16 Great Books About Mental Health for Empathy, Insight and So Much More

Many of us have a tendency to neglect our own mental health or downplay the struggles we may be experiencing, but it’s important to care for your mental well-being in the same way you would attend to your physical health. Drawing on support from both trained professionals and others who have faced the same challenges we’re experiencing can make a big difference.

You can find a wealth of advice, understanding and helpful resources in the many well-written books in this realm. We’ve spotlighted some of the best mental health books, spanning a broad range of topics from addiction to grief.

Best Books About Mental Health

The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. - $11.40

A must-read for anyone who has experienced trauma (especially in childhood) or wants to better understand how trauma permanently affects the body and brain. Dr. van der Kolk explains the relevant science in an easy-to-understand way and provides hope in the form of promising new treatments.

Healing: Our Path from Mental Illness to Mental Health, by Thomas Insel, M.D. - $20.49

Dr. Insel left his position as director of the National Institute of Mental Health to devote his time and energy towards researching ways to improve the American mental health system. He boils the solution down to a three-pronged approach that combines both social and medical support.

What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma, by Stephanie Foo - $13.99

After struggling with anxiety and panic attacks for years, Stephanie Foo was diagnosed with complex PTSD, the result of abuse and abandonment from her parents. Foo combines her personal experiences with in-depth research to shed light on C-PTSD and its causes while also sharing helpful treatment options and coping strategies.

The Mother of Black Hollywood, by Jenifer Lewis - $12.58

Jenifer Lewis has built an impressive entertainment resume encompassing hundreds of roles in Hollywood and on Broadway. But a breakdown caused by an undiagnosed mental illness led to an unexpected detour, which she details in this touching and inspiring memoir.

Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction, by David Sheff- $9.99

This compelling book – which was later made into a movie – tells the compelling story of Sheff’s son’s struggle with addiction and its life-changing impact on the whole family. For anyone living with addiction or supporting a loved one who is, this story will provide the comfort of knowing they are not alone.

Related: Steve Carell and Timothée Chalamet Fight Drug Addiction in the Beautiful Boy Trailer

Unbroken Brain: A Revolutionary New Way of Understanding Addiction, by Maia Szalavitz - $17.79

Another great resource for those wanting to gain a better understanding of addiction, this book offers a new take on the topic, busting some common beliefs and offering a different way of thinking about the causes and treatments of addiction.

Nothing General about It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off General Hospital, by Maurice Benard - $12.49

Maurice Benard has become one of daytime television’s most well-known and well-respected actors, but Benard’s incredible real-life journey is more gripping than any of his storylines. In this no-holds-barred memoir, he talks about his lifelong mental health struggles, the bipolar crisis that almost ended his General Hospital career soon after it began, and important lessons he has learned along the way.

An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness, by Kay Redfield Jamison- $13.99

Another dramatic memoir about bipolar disorder, this book by Kay Redfield Jamison offers a unique perspective based on her dual roles as someone who was researching treatments for the condition while also living with bipolar disorder herself. A raw and honest narrative that’s not always pretty but worth the read.

It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand, by Megan Devine - $9.99

Sadly, the loss of a loved one – and the seemingly unbearable grief that often follows – is an experience most of us will go through at some point in our lives. In this comforting and insightful book, therapist Megan Devine debunks common grief-related myths and offers reassurance that it’s fine to take your own path in learning to live with grief.

Related: The Best Online Grief Support Groups Available Right Now

Pathological: The True Story of Six Misdiagnoses, by Sarah Fay - $18.62

You will find this memoir by Sarah Fay fascinating – and perhaps a bit unsettling, especially if you’ve ever been skeptical about a mental health diagnosis you’ve received. Using her 25-year journey through six misdiagnoses as a foundation, Fay takes a hard look at the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and raises some important and thought-provoking questions about its dominant role in mental health diagnostics.

Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Up, by Selma Blair– $18.55

You will want to give Selma Blair a big hug and then share tears and laughter over a cup of coffee after reading her story of surviving childhood trauma, addiction, and the perilous Hollywood landscape while also coping with symptoms of MS. While not always easy, her journey has never been boring—and you will be fascinated by her surprising connections to a huge assortment of famous names.

Let’s Pretend This Never Happened, by Jenny Lawson - $10.19

Anyone familiar with blogger Jenny Lawson knows she isn’t one to hold back on the surreal details of her real-life dramedy, so it’s not surprising that she shares the highs and lows of her eccentric upbringing and mental health challenges with her trademark blend of honesty and humor.

Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience, by Brené Brown - $17.78

If there’s anyone who can help us understand the wild roller coaster ride of human emotions and personal interactions, it’s Brené Brown. With her characteristic motivational tone, Brown stresses the importance of authentic human connection – and gives us a roadmap for building those bonds.

Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal Your Mind, by Judson Brewer MD, PhD - $17.69

Anyone who has ever lived with anxiety knows how challenging – and often debilitating – it can be. Dr. Brewer provides a step-by-step guide to help you manage anxiety and stop incessant worrying from disrupting your life.

Related: What Is an Anxiety Attack and How Do You Stop One?

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. – $18.49

Dr. Naidoo shares a bounty of fascinating research that illustrates the strong mind-body connection and offers valuable guidance on ways to best tailor your diet to address any specific mental health concerns you have (or prevent issues you want to avoid).

Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess: 5 Simple, Scientifically Proven Steps to Reduce Anxiety, Stress, and Toxic Thinking, by Dr. Caroline Leaf - $15.97

If you’re the type of person who craves the structure of to-do lists and action steps, you will love the approach Dr. Leaf takes to improving our mental health. She provides a simple 5-step plan that will help you conduct a mental health makeover and be more proactive in managing your mental well-being.

Next up, check out these celebrity tips on how to take a mental health day.