life.

I felt alone and scared and didn’t think anyone knew what I was going through. This book does and it just validates all of the crap that’s going on in your head.

Brene Brown talks about getting into the arena and getting your ass kicked, and she’s right alongside you the whole time.

This is what one of the reviewers on Amazon had to say about it, which is 100% true about this book:

“Reading through Rising Strong gave me valuable techniques to draw on as I work through those experiences. It’s helped me work through some tough emotions and behavior patterns and provided me a way forward. I’d highly recommend this book to anyone dealing with some life-changing struggles, who needs some guidance on how to move forward, but also to anyone who wants to improve how they work through difficult situations.”

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

Just Listen is a fictional book by author Sarah Dessen. It’s a coming-of-age story that talks about a lot of relatable topics, like eating disorders and dealing with perfection.

One of the readers on Amazon says, “It deals with issues most people wish to ignore as too intense or unpleasant and I learned a lot from it. I found this novel a surprisingly enjoyable and rewarding read”

Give this one a read the next time you want to dive into the fictional world with a relatable feel.

Anxiety & Phobia Workbook

This workbook is absolutely full of worksheets and chapters on overcoming anxiety.

I always recommend this to anyone who struggles with anxiety, because it goes over everything that causes anxiety.

It teaches you how to practically overcome it and how to identify your own triggers.

The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook is one of the most popular workbooks in mental health and many therapists recommend this to their patients.

The Grass Is Green Enough

The Grass Is Green Enough is a guided journal that walks you through complete acceptance. How often do you think “If only I had this, I’d be happy”?

We as humans will always believe the grass is greener on the other side. But, no matter where you’re at in life you can learn to enjoy what you already have.

With inspiring quotes and affirmations, this guided journal walks you towards positivity and happiness in your own life.

Life Inside My Mind

Your favorite YA authors including Ellen Hopkins, Maureen Johnson, and more recount their own experiences with mental illness in Life Inside My Mind, a raw, real, and powerful collection of essays that explores everything from ADD to PTSD.

Have you ever felt like you just couldn’t get out of bed? Not the occasional morning, but every day? Do you find yourself listening to a voice in your head that says “You’re not good enough,” “not good looking enough,” “not thin enough,” or “not smart enough”?

Have you ever found yourself unable to do homework or pay attention in class unless everything is “just so” on your desk? Everyone has had days like that, but what if you have them every day?

You’re not alone. Millions of people are going through similar things. However, issues around mental health still tend to be treated as something shrouded in shame or discussed in whispers.

It’s easier to have a broken bone–something tangible that can be “fixed”–than to have a mental illness, and easier to have a discussion about sex than it is to have one about mental health. Learn more about Life Inside My Mind here.

Nutrition Essentials for Mental Health

What you put into your body impacts your mental health.

From too much coffee or sugar to eating foods high in sodium. These can all contribute to feelings of anxiety and/or depression.

Nutrition Essentials for Mental Health talks about the food-mood connection and what nutrients are essential for optimum mental health.

Learn how what you eat can improve your mood you can begin to feel better in your everyday life.

Adventures for Your Soul

This book teaches you how to break out of old habits that aren’t serving you anymore.

Drawing from her own transformational experiences, Shannon Kaiser’s program utilizes an empowering process that encourages you to go on adventures for your soul so you can:

• Achieve your goals
• Remove limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging patterns
• Feel freedom from fear and live with purpose and passion
• Be unapologetic about your innermost desires
• And make happiness your natural way of life

Learn more about Adventures For Your Soul here.

Make it Happen

If you’re ready to stop letting fear hold you back and to change your life, Make it Happen is a great book to read.

Lara Casey talks all about how to live on purpose and awaken yourself.