Mental Health Awareness Month book list

📚 Books That Open Conversations About Mental Health

“The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk
→ A groundbreaking book on trauma and how it reshapes the brain and body.
“Maybe You Should Talk to Someone” by Lori Gottlieb
→ A therapist’s memoir about being in therapy herself — raw, funny, and enlightening.
“First, We Make the Beast Beautiful” by Sarah Wilson
→ A deeply personal and philosophical exploration of anxiety.
“Heavy” by Kiese Laymon
→ A powerful memoir dealing with trauma, body image, and self-worth.
“The Collected Schizophrenias” by Esmé Weijun Wang
→ Essays exploring life with schizoaffective disorder, identity, and resilience.

“Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
→ A lonely woman with deep trauma slowly reconnects with the world.
“Turtles All the Way Down” by John Green
→ A YA novel that honestly portrays OCD and intrusive thoughts.
“The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath
→ A classic semi-autobiographical novel exploring depression and societal pressure.
“It’s Kind of a Funny Story” by Ned Vizzini
→ A teen’s experience with suicidal thoughts and time in a psychiatric hospital — based on the author’s life.
“Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman
→ A humorous and poignant story that explores anxiety, regret, and human connection.

“Darius the Great Is Not Okay” by Adib Khorram
→ A touching YA book about clinical depression, culture, and finding belonging.
“Girl in Pieces” by Kathleen Glasgow
→ A raw YA novel about self-harm, trauma, and recovery.
“The Science of Breakable Things” by Tae Keller (Middle Grade)
→ Tackles a mother’s depression through the lens of a hopeful and science-minded child.

“Wintering” by Katherine May
→ A beautiful reflection on depression, rest, and the natural cycles of life.
“Untamed” by Glennon Doyle
→ A memoir that encourages self-liberation and emotional honesty.