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  • Writer's pictureMisti Luke, LCSW

Great Reads: 11 Behavioral Health Books

Updated: Jun 21


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

African American Woman
Willow Weep For Me

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

The Center Cannot Hold My Journey
The Center Cannot Hold My Journey

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

The Noonday Demon Book Cover
The Noonday Demon Book Cover

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

Every Silver Lining Has a Cloud Book Cover
Every Silver Lining Has a Cloud

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

Shoot The Damn Dog book cover
Shoot The Damn Dog Book Cover

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

Brooke Shields
Down Came The Rain Book Cover

7. Trauma and Recovery, by Judith Lewis Herman

Trauma and Recovery Book Cover
Trauma and Recovery

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

Book cover of, A Bright Red Scream
The Bright Red Scream

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

Book cover, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts.
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts

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

My Age of Anxiety, book cover.
My Age of Anxiety

11. Reasons to Stay Alive, by Matt Haig

Reasons to Stay Alive, book cover
Reasons to Stay Alive

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.

#personalgrowth

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