7 Books About Mental Health You Should Read

7 Books About Mental Health You Should Read

• Mandy Sandhu
• 28 Jul 2022

Are you currently struggling with your mental health? Do you have a loved one who is in this position?

While you may feel alone, nothing could be further from the truth. Consider this statistic: by the time Canadians reach 40 years of age, 1 in 2 have (or have had) a mental illness.

The one thing you must remember is that there’s always help to be had. No matter how bad you think you have it, there’s a solution to your problem. 

If you’re interested in learning more about mental health—such as to better understand what you’re going through—there’s no shortage of books to read. Though mental health books alone won’t treat you, the knowledge you can gather is invaluable.

The Best Books About Mental Health

The best book for you may not be the best book for someone else, but some are known for being high-quality resources. Here are seven mental health books you should read. 

1. The Myth of Normal
2. The Body Keeps the Score
3. Self-Love Workbook for Women
4. The Untethered Soul
5. The Four Agreements
6. Think Like a Monk
7. The Power of Positive Thinking

1. The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture

There’s a myth that there’s only one type of “normal.” Fortunately, it’s just that: a myth. But unfortunately, many people believe it to be true.

In this book by Gabor Maté, you gain insight into the causes of mental illness, how society contributes to it, and how to find the best path forward.

By the time you’re finished with this book, you’ll realize the importance of never letting another person’s definition of “normal” define you. 

2. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma has more than 55,000 reviews on Amazon with an overall five-star rating. There aren’t many books that can claim those numbers.

It’s the best book on the market for anyone wanting to better understand traumatic stress and how to treat it. 

Written by Bessel van der Kolk M.D., learn how trauma affects the body and brain—and what you can do to start healing. 

3. Self-Love Workbook for Women: Release Self-Doubt, Build Self-Compassion, and Embrace Who You Are

As a woman, you know just how hard it is to love yourself. And when you lose love for yourself, self-doubt begins to creep in. You must embrace who you are, and that’s exactly what you’ll learn to do in this book.

Written by Megan Logan, it’s a number one bestseller in the “self-help” category. By the time you’re done, you’ll know how to release self-doubt, build self-compassion, and embrace who you are. 

4. The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself

Could you improve your mental health by freeing yourself from limitations? Would this allow you to reach new heights? Would it help you discover the inner peace you’ve been seeking?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, it’s time to read The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer.  

When you understand your inner space, it’s easier to reach peace with your mental health.

5. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom is a New York Times Bestseller written by Don Miguel Ruiz. The book helps you find the source of self-limiting beliefs, which in turn allows you to reach internal joy.

If you don’t take our word for it, here’s what Oprah Winfrey has to say:

“This book by don Miguel Ruiz, simple yet so powerful, has made a tremendous difference in how I think and act in every encounter.” — Oprah Winfrey

As a book that’s been translated into 46 languages worldwide, it’s helped millions of people find personal freedom. 

6. Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day

Jay Shetty is the mastermind behind this book. As a former monk who meditated for four plus hours every day, he knows a thing or two about finding your inner peace. When you think like a monk, it allows you to:

• Overcome negativity in your life
• Stop overthinking and start taking action
• Use your fears to your advantage
• Find your purpose in life
• Stop comparing yourself to other people

You don’t have to become a monk to think like a monk. Let this book put you on the right path to a better future. 

7. The Power of Positive Thinking

The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale is an international bestseller with over five million copies in print. That tells you almost everything you need to know about this book. But not only is it a top seller, but the advice within will transform your mind, body, and soul.

This book will teach you how to:

• Believe in yourself
• Become more determined 
• Dig deep inside to reach your goals
• Take control over your life 
• Be kind to yourself

All of these things will have a positive impact on your mental health. 

Do You Need More Advanced Help? 

Taking care of your mental health is an important step in addiction recovery. Reading books about mental health will help you build a knowledge base, but that’s not always enough. There may come a point when you or a loved one requires professional treatment. Contact the professionals at Freedom From Addiction to learn more about our treatment programs. 

As one of the top-rated publicly funded rehab centers in Ontario, you can rely on us to implement a treatment program that helps you overcome your concerns and live a better life in the future.