20 Best Books About Mental Health (2023 Update)

"'this book fills a tremendous void…' wrote e. fuller torrey, m.d., about the first edition of i am not sick, i don't need help! twenty years later, it still does. dr. amador's research on poor insight was inspired by his success helping his brother henry, who had schizophrenia, accept treatment. like tens of millions of others diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and addictions, henry did not believe he was ill. in this latest edition, all chapters have been updated with new research on anosognosia (lack of insight) and much more detail on leap. readers will find expanded guidance on how to learn and use leap. new advice, relying on lessons learned from tens of thousands of leap seminar participants, is given to help readers quickly and effectively use dr. amador's method for helping someone accept treatment. is not just a reference for mental health practitioners and criminal justice professionals. it is a must-read guide for family members whose loved ones are battling mental illness and addictions.

This book has the power to change your life. what do you want to change? relationships. discover what can cause relationships to end up nothing like they started – and how to overcome sabotaging factors such as jealousy and fighting. – unhappy moods. what causes feelings of deep depression or even just "feeling down"? understand this and control your own mood rather than the other way around. more success. whether it's success on the job or in life – you can reach your full potential. stress and self-doubt. there is a source of such crippling problems and you can get rid of it.find out why dianetics is the all-time self-help bestseller. this fascinating easy to read book takes you on an adventure of self-discovery that finds and eliminates the hidden problems that may be holding you back. get rid of them! have a positive attitude towards life – believe in yourself – live life to the fullest – be truly happy – achieve your full potential – buy this book, read it, use it. – a bestseller for more than 50 yearsdianetics has remained a bestseller for more than 50 years. and with over 20 million copies in print, generating a movement that spans over 100 nations, it's indisputably the most widely read and influential book ever written about the human mind. – here is the anatomy and full description of the reactive mind, the previously unknown source of nightmares, unreasonable fears, upsets and insecurities which enslave man. this book shows you how to get rid of it, and so achieve something man has previously only dreamed of: the state of clear. – among the discoveries herein: the goal of man – the dynamic principle of existence–the one word that motivates all living things – the four dynamics–the drives upon which all of life is compartmented – the descriptic graph of survival–revealing one's true potential and how to achieve it – the discovery of and complete anatomy of the reactive mind – the painful experiences–engrams–contained in the reactive mind which command one to act irrationally against their own wishes and goals – the impact of prenatal engrams–what took place before you were born and how it's influenced you ever since – the complete dianetics procedure to discover and eradicate these harmful experiences so they never affect you again, revealing the one person you've always wanted to know–you. – what's holding you back? if you've ever felt there was something holding you back in life, ruining your plans and stopping you from being who you want to be, you were right. – the fact is, there is a single source of all your unhappiness, problems, stress and self-doubt. it's called the reactive mind — the hidden part of your mind that stores all painful experiences, then uses them against you. – dianetics gets rid of the reactive mind. it's the only thing that does. – with over 20,000,000 copies in 50 languages, and used in more than 150 nations, dianetics brings dramatic and permanent improvement to people all over the world. – dianetics: the modern science of mental health – quality paperback edition, which gives the complete anatomy of the single source of all unhappiness, stress and negative feelings, and the technology to get rid of it. – there's only one way to find out if the dianetics procedure is everything millions of people say it is. read the book! dianetics can help you achieve: * higher intelligence* creative imagination* amazing vitality* good memory* strong willpower* radiant health* magnetic personality* good self-control results from application: "i suffered for years, ever since i was a kid, from sinus pressure. it would get so bad, i couldn't even bend over to pick up a pencil!" and as a result, i'd have migraine headaches." dianetics handled the source of my headaches – the reactive mind." i can't explain the feeling that i had at that time. the pressure just blew. i could feel it come off my face and it was such a relief." i walked around for months thinking, 'okay, when is it going to come back? when is it going to start?' it never did. it was just gone."- k. f. "my marriage was headed for divorce. c. l." dianetics enabled me to realize my potentials and find the success i had always sought." k.b., top investment counselor"when i was 14 my life became an uphill struggle. a severe injury left me with a crippling back pain 24 hours a day. i was told i would require treatment for the rest of my life and i wold have to live with the pain. over the next 12 years, i iooked everywhere for a solution. i even became a doctor of chiropractic, but still nothing could make the pain stop. finally, i tried dianetics, and i found that the pain was being caused by the reactive mind. within a few hours i stood up and, for the first time in 12 years, the pain was gone. dianetics has the answers!" s.p., doctor of chiropractic"i had a terrible accident and fractured my neck, and as a result was in a terrific amount of pain. the doctors did everything that they could to try and handle it, and while my neck did heal, the pain persisted. i began to take drugs to suppress the pain, and i became hooked on drugs. that was the end of my motorcycle racing career." then i found dianetics and i found that the pain was in fact coming from the reactive mind, because dianetics handled it. and i was no longer hooked on drugs when the pain was gone. "i started racing motorcycles again – this was ten years after the accident – and i went right to the top in racing motorcycles here in the united states. then i began training others and in fact i've trained ten of the last twelve national superbike champions. none of this would ever have happened it it wasn't for dianetics." k.c., champion motorcycle racing instructor

“pollan keeps you turning the pages . . . cleareyed and assured.” —new york timesa #1 new york times bestseller, new york times book review 10 best books of 2018, and new york times notable book a brilliant and brave investigation into the medical and scientific revolution taking place around psychedelic drugs–and the spellbinding story of his own life-changing psychedelic experiences when michael pollan set out to research how lsd and psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) are being used to provide relief to people suffering from difficult-to-treat conditions such as depression, addiction and anxiety, he did not intend to write what is undoubtedly his most personal book. but upon discovering how these remarkable substances are improving the lives not only of the mentally ill but also of healthy people coming to grips with the challenges of everyday life, he decided to explore the landscape of the mind in the first person as well as the third. thus began a singular adventure into various altered states of consciousness, along with a dive deep into both the latest brain science and the thriving underground community of psychedelic therapists. pollan sifts the historical record to separate the truth about these mysterious drugs from the myths that have surrounded them since the 1960s, when a handful of psychedelic evangelists inadvertently catalyzed a powerful backlash against what was then a promising field of research.a unique and elegant blend of science, memoir, travel writing, history, and medicine, how to change your mind is a triumph of participatory journalism. by turns dazzling and edifying, it is the gripping account of a journey to an exciting and unexpected new frontier in our understanding of the mind, the self, and our place in the world.

“pollan keeps you turning the pages . . . cleareyed and assured.” —new york timesa #1 new york times bestseller, new york times book review 10 best books of 2018, and new york times notable book a brilliant and brave investigation into the medical and scientific revolution taking place around psychedelic drugs–and the spellbinding story of his own life-changing psychedelic experiences when michael pollan set out to research how lsd and psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) are being used to provide relief to people suffering from difficult-to-treat conditions such as depression, addiction and anxiety, he did not intend to write what is undoubtedly his most personal book. but upon discovering how these remarkable substances are improving the lives not only of the mentally ill but also of healthy people coming to grips with the challenges of everyday life, he decided to explore the landscape of the mind in the first person as well as the third. thus began a singular adventure into various altered states of consciousness, along with a dive deep into both the latest brain science and the thriving underground community of psychedelic therapists. pollan sifts the historical record to separate the truth about these mysterious drugs from the myths that have surrounded them since the 1960s, when a handful of psychedelic evangelists inadvertently catalyzed a powerful backlash against what was then a promising field of research.a unique and elegant blend of science, memoir, travel writing, history, and medicine, how to change your mind is a triumph of participatory journalism. by turns dazzling and edifying, it is the gripping account of a journey to an exciting and unexpected new frontier in our understanding of the mind, the self, and our place in the world.

Let bestselling author and neuroscientist dr. caroline leaf help you change your life by changing your mind with 101 simple ways to reduce stress.

In the precipice of mental health, achea redd shares her personal battle with mental illness and helps readers understand that there is a path to help and healing for those who are suffering, struggling, and stressed. the mental health crisis is worse than ever: in an age of increasing isolation, insecurity, and loss, people are suffering, and not everyone is able to afford or access the help that they need. mental health activist achea redd wants to change that, because for her, it’s personal. though redd seemingly led a charmed life as the daughter of a pastor and wife of nba legend and former olympian michael redd, the mother of two battled debilitating mental illness and is determined to help others overcome their own trauma and mental health struggles to thrive—all while knowing and acknowledging that it’s ok to not be ok. in this remarkably reflective story about the societal issues of mental health, redd opens up and shares a broader perspective through her journey through depression, anxiety, and atypical anorexia, including the impact that covid-19 and its variants imparted on her battle, to prevent others from reaching the precipice of mental health. through her own personal experiences in the trenches of her own mental health struggles, including eating disorders, panic attacks, and suicidal ideation, redd reveals raw and valuable insight that will help readers understand themselves and others who suffer from mental illness—and let them know that their mental illness does not define them. as redd says, “anxiety and depression are what i have. they are not who i am.” redd taps into topics that are not commonly spoken of, but are necessary for managing mental health, to ensure those struggling feel seen and understood. the precipice of mental health offers encouragement to seek the proper and necessary help to a path of healing and understanding before it's too late: it’s important for readers to know that things can and will get better, and it’s just as important for them to know that they aren’t alone.

The pace of life is making us exhausted. in his new book, national bestselling author dr. john delony provides a clear, five-step path to being well. – you'll learn how to: redefine what trauma is and how to identify it in your life. – grieve and heal from past hurt and trauma. – make friends as an adult–it's not easy, but it is necessary. – change your thoughts–it's possible. – assess and evaluate your actions–these can change too. – you'll laugh. you'll cry. your thoughts and actions will be challenged. and if you take the steps john outlines, you'll learn how to leave the past where it belongs and get on the path to healing.

If you or someone you love is affected by mental illness, it might change your life. but what causes mental illness? and why are mental health problems so hard to treat? drawing on decades of research, harvard psychiatrist dr. chris palmer outlines a revolutionary new understanding that for the first time unites our existing knowledge about mental illness within a single framework: mental disorders are metabolic disorders of the brain. brain energy explains this new understanding of mental illness in detail, from symptoms and risk factors to what is happening in brain cells. palmer also sheds light on the new treatment pathways this theory opens up—which apply to all mental disorders, including anxiety, depression, adhd, alcoholism, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, autism, and even schizophrenia. brain energy pairs cutting-edge science with practical advice and strategies to help people reclaim their mental health. this groundbreaking book reveals: why classifying mental disorders as “separate” conditions is misleading – the clear connections between mental illness and disorders linked to metabolism, including diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, pain disorders, obesity, alzheimer’s disease, and epilepsy – the link between metabolism and every factor known to play a role in mental health, including genetics, inflammation, hormones, neurotransmitters, sleep, stress, and trauma – the evidence that current mental health treatments, including both medications and therapies, likely work by affecting metabolism – new treatments available today that readers can use to promote long-term healing palmer puts together the pieces of the mental illness puzzle to provide answers and offer hope. brain energy will transform the field of mental health, and the lives of countless people around the world.

This is the standard reference for clinical practice in the mental health field. since a complete description of the underlying pathological processes is not possible for most mental disorders, it is important to emphasize that the current diagnostic criteria are the best available description of how mental disorders are expressed and can be recognized by trained clinicians.

In the body keeps the score, dr. bessel van der kolk, one of the world’s foremost experts on trauma, uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. he explores innovative treatments–from neurofeedback and meditation to sports, drama, and yoga–that offer new paths to recovery by activating the brain’s natural neuroplasticity. based on dr. van der kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists, the body keeps the score exposes the tremendous power of our relationships both to hurt and to heal–and offers new hope for reclaiming lives.

Elyn saks is a success by any measure: she's an endowed professor at the prestigious university of southern california gould school of law. she has managed to achieve this in spite of being diagnosed as schizophrenic and given a "grave" prognosis–and suffering the effects of her illness throughout her life. saks was only eight, and living an otherwise idyllic childhood in sunny 1960s miami, when her first symptoms appeared in the form of obsessions and night terrors. but it was not until she reached oxford university as a marshall scholar that her first full-blown episode, complete with voices in her head and terrifying suicidal fantasies, forced her into a psychiatric hospital. saks would later attend yale law school where one night, during her first term, she had a breakdown that left her singing on the roof of the law school library at midnight. she was taken to the emergency room, force-fed antipsychotic medication, and tied hand-and-foot to the cold metal of a hospital bed. she spent the next five months in a psychiatric ward. so began saks's long war with her own internal demons and the equally powerful forces of stigma. today she is a chaired professor of law who researches and writes about the rights of the mentally ill. she is married to a wonderful man. in the center cannot hold, elyn saks discusses frankly and movingly the paranoia, the inability to tell imaginary fears from real ones, and the voices in her head insisting she do terrible things, as well as the many obstacles she overcame to become the woman she is today. it is destined to become a classic in the genre.

The #1 new york times bestseller the sunday times bestseller 'if lepera's instagram feed is full of aha moments illuminating the inner workings of your psyche, the revelations in the book are more like a full firework display.' red magazine 'this book is a must-read for anyone on a path of personal growth.' gabby bernstein, author of number one new york times bestsellers super attractor and the universe has your back 'the book i wish i had read in my twenties.' elizabeth day, author of how to fail 'how to do the work will transform how you see yourself and your ability to change. i believe this book could change lives, if not the world.' holly bourne, bestselling author of how do you like me now? 'want more from life? looking for answers? how to do the work will teach you how to find them within yourself. a masterpiece of empowerment – this book changed my life and, trust me, it'll change yours too.' mel robbins, author of the 5 second rule as a clinical psychologist, dr nicole lepera found herself frustrated by the limitations of traditional psychotherapy. wanting more for her patients – and for herself – she began a journey to develop a united philosophy of mental, physical and spiritual health that equips people with the tools necessary to heal themselves. after experiencing the life-changing results herself, she began to share what she'd learned with others – and the holistic psychologist was born. now dr lepera is ready to share her much-requested protocol with the world. in how to do the work, she offers both a manifesto for self-healing and an essential guide to creating a more vibrant, authentic, and joyful life. unless addressed, these self-sabotaging behaviours can quickly become cyclical, leaving people feeling unhappy, unfulfilled, and unwell. in how to do the work, dr lepera offers readers the support and tools that will allow them to break free from destructive behaviours to reclaim and recreate their lives.

#1 national bestseller #1 international bestsellerwhat does everyone in the modern world need to know? renowned psychologist jordan b. peterson's answer to this most difficult of questions uniquely combines the hard-won truths of ancient tradition with the stunning revelations of cutting-edge scientific research.humorous, surprising and informative, dr. peterson tells us why skateboarding boys and girls must be left alone, what terrible fate awaits those who criticize too easily, and why you should always pet a cat when you meet one on the street.what does the nervous system of the lowly lobster have to tell us about standing up straight (with our shoulders back) and about success in life? why did ancient egyptians worship the capacity to pay careful attention as the highest of gods? what dreadful paths do people tread when they become resentful, arrogant and vengeful? peterson journeys broadly, discussing discipline, freedom, adventure and responsibility, distilling the world's wisdom into 12 practical and profound rules for life. 12 rules for life shatters the modern commonplaces of science, faith and human nature, while transforming and ennobling the mind and spirit of its readers.

If you're ready to conquer stress and embrace the peace that your soul longs for, new york times bestseller rhythms of renewal is your new go-to guide to transforming your life, one day at a time. join rebekah lyons as she invites you to trade your anxiety for the vibrant life you were meant to live through four profound rhythms: rest, restore, connect, and create. anxiety and loneliness are on the rise, with 77% of our population experiencing physical symptoms of stress on a regular basis. but rebekah reminds us that it doesn't have to stay this way. rebekah draws from her own battle with depression and anxiety to share a pathway to establish four life-giving rhythms that quiet inner chaos and make room for you to flourish. by taking time to truly rest, restore, connect, and create, you will discover how to: lead with vulnerability – take charge of your emotional health and inspire your loved ones to do the same – overcome anxiety by establishing daily habits that keep you mentally and physically strong – find joy through restored relationships in your family and community – walk in confidence with the unique gifts you have to offer the world – build these rhythms into your daily life–no matter what you're facing – you deserve to break the cycle of anxiety, restore balance in your hectic life, and live each day to the fullest. let rebekah be your guide as you learn firsthand how these spiritual rhythms can enable you to finally live a life full of peace, passion, and purpose.

Learn how to deal with feelings–a mental health journal just for men taking care of yourself means more than just working out and eating right–it also means taking care of the stuff going on in your head. the mental health journal for men is the one-stop mental health gym for guys, providing effective ways to organize your thoughts and work through stress, anxiety, and more. whether it's to chill out with simple breathing exercises, inspire yourself by creating a movie poster about your life, or just explore emotions besides feeling "numb," this mental health journal approaches creative journaling with an eye for the unique challenges that guys face. so, grab a pencil (or pen) and get to work! the mental health journal for men features: the help men need–from exploring your kryptonite to being proud of the things you've done (and the body that helped you do them), get a mental health journal that speaks to guys. de-stress creatively–discover that one of the best ways to explore (and beat) what's bugging you is to draw, chart, graph, and even design a t-shirt with your life's motto. what makes you tick?–figure out what makes you tick with a mental health journal full of prompts that help you examine yourself, the people in your life, and how you relate to the world. teach yourself to feel better with a mental health journal written just for you.

This longawaited book by a pioneer in brain research offers a new model of our emotions- their origins, their power, and their malleability. for more than thirty years, richard davidson has been at the forefront of brain research. davidson has discovered that personality is composed of six basic emotional "styles," including resilience, self-awareness, and attention. written with bestselling author sharon begley, this original and exciting book gives us a new and useful way to look at ourselves, develop a sense of well-being, and live more meaningful lives.

From the bestselling author of inner strength, unlimited power, and money master the game, anthony robbins, the nation's leader in the science of peak performance, shows you his most effective strategies and techniques for mastering your emotions, your body, your relationships, your finances, and your life.the acknowledged expert in the psychology of change, anthony robbins provides a step-by-step program teaching the fundamental lessons of self-mastery that will enable you to discover your true purpose, take control of your life, and harness the forces that shape your destiny.

The instant new york times bestsellerby the acclaimed author of in the realm of hungry ghosts, a groundbreaking investigation into the causes of illness, a bracing critique of how our society breeds disease, and a pathway to health and healing.in this revolutionary book, renowned physician gabor maté eloquently dissects how in western countries that pride themselves on their healthcare systems, chronic illness and general ill health are on the rise. nearly 70 percent of americans are on at least one prescription drug; more than half take two. in canada, every fifth person has high blood pressure. in europe, hypertension is diagnosed in more than 30 percent of the population. and everywhere, adolescent mental illness is on the rise. so what is really “normal” when it comes to health? over four decades of clinical experience, maté has come to recognize the prevailing understanding of “normal” as false, neglecting the roles that trauma and stress, and the pressures of modern-day living, exert on our bodies and our minds at the expense of good health. for all our expertise and technological sophistication, western medicine often fails to treat the whole person, ignoring how today’s culture stresses the body, burdens the immune system, and undermines emotional balance. now maté brings his perspective to the great untangling of common myths about what makes us sick, connects the dots between the maladies of individuals and the declining soundness of society—and offers a compassionate guide for health and healing. cowritten with his son daniel, the myth of normal is maté’s most ambitious and urgent book yet.

A blueprint for community action from award-winning journalist larry hayes written with authority and compassion, this is the book that rescues mental illness from the shadows and takes the disability into the community. learn how each person can play a role to help those who so often suffer alone. hear the stories of the people who've found how to triumph over this disability. discover how everyone can work together to create a treatment revolution that enriches and saves lives. let this guide open your heart and mind to be inspired and challenged to do the work ahead. a book that will change your community "larry hayes provides families with a real self-help manual that is personal and compassionate, yet practical and hands-on. it is long overdue and can only come from someone who has been there–in the trenches. larry certainly has." –stephen c. mccaffrey, president, mental health america of indiana "with a father's wit and a reporter's well-honed writing skills, larry hayes uses his family's story to offer practical suggestions about how communities can help persons with mental illnesses recover and thrive. this is a wonderful blueprint that spells out ways to change lives and help persons seldom seen or heard." –pete earley, author, crazy: a father's search through america's mental health madness "larry hayes demonstrates in this book a very rare gift that he has, the ability to reduce complex social problems to simple terms. in addition, he fills the book with practical solutions and ways to reduce the somet-imes debilitating effects of mental illness." –james c. howell, ph.d., juvenile justice researcher

A blueprint for community action from award-winning journalist larry hayes written with authority and compassion, this is the book that rescues mental illness from the shadows and takes the disability into the community. learn how each person can play a role to help those who so often suffer alone. hear the stories of the people who've found how to triumph over this disability. discover how everyone can work together to create a treatment revolution that enriches and saves lives. let this guide open your heart and mind to be inspired and challenged to do the work ahead. a book that will change your community "larry hayes provides families with a real self-help manual that is personal and compassionate, yet practical and hands-on. it is long overdue and can only come from someone who has been there–in the trenches. larry certainly has." –stephen c. mccaffrey, president, mental health america of indiana "with a father's wit and a reporter's well-honed writing skills, larry hayes uses his family's story to offer practical suggestions about how communities can help persons with mental illnesses recover and thrive. this is a wonderful blueprint that spells out ways to change lives and help persons seldom seen or heard." –pete earley, author, crazy: a father's search through america's mental health madness "larry hayes demonstrates in this book a very rare gift that he has, the ability to reduce complex social problems to simple terms. in addition, he fills the book with practical solutions and ways to reduce the somet-imes debilitating effects of mental illness." –james c. howell, ph.d., juvenile justice researcher