In a world with so many distractions hitting us from all directions, it makes perfect sense to feel confused, lost, and even anxious about the surroundings. When I think about it, our parents and grandparents didn't really face such issues, but they lived through different times.

In today’s society, both self and professional help are extremely important. And while I do feel strong in terms of mindset, there are times when I lose it and go down as well. Like everyone else! And trust me, I’ve been there, I’ve gone through the denial part as well.

The truth is no matter how hard we try to avoid it, we do need a bit of help when our thoughts go in the wrong direction. And don’t even get me started on mental health problems that can literally take us down to hit rock bottom.

All in all, whether we seek professional help or we don’t need it yet, I believe our mental health needs constant support. And with these thoughts in mind, here are a few good mental health books I’ve gone through this year.

What Are The Top Mental Health Book To Improve Your Mental Wellness?

The #1 Book for Mental Health, by Jasmine (2024)

I thought this would be too funny to be real when I saw the title first. But you know, some of the best books I’ve read came with titles that didn’t reveal any clues about what you’re about to find instead. I thought, even if this is a fun book for a nice Sunday afternoon, I’ll still have it. So, I gave it a try.

The story revolves around the fact that TikTok was banned in the USA at the beginning of 2024, unless the platform is sold to a different company. The main reason? Simple, spying into innocent people’s lives by using addictive algorithms.

And that's how it all begins, it hit me. One way or another, we're all addicted to technology. We all crave our childhood times when we had no mobile phones or tablets but just played ball all day long outdoors. And no matter how much we miss those times, we're still addicted to technology.

The problem is such tech addictions lead to fear, anxiety, eating problems, unnecessary worries, social isolation, you name it. It affects people both physically and mentally. In the long run, we lose attention, too, not to mention our mental focus.

It sounds like I’m about to ask you to sign a petition, but it’s the harsh reality we live in. Jasmine’s masterpiece explains all these things with logical reasons behind each issue. And then, there are plenty of exercises to improve focus, attention span and even social life.

From my point of view, this is one of the good mental health books of the year and a top recommendation. Even if you don’t think you have a problem, it’s still worth a read to prevent potential issues in the long run.

And How Does That Make You Feel?, by Joshua Fletcher (2024)

If you’ve never been to a therapist, but you’d like to, you probably feel anxious about the whole experience already. You don’t know what’s going on behind those doors or how the experience can help you. Been there, done that. In fact, I think everyone experiences the same problem before going in.

This is one of those books on mental health that was written like a study. Psychotherapist Joshua Fletcher has studied four of his patients. You’ll explore their stories, thoughts, evolution and discovery. Most importantly, all these patients are first time patients.

From OCD and anxiety to depression and panic attacks, you'll learn how to overcome such obstacles. From some points of view, this book feels like a movie. It feels like you're watching four different stories about how people benefit from therapy, but the truth is, it has more than that.

The author will also teach you how to find the best therapist, but also what to expect from each session. It’s an eye-opener for those who have never experienced therapy, but feel like they need it.

Profiles in Mental Health Courage, by Patrick J. Kennedy and Stephen Fried (2024)

Profiles in Mental Health is similar to my previous recommendation, but it goes in a slightly different direction. Basically, it won’t ease your first therapy sessions, but it will show you the profiles of 20 different Americans who have dealt with different issues related to mental health.

I've explored different concepts, problems, and solutions. I was aware of some of them, but many others were completely new to me. And to be honest with you, I'm happy to implement some ideas in my day-to-day activities.

I dare to say this is an encouraging book. No matter what issue you struggle with, you’ll most likely find it there. And you’ll see how others dealt with it and what therapy could do for them, from the actual diagnosis to the self-discovery and growth later on.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it should substitute therapy. If you truly need it, seek help from a specialist. But if you’re in doubt or you need a bit of help, learning from others’ experiences is totally worth it.

A similar book was released by President John F. Kennedy, but this one is more modern and adapted to our daily struggles. You’ll discover some intimate stories, as well as revealing details that can change the way you see mental health.

The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt (2024)

You don't have to be a genius to realize mental health is deteriorating, especially when it comes to teenagers. They're no longer social, but they let trends and concepts on social media affect their lives. Many times in a negative manner.

I can’t tell you why. It could be technology. Social media, maybe? I’d rather leave it to the experts. And this book written by a social psychologist reveals some of the reasons behind this sudden drop in mental health.

When we were kids, suicide was almost never an issue among teenagers. It’s extremely common these days. Anxiety, depression, none of us bothered with these things when we were young. Kids today face them on a regular basis.

This book goes to the roots of this obvious decline. From the lack of “free range” activities as kids to the evolution of smartphones, it seems these issues go hand in hand. After all, I’ve noticed it too, as smartphones took over the world, mental health became an issue all over the world.

You don't need to go out shopping, see friends face to face, play outside, or do any of these things. You can do pretty much everything with a smartphone. Sleep issues are just around the corner, not to mention addiction.

Whether or not you have kids or you simply want to learn a few things for yourself, I think this is one of the good mental health books. Sure, we all know mental health is deteriorating worldwide, but this book gives some valuable insights on how to reverse the process.

Languishing, by Corey Keyes (2024)

I find it hard to express in words how good this book is. However, the author starts with a few questions, and I think we can all say yes to at least one of them. Feeling like you lose motivation? Empty? Difficult to identify the problem? No focus? Sad at times with no apparent reasons?

This feeling of weariness is practically an emotional state. And you’re not alone. I have moments when I feel the exact same way. I know people who seem to be in the same state every now and then. It happens to everyone and we all share the same thing, but we just can’t explain it.

Doctor Corey Keyes has explored this feeling. Known as languishing, it's analyzed based on real-life stories, case studies, and a medical approach to finding a solution. The author goes into small details when it comes to emotional exhaustion.

I won’t give you too many spoilers, but it looks like our constant struggle to find happiness is what causes it. The answer is pretty obvious then. We need that good vibe. We need that good overall functionality to unlock our potential.

The book also describes the causes behind it, as well as the mental health issues that may trigger the problem. Restoring joy has never been easier, trust me. You’ll feel those good vibes settling in as you go through this book.

I'm Not as Well as I Thought I Was, by Ruby Wax (2023)

This is a hands-on experience on what a mental clinic can do for you. The author was checked into a clinic in 2022, and the whole experience is written in the smallest details.

I think at times, we all feel like we’re well. But the truth is there are times when we’re not. This is one of those good mental health books that will explain such an experience from a personal point of view.

If you think your mental health is in a dark place, this book will open your eyes and give you a unique approach to how to overcome potential issues.

In the end

I think these are the best books on mental health I’ve gone through in 2024. I can go on with the list, of course, but the above-mentioned titles will definitely give you some valuable insights.

Whether you’re struggling with a problem or you feel like you’re still alright, I think deep down inside us, we all have some issues to sort out. And even if you’re okay, there’s nothing wrong with educating yourself on potential problems.

Feel free to check out our favorite Christian mental health book collection.

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