The best 100 Mental Health books

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1
Mental Health Books: Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman

Emotional Intelligence

Daniel Goleman
4.4 (2,510 ratings)

What's Emotional Intelligence about?

Emotional Intelligence (1995) outlines the nature of emotional intelligence and reveals its vast impact on many aspects of life. By presenting the ways emotional intelligence evolves and explaining how it can be improved, it offers an alternative to the overly cognition-centered approaches to the human mind that formerly prevailed in the psychological establishment.

Who should read Emotional Intelligence?

  • Anyone who is unsatisfied by more traditional measurements of intelligence
  • Anyone who wonders if IQ determines success
  • Anyone who is striving to live up to their own abilities

2
Mental Health Books: How Children Succeed by Paul Tough

How Children Succeed

Paul Tough
Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character
4.4 (121 ratings)

What's How Children Succeed about?

These blinks explore the reasons why some people struggle in school and later on in life, and why others thrive and prosper. Using scientific studies and data from real schools, the blinks dive into the hidden factors that affect the success of children.

Who should read How Children Succeed?

  • Anyone who is or is going to become a parent, grandparent or godparent
  • Anyone who works with children, especially teachers and coaches
  • Anyone who wants to develop oft-neglected skills that are just as important as cognitive skills to their future success

3
Mental Health Books: You Are Not Your Brain by Jeffrey M. Schwartz and Rebecca Gladding

You Are Not Your Brain

Jeffrey M. Schwartz and Rebecca Gladding
The Four-Step Solution for Changing Bad Habits, Ending Unhealthy Thinking, and Taking Control of Your Life
4.5 (304 ratings)

What's You Are Not Your Brain about?

You Are Not Your Brain explores our deceptive brain messages which program us to have harmful thoughts such as “I’m not good enough.” And it tells us how we can change this detrimental wiring by challenging these brain messages and focusing our attention elsewhere. In doing so, we can rewire our brain to make it work for us, not against us.

Who should read You Are Not Your Brain?

  • Anyone who wants to deal with their negative thoughts effectively
  • Anyone whose brain could use some rewiring
  • Anyone who is interested in the practical implications of neuropsychology

4
Mental Health Books: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

The Gifts of Imperfection

Brené Brown
Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed To Be and Embrace Who You Are
4.6 (658 ratings)

What's The Gifts of Imperfection about?

The Gifts of Imperfection offers an accessible and engaging walk through the ten principles that you can follow to live a more fulfilling life, defined by courage, connection and compassion towards others. Filled with relatable anecdotes and actionable advice, the book is a useful resource for readers both young and old.

Who should read The Gifts of Imperfection?

  • Anyone who wants to live a more meaningful life
  • Anyone who has a  great idea, but is afraid to share it with the world
  • Anyone troubled by feelings of inadequacy and vulnerability

5
Mental Health Books: 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do by Amy Morin

13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do

Amy Morin
Take Back Your Power, Embrace Change, Face Your Fears and Train Your Brain for Happiness and Success
4.6 (3,979 ratings)

What's 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do about?

13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do (2014) explains how to develop great mental strength by taking control of your emotions, thoughts, and actions. With useful tips, inspiring examples, and practical solutions, this book will help you overcome your fears and start living life to the fullest.

Who should read 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do?

  • People struggling in the face of their own failures and peers’ success
  • Parents who can’t calmly communicate with their children
  • Anyone who needs extra encouragement to live out their dreams

6
Mental Health Books: The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal

The Upside of Stress

Kelly McGonigal
Why stress is good for you and how to get good at it
4.4 (214 ratings)

What's The Upside of Stress about?

The Upside of Stress explores the power our attitudes have when it comes to dealing with stress. These blinks explain the inner workings of our biological and psychological responses to stress, and open up new perspectives on how stress can help us grow.

Who should read The Upside of Stress?

  • Students and employees seeking deeper insights into managing stress
  • Individuals interested in seeing how their experiences of adversity in the past affect them today
  • People curious about scientific research on stress

7
Mental Health Books: The Lucifer Effect by Philip Zimbardo

The Lucifer Effect

Philip Zimbardo
Understanding How Good People Turn Evil
4.4 (106 ratings)

What's The Lucifer Effect about?

In an attempt to reveal the source of humanity’s capacity for evil, The Lucifer Effect (2007) delves deep into the dark corners of the human mind. It shows how we walk a fine line between monstrosity and heroism daily – yet it isn’t our nature that determines on which side of the line we fall, but the numerous situational forces that permeate our lives.

Who should read The Lucifer Effect?

  • People interested in psychology and understanding human nature
  • Anyone who wants to know why good people sometimes turn evil

8
Mental Health Books: The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller

The Drama of the Gifted Child

Alice Miller
The Search for the True Self
4.1 (131 ratings)

What's The Drama of the Gifted Child about?

International bestseller and classic The Drama of the Gifted Child (1979) is about the ways in which our unhappy, repressed childhood memories come back to haunt us as adults. Everyone deals with negativity in their childhood, and if adults don’t confront these memories, they risk living unfulfilled lives or even passing their problems on to their children. Overcoming these suppressed emotions will set you free.

Who should read The Drama of the Gifted Child?

  • Anyone who’s ever felt “empty”
  • People struggling with depression or addiction
  • Parents and parents-to-be

9
Mental Health Books: How to Stay Sane by Philippa Perry

How to Stay Sane

Philippa Perry
4.3 (172 ratings)

What's How to Stay Sane about?

In How to Stay Sane (2012), British psychotherapist and author Philippa Perry shows you how to better nurture relationships while using self-observation, “positive” stress and the power of stories to achieve and maintain your mental health.

Who should read How to Stay Sane?

  • Anyone concerned about their mental health
  • People interested in psychology and counseling
  • Anyone looking for ways to cope amid tough times

10
Mental Health Books: Emotional Blackmail by Susan Forward with Donna Frazier

Emotional Blackmail

Susan Forward with Donna Frazier
When the People in Your Life Use Fear, Obligation, and Guilt to Manipulate You
4.5 (146 ratings)

What's Emotional Blackmail about?

Emotional Blackmail (1997) helps us understand, identify, confront and remedy manipulation in our closest relationships. These blinks are filled with insightful explanations about the true nature of toxic relationships and provide you with the tools you need to break out of this vicious cycle.

Who should read Emotional Blackmail?

  • Anyone tired of fighting a losing battle with a loved one
  • People who suspect they let fear run their life
  • People who want to empower themselves in their relationships

11
Mental Health Books: Reclaim Your Brain by Joseph A. Annibali

Reclaim Your Brain

Joseph A. Annibali
How to Calm Your Thoughts, Heal Your Mind and Bring Your Life Back Under Control
4.3 (238 ratings)

What's Reclaim Your Brain about?

Reclaim Your Brain (2015) is about how imbalances and quirks in the human brain can lead to serious problems such as anxiety, depression or addiction. These blinks explain the biological roots of these problems and what you can do to overcome them to get your brain back in check!

Who should read Reclaim Your Brain?

  • Students of psychology, psychiatry or general medicine
  • Anyone suffering from stress or anxiety
  • People in recovery or still struggling with addiction

12
Mental Health Books: The ADHD Advantage by Dale Archer

The ADHD Advantage

Dale Archer
What you Thought Was a Diagnosis May Be Your Greatest Strength
3.2 (573 ratings)

What's The ADHD Advantage about?

The ADHD Advantage (2015) provides new insights into ADHD, debunking false assumptions and unveiling the positive sides of this condition. These blinks explore how anyone with ADHD – children, young people and professionals alike – can be nurtured and supported to reach their full potential.

Who should read The ADHD Advantage?

  • Parents of children with ADHD seeking a different perspective on the condition
  • Teachers who want to support children with ADHD in the classroom
  • Anyone who’s struggled with ADHD

13
Mental Health Books: The Sleep Revolution by Arianna Huffington

The Sleep Revolution

Arianna Huffington
Transforming Your Life One Night At A Time
3.9 (259 ratings)

What's The Sleep Revolution about?

These blinks are about the importance of a basic human necessity that we often brush aside: sleep. Getting enough sleep isn’t just about feeling better in the morning – it improves your work performance, health and even your personal relationships. Similarly, sleep deprivation isn’t a by-product of hard work; rather, it prevents you from reaching your full potential. The Sleep Revolution (2016) explains why sleep is so critical, and what you can do to get more of it.

Who should read The Sleep Revolution?

  • Anyone who gets sleepy at work or school
  • Parents and teachers who aren’t getting enough rest
  • Athletes wanting to reach their peak performance

14
Mental Health Books: It Didn't Start With You by Mark Wolynn

It Didn't Start With You

Mark Wolynn
How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End The Cycle
4.2 (290 ratings)

What's It Didn't Start With You about?

It Didn’t Start With You (2016) sheds light on a common thread in family relationships. These blinks explain how the source of your emotional or mental problems isn’t necessarily you but instead, your family history. You’ll learn how trauma can be passed from generation to generation, and what you can do to break the cycle.

Who should read It Didn't Start With You?

  • Anyone struggling with depression, anxiety or phobias
  • Parents and children seeking to mend relationships
  • Psychology students

15
Mental Health Books: The Seven Sins of Memory by Daniel L. Schacter

The Seven Sins of Memory

Daniel L. Schacter
How the Mind Forgets and Remembers
4.2 (112 ratings)

What's The Seven Sins of Memory about?

The Seven Sins of Memory (2002) offers a close look at the seven ways our memory can let us down: from why we always lose our car keys to why some people are haunted by recurring negative thoughts. The book also discusses how to mitigate these shortcomings and why they’re actually trade-offs for massive memory benefits. By examining how our memory works and its faults, we see that these weaknesses are actually just side effects of a very clever system.

Who should read The Seven Sins of Memory?

  • Anyone interested in how memory works and how to make it more reliable
  • People hoping to curb recurring negative thoughts
  • Anyone wondering why trying not to think of a white bear just won’t work

16
Mental Health Books: You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

You Are a Badass

Jen Sincero
How To Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life
4.3 (608 ratings)

What's You Are a Badass about?

You Are a Badass (2013) is your guide to living life to the fullest. Sincero provides an analysis of exactly what’s holding you back and provides powerful strategies geared toward breaking bad habits so that you can truly live out your dreams.

Become the badass you always wanted to be.

Who should read You Are a Badass?

  • People stuck in jobs that they hate
  • Readers looking for new strategies to tackle self-doubt
  • Anyone seeking motivation to make a serious life change

17
Mental Health Books: Mindsight by Daniel Siegel

Mindsight

Daniel Siegel
Transform Your Brain With the New Science of Kindness
4.1 (509 ratings)

What's Mindsight about?

Mindsight (2010) introduces the reader to the many factors that shape the way we react to life’s challenges. Emotional responses are tied to our bodies, brains and childhood experiences. With mindsight, we can learn to manage our emotions in order to improve our relationships and well-being.

Who should read Mindsight?

  • Readers interested in the relationships between the human body, brain and behavior
  • Anyone interested in contemporary approaches to psychotherapy
  • Individuals looking for guidance in dealing with uncontrollable emotions

18
Mental Health Books: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

The Body Keeps the Score

Bessel van der Kolk
Mind, Brain and the Body in the Transformation of Trauma
4.5 (928 ratings)

What's The Body Keeps the Score about?

The Body Keeps the Score (2014) explains what trauma is and how it can change our lives for the worse. These blinks investigate the wide-ranging effects experienced not only by traumatized people, but also those around them. Nevertheless, while trauma presents a number of challenges, there are ways to heal.

Who should read The Body Keeps the Score?

  • People struggling with chronic pain, anxiety or depression
  • Family and friends of PTSD sufferers
  • Students of psychology and medicine

19
Mental Health Books: Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday

Ego is the Enemy

Ryan Holiday
The Fight to Master Our Greatest Opponent
4.4 (702 ratings)

What's Ego is the Enemy about?

Ego is the Enemy (2016) outlines the dangers of egotism and the strategies we can use to rein in our pride, using historical and cultural examples. From finding a mentor to learning how to delegate tasks, these blinks show us why staying grounded can secure future success.

Who should read Ego is the Enemy?

  • Anyone who has been told that they’re arrogant or proud
  • Successful business people feeling uneasy about their newfound fame
  • Managers interested in how the ego impacts our work lives

20
Mental Health Books: Hardcore Self Help by Robert Duff

Hardcore Self Help

Robert Duff
F**K Anxiety
3.8 (165 ratings)

What's Hardcore Self Help about?

Hardcore Self Help (2014) is your guide to overcoming anxiety and living a peaceful life. These blinks examine some of the different forms that anxiety disorders take and offer some techniques to help ease anxiety.

Who should read Hardcore Self Help?

  • Patients struggling with anxiety disorders
  • Anyone with a friend or loved one who suffers from anxiety
  • Stressed-out executives and entrepreneurs

21
Mental Health Books: Lying by Sam Harris

Lying

Sam Harris
3.8 (523 ratings)

What's Lying about?

Lying (2011) explains why the act of telling lies is so dangerous. And that means all lies, from the tiny lies that people tell on a daily basis to the massive lies sometimes told on the world stage. All in all, it’s always better to tell the truth.

Who should read Lying?

  • Anyone who’s ever told a lie
  • Psychology students  
  • People interested in politics

22
Mental Health Books: How Not to Worry by Paul McGee

How Not to Worry

Paul McGee
The Remarkable Truth of How a Small Change Can Help You Stress Less and Enjoy Life More
4.3 (186 ratings)

What's How Not to Worry about?

How Not to Worry (2012) is a practical and accessible roadmap to defeating anxiety, stress and worry. Logical and clearly laid out, life coach Paul McGee’s approach is all about small changes that make a big difference. He shows that by thinking analytically, you can start dealing with worries rationally and free up valuable headspace for more pleasurable pursuits.

Who should read How Not to Worry?

  • Serial worriers and the terminally stressed out
  • Life and performance coaches
  • Psychology buffs

23
Mental Health Books: Lost Connections by Johann Hari

Lost Connections

Johann Hari
Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions
4.7 (308 ratings)

What's Lost Connections about?

Lost Connections (2018) takes you on a historical and scientific journey that dispels many of the lingering myths surrounding depression and the reasons it touches so many of us. Along the way, author Johann Hari introduces readers to the cutting-edge advancements being made by those looking into new solutions for depression and anxiety.

Who should read Lost Connections?

  • Students of psychology, mental health and social work
  • Readers experiencing depression and eager for solutions
  • Friends and loved ones of those with depression or anxiety

24
Mental Health Books: A Really Good Day by Ayelet Waldman

A Really Good Day

Ayelet Waldman
How Microdosing Made a Mega Difference in My Mood, My Marriage, and My Life
4.2 (94 ratings)

What's A Really Good Day about?

A Really Good Day (2018) is the true story of one writer’s attempt to tackle her struggles with depression and mood disorder through a novel – and illegal – remedy: microdoses of LSD. Charting her experiment with the drug over 30 days, Ayelet Waldman explores her reactions and discovers a newfound sense of serenity in her everyday life. At the same time, A Really Good Day is a broader exploration of the history of LSD, the myths that surround it and society’s attitudes toward legal and illegal drugs.

Who should read A Really Good Day?

  • People interested in new ways to treat depression and mood-disorder
  • Readers skeptical about traditional medication for depression
  • Those interested in drug policy and legalization

25
Mental Health Books: Overworked and Overwhelmed by Scott Eblin

Overworked and Overwhelmed

Scott Eblin
The Mindfulness Alternative
4.2 (161 ratings)

What's Overworked and Overwhelmed about?

Overworked and Overwhelmed (2014) shines a light on work-related stress and outlines what you can do to fight it. Packed full of simple yet effective stress-relieving strategies that you can start putting into practice today, this is a survival guide tailor-made to today’s fast-paced corporate world.

Who should read Overworked and Overwhelmed?

  • Executives and managers
  • Anyone feeling stressed and overworked
  • Coaches and work psychologists

26
Mental Health Books: Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

Can’t Hurt Me

David Goggins
Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds
4.2 (859 ratings)

What's Can’t Hurt Me about?

Can’t Hurt Me (2018) is the inspirational true-life story of David Goggins, one of the world’s fittest men. The blinks explore the key life events of this inspirational athlete and military man and provide a fascinating insight into a truly focused and unbreakable mind.

Who should read Can’t Hurt Me?

  • Fitness freaks looking for fresh insights
  • Those wanting tips on how to triumph over adversity
  • Anyone interested in inspirational life stories

27
Mental Health Books: Maybe You Should Talk To Someone by Lori Gottlieb

Maybe You Should Talk To Someone

Lori Gottlieb
A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed
4.5 (236 ratings)

What's Maybe You Should Talk To Someone about?

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone (2019) is a unique memoir in which the author, a psychotherapist, tells the story of how she herself ended up on a therapist’s couch after descending into a personal crisis of her own. By reflecting on her experiences as both a therapist and a patient, and by relating them to the stories of four of her patients, she came to a better understanding of both her profession and herself.

Who should read Maybe You Should Talk To Someone?

  • Curious minds interested in how therapy works in practice   
  • People suffering from personal, emotional or psychological problems  
  • Those who are feeling lost and looking for some direction

28
Mental Health Books: How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan

How to Change Your Mind

Michael Pollan
What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence
4.4 (315 ratings)

What's How to Change Your Mind about?

How to Change Your Mind (2018) is a fascinating account of one man’s exploration of the psychedelic drug world. Author Michael Pollan takes readers along for the ride as he learns first-hand about the positive aspects of psychedelic drugs, including the healing and restorative effects they can have on people suffering from depression and addiction. Readers will also hear from neuroscientists to learn exactly what is happening in the brain during a psychedelic trip.

Who should read How to Change Your Mind?

  • Psychologists and therapists
  • Depressive people and addicts
  • Spiritual seekers

29
Mental Health Books: Burnout by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski

Burnout

Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski
The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle
4.0 (233 ratings)

What's Burnout about?

Burnout (2019) offers women an honest and practical look at the causes of their everyday stress and anxiety and the different ways in which science can help. Since women continue to face a very different set of expectations to men, it stands to reason that women also deal with a different form of burnout. Authors Emily and Amelia Nagoski offer scientific, as well as personal, insight into what’s really going on and what women can do to not only persist but thrive in the modern world.

Who should read Burnout?

  • Women facing daily burnout
  • Anyone tired of living up to impossible expectations
  • People in need of stress management tips

30
Mental Health Books: Widen the Window by Elizabeth A. Stanley

Widen the Window

Elizabeth A. Stanley
Training Your Brain and Body to Thrive During Stress and Recover from Trauma
4.8 (365 ratings)

What's Widen the Window about?

Widen the Window (2019) is your guide to healing trauma, relieving chronic stress, and living fully in the present. Drawing on her personal experience as a military leader and building on the latest science, Elizabeth A. Stanley examines how stress and trauma impact our mind and body; how our culture incentivizes work over health; and how mindfulness can bridge the gap between our thinking brains and our bodies’ ancient survival stress response.

Who should read Widen the Window?

  • Anyone who has suffered physical or psychological trauma 
  • People working in the military, first response, and other high stress professions
  • Overachievers, workaholics, and other “type A” personalities

31
Mental Health Books: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

John Mark Comer
How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World
4.5 (246 ratings)

What's The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry about?

In The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry (2019), Pastor John Mark Comer tells us how being too busy destroyed his mental health, affected his relationships, and weakened his connection to his faith. By slowing down and limiting his commitments, he gained happiness and wellbeing in every area of his life. Here he shares four simple practices that will allow you to experience the delights of a hurry-free life. 

Who should read The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry?

  • People who feel much too busy but don’t know how to get off the hamster wheel 
  • Christians who are interested in an insightful, modern interpretation of the Bible
  • Anyone interested in how technology has changed our lives

32
Mental Health Books: When the Body Says No by Gabor Maté

When the Body Says No

Gabor Maté
The Cost of Hidden Stress
4.6 (503 ratings)

What's When the Body Says No about?

When the Body Says No (2003) probes the hidden connections between mental health and physical illness. Modern medical science often tries to reassure us that our minds and bodies are totally separate – when, in reality, they’re deeply interconnected. Mental stresses often play out in the body as physiological diseases, disorders, and chronic conditions that endanger our health and well-being.

Who should read When the Body Says No?

  • People who have chronic health conditions or who know others who have them
  • The eternally stressed
  • Those interested in the connections between mind and body

33
Mental Health Books: The Molecule of More by Daniel Z. Lieberman and Michael E. Long

The Molecule of More

Daniel Z. Lieberman and Michael E. Long
How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity – and Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race
4.7 (411 ratings)

What's The Molecule of More about?

The Molecule of More (2020) reveals how one brain chemical kindles our desires, fuels our creativity, and makes us fall in love. Using the latest insights from psychology, neuroscience, and social studies to investigate the role of this powerful brain chemical in our thoughts and behavior, it explains what science can teach us about drug addiction, mental illness, and political disagreements.

Who should read The Molecule of More?

  • Science enthusiasts interested in the mysteries of the human brain
  • Mind-wanderers, achievement addicts, and other restless souls 
  • Anyone looking for neurochemical balance in their lives

34
Mental Health Books: Mind Over Clutter by Nicola Lewis

Mind Over Clutter

Nicola Lewis
Cleaning Your Way to a Calm and Happy Home
3.7 (225 ratings)

What's Mind Over Clutter about?

Mind Over Clutter (2019) explores simple tips and techniques for keeping any home free from clutter. These blinks also reveal the impact of mess on your mental health and explain how you can approach housework in a more eco-friendly way, without the need for harsh chemicals. 

Who should read Mind Over Clutter?

  • Minimalists looking for a fresh angle
  • Messy people hoping to change their ways
  • Neat freaks seeking inspiration

35
Mental Health Books: Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve by Stanley Rosenberg

Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve

Stanley Rosenberg
Self-Help Exercises for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Autism
4.5 (353 ratings)

What's Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve about?

Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve (2017) is a best-selling guide to understanding the role the cranial nerves – and in particular the vagus nerve – play in our physical and psychological well-being. In addition to explaining the function of the cranial nerves, it offers simple techniques for treating common medical symptoms without pharmacological or surgical intervention.

Who should read Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve?

  • Anyone who hates taking medicine
  • People struggling with depression and anxiety
  • Those who like coming up with their own solutions to problems

36
Mental Health Books: The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll

The Bullet Journal Method

Ryder Carroll
Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future
4.3 (245 ratings)

What's The Bullet Journal Method about?

The Bullet Journal Method (2018) by Ryder Carroll breaks down bullet journaling: the planning and productivity system your most organized friend is definitely already using. Use bullet journaling to clarify, prioritize, schedule, and reflect on your tasks and goals. You’ll never miss an appointment or lose track of a great idea again. 

Who should read The Bullet Journal Method?

  • People who write to-do lists but never seem to finish them
  • Productivity pros keen to try the system that’s revolutionized personal planning
  • Dreamers who want to turn vague plans into a reality

37
Mental Health Books: Anxious by Joseph Ledoux

Anxious

Joseph Ledoux
Using the Brain to Understand and Treat Fear and Anxiety
4.3 (250 ratings)

What's Anxious about?

Anxious (2015) is an in-depth study of anxiety disorders. It explores how anxiety is diagnosed and examines how our in-built survival mechanisms can sabotage us by making us perceive danger where none exists. Most importantly, it provides an overview of the most innovative treatment options available – from reprogramming our memories to practicing meditation.

Who should read Anxious?

  • Anyone living with anxiety who wants to understand more about it 
  • Teachers and caregivers who want to support the young people in their care
  • Psychology buffs who want to better understand this pervasive disorder

38
Mental Health Books: Eat to Beat Depression and Anxiety by Drew Ramsey

Eat to Beat Depression and Anxiety

Drew Ramsey
Nourish Your Way to Better Mental Health in Six Weeks
4.3 (415 ratings)

What's Eat to Beat Depression and Anxiety about?

Eat to Beat Depression and Anxiety (2021) is a groundbreaking look at how nutrition can influence mental health. Based on the latest scientific information, it gives the lowdown on the mind-gut connection, inflammation, and keeping your microbiome healthy. 

Who should read Eat to Beat Depression and Anxiety?

  • Those seeking a brain-boosting eating strategy
  • People craving a healthier relationship with food
  • Anyone suffering from depression or anxiety

39
Mental Health Books: The Wim Hof Method by Wim Hof

The Wim Hof Method

Wim Hof
Activate Your Full Human Potential
4.6 (246 ratings)

What's The Wim Hof Method about?

The Wim Hof Method (2020) posits that we can overcome almost anything, from illness and depression to extreme climate conditions, by employing Wim Hof’s methods. Based on three pillars – cold, breathing, and mindset – The Wim Hof Method seeks to help you activate your full potential.

Who should read The Wim Hof Method?

  • Anyone looking to improve their general health and well-being
  • Endurance athletes and winter sport fanatics
  • Those looking for alternative remedies to illness and depression

40
Mental Health Books: The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter

The Comfort Crisis

Michael Easter
Embrace Discomfort to Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self
4.5 (225 ratings)

What's The Comfort Crisis about?

The Comfort Crisis (2021) offers a cure for the physical and mental health problems of modern-day life. It’s all about getting comfortable with discomfort, which can mean anything from roughing it in the wilderness to contemplating death.

Who should read The Comfort Crisis?

  • People feeling disillusioned with modern life
  • Restless spirits craving an Into the Wild experience
  • Anyone interested in improving their physical or mental health

41
Mental Health Books: Anxiety at Work by Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton with Anthony Gostick

Anxiety at Work

Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton with Anthony Gostick
8 Strategies to Help Teams Build Resilience, Handle Uncertainty, and Get Stuff Done
4.2 (210 ratings)

What's Anxiety at Work about?

Anxiety at Work (2021) explores how the modern workplace contributes to our soaring anxiety levels. It outlines how organizations, and team leaders, can help alleviate their employees’ worries and concerns.

Who should read Anxiety at Work?

  • Anyone interested in organizational psychology
  • Stressed-out employees looking for some perspective
  • Managers hoping to give employee well-being a boost

42
Mental Health Books: Stealing Fire by Steven Kotler and Jamie Wheal

Stealing Fire

Steven Kotler and Jamie Wheal
How Silicon Valley, the Navy SEALs, and Maverick Scientists Are Revolutionizing the Way We Live and Work
3.9 (169 ratings)

What's Stealing Fire about?

Stealing Fire (2017) explores the controversial and exciting pursuit of altered states of consciousness. From tech entrepreneurs to BASE jumpers, meditators to festival-goers, it takes readers on a whirlwind tour of the revolutionary nonconformists trying to change the way they experience the world.

Who should read Stealing Fire?

  • Burning Man enthusiasts
  • Entrepreneurs curious about performance hacks
  • Psychology buffs interested in alternative therapies

43
Mental Health Books: I'm So Effing Tired by Amy Shah

I'm So Effing Tired

Amy Shah
A Proven Plan to Beat Burnout, Boost Your Energy and Reclaim Your Life
3.9 (166 ratings)

What's I'm So Effing Tired about?

I’m So Effing Tired (2021) shows how you can overcome chronic exhaustion by tapping into the interconnected relationship between your gut, your immune system, and your hormones – also known as “the energy trifecta.” It demonstrates how you can boost energy levels by making changes to your lifestyle, your diet, and how you manage stress. 

Who should read I'm So Effing Tired?

  • Women seeking to beat chronic fatigue
  • Anyone who wants to boost energy levels
  • People struggling to overcome burnout

44
Mental Health Books: Move! by Caroline Williams

Move!

Caroline Williams
The New Science of Body Movement and How it Can Set Your Mind Free
4.6 (461 ratings)

What's Move! about?

Move! (2021) is a step-by-step guide to setting your body – and mind – in motion. Drawing on recent exercise science research, it shares actionable tips for boosting creativity, improving mental health, and future-proofing your brain against the many effects of aging.

Who should read Move!?

  • Aspiring exercisers who need some motivation to get moving
  • Workout junkies looking to make the most of their fitness routines
  • Anyone guilty of saying, “I’ll hit the gym . . . tomorrow

45
Mental Health Books: Your Brain Is Always Listening by Daniel G. Amen

Your Brain Is Always Listening

Daniel G. Amen
Tame the Hidden Dragons That Control Your Happiness, Habits, and Hang-Ups
4.2 (243 ratings)

What's Your Brain Is Always Listening about?

Your Brain Is Always Listening (2021) is a self-help guide for readers looking to lead happier, healthier lives. Drawing on Dr. Daniel Amen’s extensive experience as a psychiatrist, it shares science-backed tips for slaying the fire-breathing dragons that dwell inside your brain and spark destructive behaviors. 

Who should read Your Brain Is Always Listening?

  • Anyone struggling with mental health – or supporting someone who is 
  • People who want to understand how their brain impacts behavior
  • Those seeking new tools to add to their self-care routine

46
Mental Health Books: What Happened to You? by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey

What Happened to You?

Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey
Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing
4.4 (656 ratings)

What's What Happened to You? about?

What Happened to You? (2021) is an in-depth exploration of trauma and how it affects the brain. Long before we can make rational sense of traumatic experiences, they become etched into our neural circuits. They influence how we respond to stress, form relationships, and make meaning. Unfortunately, trauma is often misunderstood. By understanding trauma as both a brain issue and a societal issue, we can start to support trauma survivors with the tools they need to heal. 

Who should read What Happened to You??

  • Survivors of trauma 
  • Teachers, caregivers, and medical practitioners
  • Psychology buffs interested in trauma’s effects on the brain

47
Mental Health Books: Unwinding Anxiety by Judson Brewer

Unwinding Anxiety

Judson Brewer
New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal Your Mind
4.7 (1,429 ratings)

What's Unwinding Anxiety about?

Unwinding Anxiety (2021) breaks down the brain science behind the bad habits that keep us stuck. Have you ever tried to reason yourself out of binge eating, or procrastinating? Then you’ll know that it just doesn’t work. That’s because addiction and obsessive thought patterns are controlled by our instinctive survival brains, not our rational brains. Learning how to retrain our brains using mindfulness techniques will allow us to free ourselves from chronic worry, anxiety, and other obsessive habits. 

Who should read Unwinding Anxiety?

  • Chronic worriers who want a way to calm their racing thoughts 
  • People who want to interrupt addictive behaviors
  • Health professionals looking for new tools to curb the anxiety epidemic

48
Mental Health Books: The Burnout Fix by Jacinta M. Jiménez

The Burnout Fix

Jacinta M. Jiménez
Overcome Overwhelm, Beat Busy, and Sustain Success in the New World of Work
4.4 (266 ratings)

What's The Burnout Fix about?

The Burnout Fix (2021) is a practical guide to thriving in the modern workplace. Today’s world of work is characterized by uncertainty, change, and a blurring of lines between home and the office. That’s why it’s essential that employees learn to set healthy boundaries, develop core skills, and make choices that prioritize their well-being. 

Who should read The Burnout Fix?

  • Innovative leaders who want to create thriving workplaces
  • Exhausted executives looking to regain passion and pleasure in their work
  • Psychology buffs striving to understand the causes of burnout

49
Mental Health Books: The Comfort Book by Matt Haig

The Comfort Book

Matt Haig
4.7 (656 ratings)

What's The Comfort Book about?

The Comfort Book (2021) is a compendium of practices, philosophies, stories, and encouragements to help you get through tough times. Matt Haig shares the insights he gained while experiencing years of severe anxiety and depression, as well as his own unconventional strategies for developing a sense of self-worth and looking after your mental health. 

Who should read The Comfort Book?

  • Fans of Matt Haig’s honest and unconventional approach to discussing mental health
  • Anyone looking for strategies to build emotional resilience 
  • People grappling with pandemic-related uncertainty

50
Mental Health Books: Big Feelings by Mollie West Duffy and Liz Fosslien

Big Feelings

Mollie West Duffy and Liz Fosslien
How to be Okay When Things Are Not Okay
4.2 (328 ratings)

What's Big Feelings about?

Big Feelings (2022) is a guide to coping with some of the toughest emotions we ever face, from anger to despair. By acknowledging and facing up to these emotions, it’s possible to work through them.

Who should read Big Feelings?

  • People feeling overwhelmed by big emotions
  • Anyone who struggles to open up
  • Self-help enthusiasts after advice

51
Mental Health Books: The Power of the Downstate by Sara C. Mednick

The Power of the Downstate

Sara C. Mednick
The New Science to Ignite Energy, Enhance Sharpness, and Reclaim Balance
4.7 (573 ratings)

What's The Power of the Downstate about?

The Power of the Downstate (2022) provides a new way of looking at how you sleep, eat, exercise, and relax. Drawing on the author’s groundbreaking research from her sleep and cognition lab, it provides evidence-based tips on how to feel more energized, less stressed, and perform at your best.

Who should read The Power of the Downstate?

  • Those who feel chronically exhausted or stressed
  • People interested in sleep science
  • Anyone interested in deepening their understanding of health and wellness

52
Mental Health Books: Attention Span by Gloria Mark

Attention Span

Gloria Mark
A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity
4.5 (819 ratings)

What's Attention Span about?

Attention Span (2023) examines the connection between the digital age and our capacity for attention. As digital devices have become inextricable from our lives, our attention spans have shortened and our stress levels have risen. Drawing on scientific research, it debunks modern myths about attention and explains how we can reclaim it for better well-being. 

Who should read Attention Span?

  • Anyone worried about their decreasing attention span
  • Those who have trouble disconnecting from their phone
  • People who feel stressed, exhausted, and burned out

53
Mental Health Books: Stop Overthinking by Nick Trenton

Stop Overthinking

Nick Trenton
23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present
4.2 (494 ratings)

What's Stop Overthinking about?

Stop Overthinking (2021) is an indispensable guide to breaking free from the negative thought patterns holding you back. Learn how to recognize your negative spiral triggers, overcome anxiety attacks, and declutter your mind to live a stress-free life.

Who should read Stop Overthinking?

  • Nervous Nellies
  • Persistent procrastinators
  • Anybody struggling with doubt and indecision

54
Mental Health Books: Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers by Stephanie M. Kriesberg

Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers

Stephanie M. Kriesberg
Quiet the Critical Voice in Your Head, Heal Self-Doubt, and Live the Life You Deserve
4.6 (63 ratings)

What's Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers about?

Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers (2022) explores the ramifications of having a narcissistic parent, and what you as an adult can do to release yourself from your mother’s toxic hold. Its toolkit will help you manage the difficult feelings that come with being raised by a narcissist – like self-doubt, shame, and anxiety – so that you can start living on your own terms. 

Who should read Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers?

  • Adults with controlling, manipulative, or domineering mothers
  • Those who have struggled with anxiety and insecurity since they were young
  • Anyone who has felt fundamentally flawed since they were a child

55
Mental Health Books: Your Brain on Porn by Gary Wilson

Your Brain on Porn

Gary Wilson
Internet Pornography and the Emerging Science of Addiction
4.3 (223 ratings)

What's Your Brain on Porn about?

Your Brain on Porn (2014) examines the explosion of internet pornography addiction. In the age of high-speed internet, porn is more widespread than ever. And although excessive porn consumption can negatively affect mental health and sexual function, the damage can be reversed. 

Who should read Your Brain on Porn?

  • Anyone who thinks they might be suffering from porn addiction
  • Students of psychology or medicine
  • Internet connoisseurs seeking to understand the effects of excessive porn consumption

56
Mental Health Books: Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Julie Smith

Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?

Julie Smith
4.2 (974 ratings)

What's Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? about?

Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? (2022) is an empathetic and practical guide to improving and maintaining mental well-being. It offers bite-sized, actionable advice and coping strategies for anxiety, depression, unexpected setbacks, a lack of self-confidence, and more.

Who should read Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before??

  • People seeking relief from anxiety and depression
  • Those looking to support a loved one going through a hard time
  • Self-help fans eager for science-based perspectives

57
Mental Health Books: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye

J.D. Salinger
4.4 (150 ratings)

What's The Catcher in the Rye about?

The Catcher in the Rye (1951) is J. D. Salinger’s classic coming-of-age novel, telling the story of the troubled young Holden Caulfield. Holden has just been expelled from school, and spends several days traversing New York City, sharing his opinions of the world around him.

Who should read The Catcher in the Rye?

  • Lovers of coming-of-age stories
  • Classic literature fans
  • People who dislike phonies

58
Mental Health Books: The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté with Daniel Maté

The Myth of Normal

Gabor Maté with Daniel Maté
Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture
4.6 (883 ratings)

What's The Myth of Normal about?

The Myth of Normal (2022) unpacks why chronic disease and mental illness are on the rise. Western medicine focuses on individual pathologies, but what if the key actually lies in our culture? Things we consider normal – like stress, adversity, and trauma – are often toxic and breed disease. The pathway back to health rests in identifying and addressing these underlying conditions.

Who should read The Myth of Normal?

  • Health professionals who want the bigger picture
  • Lovers of a good social critique
  • Anyone working through health challenges

59
Mental Health Books: 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think by Brianna Wiest

101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think

Brianna Wiest
4.4 (649 ratings)

What's 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think about?

101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think (2016) is an antidote to anxiety, but not in the way you think. Instead of mounting roadblocks against your darkest feelings, it encourages you to use them as agents of personal growth. Managing your thoughts will lead you toward the daily habits that will bring you fulfillment.

Who should read 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think?

  • People in their twenties trying to find purpose and meaning, and manage their anxiety
  • Thirtysomethings who want to understand how their past has shaped their present and how they can still salvage the future
  • Those who want to find joy and fulfillment in being themselves

60
Mental Health Books: The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook by Matthew McKay, Jeffrey C. Wood & Jeffrey Brantley

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook

Matthew McKay, Jeffrey C. Wood & Jeffrey Brantley
Practical DBT Exercises for Learning Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, and Distress Tolerance
4.6 (81 ratings)

What's The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook about?

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook (2019) offers basic and advanced exercises to help people hone the four core emotional competencies. While it can be used alone, it’s also an excellent companion for anyone working with a therapist. 

Who should read The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook?

  • Anyone currently in therapy
  • People interested in self-improvement 
  • Individuals struggling to manage their emotions

61
Mental Health Books: Good Morning, Monster by Catherine Gildiner

Good Morning, Monster

Catherine Gildiner
A Therapist Shares Five Heroic Journeys to Emotional Recovery
4.2 (160 ratings)

What's Good Morning, Monster about?

Good Morning, Monster (2020) chronicles some of the heroic patients therapist Catherine Gildiner worked with over the course of her practice. The patients experienced varied traumatic events and used different techniques in their work with Gildiner. Their stories exemplify the resiliency of the human mind and spirit.

Who should read Good Morning, Monster?

  • Anyone seeking inspiration from real-life success stories
  • Those curious about the mind’s resilience
  • People wondering how therapy can help transform lives

62
Mental Health Books: Rewire Your Anxious Brain by Catherine M. Pittman & Elizabeth M. Karle

Rewire Your Anxious Brain

Catherine M. Pittman & Elizabeth M. Karle
How to Use the Neuroscience of Fear to End Anxiety, Panic, and Worry
4.7 (558 ratings)

What's Rewire Your Anxious Brain about?

Rewire Your Anxious Brain (2015) is a powerful guide to overcoming anxiety. Based on the latest research in neuroscience, it explains how two separate regions of the brain are responsible for producing anxiety – and how each requires different strategies and approaches.

Who should read Rewire Your Anxious Brain?

  • Anxiety sufferers
  • Therapists looking for new strategies
  • Brain science enthusiasts

63
Mental Health Books: The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control by Katherine Morgan Schafler

The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control

Katherine Morgan Schafler
A Path to Peace and Power
4.5 (356 ratings)

What's The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control about?

The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control is about understanding your perfectionist traits and making them work for you, not against you. It details different types of perfectionists and explains how all of them can adapt to their perfectionism.

Who should read The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control?

  • Those who identify as perfectionists in any area of their lives
  • People interested in understanding perfectionist traits and tendencies
  • Readers who are interested in the mental health field

64
Mental Health Books: The Mind-Gut Connection by Emeran Mayer

The Mind-Gut Connection

Emeran Mayer
How the Hidden Conversation Within Our Bodies Impacts Our Mood, Our Choices, and Our Overall Health
4.5 (543 ratings)

What's The Mind-Gut Connection about?

The Mind-Gut Connection (2016) explores the complex relationship between the gut and brain, highlighting the crucial role this connection plays in both physical and mental health. The book delves into key insights, such as the brain-gut axis, the impact of stress on gut health, and the connection between food and mental well-being, emphasizing the need for holistic care to improve overall health.

Who should read The Mind-Gut Connection?

  • Anyone interested in dietary lifestyles
  • People struggling with emotional and mental health issues
  • Those curious about how the body works

65
Mental Health Books: Real Self-Care by Pooja Lakshmin

Real Self-Care

Pooja Lakshmin
A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness (Crystals, Cleanses, and Bubble Baths Not Included)
4.2 (304 ratings)

What's Real Self-Care about?

Real Self-Care (2023) exposes the dark side of the global self-care industry by connecting the systemic inequality faced by marginalized groups like women and people of color, and the stress, burnout and chronic illness faced by so many. It offers a science-based alternative and cognitive strategies for living with ease and purpose. 

Who should read Real Self-Care?

  • Frustrated self-carers who feel they’re somehow doing it wrong
  • Tired life-optimizers who wonder why they still feel behind
  • Those looking for kinder, gentler transformation from the inside-out

66
Mental Health Books: How We Heal by Alexandra Elle

How We Heal

Alexandra Elle
Uncover Your Power and Set Yourself Free
4.5 (332 ratings)

What's How We Heal about?

How We Heal (2022) provides a detailed look at the complex and life-changing process of self-healing. Techniques are separated into a 4-step framework which provides encouragement, practical strategies, and journaling exercises to help you rediscover your inner power and cultivate a sense of inner peace.

Who should read How We Heal?

  • Fans of self-help books
  • Anyone who wants to learn about self-healing
  • People interested in mental health and wellness

67
Mental Health Books: Change Your Brain, Change Your Life by Dr. Daniel G. Amen

Change Your Brain, Change Your Life

Dr. Daniel G. Amen
The Breakthrough Program for Conquering Anxiety, Depression, Obsessiveness, Anger, and Impulsiveness
4.0 (414 ratings)

What's Change Your Brain, Change Your Life about?

Unlock your brain's full potential with cutting-edge techniques and personalized brain health approaches detailed in this revised and updated version of the original Change Your Brain, Change Your Life (1999) by Dr. Daniel G. Amen.

Who should read Change Your Brain, Change Your Life?

  • All brain owners
  • Brainiacs seeking to enhance their mind powers
  • Health-conscious people wanting better knowledge of brain health

68
Mental Health Books: Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross

Your Brain on Art

Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross
How the Arts Transform Us
4.5 (307 ratings)

What's Your Brain on Art about?

Your Brain on Art (2023) offers remarkable insights into how artistic endeavors and aesthetics – from music and dance to drawing and interior design – can rewire our brains and improve our lives.

Who should read Your Brain on Art?

  • Art and science enthusiasts
  • Anxious or stressed-out people looking for solutions
  • People curious about the benefits of art therapy

69
Mental Health Books: Let That Sh*t Go by Nina Purewal and Kate Petriw

Let That Sh*t Go

Nina Purewal and Kate Petriw
Find Peace of Mind and Happiness in Your Everyday
4.2 (353 ratings)

What's Let That Sh*t Go about?

Let That Sh*t Go: Find Peace of Mind and Happiness in Your Everyday (2018) offers a trove of tools and tips to declutter your mind of all the crap that gets in the way of inner peace and joyful living. Its approach to mindfulness helps you to connect to what’s going on in your head and then use that awareness to build self love, authenticity, acceptance, perspective, and forgiveness. 

Who should read Let That Sh*t Go?

  • People interested in what mindfulness is and how to practice it
  • Busy people who feel too stressed or overwhelmed to enjoy life 
  • Anyone who wants to improve their daily happiness

70
Mental Health Books: Retrain Your Brain by Seth J. Gillihan

Retrain Your Brain

Seth J. Gillihan
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in 7 Weeks
4.3 (515 ratings)

What's Retrain Your Brain about?

Retrain Your Brain (2016) is all about learning practical strategies to break free from negative thought patterns and cultivate a more positive, fulfilling life. Whether you're struggling with anxiety or depression, or just want to improve your overall mental well-being, this guide is a valuable resource for retraining your brain and becoming your best self.

Who should read Retrain Your Brain?

  • Anyone suffering from depression, anxiety, or low mood
  • Life hackers looking for tools to enhance emotional well-being
  • Curious minds interested in the science behind cognitive behavioral therapy

71
Mental Health Books: The Emotional Lives of Teenagers by Lisa Damour

The Emotional Lives of Teenagers

Lisa Damour
Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents
4.7 (53 ratings)

What's The Emotional Lives of Teenagers about?

The Emotional Lives of Teenagers (2023) is a best-selling guide to navigating the highs and lows of parenting your child through adolescence. It dispenses honest, practical, research-informed advice aimed at helping parents understand, support, and connect with their teens in a way that honors the huge transition they’re experiencing.

Who should read The Emotional Lives of Teenagers?

  • Parents looking for effective strategies to support their teen’s mental health
  • Educators and youth workers seeking clinically informed advice about the adolescent years
  • Anyone who wants to help the teenagers in their lives feel loved, supported, and heard as they transition into adulthood

72
Mental Health Books: The Answer to Anxiety by Joyce Meyer

The Answer to Anxiety

Joyce Meyer
How to Break Free from the Tyranny of Anxious Thoughts and Worry
3.0 (84 ratings)

What's The Answer to Anxiety about?

The Answer to Anxiety (2023) lays out the steps to overcoming anxiety with the help of God’s Word. It walks you through four specific actions, all derived from a single Bible passage.

Who should read The Answer to Anxiety?

  • Christians looking to solve their anxiety problems
  • Anxious people seeking spiritual support
  • Anyone interested in Christian-based self-help work

73
Mental Health Books: The Source by Dr. Tara Swart

The Source

Dr. Tara Swart
The Secrets of the Universe, the Science of the Brain
4.5 (58 ratings)

What's The Source about?

The Source (2019) reveals the secret to mastering your mind. It draws on cognitive science and the author’s coaching experience to provide a four-step plan to fire up your brain and get what you want from life by becoming a new, confident you.

Who should read The Source?

  • Personal Development seekers
  • Stressed individuals looking to improve their mental health and well-being
  • Entrepreneurs and business leaders

74
Mental Health Books: Gut Feelings by Dr. Will Cole

Gut Feelings

Dr. Will Cole
Healing the Shame-Fueled Relationship Between What You Eat and How You Feel
4.5 (67 ratings)

What's Gut Feelings about?

Gut Feelings (2023) illuminates the vital connections among emotions, the gut microbiome, and health. Taking a holistic approach to body, mind, and mood, the author offers a three-week plan to address the underlying causes of chronic illness, including stress, shame, suboptimal nutrition, and sleep.

Who should read Gut Feelings?

  • Self-help fans looking for mind-body approaches
  • Those looking for more clarity on their relationship with food
  • Wellness gurus looking for the latest on reducing inflammation and enjoying better health

75
Mental Health Books: How to Be Your Own Therapist by Owen O'Kane

How to Be Your Own Therapist

Owen O'Kane
Boost Your Mood and Reduce Your Anxiety in 10 Minutes a Day
4.4 (190 ratings)

What's How to Be Your Own Therapist about?

How to Be Your Own Therapist presents highly-effective techniques from evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness. Funny and humane, it outlines a simple self-therapy program to free you from unhelpful habits and tendencies, as well as daily check-in sessions that can be completed in as little as ten minutes.  

Who should read How to Be Your Own Therapist?

  • People wishing to learn essential therapeutic techniques to improve their lives
  • Anyone curious about initiating a daily self-therapy practice
  • Those eager to overcome negative thought patterns and adopt healthier perspectives

76
Mental Health Books: Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine

Positive Intelligence

Shirzad Chamine
Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential and how You Can Achieve Yours
4.6 (326 ratings)

What's Positive Intelligence about?

Positive Intelligence (2012) provides a way to unlock your true potential by helping you identify and conquer common mental blocks. It also shows you how to tap into your deeper wisdom to live a more balanced, productive, and happy life. 

Who should read Positive Intelligence?

  • Anyone who wants to unlock their true potential 
  • People looking for a motivation boost 
  • Self-explorers who want to learn more about their mind

77
Mental Health Books: Rewire Your Ocd Brain by Catherine M. Pittman, William H. Youngs

Rewire Your Ocd Brain

Catherine M. Pittman, William H. Youngs
Powerful Neuroscience-Based Skills to Break Free from Obsessive Thoughts and Fears
4.6 (366 ratings)

What's Rewire Your Ocd Brain about?

Rewire Your OCD Brain (2021) presents compelling evidence behind the origins of anxiety, and explains how this knowledge can be combined with easy-to-apply hacks to manage obsessive behavior and regain control over your life.

Who should read Rewire Your Ocd Brain?

  • People dealing with anxiety, compulsive behaviors, or panic attacks
  • Anyone trying to understand family members or friends dealing with OCD
  • Therapists helping clients to manage their obsessions

78
Mental Health Books: DBT Made Simple by Sheri Van Dijk

DBT Made Simple

Sheri Van Dijk
A Step-by-Step Guide to Dialectical Behavior Therapy
4.2 (42 ratings)

What's DBT Made Simple about?

DBT Made Simple (2023) is your passport to navigating the complex terrain of emotional well-being. Unraveling the practical strategies of dialectical behavior therapy, it empowers you to turn life’s challenges into catalysts for personal growth and resilience.

Who should read DBT Made Simple?

  • Individuals seeking emotional regulation and personal growth strategies
  • Mental-health professionals exploring comprehensive therapy approaches
  • Parents and teachers looking for resilience-building tools

79
Mental Health Books: The Worry Trick by David A. Carbonell

The Worry Trick

David A. Carbonell
How Your Brain Tricks You Into Expecting the Worst and What You Can Do about It
4.3 (343 ratings)

What's The Worry Trick about?

The Worry Trick (2016) is a no-nonsense guide to dealing with worry and anxiety. Drawing from acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, it breaks down where worry comes from and offers concrete steps on how to face and ultimately overcome it.  

Who should read The Worry Trick?

  • Anyone who deals with chronic worry
  • Psychologists looking to deepen their knowledge of anxiety
  • Students of the human condition

80
Mental Health Books: The Good Enough Job by Simone Stolzoff

The Good Enough Job

Simone Stolzoff
Reclaiming Life from Work
4.1 (247 ratings)

What's The Good Enough Job about?

The Good Enough Job (2023) is a radical guide to reclaiming your life beyond the corporate walls. Through a series of anecdotes and actionable advice, you’ll learn to break free from burnout and find true work-life balance. 

Who should read The Good Enough Job?

  • Recovering workaholics
  • People healing from burnout spells
  • Anyone fighting against pointless corporate restraints

81
Mental Health Books: The Teenage Brain by Frances E. Jensen & Amy Ellis Nutt

The Teenage Brain

Frances E. Jensen & Amy Ellis Nutt
A Neuroscientist's Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults
4.0 (22 ratings)

What's The Teenage Brain about?

The Teenage Brain (2014) delves into the labyrinth of teenage neuroscience, offering a captivating exploration of why teens think and act the way they do. With a blend of science and real-world anecdotes, it illuminates the complexities and wonders of a brain in flux.

Who should read The Teenage Brain?

  • Concerned, proactive parents of teenagers
  • Educators seeking insight into students
  • Advocates of teenage mental health

82
Mental Health Books: Gaslighting by Stephanie Moulton Sarkis

Gaslighting

Stephanie Moulton Sarkis
Recognize Manipulative and Emotionally Abusive People - and Break Free
4.3 (305 ratings)

What's Gaslighting about?

Gaslighting (2018) is an illuminating guide in the obscure world of emotional manipulation. It reveals how to identify and break free from the devastating impact of gaslighting, so you can regain control of your life and restore your sense of self.

Who should read Gaslighting?

  • Emotional abuse victims searching for coping strategies
  • Friends and relatives hoping to understand their loved ones' gaslighting experiences
  • Mental health professionals seeking deeper insights into gaslighting and its effects

83
Mental Health Books: The ADHD Effect on Marriage by Melissa Orlov

The ADHD Effect on Marriage

Melissa Orlov
Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Steps
4.5 (162 ratings)

What's The ADHD Effect on Marriage about?

The ADHD Effect on Marriage (2010) sheds light on the way that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects individuals and impacts established relationships. By providing insight into typical behavioral tendencies, it offers couples a framework in which to move beyond unhelpful patterns and re-establish a loving relationship.  

Who should read The ADHD Effect on Marriage?

  • People with ADHD struggling to foster a happy relationship
  • Anyone wanting to improve their relationship with their ADHD partner
  • Therapists looking to better support clients with ADHD and their partners

84
Mental Health Books: You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse by Melanie Tonia Evans

You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse

Melanie Tonia Evans
The #1 System for Recovering from Toxic Relationships
4.8 (50 ratings)

What's You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse about?

You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse (2018) addresses the epidemic in narcissism and narcissistic abuse in contemporary society, including the devastating impacts on victims.  It offers a step-by-step process for releasing past traumas and confronting negative beliefs to heal from past abuse and thrive in healthy relationships. 

Who should read You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse?

  • Anyone feeling trapped in unfulfilled relationships with narcissistic people
  • Sufferers of past abuse wondering why they end up in similar relationships repeatedly
  • Those seeking to break free from limiting beliefs and negative self-talk that make them susceptible to manipulative people

85
Mental Health Books: Emotional Habits by Akash Karia

Emotional Habits

Akash Karia
The 7 Things Resilient People Do Differently (And How They Can Help You Succeed in Business and Life)
4.5 (318 ratings)

What's Emotional Habits about?

Emotional Habits (2016) offers seven practical steps that anyone can implement to take control of their emotional lives and live with more resilience when overcoming life’s personal and professional challenges.

Who should read Emotional Habits?

  • Life optimizers looking for practical advice 
  • Anyone looking to improve their personal or professional resilience 
  • Those looking for better ways to manage their emotional responses

86
Mental Health Books: The Mental Toughness Handbook by Damon Zahariades

The Mental Toughness Handbook

Damon Zahariades
A Step-By-Step Guide to Facing Life's Challenges, Managing Negative Emotions, and Overcoming Adversity with Courage and Poise
4.5 (310 ratings)

What's The Mental Toughness Handbook about?

The Mental Toughness Handbook (2020) offers a step-by-step guide with proven strategies and time-tested wisdom for overcoming adversity and obstacles in life by developing mental discipline and resilience.

Who should read The Mental Toughness Handbook?

  • Athletes looking to enhance their performance in high-pressure situations
  • Business leaders and entrepreneurs looking for more mental stamina for decision-making
  • Anyone seeking a better way to handle stress, anxiety, or adversity, no matter what

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Mental Health Books: Stop Walking on Eggshells by Paul T. Mason & Randi Kreger

Stop Walking on Eggshells

Paul T. Mason & Randi Kreger
Taking Your Life Back When Someone You Care about Has Borderline Personality Disorder
4.5 (195 ratings)

What's Stop Walking on Eggshells about?

Stop Walking on Eggshells (1998) offers a lifeline to the beleaguered loved ones of those suffering from borderline personality disorder. It provides techniques grounded in empathy and understanding to establish healthy boundaries without abandoning those in need.

Who should read Stop Walking on Eggshells?

  • Partners or family members of someone with borderline personality disorder
  • Individuals seeking to understand personality disorders and emotional dysregulation
  • Anyone searching for compassionate approaches to complex psychological issues

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Mental Health Books: The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog by Bruce D. Perry & Maia Szalavitz

The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog

Bruce D. Perry & Maia Szalavitz
And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist's Notebook – What Traumatized Children Can Teach Us About Loss, Love, and Healing
4.3 (15 ratings)

What's The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog about?

The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog (2006) presents a series of case studies to explore the profound impacts of childhood trauma – and the resilience and adaptability of the human brain. Through the diverse experiences of young people who have faced unimaginable abuse and neglect, it illustrates how innovative therapeutic approaches can facilitate healing and recovery.

Who should read The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog?

  • Mental health professionals interested in how trauma impacts child development – and effective therapeutic interventions
  • Social workers wishing to better understand child trauma and its repercussions to support at-risk children and families
  • Parents or caregivers who want to know the minds of their children (and people in general)

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Mental Health Books: Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

Hello Beautiful

Ann Napolitano
A Novel
4.0 (99 ratings)

What's Hello Beautiful about?

Hello Beautiful (2023) is a tale of love, family, and sisterhood. It centers on William Waters, who meets and marries the ambitious, practical Julia Padovano while they are both still in college. Julia is one of four girls in a close knit Italian-American family, whose storybook lives at first seem like a fantasy to William. But soon enough, life’s many obstacles catch up with the Padovanos, and William is drawn deep into their lives, loves, conflicts, and griefs. 

Who should read Hello Beautiful?

  • Readers who love sprawling family epics
  • Lovers of Little Women, the classic story of sisterhood that inspired Hello Beautiful
  • Anyone who wants the scoop on one of 2023’s best-selling novels

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Mental Health Books: Change Proof by Adam Markel

Change Proof

Adam Markel
Leveraging the Power of Uncertainty to Build Long-Term Resilience
4.6 (40 ratings)

What's Change Proof about?

Change Proof (2022) offers strategies for developing resilience to thrive in an uncertain world. Through insightful stories and practical frameworks, it reveals how to build the mental fortitude, self-care routines, and leadership principles that empower individuals and organizations to recover, adapt, and find opportunity in disruption.

Who should read Change Proof?

  • Leaders overseeing change 
  • Professionals in fast-moving industries 
  • Anyone who wants to build resilience

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Mental Health Books: Own Your Past Change Your Future by John Delony

Own Your Past Change Your Future

John Delony
A Not-So-Complicated Approach to Relationships, Mental Health & Wellness
4.6 (251 ratings)

What's Own Your Past Change Your Future about?

Own Your Past Change Your Future (2022) provides a simple five-step plan to overcoming past trauma, changing your thoughts and actions, and healing. It will help you grieve your past hurts, make real friends, and set you on a path to wellness.

Who should read Own Your Past Change Your Future?

  • Self-help seekers looking to improve their lives, heal from past hurts, and grow
  • Mental health professionals interested in a new framework to help their clients
  • Personal development enthusiasts who want to deepen their connections and find meaning

92
Mental Health Books: Master of Change by Brad Stulberg

Master of Change

Brad Stulberg
How to Excel When Everything Is Changing - Including You
4.6 (33 ratings)

What's Master of Change about?

Master of Change (2023) is a guide to coping with the inevitable – a life full of change and uncertainty. Drawing from age-old philosophical traditions and cutting-edge science, it shows how your attitude to change is the key to a life of resilience, fulfillment, and growth. By altering your mindset and embracing change, you can improve your life.

Who should read Master of Change?

  • People experiencing changes in their personal or professional lives
  • Stressed-out individuals who want to learn how to cope better
  • Self-improvement seekers

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Mental Health Books: The Conquest of Happiness by Bertrand Russell

The Conquest of Happiness

Bertrand Russell
4.7 (33 ratings)

What's The Conquest of Happiness about?

The Conquest of Happiness (1930) explores the pursuit of human happiness. It dissects common obstacles to happiness, such as competition and fatigue, as well as the various factors that contribute to it. Equal parts philosophical and practical, you’ll come away with a deepened understanding of, and preparedness for, a fulfilling life. 

Who should read The Conquest of Happiness?

  • Anyone wanting to increase their sense of fulfillment
  • Individuals interested in the development of the personal happiness movement
  • Philosophy enthusiasts seeking an understanding of Russell’s perspective

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Mental Health Books: Don't Overthink It by Anne Bogel

Don't Overthink It

Anne Bogel
Make Easier Decisions, Stop Second-Guessing, and Bring More Joy to Your Life
4.5 (120 ratings)

What's Don't Overthink It about?

Don't Overthink It (2020) unveils the mental entanglements that come with constant rumination, highlighting how overthinking can rob us of time and precious moments. Drawing on her own experience as an overthinker, Anne Bogel provides readers with tangible solutions to break free from the chains of repetitive, negative thought patterns. 

Who should read Don't Overthink It?

  • Individuals seeking personal growth
  • Avid readers of self-help and personal development
  • Admirers of Anne Bogel's work

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Mental Health Books: No Time to Panic by Matt Gutman

No Time to Panic

Matt Gutman
How I Curbed My Anxiety and Conquered a Lifetime of Panic Attacks
4.4 (22 ratings)

What's No Time to Panic about?

No Time to Panic (2023) is a personal exploration of the causes and treatments of panic attacks. It’s grounded in the latest science and informed by interviews with leading specialists in the field. 

Who should read No Time to Panic?

  • People who suffer from panic attacks, anxiety, or related disorders
  • Those close to someone who has a panic disorder
  • Anyone who’s interested in psychology, evolutionary biology, or neuroscience

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Mental Health Books: Never Enough by Jennifer Breheny Wallace

Never Enough

Jennifer Breheny Wallace
When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-and What We Can Do About It
4.5 (24 ratings)

What's Never Enough about?

Never Enough (2023) delves into the harmful nature of achievement culture, exploring its origins and implications for society. Through extensive interviews and a comprehensive survey, discover how societal structures have instilled in children the corrosive belief that their worth is solely tied to their achievements – and what we can do about it. 

Who should read Never Enough?

  • Parents navigating modern achievement pressures
  • Educators seeking understanding on student stress
  • Readers exploring societal influence on success

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Mental Health Books: Scarcity Brain by Michael Easter

Scarcity Brain

Michael Easter
Fix Your Craving Mindset and Rewire Your Habits to Thrive with Enough
4.0 (55 ratings)

What's Scarcity Brain about?

Scarcity Brain (2023) reveals how our ancient scarcity mindset now backfires in a world of abundance. Michael Easter traveled the world consulting innovators on tactics to counter scarcity cues – from a Las Vegas slot machine designer detecting triggers to coffee-making monks finding happiness in alone time. By understanding our cravings, we can shake the worst habits and use what we have better for a more satisfying life.

Who should read Scarcity Brain?

  • People looking to break bad habits and addictions
  • Those interested in the science behind human behavior
  • Anyone seeking to take control of their life and live more fully

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Mental Health Books: It's On Me by Sara Kuburic

It's On Me

Sara Kuburic
Accept Hard Truths, Discover Your Self, and Change Your Life
4.2 (31 ratings)

What's It's On Me about?

It's On Me (2023) unpacks the experience of “self-loss.” It provides a revelatory process of self-reflection and acceptance to help you stop sleepwalking through life – and step into a vibrant, authentic, and purposeful you.

Who should read It's On Me?

  • People going through major life transitions
  • Those feeling unfulfilled, lost, or disconnected
  • Anyone seeking tools for self-reflection and personal growth

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Mental Health Books: Wired for Intimacy by William M. Struthers

Wired for Intimacy

William M. Struthers
How Pornography Hijacks the Male Brain
3.2 (22 ratings)

What's Wired for Intimacy about?

Wired for Intimacy (2010) is a practical and hopeful guide for Christian men looking to find freedom from pornography. Combining science and spirituality, it reveals how pornography affects the male brain and provides hands-on solutions to redeem modern masculinity.

Who should read Wired for Intimacy?

  • Christian men struggling with porn addiction
  • Pastors, youth pastors, and church leaders who want to help their male constituents
  • Anyone concerned about porn's societal effects

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Mental Health Books: Crazy Like Us by Ethan Watters

Crazy Like Us

Ethan Watters
The Globalization of the American Psyche

What's Crazy Like Us about?

Crazy Like Us by Ethan Watters is an eye-opening exploration of how Western culture has exported its ideas about mental illness to the rest of the world. The book reveals the unintended consequences of this globalization, highlighting how the medicalization of mental illness can reshape societies and impact individual experiences. It challenges our assumptions and invites us to question the universality of mental health concepts.

Who should read Crazy Like Us?

  • Individuals curious about the influence of culture on mental health
  • Psychology enthusiasts who enjoy exploring different perspectives on mental illness
  • Healthcare professionals seeking a broader understanding of global mental health issues

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