Life can be tough and it is not fair either. The challenges we face can sometimes feel overwhelming. For such troubling times, here is a reminder – “It’s okay to not be okay” and you’re not alone in this journey.
September is Suicide Prevention Month. This month, we come together to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, and provide support to those who may be struggling. It’s a time to remind ourselves that it’s okay to talk about difficult emotions and seek help.
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or just feeling overwhelmed, know that there are people who care and want to help.
In this list, we’ve curated a collection of books that explore the complexities of emotional health and offer insights, hope, and guidance. Let’s take a journey together towards understanding ourselves and finding the strength to overcome challenges.It could also be a step forward in talking about difficult emotions through books and characters.
1. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky:
- Plot: This coming-of-age story follows introverted Charlie as he navigates the complexities of high school, first love, and loss.
- Why Read It: Explores themes of depression, anxiety, and self-discovery with sensitivity and honesty. It reminds readers that they are not alone and offers a message of hope and connection.
2. Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig:
- Plot: A candid memoir by Matt Haig detailing his struggle with depression.
- Why Read It: Haig offers relatable insights and practical coping mechanisms for dealing with low moods and navigating the challenges of mental health. Read my detailed review HERE
3.Men Have Called Her Crazy by Anna Marie Tendler
- Plot: In Men Have Called Her Crazy, Tendler recounts her hospital experience as well as pivotal moments in her life that preceded and followed her stay.
- Why Read It: This book talks about the many unreasonable expectations and pressures women face today and how it impacts women’s mental health.
4. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman:
- Plot: A bank robber, suffering from a personal crisis, takes hostages during an open house. The story delves into the anxieties and vulnerabilities of both the hostages and the robber.
- Why Read It: With Backman’s signature blend of humor and empathy, this book explores the universality of anxiety and the power of human connection in overcoming it.
5. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath:
- Plot: A semi-autobiographical novel about a young woman named Esther Greenwood who experiences a mental breakdown.
- Why Read It: A powerful depiction of depression and the stigma surrounding mental illness. It offers a historical perspective on emotional well-being and the importance of seeking help.
6. It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini:
- Plot: A high-achieving high school student experiences a breakdown and is sent to a psychiatric ward.
- Why Read It: Offers a humorous yet honest portrayal of teenage anxiety and depression. It sheds light on the importance of seeking help and finding healthy coping mechanisms.
7. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara:
- Plot: This complex novel follows four friends in New York City and delves into one friend’s struggle with a traumatic past and self-harm. Read my detailed review –HERE
- Why Read It: Explores the long-term impact of trauma and the power of friendship and support in the healing process. Be advised, this book deals with sensitive themes.
Let me know in the comments below how many of these books have you read or share with us if you found a book that helped you deal with difficult emotions.
Here are some more blogposts that talk about Emotional Wellness :
- Brave Inked Emotions: A Celebration of Women’s Strength and Shared Experiences
- Book Review | Eleanor Oliphant is Completely FINE by Gail Honeyman-Surviving Tragedy and finding Hope
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
- From Victim to Victor: Dimple’s Inspiring story of Grit and Resilience
- Mindful Eating: A Powerful Tool to Manage Emotional Eating and Weight Gain |Health
“This post is a part of ‘Mindful Pursuit Blog Hop’ hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed under #EveryConversationMatters”
“This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile”
“I’m participating in the September #TBRChallenge by Blogchatter” where we recommend some good books to our fellow book lovers.
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