books with good mental health representation

24 Must-Read Books About Mental Health

In a world where we’re constantly being bombarded with messages about the importance of physical health (cue those pesky detox ads and “that girl” influencer messages), it’s easy to forget about another — equally as vital — part of our health: our mental health. 

In the United States alone, 1 in 5 adults lives with a mental illness, which means that roughly 44 million people are navigating conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia on a daily basis.

Yet, because of cultural stigma, lack of access, affordability, and discrimination, many feel (or are) actively excluded, silenced, and hindered from reaching or accepting mental health support.

The good news is that more professionals in the field are offering resources for millions of folks to begin the process of caring for their mental well-being. 

One of the most powerful and accessible resources? You guessed it: Books. 

Whether you’re personally affected by a mental illness or want to learn more to support loved ones, there are countless resources out there to help. 

We’ve narrowed that long list to help you get started. 

It’s important to note that while these books discuss anxiety, depression, and other mental health topics, they aren’t a substitute for professional help. 

If you’re feeling troubled by any of these books — or need some support in general, we encourage you to check out our collection of mental health resources . Take good care!

By the way, some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

The Best Mental Health Books for Empowerment and Healing

“make your bed: little things that can change your life...and maybe the world” by admiral william h. mcraven .

Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.fm  

Admiral William H. McRaven’s viral commencement speech at The University of Texas at Austin in 2014 inspired millions with its simple but moving message: “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.”

His now-bestselling book “Make Your Bed” expands on that core message by sharing principles he learned during Navy SEAL training that can help anyone overcome challenges and ultimately inspire action — one small step (like making your bed) at a time. 

“What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing” by Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D. and Oprah Winfrey

“What Happened to You?” is the ultimate tag-team collaboration between psychiatrist and neuroscientist Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D. and the queen of media, Oprah Winfrey. 

Through conversations with diverse groups of people, they unpack trauma’s impact on the human mind and body. 

With their combined wisdom (and some light-hearted humor), Perry and Winfrey remind us that while trauma is an extremely serious issue, it’s not the end of anyone’s story. 

“It Didn’t Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle” by Mark Wolynn

Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.fm

Author Mark Wolynn takes us on a journey through the mysteries (and legacies) of family trauma and how it can shape our lives in unexpected ways.

Through engaging storytelling and relatable examples, Wolynn shows how unresolved traumas from past generations can be passed down to us — affecting everything from our relationships to our physical health. 

But there’s hope for change. Wolynn also offers practical tips and techniques for breaking the cycle of inherited trauma and creating an alternative future for ourselves, our families, and future generations. 

“What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma” by Stephanie Foo

Stephanie Foo seemed to have it all — a dream job as a radio producer at This American Life and a loving partner. But behind closed doors, she was struggling with panic attacks. Eventually diagnosed with complex PTSD, a condition caused by repetitive trauma, Foo realized that her past was still impacting her health, relationships, and career. 

Frustrated by the lack of resources available, she set out to explore innovative therapies and even delved into the effects of immigrant trauma. In “What My Bones Know,” Stephanie Foo courageously shares her personal story and meticulous research. 

Through interviews with experts and her own experiences, she offers a glimpse into the lasting grip of the past and how trauma can reverberate across generations. This empowering memoir reminds us that while we may not be able to completely leave our traumas behind, we can learn to navigate life with resilience and reclaim control. 

“This Is Your Brain on Food: An Indispensable Guide to the Surprising Foods that Fight Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and More” by Uma Naidoo, M.D.

Foodies, we found a good one for you. In “This Is Your Brain on Food,” Uma Naidoo, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and nutrition expert, offers a comprehensive guide to the connection between food and mental health. 

Naidoo delves into the latest research on how specific foods can help (or harm) the brain and provides practical advice on how to use food to alleviate a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD , OCD, ADHD , and more. 

Naidoo’s book emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to mental health and shows how food can be a powerful tool in achieving emotional balance. With its accessible and engaging style, this book provides a feast’s worth of information that can help readers make informed choices about what they eat — ultimately improving their mental and physical well-being.

“Hope and Help for Your Nerves: End Anxiety Now” by Claire Weekes

Whether you’re struggling with social anxiety, phobias, or everyday worries, “Hope and Help for Your Nerves” is the ultimate anxiety guide. 

Like a wise and caring friend, Weekes’ approach is refreshingly honest and straightforward — she doesn’t promise a quick fix, but instead offers a realistic and empowering path towards anxiety relief. 

With her guidance, readers are provided tools to identify and manage the patterns and triggers that often lead to feelings of anxiety or anxiety attacks. 

“The Politics of Trauma: Somatics, Healing, and Social Justice” by Staci K. Haines

Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.fm 

In “The Politics of Trauma,” author Staci K. Haines explores the intersections between trauma, healing, and social justice. Drawing on her experiences as a somatic therapist and activist, Haines argues that trauma is not just an individual problem but a societal one. 

She shows how systems of oppression —like racism and sexism — can cause trauma and perpetuate cycles of violence and injustice.

Through personal stories, case studies, and practical exercises, Haines offers a holistic approach to healing from trauma and creating social change. 

She encourages readers to use somatic practices, such as breathing and movement, to connect with their bodies and address the root causes of trauma. She also discusses the importance of community and collective action in creating a more just and equitable world.

“Maybe You Should Talk To Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed” by Lori Gottlieb

Amazon | Bookshop  

Curious about what really goes on in a therapist’s office? “Maybe You Should Talk To Someone” by Lori Gottlieb is a fascinating memoir that takes readers behind the scenes of therapy — both as a therapist and as a patient. 

With humor, empathy, and insight, Gottlieb presents a deeply personal look at the challenges and rewards of helping people navigate their lives.

She weaves together the stories of four very different clients: a young newlywed diagnosed with a terminal illness, a senior citizen threatening to end her life, a twenty-something who can’t stop hooking up with the wrong guys, and a narcissistic Hollywood producer. The result is a relatable exploration of the human experience.

“Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle” by Emily Nagoski, Ph.D. and Amelia Nagoski, DMA

“Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle” by Emily Nagoski, Ph.D. and Amelia Nagoski, DMA offers a fresh perspective on managing stress and regaining your energy. 

Drawing on the latest scientific research and their own experiences, the Nagoski sisters provide practical tools and strategies for navigating the many challenges of modern life.

Whether you’re a student, a busy professional, or simply someone looking to live a more fulfilling life, “Burnout” aims to help readers move past the seemingly endless stress cycles we’re accustomed to and find ways to reach happier and healthier lifestyles.

“The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You” by Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D.

Do you have a sensitivity to noise, light, and other stimuli? Or perhaps a deep emotional reaction to the world around you? If the answer is yes and yes, we’re right there with you. (For real, we’ve got a handful of neurodivergent folks on our team!)

“The Highly Sensitive Person” by Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D., offers a unique perspective on what it means to be a highly sensitive person (HSP) and provides practical tools for managing the challenges that come with it. 

Aron draws on years of research and clinical experience to provide an in-depth understanding of what it means to be an HSP and how to navigate a world that can be overwhelming for sensitive people.

She also provides helpful strategies for managing the challenges that come with being an HSP, including self-care, boundary-setting, and communication skills. 

“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change” by Stephen R. Covey

Whether you’re looking to improve your relationships, advance in your career, or feel a little more fulfilled, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is like a personal trainer for your mind, helping you develop the inner qualities and habits you need to succeed in any area of your life. 

This isn’t quite your average self-help read, though. Covey uses relatable stories and practical exercises to make his teachings something you can actually put into action in your own life. 

“Healing the Trauma of Abuse: A Women’s Workbook” by Mary Ellen Copeland, M.A., M.S. and Maxine Harris, Ph.D.

If you’ve experienced abuse, “Healing the Trauma of Abuse” by Mary Ellen Copeland, M.A., M.S. and Maxine Harris, Ph.D. is a comprehensive guide to help women of all ages and backgrounds process their experiences of abuse and develop coping strategies for moving forward.

Copeland and Harris draw on decades-worth of experience as trauma and mental health experts to provide a safe and supportive space for women to explore their emotions, set boundaries, and build resilience. 

With its step-by-step exercises, journaling prompts, and practical tools, this book offers a compassionate and empowering approach to recovery. 

“Healing Through Words” by Rupi Kaur

Amazon | Bookshop

You might recognize the name Rupi Kaur from her #1 New York Times bestselling books “ milk and honey ,” “ the sun and her flowers ,” and “ home body .” 

Kaur’s latest book release offers guided poetry writing exercises to help explore trauma, loss, heartache, love, family, healing, and celebration of the self.

The interactive book is divided into four sections: “hurting,” “loving,” “breaking,” and “healing,” each of which delves into different stages of the healing process — encouraging readers to use the power of language to transform pain into beauty.

“Future Tense: Why Anxiety Is Good for You (Even Though It Feels Bad)” by Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, Ph.D.

Many of us who seek to create a positive impact in the world struggle with the all too real, paralyzing, and uncomfortable feeling of anxiety . 

Anxiety researcher and author, Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, Ph.D., presents us with a powerful new framework for reimagining and reclaiming the confounding emotion as the advantage it evolved to be: an emotion that protects us and strengthens our creativity. 

By clarifying the latest research in psychology and neuroscience — including her own — Dennis-Tiwary shows how we can acknowledge the discomfort of anxiety and see it as a tool, rather than something to be feared.

“Permission to Come Home: Reclaiming Mental Health as Asian Americans” by Jenny Wang

“Permission to Come Home” by Jenny Wang dives deep into the unique struggles that Asian Americans face when it comes to mental health, providing a warm and supportive space for readers to explore these issues and find healing. 

From navigating the pressures of the “model minority” myth to dealing with the shame and stigma surrounding mental illness, Wang draws on personal experiences and those of others within the Asian American community to offer a comforting and empowering guide to reclaiming mental health.

“Unf*ck Your Brain: Getting Over Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Freak-Outs, and Triggers with Science (5-Minute Therapy)” by Faith Harper

“Unf*ck Your Brain” by Faith Harper is a no-nonsense guide on how to cope with a slew of mental-health issues that are hell-bent on controlling the lives of millions of people around the world. 

The author, a licensed therapist and psychologist, provides a five-minute therapy approach that offers simple and effective strategies to help you overcome anxiety, depression, anger, and other “negative emotions” that may be holding you back. 

The book is grounded in science and draws on the latest research in neuroscience, psychology, and trauma therapy to help readers better understand their brain and how to work with it, rather than against it.

“Turtles All the Way Down” by John Green

From John Green , the #1 bestselling author of “The Fault in Our Stars” and “The Anthropocene Reviewed,” comes an incredible story about the inner workings of a teenage girl’s mind as she struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 

Throughout the novel, Aza’s experiences with mental illness are depicted in a raw and honest way, highlighting the challenges of living with OCD and its impact on relationships, sense of self, and overall well-being.

The book is a powerful read that brings us into the mind of a character trying to cope with a world that feels out of her control. 

“The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health: Navigate an Unequal System, Learn Tools for Emotional Wellness, and Get the Help You Deserve” by Rheeda Walker, Ph.D.

“The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health” by Rheeda Walker, Ph.D., is a comprehensive and empowering resource for Black folks seeking ways to navigate the mental health system , prioritize their emotional well-being, and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable care system. 

Through personal anecdotes, research-backed insights, and practical tools, Walker guides readers through the unique challenges that Black people face when it comes to mental health, including the impact of racism, historical trauma, and societal stigma. 

“Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find — and Keep — Love” by Amir Levine

If you’ve ever wondered why some people seem to have a knack for finding and maintaining healthy, happy relationships while others struggle to make it past the first date, “Attached” by Amir Levine might have some answers. 

This book explores the science behind adult attachment styles and how our individual styles can influence how we approach relationships. 

Based on years of research and clinical experience, the book provides insights into the three main attachment styles – anxious, avoidant, and secure – and offers practical advice for navigating and building healthy relationships.

“Reasons to Stay Alive” by Matt Haig

If you’ve ever dealt with depression, then you’ll likely connect with Matt Haig’s story (you might recognize him from his bestselling books “ The Midnight Library ,” and “ Notes on a Nervous Planet ”). 

Haig shares his personal journey of overcoming depression through writing, reading, and the support of his loved ones. 

With an oddly refreshing mix of humor and motivation, he uses his deeply personal and universally relatable experiences to offer hope and encouragement to anyone struggling with their mental health.

“Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto” by Tricia Hersey

Ever feel the unconscious urge to shame yourself for resting? Tricia Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry — an organization examining the liberating power of naps — is here to change that for you. 

Informed by her experience in theology, activism, and performance art, “Rest Is Resistance” is a call to action and a field guide for the sleep-deprived justice seekers seeking ways to liberate themselves from the “grind culture” and reclaim it as a radical act of self-care and resistance.

“Emotional First Aid: Healing Rejection, Guilt, Failure, and Other Everyday Hurts” by Guy Winch, Ph.D.

In a world that often prioritizes physical health over emotional health, Guy Winch argues that we need to take care of both to live a fulfilling life. 

Through case studies, real-world examples, and practical exercises, “Emotional First Aid” offers readers the tools they need to heal from common emotional wounds, like rejection, guilt, failure, and loneliness.

But it’s not just about healing from emotional wounds. Winch emphasizes the importance of preventing emotional injuries from causing long-term damage. He draws from research in psychology to explain why these everyday hurts can be so difficult to overcome and offers strategies to promote emotional resilience. 

“Stop Overthinking: 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present (The Path to Calm)” by Nick Trenton

Hello, over-thinkers, this one’s for you! 

From identifying and recognizing our inner anxieties to focusing on relaxation and action, author Nick Trenton offers powerful ways to stop ruminating and dwelling on negative thoughts.

He provides scientific approaches to refocus the way we think and feel about ourselves — freeing up our minds from overthinking and allowing us to live in the present moment.

“Girl in Pieces” by Kathleen Glasgow 

“Girl in Pieces” is a young adult novel by Kathleen Glasgow that follows the journey of a teenage girl named Charlie as she navigates life on the streets, struggling with addiction and self-harm, and attempting to rebuild her life with the help of newfound friends and a support system. 

Throughout the book, Charlie’s story highlights the devastating impact of childhood trauma and the importance of mental health care and advocacy .

The book sheds light on the realities of mental illness and the challenges faced by those who have experienced trauma, while also celebrating the resilience and strength of the human spirit — emphasizing the importance of self-care and self-love.

Article Details

Brad Montague has failed a lot in life, so now he's inviting everyone else to celebrate their own mistakes

65 suicide prevention quotes to remind you that hope and help are always within reach

16 Must-See Mental Health Documentaries

7 Mental Health Activists You Should Know

Want to stay up-to-date on positive news.

The best email in your inbox. Filled with the day’s best good news.

• About Good Good Good
• Privacy Policy & Terms
• Take Action
• Subscriber Account
• Affiliate Program

Join the Good News Community

A Short Book Lover

Bite size book reviews, 18 books with great mental health representation.

It’s day 3 of my 18 Days of 2018 feature and if you missed the last two parts, you can find them  here  and  here .

Today, I’m sharing 18 books I’ve read this year that have what I consider to be good mental health representation. My criteria for this is that it isn’t the defining characteristic of the character, but it still dealt with sensitively and in a well-informed way. They are all eye-opening and really good reads, though I cannot speak from personal experience for most of the representation, so it’s always worth checking out own-voices reviews.

18 Books With Great Mental Health Representation:

1. We Are Young by Cat Clarke (discussion around mental health forms a key part of the plot)

2. I Was Born For This by Alice Oseman (extreme anxiety)

3. Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde (anxiety)

4. White Rabbit, Red Wolf by Tom Pollock (extreme anxiety and other things I can’t mention due to spoilers)

5. A List of Cages by Robin Roe (trauma due to abuse)

6. Are We All Lemmings and Snowflakes? by Holly Bourne (you learn Olive’s diagnosis with her, so it’s best for me not to say)

7. Radio Silence by Alice Oseman (I would say depression and trauma)

8. A Thousand Perfect Notes by C.G. Drews (trauma due to abuse)

9. After The Fire by Will Hill (suicide and PTSD)

10. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (Kaz suffers from a PTSD-esque condition)

11. The Girl In The Broken Mirror by Savita Kalhan (trauma and PTSD – this book is utterly amazing and desperately needs more love)

12. More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera (self-harm and suicide)

13. Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman (trauma – this is just so gorgeously written and I need Summer Bird Blue now)

14. The Astonishing Colour of After by Emily X. R. Pan (grief, depression and suicide)

15. Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Katherine Webber (grief)

16. Clean by Juno Dawson (addiction in many forms and anorexia)

17. Out of the Blue by Sophie Cameron (grief)

18. On A Scale of One To Ten by Ceylan Scott (anorexia, bipolar disorder, suidical thoughts, suicide and graphic accounts of self-harm)

Over To You:

Which books have you read this year that have good mental health representation?

Share this:

Published by ashortbooklover

View all posts by ashortbooklover

10 thoughts on “ 18 Books With Great Mental Health Representation ”

• Pingback: 18 Days of 2018: Contemporaries – ashortbooklover

Ooh… these are all great books as well! 💖 I absolutely loved Holly Bourne’s ‘Are we all Lemmings & Snowflakes’ – the ending especially!! 🎉 and ‘A Thousand Perfect Notes’ was INCREDIBLE too – i cried a lot reading that book, it was so powerful 💚. Autumn x

Like Liked by 1 person

There has to be a follow up for that ending and so did I! Thanks for your lovely comment.

There has to be!! 💚🌟 No worries, Autumn x

Absolutely! Have you read anything else she’s written?

I’m currently reading (or attempting to with a couple of other books at the same time! 😂) ‘Am I normal yet?’. Do you have a favourite book of Holly Bourne that you’d recommend? Thanks! Autumn x

Probably the entire spinster club series. Am I Normal Yet? is the first one in that series, so I hope you enjoy it!

Even better! ✨ Thank you & I hope I enjoy it too! Autumn x

I can’t wait to read Starfish, I’ve heard amazing things!! I read Summer Bird Blue, and it was exquisite.

I really want to read Summer Bird Blue and her writing is just wonderful, isn’t it? I hope you enjoy starfish as much as I did.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

• Black Voices
• Female Voices
• LGBTQ Voices
• Diverse Voices
• Author Interviews
• Bookstr Talks
• Second Chapter
• Featured Authors

Thematically Rich and Innovative Books by Argentinian Authors

Julie Simmons: How To Make Spectacular Characters in an Alaskan Tale

Mangaka Chihiro Howe Talks the Magic of Being a Storyteller

We’re Giving the Well-Deserved Spotlight to Shayla Lawson and Their Books 

• On This Day
• Bookspot / Libraries
• Bookstagram
• Bookish Memes
• Bookish Trends
• Favorite Quotes

NaNoWriMo’s Shocking Take on AI and the Community’s Response

It’s Here: Bookstr’s Fall Fantasy Spotlight

How to Discover School Texts That Won’t Break the Bank

Remarkable Videogame Characters with Unforgettable and Compelling Stories

• Comics & Graphic Novels
• Just For Fun
• Adaptations

Beetlejuice Is Back In Theaters Today – Watch Now!

Blood on Snow: A Crime Thriller Set for the Big Screen

Which One Piece Pirate Captain Are You?

Which Spider-Man Villain Are You?

• Food & Wine
• Art and Music
• Partner Articles

5 Books That Can Help You Become A Better Communicator

Buddhism and Science: The Integration of Eastern and Western Spirituality

The Ultimate Guide to Actually Getting Stuff Done

• Young Readers
• Science Fiction
• Poetry & Drama
• Thriller & Mystery
• Young Adult
• Three To Read
• Female Authors

Villain Obsession: Sinful, Morally Grey Characters We Love

Magical Academic Romances That Will Make You Swoon

For the love of books

Mental Illness Representation in Literature: The Good and the Problematic

Do you tire of reading stereotypes of “insane” characters? Check out our recommendations that offer nuanced perspective on mental illness representation.

Trigger Warning: The mention of suicide and mental illness may be triggering for some readers. Please exercise personal care when reading.

For the past several centuries in Western literature, characters with mental disorders were almost always relegated to the roles of either a tragic figure or the villain. They either lacked agency as a result of their disorder or committed acts of evil inspired by their mental illness. The Gothic Horror genre is arguably one of the largest perpetrators of this inaccurate representation, causing conditions like Schizophrenia and Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder) to be heavily stigmatized.

It was only within the last century that characters with mental health struggles were presented with a sympathetic lens and somewhat accurately depicted in literature. This representation is important because people with these conditions are able to see themselves in characters other than the villain, remember that they are not alone in their struggles, and perhaps cope with their conditions in a healthy way. Also, these books raise awareness and increase empathy among the general population so everyone can be more understanding of the invisible illnesses of the world.

In honor of Stress Awareness Month, here are four books that offer accurate and sympathetic representations of characters struggling with mental health disorders and four books in which the authors should have done more research about the mental struggles their characters face.

Good: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

This semi-autobiographical novel of a perfectionistic young woman struggling with depression and suicidal ideation is just as relevant to readers as when it was first published in 1963. While the novel does have a poetic style, it provides a realistic depiction of finding one’s place in the world despite one’s mind insisting that such a place does not exist for them. While the novel is in many ways a product of its time, it is arguably one of the first novels that attempted to humanize mental illness in a way that evokes empathy.

Problematic: The Collected Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe

The work of Edgar Allan Poe was integral in shaping the modern horror genre, but it is disturbing how many of his stories vilify mental illness. In “The Fall of the House of Usher , ” Mr. Usher, whose sensitivity to stimuli can be read as being neurodivergent, buries his sister alive. In “Berenice,” the narrator has a compulsive attention disorder that causes him to murder his cousin and steal her teeth. In “The Tell-Tale Heart,” the narrator spirals into insanity after killing an old man and hiding his body under the floorboards. Considering that most people who struggle with mental illness are not killers, the mentally ill-to-murderer pipeline in Poe’s stories certainly didn’t age well.

Good: Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

This YA novel by the author of Speak centers on a toxic friendship between high schoolers Lia and Cassie, who compete over who can be the thinnest. When Cassie dies as a result of her eating disorder, Lia must navigate her grief, overcome her own illness, and find hope through recovery. This narrative portrays the mind of someone battling anorexia without romanticizing the disorder, and Anderson’s unique style will keep readers engaged until the conclusion.

Problematic: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Many would agree that the Netflix series adaptation of the 2007 novel is problematic in its handling of serious adolescent issues, but the novel is arguably just as bad. The book centers on Clay Jensen, a teenage boy who is given thirteen tapes recorded by his friend and crush Hannah Baker, who recently committed suicide. As he listens to the tapes, Clay discovers who is responsible for Hannah’s death and is forced to deal with the consequences now that she is gone. The story’s largest issue is in its romanticization of suicide, as the narrative almost insists that Hannah is a more valuable character because she is dead. While there was an attempt to evoke sympathy through Hannah’s story, her character is so unlikable that her death feels simultaneously glamorized and pointless.

Good: The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick

Fans of the Oscar-winning film starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence should also check out the movie’s 2008 source material. Often lauded as the adult version of Perks of Being a Wallflower , Silver Linings Playbook offers a sometimes funny, often touching narrative of moving forward after institutionalization and finding the balance between a downward spiral and toxic positivity. Arguably one of the better depictions of Bipolar Disorder in recent years, Playbook reminds us that sometimes the best silver linings are the ones we don’t expect.  

Problematic: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontё

This novel is a must-read for fans of 19th-century British literature, but not if one is looking for a sweet romance. Spoilers for a 200-year-old book ahead: the titular character falls for a man that is not only already married, but he keeps his mentally unstable wife Bertha in the attic like an animal. Bertha eventually sets the house on fire and commits suicide, thus enforcing the incorrect moral that the mentally ill are burdens on the “sane,” and there is no point in one living like that. While this trope was quite common for the Gothic literature of the day, Bertha’s story leaves a sour taste in the mouth and the unflinching conviction that Jane could have done better in her choice of husband.

Good: A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar

This biography of Princeton mathematician John Nash, a Nobel Prize recipient who struggled with Schizophrenia, also has a critically acclaimed film adaptation starring Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly. Nasar details all aspects of Nash’s life, from his contributions to Game Theory to his complicated relationship with his family. This portrait of a genius is unafraid of depicting all sides of Nash, thereby humanizing both genius and mental illness. 

Problematic: American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

Controversial in both novel and film form, American Psycho relies on stereotypes of Psychopathy and Antisocial Personality Disorder to satirize corporate conformity and consumerist culture. The novel has been described as even darker and more violent than the film, with the murders of women being not only graphic, but sexualized. Considering most people with Antisocial Personalities or Psychopathy are more likely to hurt themselves than other people, stories like American Psycho only fuel the stigma against people with these conditions and inspire needless fear in the general public.   

While not all representation of mental illness in literature has been accurate in the past, due to the increase of diverse voices in recent years, authors have made some great strides forward in writing authentic experiences for every kind of person.

For more great mental health reads, click here !

FEATURED IMAGE VIA JOJO WHILDEN/THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY. COPYRIGHT 2012.

Love Bookish Content?

Be the first to our giveaways, discover new authors, enjoy reviews, news, recommendations, and all things bookish..

No thanks, I'm good for now.

11 of the Most Realistic Novels on Mental Illness

There is a great tradition of mental illness in fiction. The Victorians loved stashing mad women up in towers or attics, where they could slow-w-wly peel the wallpaper from the walls or moan and groan with such abandon that it would frighten the young governesses trying to catch some sleep down below. Later, books would introduce readers to evil nurses, forced lobotomies, and botched attempts at electro-shock therapy. Needless to say, mental illness was even less understood in the past than it is today.

The last few decades have brought improvement in the way mental illness is treated and the way it is portrayed in literature. Characters are allowed to come down from the attic and tell their own stories. In memoirs, authors share their experiences in raw, first person accounts. Girl, Interrupted , Prozac Nation , and Running with Scissors are just a few examples — check out this list of the 20 Greatest Memoirs of Mental Illness for more suggestions.

The 11 novels listed below talk candidly of mental illness, too. Sometimes the veil of fiction permits authors to tell even truer stories — they can write without worrying about their own reputations or the reactions from their family members. Their books give us a deeper understanding of mental illness and the way we deal with mental illness in our culture. They also do what all great literature should do — let us get to know and care about the characters as people.

Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf (1925)

Click Here To Buy

A day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, a high society English woman. Through the character of Septimus, a shell-shocked veteran of World War I, this book criticizes the treatment of the mentally ill. Woolf used her own struggles with bipolar disorder to inform Septimus’s character.

Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1934)

F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote this novel while his wife, Zelda, was in the hospital being treated for schizophrenia. Set on the French Riviera in the 1920s, Tender is the Night is the story of psychoanalyst Dick Diver and his wife Nicole... who also happens to be his patient.

Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (1951)

The quintessential tale of disaffected youth, The Catcher in the Rye still sells around a quarter million copies a year. Holden Caulfield, our young hero, first appeared in a 1945 short story in Collier’s called “I’m Crazy.”

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963)

Originally published under a pseudonym, The Bell Jar is the semi-autobiographical account of Plath’s own clinical depression, a sensation she describes thusly: "Wherever I sat — on the deck of a ship or at a street cafe in Paris or Bangkok — I would be sitting under the same glass bell jar, stewing in my own sour air."

I Never Promised You a Rose Garden by Joanne Greenberg (pen name: Hannah Green) (1964)

Deborah Blau, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, spends three years in a psychiatric hospital. Her story echoes the author’s experiences, and the doctor in the story was based on her real-life doctor, the German psychiatrist Frieda Fromm-Reichmann.

Disturbing the Peace by Richard Yates (1975)

This semi-autobiographical novel tells the story of John C. Wilder, an adman-turned-screenwriter who spends some time in a mental hospital and suffers (as Yates did) from alcohol-induced delusions.

Ordinary People by Judith Guest (1976)

Conrad tries to commit suicide after the tragic death of his older brother, so his parents send him to a psychiatric hospital. After his release, with help from his psychiatrist, Conrad examines his depression and attempts to understand his frosty relationship with his mother. The movie adaptation of Ordinary People , starring Mary Tyler Moore, won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1980.

She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb (1992)

Delores Price slowly unravels after dealing with a traumatic event as a young teenager. As a twentysomething woman, she spends years in an institution after a suicide attempt. She eventually quits therapy and attempts to rebuild her life on her own terms. Lamb continues to write about mental illness in his next book, I Know This Much is True .

The Hours by Michael Cunningham (1998)

Inspired by the first book on our list, Mrs. Dalloway , the story reveals a single day in the lives of three women from three different time periods, including Virginia Woolf herself. The Hours won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1999.

The Passion of Alice by Stephanie Grant (1998)

One of the lesser-known novels on this list, The Passion of Alice is a moving, unflinching portrait of a 25-year-old woman who is admitted into an eating disorders clinic after she almost dies of heart failure.

The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides (2011)

Leonard, one of the main characters in this novel, lives with manic depression, which affects his work, his friendships, and his romantic relationships. In an interview with Slate, Eugenides squelches the rumor that Leonard is based on David Foster Wallace .

The 20 Best Mental Health Books To Cope With Whatever Life Throws At You

These are handpicked by psych experts.

Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us?

While books are usually an escape from everything happening in the ~real world~, reading can also be a great way to feel more understood and learn about mental health .

Believe it or not, the act of reading itself is helpful for improving mental health, says Amber Robinson, LMFT, a licensed psychotherapist based in Los Angeles. Why? Because it involves you pausing your day and the activities on your chaotic to-do list and helps you slow down. Learning something new can also help with your self-confidence , improve your memory, and boost your brain health, she adds.

Need a book rec? Here's a list of favorites, hand-picked by psych experts. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, trauma, burnout, grief, or something else, there's a mental health book for everyone on this list.

If you or someone you know is experiencing extreme distress, you can call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, use the Crisis Text Line , which is a free way to connect with a crisis counselor 24/7, or call 911 for emergency medical services.

The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

Eckhart Tolle does a great job teaching the reader to separate themselves from their thoughts, says Amber Robinson , LMFT, a licensed psychotherapist based in Los Angeles. She recommends this book to people with anxiety because it teaches them to be present, to live in the now, and the damages that overthinking, ruminating, and toxic thought patterns can have.

Zondervan Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life

“This book is written by two psychologists, and is my go-to for healthy boundary setting,” says Melissa Boudin , PsyD, LPC, a licensed psychologist and clinical team leader who specializes in communication issues, depression, relationships, self-esteem, and social anxiety. “The book uses the author's experiences to demonstrate the importance of deciding on personal limits and setting boundaries, and gives clear examples of why and how to do this in a healthy way."

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle

Feeling burned out? You're definitely not alone. “As women, we historically take on too much,” says Robinson. “In this book, the authors encourage the reader not to overextend themselves, not to add more to destress, but to actually take away some of the things we are doing. We are made to feel like we have to be so many things to so many people, but maybe we just need to focus on one thing or to actually sit down and just take a break.”

Getting to know burnout can also help you identify your own warning signs and ensure it doesn't happen again, she adds.

Living Untethered: Beyond the Human Predicament

If you want to learn more about depression, this is a good place to start. The author illustrates symptoms, such as exhaustion and negative self-talk, and how they can impact your energy patterns, says Robinson, who's a big fan of this book.

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose

A New Earth has been called the most important book of our generation by Oprah, and Robinson agrees. “It is one of those books you can read over and over again, and each time you receive a needed message from the text,” she says. “Eckhart Tolle walks the reader through awakening, consciousness, ego, pain, pride, resistance, and so many challenging life experiences. It prioritizes and teaches inner peace in a way that only Tolle can.”

Where the Crawdads Sing

“This is one of the best books I have read in the past few years, and I highly recommend it to readers of fiction,” says Michele Goldman, PsyD, a licensed psychologist and the media advisor of the Hope for Depression Research Foundation . This book touches on how childhood trauma influences the main character Kya’s relationships later on in life, her longing to be accepted, to belong and connect, to be seen and understood. These are poignant themes that many can relate to in their own lives.

Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself

This book is full of information on the power of self-compassion, including countless research findings, examples of the utility of self-compassion, and helpful exercises to try it out for yourself, according to Chloe Greenbaum, a licensed psychologist, the founder and director of Premier Psychology Group, and an adjunct professor at NYU. “Neff’s relatable writing style and integration of research can make self-compassion appeal to even the most cynical skeptics,” she says. This is a great resource for people who have anxiety, depression, perfectionism, or boundary issues.

Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief

This book is written by Joanne Cacciatore, PhD, a bereavement educator, researcher, and leading counselor in the field of grief. “She shares the stories of many of her clients, and how they found healing through their own unbearable journey through the depths of grief,” notes Robinson.

Although everyone's grief looks different and there is no right or wrong way to mourn, reading about others' pain can help you feel seen. And that can be just what you need when grief leaves you feeling isolated, she says.

Willow Weep for Me: A Black Woman's Journey Through Depression

Although this book was first published in 1998, Goldman says the message is timeless. “This memoir introduces us to the world of a Black woman struggling with depression. It powerfully shows the intersectionality of what it means to be Black, female, and have a diagnosed mental illness in a world where the expectation is to be strong, a caregiver, and nurturer to others. It speaks to stigma within communities and how that perpetuates challenges of asking for help,” she explains.

It powerfully showcases the depths and darkness that accompany depression as well. “For those struggling with depression, Danquah’s words will feel accurate and relatable. She also highlights the importance of self-care, while speaking about the role of courage and vulnerability in the healing process, and the possibility of light at the end of the tunnel,” notes Goldman.

The Mastery of Love: A Practical Guide to the Art of Relationship

This is a great foundational book on relationships, says Robinson. “Many of us believe love lives in extremes," she says. "Many of us have seen relationships play out in chaos and we mistake that for love, but love lives in peace and that is exactly what Don Miguel Ruiz teaches in The Mastery of Love .”

Man's Search for Meaning

Man's Search for Meanin g is Frankl's story of being imprisoned in two concentration camps in Nazi Germany. He lost his family, but went on to pen this masterpiece on spiritual survival through his trauma.

“This is a book about finding meaning in life," says Robinson. "When one survives trauma, finding meaning in life is hard, but it is important.”

Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy

David D. Burns, MD, gives science-backed tips to relieve anxiety, procrastination, and other general negative feelings in this book. It can help you label what causes mood swings, build your self-esteem, and deal with negativity.

"This book is a classic that has probably been read by at least 90 percent of psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors because it is so insightful, practical, and beneficial for clients," says Randy Schroeder, PhD, a marriage and family counselor and the author of Simple Habits for Marital Happiness .

The Family Guide to Getting Over OCD: Reclaim Your Life and Help Your Loved One

“This is a perfect guide for family members who have loved one’s who struggle with OCD," says Kevin Chapman , PhD, a clinical psychologist and the founder and director of the Kentucky Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders. "This practical guide provides cogent 'do's and dont's' to assist family members of OCD sufferers while providing a thorough understanding of the disorder itself."

Anxiety Relief for Teens: Essential CBT Skills and Mindfulness Practices to Overcome Anxiety and Stress

If you have teenage children, this may be a smart book to pick up. “This book is a practical read for teenagers who struggle with anxiety," Chapman explains.

It specifically teaches cognitive behavioral techniques to help overcome anxiety, and they're "described in a way that is easy for your teen to understand and implement on a daily basis,” he continues. They can then take these lessons into the rest of their teen years and beyond.

Show Your Anxiety Who's Boss: A Three-Step CBT Program to Help You Reduce Anxious Thoughts and Worry

This book spells out a simple, three-step CBT program for helping reduce anxiety, including how to respond to anxious thoughts and redirect them. “Dr. Joel Minden provides relatable case examples in addition to practice techniques to manage anxiety and worry,” Chapman explains.

Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World

"As a psychologist, I would say [this book] helps people to increase their self-efficacy through simple behaviors that make them feel empowered and organized," says Chloe Carmichael , PhD, a New York–based clinical psychologist and WH advisor. "That can actually have a surprising effect on your mood and your sense of control throughout your day."

Nervous Energy: Harness The Power Of Your Anxiety

Carmichael's book targets anxiety in an untraditional way. "I don't think that there are a lot of books that are looking at the healthy function of anxiety and trying to teach people how to use it in more of an empowered way that is not necessarily a disease-based perspective," she says.

Her book discusses the three most common nervous energy profiles and nine different ways to use your nervousness or anxiety to be productive. She also shares real-life stories of how people have overcome their nervous energy using these tools.

Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself

"People who are interested in self-improvement oftentimes take on a lot of personal responsibility in relationships and in life in general, and that's a good thing," Carmichael says. "But the downside to it is that they can sometimes take on too much responsibility for others."

With this book, readers can learn how to be less codependent.

Make Time: How To Focus On What Matters Every Day

On your phone and computer way too much? *Raises hand* This book "talks about all kinds of ways that we can reconfigure technology so that we have more time," says Carmichael, adding that it can help readers learn how to change their relationship with tech and other scheduling hacks.

Do Less: A Revolutionary Approach to Time and Energy Management for Busy Moms

Carmichael says this author recognized that there were a lot of things that she could cut from her schedule that would add up to a more fulfilling, targeted sense of being productive.

Ashley Martens is a wellness writer based in Chicago. With a lifelong passion for all things health and wellness, Ashley enjoys writing about topics to help people live happier and healthier lives. With a foundation in fitness, food, and nutrition, Ashley covers it all including sexual health and travel topics. Ashley is also a NASM-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor.

Addison Aloian is the assistant love & life editor at Women’s Health and a NASM-certified personal trainer (CPT). She covers all things lifestyle, astrology, relationships, and fitness. In her free time, you can find her lifting weights at the gym, running on the West Side Highway in New York City, and watching (and critiquing!) the latest movies that have garnered Oscars buzz. In addition to Women's Health , her work has also appeared in Allure , StyleCaster , L'Officiel USA , V Magazine , VMAN , and more.

Mental Health

How To Cope With Health Anxiety, Per Psychologists

Adult Bullying Can Go Overlooked—How To Spot It

Find Your Purpose In Life In 3 Easy Steps

All About Paralympian Hailey Danz

How To Tell If You Have ‘Popcorn Brain’ Or ADHD

Learned Helplessness Can Hold You Back In Life

How Your Teen BFF Could Affect Your Future Health

Why Simone Biles Called Aly Raisman 'Grandma'

Orthorexia, A Form Of Disordered Eating, Is Rising

How Therapy Helped Jade Carey Make Olympic Team

Simone Biles Had Therapy The Day Of Gold Medal Win

The 4 Best Ice Bath Tubs For Recovery

You have exceeded your limit for simultaneous device logins.

Your current subscription allows you to be actively logged in on up to three (3) devices simultaneously. click on continue below to log out of other sessions and log in on this device., getting better: ya lit reflects a more nuanced representation of mental health | great books.

Not only is the representation of various mental illnesses in YA literature expanding, but so is the ­sensitivity of their portrayals. Here are 13 standout titles. 

We’re seeing more YA books that address mental health and new ways of tackling a difficult subject. Not only is the representation of various mental illnesses expanding, but so is the ­sensitivity of their portrayals. The #OwnVoices movement has, no doubt, played a critical role: As authors writing about mental health put their own experiences on the page, both in fiction and in nonfiction, readers can witness the many ways the mind works—and the challenges that arise when things are askew.

In addition to featuring mental health stories written by those who have personal experience with mental illness, the world of YA mental health representation is enriched by its inclusivity. The books listed below center on teens from a multitude of socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds; religious beliefs; and sexual and gender identities. Moreover, these aren’t just ­contemporary realistic novels; characters in fantasy and historical fiction, too, wrestle with the realities of having a brain. Because of the stigma still surrounding mental illness, it’s impossible to verify whether all of these titles are drawn from the writers’ own lives, though many of the authors have been forthright about their experiences.

ACEVES, David. The New David Espinoza. 335p. HarperTeen. Feb. 2020. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780062489883. Gr 8 Up –After becoming the target of bullying, David decides to bulk up over the summer so he can come back to school bigger, stronger, and ready to impress his classmates. But as he spends more time at a gym frequented by bodybuilders, he finds himself sucked into a world from which he cannot escape. This book offers a look at a teen of color struggling with body image issues and exercise addiction.

ALKAF, Hanna. The Weight of Our Sky. 288p. S. & S./Salaam Reads. Feb. 2019. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781534426085. Gr 8 Up –In this novel set in 1969 Malaysia during the Kuala Lumpur uprising, Melati, who is Muslim, copes with obsessive compulsive disorder in a place and time where many people don’t understand or believe in treatment for mental illness. This is a fascinating, sensitive examination of how mental health has been viewed in another culture and era.

CHAN, Crystal. All That I Can Fix. 320p. S. & S./Simon Pulse. Jun. 2018. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781534408883. Gr 7 Up –Ronney has more than enough to deal with—when you’re a small-town kid from a biracial family and your father has attempted suicide, people know who you are. Then the local zoo lets the animals loose, and chaos ensues, with protesters from all political sides arriving to propose solutions. Chan has crafted a savvy, heartening, and funny look at depression from the perspective of a loved one watching it from the outside.

COLBERT, Brandy. The Revolution of Birdie Randolph. 336p. Little, Brown. Aug. 2019. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780316448567. Gr 8 Up –Birdie has always been a follow-the-rules kind of girl. But the arrival of her aunt, who struggles with alcoholism, and her newfound interest in a boy who has a reputation push the teen to rebel. Colbert explores addiction and the tolls it can take on a family—and what recovery might look like.

DEAVER, Mason. I Wish You All the Best. 320p. Push. May 2019. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781338306125. Gr 8 Up –When Ben comes out to their parents as nonbinary, they’re kicked out of their house. Once settled in the home of their estranged sister, Ben not only has to come to terms with their new living situation but also must reckon with severe anxiety. This is a necessary addition to the YA world and to the exploration of an anxiety disorder.

FLORES-SCOTT, Patrick. American Road Trip. 336p. Holt. Sept. 2018. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781627797412. Gr 7 Up –When Teodoro’s perfect brother Manny returns home after a tour of duty in Iraq, Manny is anything but OK. He has severe post-traumatic stress disorder, so Teodoro and his sister take their sibling on a road trip, hoping to visit loved ones and reestablish their strong family bonds. This stirring novel centers on a teen of color grappling with how to love someone who is struggling.

FOX, Helena. How It Feels To Float. 384p. Dial. May 2019. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780525554297. Gr 9 Up –Biz is an expert in the world of floating (dissociating or hallucinating). Floating allows her to spend time with her dad, who died when she was six. Biz doesn’t tell anyone about the ability to float or about her conversations with her father in this haunting, evocative, and moving story of intergenerational mental illness.

GANGER, Candace. Six Goodbyes We Never Said. 320p. Wednesday. Sept. 2019. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-1250116246. Gr 7 Up –It’s tragedy, not love, that brings together Dew and Naima. Dew is processing the sudden death of his parents and his post-traumatic stress disorder, while Naima is grieving the death of her father and trying to manage her obsessive compulsive and generalized anxiety disorders. Though sparks might not fly romantically, Dew and Naima find support and comfort in each other through their challenges.

HEILIG, Heidi. For a Muse of Fire. 512p. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Sept. 2018. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780062380814. Gr 9 Up –Rarely do we see teens with mental health challenges in genre YA, but Heilig offers just that in this compelling fantasy. Jetta’s family are renowned shadow players, and Jetta’s own talent in the troupe goes even deeper than she—or they—can imagine. With rebellion afoot, Jetta must not only fight for her family and their talent but also navigate what it means to be bipolar.

HUTCHINSON, Shaun David. Brave Face: A Memoir. 369p. S. & S./Simon Pulse. May 2019. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781534431515. Gr 8 Up –In this raw memoir, Hutchinson shares his experiences growing up gay and coping with depression, which, he notes, wasn’t the result of his sexuality, though his sexuality did impact his mental health. Hutchinson’s mistakes will be relatable, as well as comforting, to readers facing their own hurdles.

KAPLAN, Ariel. We Are the Perfect Girl. 384p. Knopf. May 2019. Tr $17.99 ISBN 9780525647102. Gr 7 Up –In this clever, humorous reimagining of Cyrano de Bergerac , Aphra deals with body dysmorphia and the overwhelming fear that she’ll never be loved for who she is. This is a book about self-worth and self-discovery. It shows how sometimes, even if we aren’t aware that we’re struggling with a ­mental illness, we can still find a way to manage it.

MCGINNIS, Mindy. Heroine. 432p. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. Mar. 2019. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780062847195. Gr 9 Up –When Mickey and her best friend are in a car accident, the duo know they need to heal fast to be in peak shape for their final high school softball season. Mickey, who is prescribed OxyContin, believes she’s feeling great, even when she’s not. What begins as a story about healing turns into a tale about how quickly—and easily—drug addiction can take hold. This moving, timely novel tackles the opioid crisis.

WEES, Alyssa. The Waking Forest. 304p. Delacorte. Mar. 2019. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780525581161. Gr 8 Up –As lush as Pan’s Labyrinth , this is a dark fantasy about dream worlds and waking worlds. Rhea’s and her sister’s struggles with anxiety are masterfully woven into the story—something rare and, indeed, magical for YA fantasy.

Kelly Jensen is a former teen librarian who covers YA for Book Riot .

Get Print. Get Digital. Get Both!

Libraries are always evolving. Stay ahead. Log In.

Add Comment :-

Comment policy:.

• Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
• Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
• Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
• Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
• If you see something objectionable, please let us know . Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

First Name should not be empty !!!

Last Name should not be empty !!!

email should not be empty !!!

Comment should not be empty !!!

You should check the checkbox.

Please check the reCaptcha

Rebecca Modys

Posted : Oct 16, 2019 07:53

Kelly Jensen

Posted : Oct 23, 2019 01:05 -->

Ethan Smith

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book.

Posted 6 hours ago REPLY

Jane Fitgzgerald

Posted 6 hours ago

Michael Woodward

Continue reading.

Added To Cart

Related , the day moon and earth had an argument, meena’s saturday, the last tamale, between my hands, boy here, boy there, the little green swing, "what is this" design thinking from an lis student.

The job outlook in 2030: Librarians will be in demand

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, --> Log In

You did not sign in correctly or your account is temporarily disabled

REGISTER FREE to keep reading

If you are already a member, please log in.

Passwords must include at least 8 characters.

Your password must include at least three of these elements: lower case letters, upper case letters, numbers, or special characters.

The email you entered already exists. Please reset your password to gain access to your account.

Create an account password and save time in the future. Get immediate access to:

News, opinion, features, and breaking stories

Exclusive video library and multimedia content

Full, searchable archives of more than 300,000 reviews and thousands of articles

Research reports, data analysis, white papers, and expert opinion

Passwords must include at least 8 characters. Please try your entry again.

Your password must include at least three of these elements: lower case letters, upper case letters, numbers, or special characters. Please try your entry again.

Thank you for registering. To have the latest stories delivered to your inbox, select as many free newsletters as you like below.

No thanks. return to article, already a subscriber log in.

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

Thank you for visiting.

We’ve noticed you are using a private browser. To continue, please log in or create an account.

CREATE AN ACCOUNT

SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS

Already a subscriber log in.

Most SLJ reviews are exclusive to subscribers.

As a subscriber, you'll receive unlimited access to all reviews dating back to 2010.

To access other site content, visit our homepage .

Browse links

• © 2024 BuzzFeed, Inc
• Consent Preferences
• Accessibility Statement

18 Book Characters That Accurately Represent Mental Illness

“My experience reading this book was so cathartic and cleansing.”

BuzzFeed Staff Writer

We asked members of the BuzzFeed Community to tell us which character in a book represented their mental illness truthfully . Here are their great recommendations.

1. fans of the impossible life by kate seelsa.

"There are three main characters, and at least two of them have confirmed mental illnesses. Mira, one of the main characters, has depression, and the book shows her having good days and bad days. They also explain how much parental support and support of those around you matters , and how it's never going to get 100% better but it can get somewhat better. It also has good queer and PoC representation."

— doesthiswork

2. Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin

"I really liked Symptoms of being Human by Jeff Garvin because I was able to see words to what my anxiety felt like in a character like me."

3. Kissing Doorknobs by Terry Spencer Hesser

"I read Terry Spencer Hesser's Kissing Doorknobs when I was in middle school. I was diagnosed with severe OCD in the fifth grade and suffered many of the same compulsions as the narrator in this book, Tara. At a time in my life when I felt like a complete outcast, this book made me feel less alone. I've never identified with a character as much as I did with Tara Sullivan. This book made me realize that I was not the freak my classmates made me out to be, and that there were other kids who lived with my disorder too. "

— leahb4da387df5

4. The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick

The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick has helped me a lot. No matter how I am with my bipolar disorder, I can pick it up at many different points of my life and still relate. When I'm depressed, manic, or stable, I can always read it and feel somewhat normal. I have read many books with mental illness, but this one is the absolute best for me."

— samanthap4c2d3b93c

5. Prozac Nation by Elizabeth Wurtzel

" Prozac Nation ! Nothing could describe depression better than this novel."

6. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

"As someone who grew up with anxiety and a father who had been hospitalized multiple times for treatment of bipolar disorder, I related to Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell in a way I have never related to another book before, or since. It shows the effects of mental illness, not just on the person diagnosed but on the people around them, and every time I read it I feel a little more optimistic and a little less alone ."

— b4f9c737fb

7. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

"I read this the summer after I had been hospitalized for depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation shortly before my college graduation. I related so much to Esther Greenwood. I had always been an overachiever, and I thought I had to be perfect , which is what contributed to my depression and anxiety since I was 12. All of the quotes and metaphors Plath uses struck me right at my core — from stewing in the bell jar, to the fig tree with all the options for a future withering away, and especially when Esther muses 'I was inadequate all along. I just never really thought about it.' Seeing things from Esther's perspective helped me understand myself and my illnesses better. In therapy, it helped me to change my negative thinking about myself and overall contributed positively to my recovery ."

— brittanym4f4d5223e

8. The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

"The main character, Molly, suffers from anxiety. She reminded me a lot of myself because I wish I was able to connect better with people. Ultimately, I realized I could be her, I can be anybody, and I can be myself. "

— melissac47ff6181c

9. It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

"It doesn’t romanticize mental health issues, and it taught me that it would be OK to admit that something was wrong and there was no shame in getting help. A friend recommended it to me when she realized I wasn’t okay, and then used it as an icebreaker to ask me to seek help. I related to the main character's depression, and seeing him go through therapy was very comforting because it was as if the book were addressing me ."

— notadisneyprincess

10. We Are The Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson

"This book deals directly with suicide and suicidal thoughts, but it also works with themes of PTSD, anxiety, depression, disassociation, and denationalization in a very creative way. It was one of the most heart-wrenching books I've ever read , and I absolutely devoured it. It also features a diverse cast, including an openly gay male lead. Love, love, love the book."

11. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

"This might be a weird one, but The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros is a story that really represents my mental illness. Esperanza has problems with self-image and seems to have a bit of anxiety and depression, in my opinion. The writing in this story is just so amazing and I'm very happy that I found a book that I relate to ."

— alip4260fffc2

12. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

"This book deals with a series of mental health issues, mainly depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I can't speak to the PTSD side of it, but the depression and anxiety sides are spot on for me. Charlie's not okay, and he's trying so desperately to figure out how to be. He gets in his own way, he beats himself up endlessly over his mistakes and shortcomings, he feels isolated in a room of people... He's trying, though. He makes progress, he backslides. Charlie isn't OK, but he realizes that it's possible to be OK and not OK at the same time. And that's OK ."

— musicismytherapy97

13. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

" Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson gave such a realistic portrayal of eating disorders. From the thoughts you have to how it affects your relationships. The characters suffering had both good and bad within them. They weren't just a victim to their disorders. They weren't just vain." — audreyl45a6bb86a

14. The Memory of Light by Francisco X. Stork

"This book was amazing because it reminds everyone that there is always a brightness that comes after the darkest part of your life. It also reminds us that depression may be something that you will always have to live with, but it does get better. It focuses on the recovery from the low point rather than the low point itself, and that is so important ."

— ericaalicem

15. Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone

"This book is so true to what OCD is really like, and it helped me admit to myself that even though you have a mental illness, that doesn't mean you can't live an average life. Plus, there's a plot twist and vague love story. My favorite book ever!"

— sarailopez1028

16. Girl In Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

"Self-harm is so true to what Kathleen Glasgow writes. You're fine for a long time, and then the build-up starts. At the breaking point, you feel so fucked up and so wrong that you just explode and hurt yourself really badly. I love Charlie. I feel like she's with me every step of the way to recovery, not reprimanding when I stumble or fall backwards a few steps. She's kind and supportive because she knows what it's like. My experience reading this book was so cathartic and cleansing." — protoman

17. My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Warga

" Aysel from My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Wanga describes depression as this black sludge, and that's exactly what it feels like. This quote: 'Depression is like a heaviness that you can’t ever escape. It crushes down on you, making even the smallest things like tying your shoes or chewing on toast seem like a twenty-mile hike uphill' is the most real description I've ever encountered."

— mariahhouse1

18. All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

" Finn from All The Bright Places ! I have never seen bipolar disorder represented so accurately before. The way he talks about being asleep and then being awake is an easy way to describe the manic episodes and the depression, but it's really what those episodes are like."

— meganh40ca68328

Follow along at BuzzFeed.com/MentalHealthWeek from Oct. 2 to Oct. 8, 2017.

Want to be featured in similar BuzzFeed posts? Follow the BuzzFeed Community on Facebook and Twitter .

Share this article.

• New Releases
• Coming Soon
• Bestsellers
• Target Exclusives
• Barnes & Noble Picks
• Epic Reads Insiders

Sort by: Per page Per page

27 YA Books About Mental Health & Mental Illness

Related books, everything we know about ‘love in taipei’, the ‘loveboat, taipei’ movie, we can’t stop reading these 14 books with secret societies, choose a romance trope, we’ll give you a book rec.

TW: Mentions of suicide, eating disorders, violence, sexual assault, addiction, racism, and more. Please proceed with caution and care.

In case you weren’t aware, May is Mental Health Awareness Month and, well, can we all just give a round of applause for that? Even the existence of such a month is important. Because, unfortunately, there is still a stigma surrounding mental health.

For some of us, talking about mental health and mental illness is hard. But we are stronger together, and one of the most empowering things about speaking up is the knowledge that you are not alone, no matter how you may feel otherwise. Like the concept behind Inside Out , we need all the emotions to exist, not just the so-called happy and cheerful ones. Being “on” all the time can burn you out faster than anything.

Books About Mental Health and Mental Illness

TO REMIND YOU THAT YOU’RE NOT ALONE

1. Shut Up, This is Serious by Carolina Ixta

Things are hella complicated.

Weighed by a depression she can’t seem to shake, Belén helps Leti, hangs out with an older guy, and cuts a lot of class. She soon realizes, though, that distractions are only temporary. Leti is becoming a mother. Classmates are getting ready for college. But what about Belén? What future is there for girls like her?

From debut author Carolina Ixta comes a fierce, intimate examination of friendship, chosen family, and the generational cycles we must break to become our truest selves.

• Buy  Shut Up, This is Serious  now

2. Stay With My Heart by Tashie Bhuiyan

When Liana accidentally sabotages an up-and-coming local band, Third Eye, she makes it her mission to steer them towards success—without them discovering her role in their setback. But as she gets closer to Third Eye, especially their enigmatic leader Skyler Moon, it becomes harder to hide the truth.

With both her heart and their futures on the line, will Liana be able to undo the damage she’s caused?

• Buy  Stay With My Heart  now!

 3. The Atlas of Us by Kristin Dwyer

Atlas has lost her way.

In a last-ditch effort to pull her life together, she’s working on a community service program rehabbing trails in the Western Sierras. The only plus is that the days are so exhausting that Atlas might just be tired enough to forget that this was one of her dad’s favorite places in the world. Before cancer stole him from her life, that is.

Using real names is forbidden on the trail. So Atlas becomes Maps, and with her team—Books, Sugar, Junior, and King—she heads into the wilderness. As she sheds the lies she’s built up as walls to protect herself, she realizes that four strangers might know her better than anyone has before. And with the end of the trail racing to meet them, Maps is left counting down the days until she returns to her old life—without her new family, and without King, who’s become more than just a friend.

• Buy  The Atlas of Us  now!

4. If I Can Give You That by Michael Gray Bulla

Seventeen-year-old Gael is used to keeping to himself. Though his best friend convinces him to attend a meeting of Plus, a support group for LGBTQIA+ teens, Gael doesn’t plan on sharing much. Where would he even start?

Between supporting his mother through her bouts of depression, dealing with his estranged father, and navigating senior year as a transgender boy at a conservative Tennessean high school, his life is a lot to unload on strangers.

But after meeting easygoing Declan, Gael is welcomed into a new circle of friends who make him want to open up. As Gael’s friendship with Declan develops into something more, he finds himself caught between his mother’s worsening mental health and his father’s attempts to reconnect.

After tragedy strikes, Gael must decide if he can risk letting the walls around his heart down and fully opening up to those who care for him.

• Buy  If I Can Give You That  now!

5. The Cartographers by Amy Zhang  

Ocean Sun has always felt an enormous pressure to succeed. After struggling with depression during her senior year of high school, Ocean moves to New York City, where she has been accepted at a prestigious university. But Ocean feels so emotionally raw and unmoored (and uncertain about what is real and what is not) that she decides to defer and live off her savings until she can get herself together. She also decides not to tell her mother (whom she loves very much but doesn’t want to disappoint) that she is deferring—at least until she absolutely must.  

In New York, Ocean moves into an apartment with Georgie and Tashya, two strangers who soon become friends, and gets a job tutoring. She also meets a boy—Constantine Brave (a name that makes her laugh)—late one night on the subway. Constant is a fellow student and a graffiti artist, and Constant and Ocean soon start corresponding via Google Docs—they discuss physics, philosophy, art, literature, and love. But everything falls apart when Ocean goes home for Thanksgiving, Constant reveals his true character, Georgie and Tashya break up, and the police get involved.  

Ocean, Constant, Georgie, and Tashya are all cartographers—mapping out their futures, their dreams, and their paths toward adulthood in this stunning and heartbreaking novel about finding the strength to control your own destiny. For fans of Nina LaCour’s  We Are Okay  and Daniel Nayeri’s  Everything Sad Is Untrue .  

• Buy  The Cartographers  now!

6. Nothing Burns as Bright as You by Ashley Woodfolk

They were best friends. Until they became more. Their affections grew. Until the blurry lines became dangerous.

Over the course of a single day, the depth of their past, the confusion of their present, and the unpredictability of their future is revealed. And the girls will learn that hearts, like flames, aren’t so easily tamed.

It starts with a fire.

How will it end?

• Buy  Nothing Burns as Bright as You  now!

7. Dispatches from Parts Unknown by Bryan Bliss

Ever since her dad died three years ago, Julie has been surviving more than thriving. And surviving is sneaking into her parents’ closet when her mom is out, since it’s the only place that still sometimes smells like her dad. It’s roaming around the Mall of America. It’s pulling out the box of her dad’s VHS tapes, recordings of his favorite vintage professional wrestling matches.

And it’s hearing the voice of the Masked Man in her head, running a commentary of her life.

It’s embarrassing, really. Sure, he was her dad’s favorite wrestler, but that doesn’t mean she wants him in her head.

As Julie finally starts to come out of the haze of grief, maybe she’ll finally figure out why that voice is there, and how to let it go.

• Buy  Dispatches from Parts Unknown  now!

8. We Are All So Good at Smiling by Amber McBride

They are both terrified of the forest at the end of Marsh Creek Lane.

The Forest whispers to Whimsy. The Forest might hold the answers to the part of Faerry he feels is missing. They discover the Forest holds monsters, fairy tales, and pain that they have both been running from for 11 years.

• Buy  We Are All So Good at Smiling now!

9. The Silence That Binds Us by Joanna Ho

In the aftermath, racist accusations are hurled against May’s parents for putting too much “pressure” on him. May’s father tells her to keep her head down. Instead, May challenges these ugly stereotypes through her writing. Yet the consequences of speaking out run much deeper than anyone could foresee. Who gets to tell our stories, and who gets silenced? It’s up to May to take back the narrative.

Joanna Ho masterfully explores timely themes of mental health, racism, and classism.

• Buy  The Silence That Binds Us  now!

10. An Emotion of Great Delight by Tahereh Mafi

She’s too busy drowning in her own troubles to find the time to deal with bigots.

Shadi is named for joy, but she’s haunted by sorrow. Her brother is dead, her father is dying, her mother is falling apart, and her best friend has mysteriously dropped out of her life. And then, of course, there’s the small matter of her heart—

It’s broken.

Shadi tries to navigate her crumbling world by soldiering through, saying nothing. She devours her own pain, each day retreating farther and farther inside herself until finally, one day, everything changes.

She explodes.

• Buy  An Emotion of Great Delight  now!

11. In Limbo by Deb Jj Lee

For a while, her English wasn’t perfect. Her teachers can’t pronounce her Korean name. Her face and her eyes–especially her eyes–feel wrong.

In high school, everything gets harder. Friendships change and end, she falls behind in classes, and fights with her mom escalate. Caught in limbo, with nowhere safe to go, Deb finds her mental health plummeting, resulting in a suicide attempt.

But Deb is resilient and slowly heals with the help of art and self-care, guiding her to a deeper understanding of her heritage and herself.

• Buy  In Limbo  now!

12. How We Ricochet by Faith Gardner

It seems sometimes a charade that we continue celebrating in the face of relentless tragedy.

How dare we? But then . . . what else is there to do?

Betty’s mom needed new pants for her job.

That was why Betty was at the mall with her mom and sister when the shooting started.

Afterward, nothing is the same.

There are no easy answers to be found, and Betty’s search for them leads her to Michael, the brother of the shooter. But this path only shows Betty one thing: that everything she thought she knew—about herself, about the world around her—can change in a heartbeat.

• Buy  How We Ricochet  now!

13. The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan

Leigh, who is half Asian and half white, travels to Taiwan to meet her maternal grandparents for the first time. There, she is determined to find her mother, the bird. In her search, she winds up chasing after ghosts, uncovering family secrets, and forging a new relationship with her grandparents. And as she grieves, she must try to reconcile the fact that on the same day she kissed her best friend and longtime secret crush, Axel, her mother was taking her own life.

• Buy  The Astonishing Color of After  now!

14. The Chandler Legacies by Abdi Nazemian

Beth Kramer  is a “townie” who returns to her sophomore year after having endured a year of tension with her roommate, Sarah.

But  Sarah Brunson  knows there’s more to that story.

Amanda Priya “Spence” Spencer  is the privileged daughter of NYC elites, who is reeling from the realization that her family name shielded her from the same fate as Sarah.

Ramin Golafshar  arrives at Chandler as a transfer student to escape the dangers of being gay in Iran, only to suffer brutal hazing under the guise of tradition in the boys’ dorms.

And  Freddy Bello  is the senior who’s no longer sure of his future but knows he has to stand up to his friends after what happened to Ramin.

At Chandler, the elite boarding school, these five teens are brought together in the Circle, a coveted writing group where life-changing friendships are born—and secrets are revealed. Their professor tells them to write their truths. But is the truth enough to change the long-standing culture of abuse at Chandler? And can their friendship survive the fallout?

• Buy  The Chandler Legacies  now!

15. An Appetite for Miracles by Laekan Zea Kemp

Danna Mendoza Villarreal’s grandfather is slowly losing himself as his memories fade, and Danna’s not sure her plan to help him remember through the foods he once reviewed will be enough to bring him back. Especially when her own love of food makes her complicated relationship with her mother even more difficult.

Raúl Santos has been lost ever since his mother was wrongly incarcerated two years ago. Playing guitar for the elderly has been his only escape, to help them remember and him forget. But when his mom unexpectedly comes back into his life, what is he supposed to do when she isn’t the same person who left?

When Danna and Raúl meet, sparks fly immediately and they embark on a mission to heal her grandfather…and themselves. Because healing is something best done together–even if it doesn’t always look the way we want it to.

• Buy An Appetite for Miracles now!

16. Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram

Darius Kellner speaks better Klingon than Farsi, and he knows more about Hobbit social cues than Persian ones. He’s about to take his first-ever trip to Iran, and it’s pretty overwhelming–especially when he’s also dealing with clinical depression, a disapproving dad, and a chronically anemic social life. In Iran, he gets to know his ailing but still formidable grandfather, his loving grandmother, and the rest of his mom’s family for the first time. And he meets Sohrab, the boy next door who changes everything.

Sohrab makes sure people speak English so Darius can understand what’s going on. He gets Darius an Iranian National Football Team jersey that makes him feel like a True Persian for the first time. And he understands that sometimes, best friends don’t have to talk. Darius has never had a true friend before, but now he’s spending his days with Sohrab playing soccer, eating rosewater ice cream, and sitting together for hours in their special place, a rooftop overlooking the Yazdi skyline.

Sohrab calls him Darioush–the original Persian version of his name–and Darius has never felt more like himself than he does now that he’s Darioush to Sohrab. When it’s time to go home to America, he’ll have to find a way to be Darioush on his own.

• Buy Darius the Great is Not Okay now!

17. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez

But Julia is not your perfect Mexican daughter. That was Olga’s role.

Then a tragic accident on the busiest street in Chicago leaves Olga dead and Julia left behind to reassemble the shattered pieces of her family. And no one seems to acknowledge that Julia is broken, too. Instead, her mother seems to channel her grief into pointing out  every possible way  Julia has failed.

But it’s not long before Julia discovers that Olga might not have been as perfect as everyone thought. With the help of her best friend, Lorena, and her first love (first everything), Connor, Julia is determined to find out. Was Olga really what she seemed? Or was there more to her sister’s story? And either way, how can Julia even attempt to live up to a seemingly impossible ideal?

• Buy  I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter  now!

18. Turtles All The Way Down by John Green

Sixteen-year-old Aza never intended to pursue the mystery of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but there’s a hundred-thousand-dollar reward at stake and her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, is eager to investigate. So together, they navigate the short distance and broad divides that separate them from Russell Pickett’s son, Davis.

Aza is trying. She is trying to be a good daughter, a good friend, a good student, and maybe even a good detective, while also living within the ever-tightening spiral of her own thoughts.

• Buy  Turtles All The Way Down  now!

19. Anger is a Gift by Mark Oshiro

Six years ago, Moss Jefferies’ father was murdered by an Oakland police officer. Along with losing a parent, the media’s vilification of his father and lack of accountability has left Moss with near crippling panic attacks.

Now, in his sophomore year of high school, Moss and his fellow classmates find themselves increasingly treated like criminals by their own school. New rules. Random locker searches. Constant intimidation and Oakland Police Department stationed in their halls. Despite their youth, the students decide to organize and push back against the administration.

When tensions hit a fever pitch and tragedy strikes, Moss must face a difficult choice: give in to fear and hate or realize that anger can actually be a gift.

• Buy  Anger is a Gift  now!

20. Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

Every new scar hardens Charlie’s heart just a little more, yet it still hurts so much. It hurts enough to not care anymore, which is sometimes what has to happen before you can find your way back from the edge.

A deeply moving portrait of a girl in a world that owes her nothing, and has taken so much, and the journey she undergoes to put herself back together. Kathleen Glasgow’s debut is heartbreakingly real and unflinchingly honest. It’s a story you won’t be able to look away from.

• Buy  Girl in Pieces now!

21. Summer Bird Blue by Akemi Dawn Bowman

Then Lea dies in a car accident, and her mother sends her away to live with her aunt in Hawaii while she deals with her own grief. Now thousands of miles from home, Rumi struggles to navigate the loss of her sister, being abandoned by her mother, and the absence of music in her life. With the help of the “boys next door”—a teenage surfer named Kai, who smiles too much and doesn’t take anything seriously, and an eighty-year-old named George Watanabe, who succumbed to his own grief years ago—Rumi attempts to find her way back to her music, to write the song she and Lea never had the chance to finish.

• Buy  Summer Bird Blue now!

22. Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman

Caden Bosch is a brilliant high school student whose friends are starting to notice his odd behavior.

Caden Bosch is designated the ship’s artist in residence to document the journey with images.

Caden Bosch pretends to join the school track team but spends his days walking for miles, absorbed by the thoughts in his head.

Caden Bosch is split between his allegiance to the captain and the allure of mutiny.

Caden Bosch is torn.

• Buy  Challenger Deep  now!

23. When the Stars Lead to You by Ronni Davis

When Ashton breaks Devon’s heart at the end of the most romantic summer ever, she thinks her heart will never heal again. But over the course of the following year, Devon finds herself slowly putting the broken pieces back together.

Now it’s senior year and she’s determined to enjoy every moment of it, as she prepares for a future studying galaxies. That is, until Ashton shows up on the first day of school.

Can she forgive and open her heart to him again? Or are they doomed to repeat history?

• Buy  When the Stars Lead to You  now!

24. The Stepping Off Place by Cameron Kelly Rosenblum

But summer is when Hattie goes to her family’s Maine island home. Instead of sitting inside for eight weeks, waiting for her to return, Reid and their friend, Sam, enter into a pact—to live it up, one party at a time.

But days before Hattie is due home, Reid finds out the shocking news that Hattie has died by suicide. Driven by a desperate need to understand what went wrong, Reid searches for answers.

In doing so, she uncovers painful secrets about the person she thought she knew better than herself. And the truth will force Reid to reexamine everything.

• Buy  The Stepping Off Place  now!

25. The New David Espinoza by Fred Aceves

Soon David is spending all his time and money at Iron Life, a nearby gym that’s full of bodybuilders. Frustrated with his slow progress, his life eventually becomes all about his muscle gains. As it says on the Iron Life wall, What does not kill me makes me stronger.

As David falls into the dark side of the bodybuilding world, pursuing his ideal body at all costs, he’ll have to grapple with the fact that it could actually cost him everything.

• Buy  The New David Espinoza now!

26. Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia

Rainbow Rowell’s  Fangirl meets ND Stevenson’s Nimona  in this acclaimed novel about art, fandom, and finding the courage to be yourself. “A must-have.”— School Library Journal

In the real world, Eliza Mirk is shy, weird, and friendless. Online, Eliza is LadyConstellation, anonymous creator of a popular webcomic called  Monstrous Sea . With millions of followers and fans throughout the world, Eliza’s persona is popular. Eliza can’t imagine enjoying the real world as much as she loves her digital community.

Then Wallace Warland transfers to her school and Eliza begins to wonder if a life offline might be worthwhile. But when Eliza’s secret is accidentally shared with the world, everything she’s built—her story, her relationship with Wallace, and even her sanity—begins to fall apart.

• Buy  Eliza and Her Monsters  now!

27. Radio Silence by Alice Oseman

What if everything you set yourself up to be was wrong?

Frances has always been a study machine with one goal: elite university. Nothing will stand in her way. Not friends, not a guilty secret—not even the person she is on the inside.

But when Frances meets Aled, the shy genius behind her favorite podcast, she discovers a new freedom. He unlocks the door to Real Frances and for the first time she experiences true friendship, unafraid to be herself. Then the podcast goes viral and the fragile trust between them is broken.

Caught between who she was and who she longs to be, Frances’s dreams come crashing down. Suffocating with guilt, she knows that she has to confront her past…

She has to confess why Carys disappeared…

Meanwhile at university, Aled is alone, fighting even darker secrets.

It’s only by facing up to your fears that you can overcome them. And it’s only by being your true self that you can find happiness.

Frances is going to need every bit of courage she has.

• Buy  Radio Silence  now!

Know of a great book that grapples with mental health? Let us know in the comments!

They hate my guts. They love me not. They love me… If you didn’t know, these are the three common…

There are few things we love more than a good fantasy or sci-fi book with positive LGBTQ+ representation. It’s a…

If you’ve been anywhere on the bookish corner of the internet these last few years, you’ve been unable to escape…

Celebrate the freedom to read with this post filled with info, embeddable badges, lists and more! …

8 New Fiction Books Exploring Mental Health That Show You’re Not Alone

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so it's a good time to pick up these 8 new works of fiction exploring mental health!

Rey Rowland

A daydreamer and a bit of a lost cause, Rey loves stories. Whether they're book shaped or you can see them on a screen, a story always hides in the corners of her mind. She's working on a few stories of her own, always accompanied by her trusty cat.

View All posts by Rey Rowland

What if you could attend your own funeral? What if you could hear from your loved ones exactly why they love you and what you mean to them? What if you could do the same for them? There Are No Rules For This is a tender, defiant, and uplifting novel about life-affirming friendships among women on the bumpy journey back from suicide loss.

Most of us have struggled with mental health challenges at some point in our lives. That’s one of the things I love about fiction exploring mental health. It’s so relatable — it shows you that other people have experienced these challenges. It has certainly shown me time and time again that I’m not alone. Which is why today I want to share with you some newer works of fiction exploring mental health!

I chose eight newer works of fiction exploring mental health, meaning that the books on this list were published in the past year. In some cases, the theme of mental health is front and center, and in others it’s a bit to the side — but always present. Fiction exploring mental health can come in a wide variety of genres. Most of the time, these stories are contemporary or literary fiction, but I also picked some thrillers, romance books, and even horror novels for this list — all in hopes that anyone can find a book they love.

So without further ado, let’s dive into these works of fiction exploring mental health.

New Fiction Exploring Mental Health

The Unfortunates by J K Chukwu

The Unfortunates follows college sophomore Sahara, who constantly feels like she’s not enough. She is not okay for a number of reasons — one of them being that all her Black classmates keep disappearing or dying. She’s planning to deliver her thesis to share her voice one last time, knowing she’ll probably disappear soon. But life has other plans, and Sahara’s wild sophomore year will change everything — and even bring her some much needed hope and redemption.

Chlorine by Jade Song

Next, Chlorine is part coming-of-age story, part horror novel — and it talks about the pressure society puts on young women and their bodies. The story follows Ren Yu. She’s a swimmer, and she has built her whole life around swimming, hoping it’s her ticket to the life she wants. Ren has always wanted to be a mermaid. And school, scholarships, friends — these are the concerns of humans. Not of creatures like her. Either way, Ren will stop at nothing to get the life and freedom she wants for herself. No matter how much it costs her. 

Someday, Maybe by Onyi Nwabineli

Someday, Maybe is a difficult story about loss, grief, and how it affects your interactions with your loved ones. The story follows a woman named Eve. When her husband dies by suicide, her whole life is turned upside down. He seemed happy, so she’s struggling to understand why that happened. Eve is most certainly not okay, but she’s working on her emotional journey towards healing.

Big Swiss by Jen Beagin

Next, this book is a bizarre exploration of love, infidelity, and mental health. Big Swiss follows the story of Greta. She transcribes the therapy sessions of a sex coach known only as Om. The problem is, Greta has become obsessed with Om’s latest client — a woman from Switzerland whom she dubbed Big Swiss. All things considered, the infatuation should be harmless. Except Greta recognizes Big Swiss’s voice at the park and decides to introduce herself — while still hiding who she truly is. What could go wrong?

Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler

Adelaide is (and isn’t) a romance book. It’s the story of the eponymous Adelaide, who has fallen in love with a man named Rory Hughes. She’s convinced he feels the same, even though he only sometimes texts her back. When he breaks one promise after another, she just tries to love him harder. So when Rory is faced with a terrible tragedy, Adelaide keeps giving more and more of herself — hoping that will be enough.

Liar, Dreamer, Thief by Maria Dong

This is an exemplary psychological thriller that dives deep into the mental health of its protagonist. Liar, Dreamer, Thief is the story of Katrina Kim. She may be a little unhinged, and her obsession with her co-worker Kurt isn’t exactly healthy. But she’s not a stalker, really. Still, it seems like Kurt is aware of Katrina’s strange coping mechanism — according to the note he left her. Not long after, Katrina coincidentally meets Kurt. He blames her for what’s about to happen, and then dies by suicide. Was it actually her fault? Katrina dives into her memories for answers, which will slowly reveal a more menacing truth.

Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

A lot of times we want to think that love is enough, but that’s rarely the case. Before I Let Go is a romance novel that explores this through the relationship between Josiah and Yasmen. Love alone couldn’t save their marriage, and yet they’ve finally found some joy and routine in their new lives. They co-parent their children and manage a business together. Which means they’re always close and drawn to each other. When things heat up between them once more, Yasmen and Josiah are faced with the question: can they try again or is it too late to make it work?

The Haunting of Alejandra by V. Castro

Last but certainly not least comes a great horror novel that incorporates the folk tale of La Llorona! The Haunting of Alejandra follows the eponymous Alejandra. In times of darkness and emotional turmoil, she sees the ghost of a crying woman. She doesn’t really know what to make of this apparition, until she starts seeing a therapist. This helps Alejandra get to know more about her family history — and how she’s connected to La Llorona. The problem is, this ghostly specter won’t leave until Alejandra joins her and her ancestors in the darkness.

If you’re struggling with mental health, please seek help. You’re not alone.

That being said, if you’d like to read more books about the topic we’ve compiled a list of nonfiction books about the therapy experience . Or you can read this essay about struggling with mental health challenges and finding reading difficult. 

You Might Also Like

Drizzle & Hurricane Books

YA Books Blog, Book Recommendations, Book Blogging Tips

28 Excellent YA Mental Health Books I Loved And Recommend

May 10, 2023

May is Mental Health Awareness Month . Mental health is a topic that is near and dear to my heart, frequent readers of the blog know it and if you’re new, well, hi! Mental health matters and it’s so, so important to talk about it more.

Know what’s also important? Feeling seen. Some YA books with mental health representation helped me feel seen, understood and, for the very first time, not really alone, so, yeah. These kind of stories matter.

Today, I wanted to highlight some of my favorite YA mental health books .

Please note that, this list isn’t exhaustive and there are way, way more books out there. I compiled this list of books I personally read and enjoyed, mostly dealing with anxiety, depression, ocd and ptsd. There are more, obviously, with different mental health issues I haven’t encountered in books, just yet.

Another tiny little note that, while I enjoyed these books, I can’t tell you if all of them are 100% accurate. I can speak for the anxiety representation, which felt right to me, but here as well, everyone has their own, personal experience .

PLEASE, if you have any recommendations, let me know in comments ? I’d love love LOVE to hear them!

Hope you enjoy this list!

This blog post contains affiliate links. If you buy something on my recommendation, I will receive a small commission. Purchasing via these links will not cost you any extra and will help me cover the costs of book blogging. You will find more info on my  privacy policy  and  disclaimer  pages. Thank you!

YA Books With Mental Health Representation

Ya mental health books: anxiety.

One Way or Another, Kara McDowell

Kara McDowell writes some of my favorite YA contemporary reads! I loved One Way or Another so much. This story’s about Paige, paralyzed by anxiety everytime she has to make a decision. Soo when she needs to decide whether to spend Christmas in New York (dream city) or at a lovely cabin with her best friend (crush), she’s… well, paralyzed. Until destiny comes in… this is such a fun, heartwarming read with excellent anxiety rep.

Find on Goodreads ☂️ Buy on: Amazon – Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s

You Asked For Perfect, Laura Silverman

Performance anxiety , anyone? You Asked for Perfect kind of saw into my soul and I loved it for that. Also, it hurt. Ariel has the perfect grades , the perfect extra-curriculars, the perfect everything to get into college and… he’ll do everything to keep it that way. Even lose himself a little bit. This book was excellent, anxiety rep and romance and family vibes, my heart.

Add to Goodreads ☂️ Buy on: Amazon – Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s

Final Draft, Riley Redgate

One of my favorite, underrated reads, if you ask me. It’s about Laila, a writer who doesn’t really take risks , or steps outside of her comfort zone until her writing teacher asks her to. I absolutely adored this book, its soft f/f romance, its anxiety, perfectionnism-ridden main character. Such a fantastic gem.

Find on Goodreads ☂️ Buy on: Amazon – Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s

How to Disappear, Sharon Huss Roat

How to Disappear is another underrated, one-of-a-kind book, if you ask me. When Vicky’s best friend moves away, she invents a social life thanks to Photoshop and a brand new instagram account… This is an excellent book that tackles social anxiety, isolation and loneliness in such a real, raw way. Highly relatable and important, I loved it.

Add to Goodreads ☂️ Buy on: Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s

Between You, Me and the Honeybees, Amelia Diane Coombs

One of my favorite authors of all times! In this story, Josie wants to keep the beekeeping family business and not go to college… a news her mom wouldn’t take, that well. Another news she wouldn’t take well? The fact that she’s falling for the son of her mother’s nemesis. This is such a heartwarming book with an excellent inclusion of mental health rep (anxiety). Loved it!

Add to Goodreads ☂️ Buy on: Amazon – Bookshop – Blackwell’s

I Was Born For This, Alice Oseman

Alice Oseman, oh. I think this might be my favorite book by hers, though I do love them all. I Was Born For This is about Angel, a die-hard fan of the boys band , The Ark. It’s also about Jimmy, The Ark’s frontman, dealing with anxiety on top of everything celebrity brings to his plate. I found this book to be absolutely lovely, the anxiety rep on point and… well, as a fan girl personally, it really spoke to me, as well.

“I’m excellent at faking being okay with things, even when inside my brain there is a tiny screaming gnome who is definitely not okay.” ―  Alice Oseman,  I Was Born for This

A Quiet Kind of Thunder, Sara Barnard

This book is a gem, oh I loved it. Steffi’s a selective mute . Thanks to her knowledge of sign language, she’s assigned to look after Rhy, the new deaf boy at her school. This is such an adorable tale about finding your voice (literally and metaphorically), falling in love and the anxiety rep was, for me, on point.

Starfish, Akemi Dawn Bowman

In Starfish , our main character has social anxiety and I found it so, so wonderfully done. This is Kiko’s story, living with anxiety, a narcissist mother and an abusive uncle, taking the first opportunity to get away with her childhood friend. This is such a good book, tough to read at times, but so, so worth it.

When We Were Infinite, Kelly Loy Gilbert

Confession time: I had a hard time reading this book. It’s here because obviously, I recommend it, but yeah be warned that it’s a tough read! In this story, all Beth wants is for her group of friends to stay together, but sometimes life and terrible things happen… this is a great story about friendships, holding on to the past, dealing with anxiety , loyalty, people-pleasing. It’s raw and oh, so real.

Eliza and her Monsters, Francesca Zappia

My heart forever with this book. In real life, Eliza’s a loner, shy and friendless. Online, she’s a super popular webcomic creator . This has internet friends, excellent anxiety representation , fandom and family and it’s just, one of my favorite books of all times okay.

Add to Goodreads ☂️ Buy on: Amazon – Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s

The Sound of Stars, Alechia Dow

A science-fiction book with anxiety rep ! I don’t know that many (give me recs? please?),so I’m so happy to feature this one. Set in a dystopian, post-alien invaded New York city, this story is about Janelle, a human girl and an alien boy, finding each other through their love of music and books. It’s a wonderful, hopeful, emotional, lovely story overall and I absolutely loved the anxiety rep in this one.

Radio Silence, Alice Oseman

Another Alice Oseman book! Radio Silence is yet again excellent. It’s about Frances, a study machine putting obviously way too much pressure on herself. It has incredible friendships , fandom and nerd vibes, as well as anxiety and depression representation that felt super accurate. This is just an incredible story overall okay read it.

Add to Goodreads ☂️ Buy on: Amazon – Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s

YA Mental Health Books : Depression

The Cartographers, Amy Zhang

I found The Cartographers hard to read, at times, mostly because it’s a raw representation of depression in the upper-YA category. I appreciate that, so much. It’s about Ocean, forever feeling the pressure to succeed, having struggled with depression in high school and finding herself completely lost while starting college. She defers it for a year and ends up in New York, living adventures and trying to find her place. It’s raw and heartbreaking , yet also so, so important.

The Astonishing Color of After, Emily X.R. Pan

The Astonishing Color of After is such a beautiful book, I wanted to highlight every line. It’s about Leigh, traveling to Taiwan to meet her grandparents after her mother’s suicide. I loved how it dealt with grief , finding your roots, yet also trying to understand mental health, depression and how love does not cure anything, at all. It’s just a beautiful book that made me sob okay.

Verona Comics, Jennifer Dugan

This is such a lovely book, marketed as a contemporary romance a bit, but that has such a good, important focus on mental health . It’s about Jubilee and Ridley, two comic book lovers meeting at a convention… only to realize, later, that their parents’ shops are rivals. It has a main character with social anxiety and clinical depression and overall was such an unexpected little gem.

When the Stars Lead To You, Ronni Davis

Oh, this book. This book has my whole heart okay. Ashton broke Devon’s heart after a magical, magical summer… so when he shows up on the first day of senior year, Devon’s not quite ready. This is an incredible story about falling in love for the first time, dealing with depression and it’s raw and beautiful and just, real. One of my favorite books.

Darius the Great is not Okay, Adib Khorram

I love Dariuuus! This wonderful wonderful main character’s about to go on his first trip to Iran to meet his family. He also deals with clinical depression and I just found the way the author talked about mental health, identity quest, family and friendship so, so wonderful. 200% recommending this always.

YA Mental Health Books: OCD

Under Rose-Tainted Skies, Louise Gornall

Norah’s scared of everything , from tsunamis to odd numbers. She doesn’t leave her home’s four walls, watches the world from afar until Luke arrives on her doorstep. What I loved about this book was the incredible way mental health was described and dealt with ( anxiety, agoraphobia, ocd ), sometimes way too accurate to be honest. This was such a moving read that has to be highly relatable to many.

Exactly Where You Need To Be, Amelia Diane Coombs

Florie’s OCD has kept her from doing a lot of things… but she doesn’t want it to keep her from seeing her favorite podcast live in San Francisco. Without telling their parents, she sets off with her best friend and her best friend’s brother (crush) on a road trip to California … I loved this book so much! The mental health rep, the swoon, the road trip, the family relationships. SO good!

All our Broken Pieces, L. D. Crichton

All our Broken Pieces is quite an intense read. Lennon, our main character, is dealing with compulsions, heavily intrusive thoughts and anxiety. Kyler, the boy next door, is wearing the trauma from a house fire on his scarred face. When these two meet… well, it’s such a wonderful romance with an important place for mental health, family and it doesn’t sugarcoat things, at all. I really loved it!

Am I Normal Yet?, Holly Bourne

Holly Bourne writes some of the best books, if you ask me. Evie’s about to start college and feels it’s the right time to reduce her OCD medication. All she wants to be is “normal”, a normal teenager going to parties, having friends, a boyfriend, maybe… but life doesn’t go quite as planned. I adored the female friendships in this one, the important discussions on mental health. 200% recommending it!

Add to Goodreads ☂️ Buy on: Amazon – Blackwell’s

Turtles All the Way Down, John Green

I’ve loved John Green books for ages, but Turtles feels different. It’s raw, unfiltered , it’s just really tough to read at times, the author isn’t shy with this OCD representation . It’s about Aza, looking for a fugitive billionnaire with her best friend, but it’s also about mental health, friendship and feeling stuck within your own thoughts. Terrifyingly real.

“Actually, the problem is that I  can’t  lose my mind,” I said. “It’s inescapable.” ―  John Green,  Turtles All the Way Down

YA Mental Health Books: PTSD

Girl Against the Universe, Paula Stokes

Paula Stokes writes some of my favorite books! This story’s about Maguire, dealing with PTSD after several accidents left her unharmed. She meets Jordy, at therapy sessions and, little by little, they spend more time together… I found this book excellent. I loved the characters’ growth , the romance, the wonderful parents. Loved loved it.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, Michelle Hodkin

Mara wakes up in a hospital with no memory how she got here… and doesn’t remember the accident that killed her friends, but left her unharmed. This book is creepy and the main character’s struggling with PTSD, hallucinations and nightmares and nothing is as it seems.

The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins

I’m just going to mention the series as a whole, because it makes sense that way, but well. You all know The Hunger Games , these kids sent to an arena to fight each other to death for entertainment. If this wasn’t horrible enough, Katniss, our main character, obviously deals heavily with PTSD after everything she’s seen. This series is raw and honestly excellent, so tough I don’t know if I’ll ever read it again. But if you haven’t read it yet, please do.

I’ll Meet You There, Heather Demetrios

Skylar can’t wait to get out of her small town to go to art school, but when her mother loses her job, she feels her dream slipping away from her. After losing his leg in Afghanistan, Josh comes back to the town a shell of who he used to be. Together, they work at a quirky motel… This book isn’t the usual romance, it’s raw and real and not without its complications. Josh’s disability and PTSD are heartbreaking and these characters, oh they’re with me forever.

YA Mental Health Book: Schizophrenia

Ya mental health book: bipolar disorder.

Made You Up, Francesca Zappia

Alex constantly fights between what’s real and what’s not in her mind. A war against schizophrenia she’s determined to win, until Miles shows up at her school. Did she make him up, or is he real? This was such an interesting exploration of mental health, with an unreliable narrator making this book a wild ride, at times.

Keep my Heart in San Francisco, Amelia Diane Coombs

Chuck’s forced to team up with her ex-best / childhood friend to save her family business, the bowling alley, the only thing keeping her in San Francisco. Just like her mother, she struggles with bipolar disorder and, quickly gets a bit afraid of acting too irrational… This book’s swoony, soft and heartwarming with amazing family vibes , yet also wonderfully deals with complex topics such as bipolar disorder and depression. One of my favorites!

“Sometimes I think people take reality for granted.” ―  Francesca Zappia,  Made You Up

Enjoyed this list? See a book you’d like to read? Order them through these retailers below and support our work. No extra fees and a brand new book for you, a little help for us. Thank you!

For more YA book recommendations , check out these blog posts:

• 10 YA books dealing with anxiety
• Blind Date With an Underrated YA Book
• 10 YA Books to Read Based on Your Favorite Aesthetics

📌 Pin 28 Excellent YA Mental Health Books I Recommend on Pinterest!

Do you like reading books with mental health representation? Have you read any of these books?

Do you have any recommendations for me? I’d LOVE to hear them in comments!!

Twitter ☂️ Bookstagram ☂️ Goodreads ☂️ Bloglovin ’ ☂️ Support the blog

Subscribe to the newsletter for more book recommendations, exclusive intl giveaways, behind the scenes and more:

Keep on reading! You might also enjoy:

May 10, 2023 at 3:50 pm

So many faves on this list! Love seeing Stokes, Bernard, and Roat — those books are so underrated. Especially love seeing Rose Tainted Skies. Breaks my heart that we lost Gornall.

May 21, 2023 at 10:48 am

Ahhh yay! <3 I get so, so sad when I think about it. Such a talented writer. <3

May 10, 2023 at 5:32 pm

I have a recommendation for you for YA mental health reads. I read OC Me by Kristen Allbright years ago and it was really interesting.

Ooooh thank you SO much! I’ll check it out right now 😀

May 10, 2023 at 6:23 pm

I enjoyed Verona comics

May 14, 2023 at 7:58 pm

yay! it was such a great read! 🙂 thank you so much!

Great recommendations!

thank you!! <3

May 11, 2023 at 2:51 pm

I love this! On my list are The Light Between Worlds (YA, depression and PTSD) and For a Muse of Fire (bipolar).

May 21, 2023 at 10:49 am

Oh thank you so much!! Both of these books are on my TBR, I can’t WAIT to read them! 😀

May 14, 2023 at 7:33 am

this is such a wonderful list with so many great books, marie!! i definitely see many favorites of mine hehe. i’ve had the astonishing color of after on my tbr for so long, i really need to get around to it 😭

May 21, 2023 at 10:50 am

Thank yo so, so much!! <3 I hope you'll read it soon, it's heartbreaking and so, so, so beautiful, I loved it! <3

May 21, 2023 at 7:53 pm

Loved your recommendations! 🌷🥰 I’m proud that I’ve read (and loved) quite a lot of them 💕 Amelia Diane Coombs just writes such great books, I need to read Exactly Where You Need to Be & Keep my Heart in San Francisco!! I’ll Meet You There has been on my TBR for ages, I really need to read it!

May 27, 2023 at 8:31 pm

Thank you so much!! I adore Amelia Diane Coombs’ books, can’t wait for you to read them all <3

June 7, 2023 at 2:46 am

I see a few of my faves on this list. UNDER ROSE-TAINTED SKIES and GIRL AGAINST THE UNIVERSE are two I loved!

June 16, 2023 at 6:42 pm

AHH yay! I love these two so, SO much! <3

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Latest from instagram.

We’re Marie (she/her) and Nyx (she/her), two sisters screaming about books at each other and now with you, too. We love books, traveling and we’re both marshmallows, basically. Thank you so much for stopping by! Have a look around and let’s chat!

Copyright © 2024 Drizzle & Hurricane Books · Theme by 17th Avenue

Privacy Overview

Get the Reddit app

r/Fantasy is the internet's largest discussion forum for the greater Speculative Fiction genre. Fans of fantasy, science fiction, horror, alt history, and more can all find a home with us. We welcome respectful dialogue related to speculative fiction in literature, games, film, and the wider world. We ask all users help us create a welcoming environment by reporting posts/comments that do not follow the subreddit rules.

Fantasy books that represent mental health

Mental health representation is a subject that means a lot to me as an author. There are many fantasy books I read in my youth that helped me through difficult times, and I love when authors do what they can to support readers in that way. And there are lots of ways to represent mental health in fantasy. Either through the people or through the more thematic questioning of what mental health is. This is where fantasy in particular can shine since it can use fantasy worlds to explore how things could be different.

I find both methods really interesting, and I'm delving headfirst into the analysis of them in my latest YouTube series (I like to analyses how various scientific topics are explored in fantasy literature for fun. Go figure). For this series, I need some help with recommendations. Mental health representation in fantasy is a hard thing to search for, so I'm hoping the Reddit hive mind can come to my rescue.

So this is me asking for your help. My plan is to do videos in the future about how specific mental health conditions have been explored and represented in fantasy. The good the bad and the ugly. So what have you got? In the first video of the series, I talked about how there are two levels mental health can be explored through fantasy. 1) the representation through characters. 2) the thematic exploration of mental health. I used examples like the Manifest Delusions series by Michael R Fletcher, which asks the question what a world would look like where mental health conveys power. If you have any more examples of thematic questions about mental health in fantasy, then I would love to hear them. If not, then do you have any recs for the exploration of: depression, anxiety, PTSD, Eating disorders, ADHD or any other mental health condition you've seen represented in fantasy? My ears are open. If something did it badly, why was it bad? What did you love about the representation?

In case you're interested in watching the videos, you can find them on my channel, Science in Fantasy. The first in the series is up and this link will get you there . There is a video analysis on mental health healing in fantasy I've got coming out soon that I'm particularly excited about sharing. It's a topic I haven't seen explored enough in fantasy, and I hope to do an r/fantasy post summary soon (so long as I don't forget!).

Happy reading folks and thanks in advance for your recs!

By continuing, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge that you understand the Privacy Policy .

Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app

You’ve set up two-factor authentication for this account.

Enter a 6-digit backup code

Create your username and password.

Reddit is anonymous, so your username is what you’ll go by here. Choose wisely—because once you get a name, you can’t change it.

Reset your password

Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password

Check your inbox

An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account

Choose a Reddit account to continue