10 Life-Changing Books About Mental Health and Healing

We all carry battles inside us. At some point, nearly everyone faces something that shakes them to their core, like the weight of depression, the sting of heartbreak, the pain of separation, or other deep wounds. These moments can take a heavy toll on our mental health.

Sometimes, when the pain feels overwhelming, people turn to addictions as a way to numb or escape it. But here’s the truth: though the struggle can feel isolating, it’s something we all share. Learning to understand these challenges and finding healthier ways to cope is a journey no one has to take alone. Mental health books can be a powerful guide, offering stories, insights, and tools that open the door to healing, hope, and connection.

10 Mental Health Books To Read

Here are ten highly recommended books, carefully selected based on personal reading experiences and positive reviews from readers around the world:

1. I’m Glad My Mom Died:

"I'm Glad My Mom Died" offers a raw, unfiltered look into the complexities of childhood trauma, emotional abuse, and the long road to healing. Through her candid storytelling, Jennette McCurdy gives a voice to those silently battling inner turmoil, showing that acknowledging pain is not weakness but the first step toward reclaiming one’s identity.

2. The Bell Jar:

The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath tells the story of a young woman named Esther who seems to have everything going for her, but inside, she feels lost and overwhelmed. The book shows how depression can make even the best opportunities feel meaningless. It helps readers understand what it's like to struggle with mental health, and reminds us that it’s okay to not be okay and that getting help is important.

3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower:

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" follows a quiet and thoughtful teenager named Charlie as he deals with the ups and downs of high school, friendship, love, and past trauma. The book talks openly about anxiety, depression, and feeling different. It helps readers see that they’re not alone in their struggles, and that healing is possible when we speak up and find people who truly care.

4. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma:

"The Body Keeps the Score" explains how trauma affects not just the mind, but also the body. It helps readers understand why they might still feel the effects of painful experiences long after they’ve happened. The book offers real hope by showing different ways people can heal, including therapy, movement, and mindfulness. It’s an eye-opening and powerful guide for anyone struggling with past trauma or emotional pain.

5. Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day:

Drawing from ancient wisdom and his experience as a monk, Jay Shetty helps readers learn how to manage stress, let go of negativity, and live more intentionally. This book is especially helpful for anyone dealing with anxiety or mental burnout, as it teaches powerful tools for building a calmer, more focused mind.

6. Together: Loneliness, Health and What Happens When We Find Connection:

"Together" explores how loneliness affects our mental and physical health, even though it’s something many people don’t talk about. Dr. Vivek Murthy shows that human connection is just as important as food or sleep. This book reminds us that we all need meaningful relationships to stay healthy and happy, and it offers ways to build stronger bonds with others. It’s a comforting and hopeful read for anyone feeling isolated or disconnected.

7. It's OK That You're Not OK by Megan Devine:

"It’s OK That You’re Not OK" is a comforting and honest book for anyone going through deep grief or emotional pain. Megan Devine explains that there’s nothing wrong with you for feeling broken after loss and that healing doesn’t mean forgetting or ‘getting over it.’ This book helps readers feel understood and less alone, offering support without trying to fix the pain. It’s a powerful reminder that grief is a natural part of love.

8. Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself:

Nedra Glover Tawwab explains why setting healthy boundaries is key to protecting your mental health and building better relationships. This book gives clear advice and real-life examples to help you speak up for yourself, say no when you need to, and take control of your life without guilt. It’s a must-read for anyone working on self-care and emotional balance.

9. Codependent No More:

This is a life-changing book for anyone who feels stuck in unhealthy relationships or always puts others' needs before their own. Melody Beattie helps readers understand codependency, when helping others starts to hurt you, and shows how to break free from those patterns. This book teaches you how to take care of yourself, set boundaries, and build healthier connections. It's a powerful tool for healing and reclaiming your emotional well-being.

10. Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir:

Matthew Perry’s memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, is more than just a celebrity tell-all, it’s a raw, heart-breaking, and deeply human story about addiction, pain, and the fight to be seen beyond fame. In sharing his truth, Perry broke the silence around the kind of suffering that so many endure quietly.

With unflinching honesty, he takes readers through the highs and lows of his life. He speaks directly to those battling similar demons, reminding them that they're not weak, not broken, and certainly not alone. Following his passing, this book stands as a powerful part of his legacy, a testament to his courage, his humour, and his wish to help others feel seen and understood.