Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five American adults experience a mental illness. However, it's still taboo.

In school I once heard a teacher give the following comparison to highlight this issue: If a typical American were to walk by a park and see me sitting down on a bench, rocking back and forth frantically and having a full-on conversation with myself, I would most likely be ignored or purposely avoided. Yet, if that same person is walking by and I fall and break my leg, that person would most likely rush to help me. That example has always stuck with me. Why should mental illness be any different than physical illness?

I really want to help break that taboo, to let others know that it's okay to say you're hurting on the inside and need help. I've had anxiety and depression for practically my whole life for reasons I'm not yet comfortable sharing. (And I'm still REALLY struggling with it and learning that it's okay to share this). But I do want to share books I've read that have either helped me or that have made me feel understood.

Anything written by Brene Brown

Brene Brown is a research professor who has spent two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. A friend who also suffers from anxiety recommended Brown's books to me. I read Rising Strong and it really inspired me. She's a fantastic writer who's down to Earth and can explain terms in layman's sense. Brene Brown's author profile on Goodreads.

Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson

Jenny Lawson is a blogger, journalist, and writer who suffers from anxiety, depression, avoidant personality disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Furiously Happy is a hilarious account of Lawson's experience with anxiety and depression. Furiously Happy on Goodreads.

The Memory of Light by Francisco X. Stork

The Memory of Light is a young adult novel centered around Vicky Cruz, a girl who has just attempted suicide. It follows her progress and recovery from depression. I absolutely loved this book and it affected me SO MUCH. The writing is beautiful, almost lyrical. The story is raw and honest. Click here for my full review. The Memory of Light on Goodreads.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

The Bell Jar is an emotionally intense novel centered around a young woman who is talented, popular, successful but slowly going insane. It's a partly autobiographical account of Plath's experience with depression. I don't really know what else to say except if you're feeling depressed and/or suicidal, read this book. The Bell Jar on Goodreads.

Are there any books that have helped you help or overcome a mental illness? Leave a comment if so!

NOTE: I just finished writing this post and I feel like I'm forgetting an important book that's really help me. If I remember it, I'll add it to this post.

Click here to check out the source for the statistic I quote and to learn more about mental illness. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255.