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6 Must-Read Books for Mental Health Awareness Month
We’ve rounded up a list of the best mental health awareness books to read this year.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time dedicated to raise awareness, reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues, and support people with mental illness and their families. When it comes to the workplace, there’s no better time to start promoting mental health regularly.
As a pioneer of well-being — we know first-hand the importance of mental health in the workplace. As companies continue to face layoffs, financial challenges, work-from-home policies and economic uncertainty, employee mental health continues to suffer.
The good news is companies are stepping up and supporting efforts such as DEIB and mental wellness. In fact, a recent APA study found that 71% of employees feel their employer is more concerned about mental health compared to pre-pandemic years. But even with mental health awareness and prioritization, employees are still struggling. The Office of the U.S. Surgeon General found 76% of U.S. workers still report at least one symptom of a mental health condition and 84% stated their workplace conditions contributed to at least one mental health condition.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’ve rounded up a few must-read mental health books to add to your list. Check out these inspiring stories of overcoming and harnessing your mental health and destigmatizing the topic:
Using childhood inspiration, Sarna took the unconventional route to be a founder, developing a life-saving medical device and starting a venture firm. She persevered through prejudice and doubt to achieve business success while managing to lead empathetically, empowering others to think differently, and maintaining her honesty and approachability. In this book, she shares not only her powerful story but insights on overcoming self-doubt and building resilience that will leave you inspired.
Feeling stuck in your never-ending thoughts? This book will help you stay present and stop overthinking to “overcome negative thought patterns, reduce stress and live a worry-free life.” Author Nick Trenton taps into behavioral psychology principles to pinpoint areas for change through practical wisdom and applicable solutions.
As a writer, entrepreneur and mental health advocate, Morra Aarons-Mele uses her second publication on mental health to bring credibility and actionable advice on and how to create a mentally healthy workplace. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the world. But in the workplace, anxiety can be a hidden problem — in plain sight but ignored. This is a book with a timely mission: to destigmatize mental health, normalize anxiety and open dialogue with leadership. Filled with personal stories, research-based insights into mental health, and lots of practical advice, the author shows us that anxiety doesn’t have to stop us — it can actually be managed, channeled, and repurposed as a superpower in work and in life.
Cynthia Kane is a communication expert, who uses her books to discuss the role of communication and self-awareness in maintaining healthy relationships and managing stress. “How to Meditate like a Buddhist” demystifies this ancient practice and gently teaches you everything you need to know about building a meditation practice that works for you, including detailed guidance on posture, breathing, mindset, overcoming common obstacles and more. Kane gives her own personal story and the role of mindfulness. If you are looking for a step-by-step guide for beginners that is smart, easy-to-follow and educational on meditation, look no further!
In this powerful collection of essays about mental illness, 31 authors share their personal perspective on mental illness along with their loved one’s experiences. Contributors to this anthology are all best-selling, award-winning Young Adult authors that can help inspire this generation and hopefully break the stigma on mental illness. This collection of honest true-life stories provides “a home to those who are feeling alone” and aims to “open the floodgates to conversation.”
Who hasn’t struggled at some point with self-doubt, fear, unhealthy behaviors or the extraordinary pressures we put on ourselves today? Sharon Fekete, also known as the “The Doctor Whisperer”, shares her powerful and honest journey to overcome mental health challenges and find success in both her personal and professional life. She candidly exposes her vulnerabilities from the past to discuss how to navigate the complex healthcare system and manage stress. She is raw and transparent with her personal experience and leaves the reader hopeful, strengthened and equipped with practical tips to navigate the world.
So there you have it — the best mental health awareness books to read this month
These six books bring candid thoughts and stories from authors using their unique perspectives to address and normalize the topic of mental health and well-being.
Want to learn more? A few of these authors are participating in a panel on mental health May 11, register here.
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