As an emerging clinical mental health counselor, I have read a lot of books on mental health. I have a list below of books from fiction to memoirs to self-help adjacent that are either focused on mental health or are perspective shifters to aid in mental health.

FICTION

This is the best book I’ve read this year. Nesta has been a tough character to root for in previous books. She is angry, difficult, and is quick to lash out as a result. This book is such a beautiful exploration of grief and forgiveness. I highlighted so many great quotes in this book. While Nesta is a difficult person to love, she is also deeply traumatized. This book is a testament that it is never too late to start over and better yourself. You may not be able to have a clean slate with those you’ve hurt, but you can find new people to love you. This story was stunning. Such a wonderful and unexpected story about mental health, depression, anger, grief and forgiveness. I’ve really enjoyed the other books in this series, but this book is different. It’s deeper than the others. The light shone on trauma and the unconditional love between friends that accepts the good and bad parts of you was beautiful. The friendships between Nesta, Gwyn, and Emerie were lovely. Even outside of the relationships and emotional aspects, the action parts of the plot were so cool! Loved the Valkyrie women’s army formation and the Deathly Hallows- like Dread Trove items. Nesta’s story will stick with me.

This is a beautiful story. I read it months ago and still think about it. Delicately yet truthfully handles how grief changes a person in a second and that it’s a personal journey on your own time, your own pace.

More people should be talking about this book. This explore the grief of chronic pain and injury and losing the ability to do things you love as a result. I appreciated that the hero had more back and forth with his acceptance of his injury and how that affected his career. Healing and acceptance are often not a linear process so I appreciated that the book explored that.

I’m in awe of how good this is! I was skeptical at first, but I was blown away. I loved the show and the book still has more to offer. I loved getting both George and Charlotte’s perspectives. This is now my favorite couple in the Bridgerton universe. The way they handle mental illness with the barbaric realism of the 1800s, and also tenderness and compassion was amazing. This book was so romantic and moving. I normally read romance for a light and breezy getaway- and while this was not that, it was very romantic and moving.

NONFICTION

A must read for all humans on being human.

I've never read anything that was equal parts fascinating, heart breaking, and also educational. I'm in awe of how evolved, compassionate, vulnerable, and brave this family is for sharing their story, particularly Lindsay. Hidden Valley Road is true story is a testament to the seriousness of mental illness and the nuance and varieties of treatments for them and what can happen to those who are suffering if they don't get the help they need. This is a beautiful story of forgiveness and psychoeducation.

Wild is a beautifully written exploration of grief and healing.

The Power of Now is a reframing of anxiety is a game changer. I re read this one every year when anxiety feels like it is taking control of me. This is a great reminder of our own agency and that our thoughts are just that.