Whether you’re looking to better understand your own mental health, or are hoping to support a friend or family member through theirs, these books can help.
1. What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce D Perry, M.D., PhD, and Oprah Winfrey.
Have you ever questioned why you behaved a certain way, or why you overreacted to a seemingly small situation? This read takes the blame off of you, and starts asking the right questions — from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”. Through open, honest, and vulnerable conversations, Oprah and neuroscientist Dr. Perry open a path to true healing.
2. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D.
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk has spent over three decades working with trauma survivors. He explores the unique ways that trauma manifests in the brain and body, and innovative treatments for different types of trauma. Bessel van der Kolk empowers readers with a deep understanding of their behaviour, offering hope for survivors.
3. Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
Fair warning — this book will call you out, but it will also make you feel deeply seen and understood. This is so much more than a book about dating. Attached helps readers identify how they relate to romantic partners, why that attachment style came to be, and how they can use that information to form healthy bonds. This is a must-read for everyone navigating romantic relationships.
4. It Didn’t Start With You by Mark Wolynn
This one dives into the concept of ‘inherited family trauma’, how that shapes who we are, and how to break negative cycles. Wolynn explains the negative feelings of anxiety, depression, pain, and obsessive thoughts can actually be inherited from what happened in the lives of our parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents. Wolynn guides readers to date back their own family trauma through generations, putting current struggles into perspective.
Staff picks
Wellin5’s staff is always expanding their knowledge and understanding of mental health. Here are two books that changed our staff’s perspective on mental health.
5. In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Gabor Maté
“This book profoundly changed my understanding of addiction and gave me much more empathy and understanding for anyone experiencing addiction or addictive behaviour.”
6. The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Edith Eger
“ This book is the beautifully told story of a Nazi camp survivor who later became a psychologist. Her account of her experience and how she embraced life after her Nazi internment, was inspiring and gave me so much insight into the experience of people who were interned during the German occupation of World War II.”
Get further support from a mental health professional
If you’re looking for expert mental health support beyond the pages of these books, Wellin5’s team of registered clinical counsellors are here for you. Get anytime, anywhere counselling, on your schedule. Take the first step.