National Book Month: Books for Mental Health & Wellness
October is National Book Month. Celebrated every October, this month-long celebration focuses on the importance of reading and writing, as well as a time to honor the country’s best books and authors. As we learned from our very own Nicole Perefege and her previous blog post on “The Benefits of Reading on Mental Health,” reading can have a positive impact on our mental health, while also allowing for us to learn something new or just relax with a good book.
To celebrate both National Book Month and continuing to raise awareness around mental health, we have asked a few of our own staff members for book recommendations that specifically center around mental health, self-care, etc. You’ll find the book recommendations, including links where to find them, down below.
Book 1: Scattered Minds: The Origins & Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder by Gabor Mate.
Staff Member: Esther Hofknecht Curtis
Summary: Gabor Maté is a revered physician who specializes in neurology, psychiatry and psychology – and himself has ADD. With wisdom gained through years of medical practice and research, Scattered Minds is a must-read for parents – and for anyone interested how experiences in infancy shape the biology and psychology of the human brain.
Why I like it: I was able to clearly see how my upbringing shaped my brain development as a child into adulthood. It gave me great insight into my own neurodivergence and ways to beat the frustration of ADHD. Not everybody will agree with the information presented in this book, but I felt it was extraordinarily on point for me. It clarified for me the impact of generational trauma, the importance of the maternal/fetal bond, and the reasons I am the way I am.
Book 2: Finding Gratitude by Rebekah Lipp & Nicole Perry
Staff Member: Roberta Fishgold
Summary: It is a collection of snippets of ideas and pictorials to exemplify gratitude.
Why I like it: it is a great reminder of the small things in life that add great meaning and joy. I’ve come to realize that the small things in life, often overlooked, are really the big things. We just don’t realize it and keep searching for bigger and better.
Book 3: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk
Staff Member: Stephanie Reaves
Summary: Bessel Van Der Kolk, PhD is one of the leading researchers about Trauma. His book, The Body Keeps the Score, he uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma reshapes both body and brain, altering people’s capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. Trauma is one of our most urgent public health issues, and Van Der Kolk’s impeccable researched and written book sheds light on this important topic.
Why I like it: I recommend this book to everyone I can! I know when I first thought about trauma, I associated it with veterans and other violent crimes, or disasters. I came to realize that trauma is much closer to home than I realized. The book is scientifically technical, but also written in a way that is approachable for the layman to read. I learned not only a ton about why others behave the way they do, but also a lot about myself, and gained a new perspective on some of my own patterns, thoughts, and behaviors. I have also learned valuable ways to heal from my trauma through creative art, and other holistic practices. This book has made a great impact on my life, and I hope you get a chance to read it!
We hope you like these recommendations from a few of our staff members and remember that reading can not only be beneficial for your mental health but is also an enjoyable and relaxing activity that you can do almost anywhere. So, celebrate National Book Month by trying one of the above recommendations or even just curling up with your own favorite book and enjoy!
Staff Blogger: Mollie Clupper
Mollie Clupper works for MHA as a Communications and Support Specialist. Using her own experiences, she wants to help bring awareness and end the stigma surrounding mental health. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, drinking coffee, and spending time with loved ones.