A group of books on their side as options for a book club.

Discovering 6 Essential Mental Health Reads: A Book Club Round-Up

Haeli Harris
November 6, 2023
September 25, 2023
Mind
Intellect

Fall season is almost here and it's the perfect time to cozy up with a cup of tea and explore some life-changing mental health focused books. We have curated five gems that promise not only captivating stories but also valuable insights into understanding and nurturing your mental well-being. These are also great choices for your book club reads! 

  1. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb

Kicking off our mental health book club round-up is Lori Gottlieb's "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone." This candid memoir takes you on a therapist's journey as she shares her own experiences seeking therapy. Gottlieb's storytelling skills are top-notch as she invites us into the therapist's chair, exploring the complexities of human emotions and relationships. This book is a delightful blend of humor, empathy, and self-discovery that will leave you pondering the fascinating world of therapy and self-reflection.

  1. Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski

In "Burnout," sisters Emily and Amelia Nagoski tackle the pervasive issue of stress and burnout, offering practical strategies for managing and overcoming these challenges. This book is a game-changer, diving deep into the science of stress while providing actionable steps to complete the stress cycle. The Nagoski sisters' engaging writing style and relatable anecdotes make complex concepts easily digestible. You'll walk away with a newfound understanding of stress and a toolkit for embracing a healthier, happier life.

  1. No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model" by Richard C. Schwartz

In this empowering book, Richard C. Schwartz introduces the Internal Family Systems model, a transformative approach to healing trauma. He guides readers through the process of understanding and harmonizing their inner parts, offering a path to inner peace and self-discovery.

  1. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle's spiritual classic invites you to explore the concept of living in the present moment. With profound insights and practical exercises, Tolle's wisdom guides readers towards finding inner peace and stillness.

  1. Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn

Mindfulness pioneer Jon Kabat-Zinn introduces readers to the art of mindfulness meditation. This book offers simple yet profound practices to cultivate mindfulness in everyday life, promoting mental clarity and resilience.

  1. Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find–and Keep–Love" by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller

By far the most interesting one. With this book you will take a look into the fascinating world of adult attachment styles with Levine and Heller. Discover how your attachment style impacts your relationships and gain insights into creating healthier, more fulfilling connections.

How to chose the right book to read? 

Choosing a mental health book that resonates with you can be a deeply personal journey. Here are a few tips to help you pick a book that aligns with your needs. Let’s take a moment to discuss how to choose a mental health book that can truly make a positive impact on your well-being:

Identify Your Needs: Start by identifying your specific mental health needs. Are you looking to manage stress, cope with anxiety, understand depression, or explore your overall emotional well-being? Knowing what you're seeking will help you narrow down your book choices. For example, if you want to know about “How to Take Care of Your Mental Health as a College Student”, your choice of reading will be driven by this goal. 

Read Reviews and Recommendations: Before committing to a mental health book, read reviews and seek recommendations from trusted sources, such as friends, therapists, or trusted online communities. Hearing about others' experiences with the book can provide valuable insights.

Check the Author's Credentials: Research the author's background and credentials. Are they a mental health professional, therapist, researcher, or someone with personal experience in the topic? An author's expertise can lend credibility to the book's content.

Sample the Content: Many books offer sample chapters or excerpts online. Take advantage of these previews to get a sense of the author's writing style and whether it resonates with you.

Consider the Approach: Different mental health books may take varying approaches, from memoir-style narratives to self-help guides with exercises and worksheets. Choose a format that aligns with your learning and engagement preferences.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right book is a personal journey, and what resonates with one person may not necessarily resonate with another. The key is to prioritize your mental wellbeing and explore the many choices available until you find the ones that speak to you. So, go ahead and embark on your reading adventure, knowing that each page turned is a step toward better mental health and self-care. 

Happy reading!

Haeli Harris
Haeli Harris
Haeli Harris, LMFT is the Director of Clinical Operations at Nivati. She has been practicing as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 2014. Haeli has experience working as a therapist in private practice settings, residential facilities, outpatient treatment care, schools, and telehealth.