Are you interested in learning more about mental health or practicing your own self-care? Check out the library’s Mental Health Awareness Month display located in the reading room. Reading recommendations this month include graphic novels, self-help books, and memoirs.
Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, & Me – Ellen Forney | Graphic Memoir
Shortly before author and illustrator Ellen Forney turned 30, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. For years, she resisted the use of medication out of fear that they would cause her to lose her creativity.
Forney finds inspiration in mentally ill artists who came before her, such as Vincent van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe, William Styron, Michaelangelo, and Sylvia Plath. In this graphic memoir, she weaves their stories with her own experiences. She also does her own research on bipolar disorder to learn more about the pros and cons of treatment and pharmaceuticals.
Practicing Mindfulness: 75 Essential Meditations to reduce stress, improve mental health, and find peace in the everyday – Matthew Sockolov | Self-help
This self-help book is a guide for readers to discover calmness and clarity everyday through simple mindfulness techniques. Mindfulness is an evidence-based method meant to reduce stress and anxiety. Sockolov introduces activities that take from as little as 5 minutes up to 25 minutes in order for people to practice even with very busy schedules. He also includes mindfulness techniques targeted for specific stressful situations.
In addition to books, included in our display in the reading room are mindful affirmation cards. Shuffle the cards and pick one out at random or pick one specifically based on what you might need. The cards include sentiments such as “I am calm and peaceful,” “I will find joy today,” or “I love the way today feels.” Feel free to take 1-2 cards and keep them to refer back to as needed.
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle – Emily Nagoski, Phd & Amelia Nagoski, DMA | Self-help
In this ground-breaking self-help book, the twin-sister authors explain why women experience burnout differently than men. The expectations for women in today’s world differs greatly from what it’s really like, and women experience burnout when trying to close that gap. The authors offer constructive tools to combat burnout. They focus on the biological stress cycle and ways to return your body to a state of relaxation. They instruct on how to manage the “monitor” in the brain that regulations emotions and how to defend yourself against the Bikini Industrial Complex. They support the theories that prioritizing rest, human connections, and “befriending your inner critic” are the keys to recovering from and preventing burnout.
Also by Emily Nagoski: Come As You Are
Lighter Than My Shadow – Katie Green | Graphic Memoir
Last fall, Lighter Than My Shadow was recommended by one of EHSL’s own and subsequently was read by the author of this blog post! Katie Green delicately writes about difficult subject matter which is sure to open the hearts of readers. Even though this graphic novel is primarily drawn in grayscale, the images are vivid and beautiful.
Before reading, please be aware of the content of this autobiographical work. Katie Green outlines her experiences with her eating disorder from a very young age into adulthood and multiple sexual assaults.
(Don’t) Call Me Crazy: 33 Voice Start the Conversation About Mental Health – Edited by Kelly Jensen | Nonfiction, Essays, Memoir
(Don’t) Call Me Crazy is an open conversation about the term “crazy.” Is using the term crazy offensive? What does it mean to be crazy? These questions, and more, are explored in this book by 33 different contributors.
This is a good read and guide for anyone who has either struggled with their own mental health or for those who want to learn more about mental health in general.
Hear about how each individual’s brain is wired differently from various writers, athletes, and artists (including famous actor Kristen Bell, who fun fact: also co-authors children’s books.)
Girl, Interrupted – Susanna Kaysen | Memoir
In 1967, Susanna Kaysen was involuntarily admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Girl, Interrupted is her memoir about this experience. She spent about two years hospitalized, among other teenage girls who were admitted long before her and some who remained there long after she was discharged.
The memoir was fictionalized and adapted into a motion picture in 1999, starring Angelina Jolie, Winona Ryder, and Brittany Murphy. The movie has been called a “cult classic.”
Both works provide engrossing portraits of the shifting landscape of 1960’s America and the inter-workings of the mental health system during that period of time.
Further self-care:
Don’t forget that the library hosts free yoga on Wednesdays and Fridays 12-1PM. Join in-person or on Zoom. Click here to launch Zoom meeting.
Need help?
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) helpline: 800-950-6264
Crisis hotline, call or text: 988
