How Mental Health Books Can Build Your Self-Awareness & Self-Compassion

Who doesn't enjoy a good book? Reading offers numerous benefits, such as reducing stress, enhancing cognitive abilities, boosting memory and focus, and expanding knowledge. Personally, I, Jessica Portelli, a therapist at Shift Collab, find myself drawn to romantic comedies and suspenseful novels, but I also enjoy diving into mental health books to gain a deeper understanding of my own experiences, and those of my clients.

Mental health books can be invaluable for anyone seeking to enhance their well-being. By exploring various mental health topics through reading, you can better understand your own mental health and learn effective strategies for managing it. These books also provide an opportunity to cultivate essential skills like self-awareness, problem-solving, and resilience, which are crucial for maintaining good mental health. They offer insights into yourself and others, empowering you to better navigate your own mental well-being.

I wanted to share some of the top books I have recently read and have recommended to clients as complementary resources to our sessions. As a therapist, I assist individuals in establishing coping mechanisms for stress, achieving work-life balance, and challenging unhelpful thoughts about their accomplishments. Additionally, we address challenges such as imposter syndrome, perfectionism, setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, overcoming burnout, and understanding emotions. 

If you find yourself struggling in the areas mentioned above, the following recommendations can be immensely helpful in addressing your specific issues:

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

Setting Boundaries, Find Peace: A guide to reclaiming yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski

Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown

In case you’re curious what my other favourite books are…

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reed

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

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Incorporating mental health books into our routine can complement the work we do in therapy sessions or serve as a standalone resource for personal growth. They expand our understanding of ourselves and others, allowing us to approach life with increased compassion, self-acceptance, and resilience. So, the next time you're looking for a new book to dive into, consider exploring the world of mental health literature. You might just discover a book that speaks directly to your experiences, providing valuable insights and guiding you toward a path of improved mental well-being.