We live in the 21st century, and the topic revolving around mental illness is still a taboo. Have you ever asked yourself why? In spite of it being absolutely common, we still struggle to grasp the entire concept. When we talk about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, we only think of our bodies. But how is it that we forget that a healthy mind is equally important? There are a lot of ways you can educate yourself on the topic. One of the best ways to do so is to read books on mental illness.
Reading about mental health stories is important because it helps us talk and make it easier for people who are struggling. Hopefully, when more people understand, it becomes easier for people going through a hard time to stand and speak up and ask for help. Always remember, you are not alone, it’s okay to reach out and ask for help. These 5 candid books on mental illness will give you a look into another person’s brain that is wired differently.
Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh
Author Allie Brosh has used her wit and humour to speak about mental illness in an absolutely funny manner. Hyperbole and a Half is a compilation of essays and posts that the author put together in this absolutely form-breaking novel. The book speaks about the author’s adventures inside her head that no one can see or hear. However, it’s these stories in her head that feel incredibly real. Additionally, reading this smart as hell book will leave you in fits of laughter.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
If you have seen the movie and loved it, we can guarantee that you will enjoy the book even more. Similar to the movie, the book talks about the observant ‘wallflower’ Charlie. This YA (young adult) book talks about the strange period between adolescence and adulthood that we all go through. This is one of those candid YA books on mental illness that has spoken on topics such as substance abuse, sexuality and mental health. Most of us will connect with the main protagonist Charlie as he goes through his teenage years. We guess it is time to take a walk down memory lane?
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Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
John Green is an absolutely inspiring author who has brought to us books like The Fault in Our Stars, Paper Towns, Badmouth and much more. With Turtles All the Way he has given us another deeply resonant and powerful novel.
Aza is a 16-year-old who embarks on a journey to investigate the disappearance of a fugitive billionaire with her ‘best and most fearless friend’. What she did not expect for was to fall in love with the fugitive’s teenage son. Aza is doing her best to be a good daughter, a good friend and maybe even a good detective while trying to deal with her Anxiety and OCD. She struggles to deal with her own thoughts by imagining herself as a character from a book or movie. This book brings out a high quotient of wisdom trying to teach us about how the world feels out of control.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Sylvia Plath speaks to us about her own depression in this refreshingly honest semi-autobiographical novel. Sylvia narrates the story of Esther Greenwood who is falling into the grip of insanity. Esther is a beautiful, talented and extremely successful woman until she falls into the palm of depression. Moreover, it is one of the most beautifully written books on mental illness. As a reader you can feel all the mind-numbing feelings that the protagonist is dealing with. Also, this book brings out the most hidden corners of the human mind.
Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen
The author Susanna Kaysen who is also the main character of the book talks about the two years that she spent in a residential psychiatric facility. The ward is also known for hosting famous characters like Sylvia Plath, James Taylor, Ray Charles and Robert Lowell. As for the plotline, Susanna is forcefully sent to a mental hospital by a doctor who interviews her for only twenty minutes. Susanna talks about the experiences she goes through in her two years at the hospital. “Was insanity just a matter of dropping the act?” Good question, isn’t it? It’s a question you will most definitely ask yourself after reading this book.
