5 mental health books that will help you through a rough patch

The last two years have been a lot for all of us—from dealing with loss, grief and a new normal, to going back and adjusting to our old lives. Throughout it all, our mental well-being has taken a big hit TBH. If anxiety and depression were a looming crisis before, it’s now at the forefront. So, this World Mental Health Day, Cosmo spotlights the five reads that will make dealing with your mental health struggles a tad easier.

 

If you’re anxious and overwhelmed

Anxiety by Sonali Gupta

Is it anxiety or is it just stress? Mumbai-based clinical psychologist Sonali Gupta armed with over 16 years of experience in the field, helps you figure out the difference, and tells you everything you need to know about anxiety, in her book. From what to do when you’re having a panic attack to clever techniques and strategies to overcome the pesky mental health condition, this essential read is filled with knowledge that will help you confront your fears and take control of your life like a total boss!

 

If you can’t keep negative thoughts at bay

Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David D Burns

Riddled with guilt, stress, low self-esteem and a whole bunch of other negative feelings? David D Burns is here to help. In Feeling Good, the famous psychiatrist gives the low-down on nifty scientifically proven hacks that are guaranteed to lift your spirits and look at the brighter side of life. Through the book, Burns has sought to find the cure for common mental health conditions without the use of any drugs. The trick? It lies in nipping negative feelings in the bud before they have a chance to snowball.

 

If you’re searching for purpose in your life

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

Wondering what ikigai is? Turns out it could be the secret to having a more fulfilling life. The Japanese word, which means ‘a reason to live’, is all about finding a place of balance where your needs, desires, and satisfaction meet. The book gives you all the tips you need to seek out your own ikigai, and helps you derive more joy and meaning from life. Honestly, something we all need!

 

If you’re stressed and burnt-out

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski, PhD, and Amelia Nagoski, D.M.A

Stressed out ladies, this one’s for ya! This well-researched book by sisters Emily Nagoski, PhD, and Amelia Nagoski, DMA, gets to the bottom of the reason women experience burnout differently than men.  Plus, it doesn’t stop there. The duo also maps out a detailed science-backed plan to help you minimize stress, manage your feelings and live a more joyful life in general. In a world, where everything is pitched against women, from body shaming to sexism at work, this book is a gem that’ll be your guiding light in navigating it all.

 

If you need some good old serotonin

May the Thoughts Be with You: Ideas and Wisdom to Inspire Your Days by Charlotte Reed

Life is hard, but art makes it slightly more tolerable. And if it’s colourful and uplifting art that instantly puts a smile on your face, even better. Charlotte Reed’s best-selling cartoon book May the Thoughts Be with You chronicles the author’s journey of finding inspiration, wisdom, and joy in the small things as she went through depression.  What started as ‘Thought of the Day’ Facebook posts to help cope with the illness lead to this book, which is filled with quirky illustrations. Whenever you are looking for a mood booster, just pick this up and flip through!