The following eleven books tackle heavy subjects such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, abuse, addiction, psychosis, self-harm and more. Whether you personally struggle with a mental illness or know someone who does, these award-winning reads offer a wealth of insight and information to help increase your level of understanding into the world of mental health and addiction. Not a big reader? Please consider listening to the audio versions.

1. Willow Weep for Me: A Black Woman's Journey Through Depression, by Meri Nana-Ama Danquah

2. The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness, by Elyn R. Saks

3. The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression, by Andrew Solomon

4. Every Silver Lining Has a Cloud: Relapse and the Symptoms of Sobriety, by Scott Stevens.

5. Shoot the Damn Dog: A Memoir of Depression, by Sally Brampton

6. Down Came the Rain: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression, by Brooke Shields

7. Trauma and Recovery, by Judith Lewis Herman

8. A Bright Red Scream: Self-Mutilation and the Language of Pain, by Marilee Strong

9. In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction, by Gabor Maté

10. My Age of Anxiety: Fear, Hope, Dread, and the Search for Peace of Mind, by Scott Stossel

11. Reasons to Stay Alive, by Matt Haig

Misti Luke, LCSW maintains a small, private, counseling practice in Broken Bow, Oklahoma where she provides outpatient mental health treatment to individuals, couples, organizations and groups. For correspondence email misti@mistiluke.com

Disclaimer: The contents of this blog post are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are struggling with a physical, mental or emotional health issue contact your primary care doctor. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog post.

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