World Mental Health Day 2023: 9 books to help you come out of bad days

In recent years, conversations surrounding mental health have significantly evolved, becoming more accessible and openly discussed within society. Unlike the past, where mental health was often stigmatized and veiled in silence, today's culture values and encourages dialogue about mental well-being. This newfound openness has sparked crucial discussions, promoting understanding, empathy, and support for individuals facing mental health challenges. A huge contributor to these discussions is the rise of journaling and writing about mental health. Writing and reading about diverse characters, their struggles and the subsequent healing, provides a ray of hope to the reader who might feel alone. It provides solace, insight and a sense of community, contributing to improved mental well-being. Here we list 6 books to read to help yourself during the bad days.

Pema Chodron's teachings, cherished by both Buddhists and a broader audience, resonate for their practicality and depth. This collection of her talks spanning 1987-1994 offers a treasury of wisdom, aiding us in navigating life amidst pain and challenges. Chodron imparts insights on leveraging painful emotions for growth, fostering compassion through communication, breaking free from habitual patterns, handling chaos, and promoting impactful social action.

(Image: Shambhala)

This book by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry, delves into the lifelong impact of one's early childhood experiences, thus offering an insightful scientific and emotional understanding of our behavioral patterns. This transformative book prompts a shift from self-blame to empathy, encouraging people to explore the roots of our actions. Through personal anecdotes and expert discussions, it guides others to reframe perspectives on trauma, fostering resilience and healing for a more empowered future.

Author Gwendoline Smith delves into the prevalent sense of angst prevalent in today's society. She elucidates what angst is and sheds light on the diverse manifestations of deep anxiety.

(Image: Atlantic Books)

In her book, Kate Lucey shares her six-year-long journey with depression, showcasing the real struggles and triumphs. 'Get a Grip, Love' blends personal experiences with expert insights and scientific facts, offering genuine and helpful mental health guidance. Lucey’s relatable and humorous narrative not only tackles the complexities of depression but also addresses societal attitudes. It encourages embracing the ups and downs, debunking the need to always have things efficient and in line, and emphasizing the importance of understanding and support.

(Image: HQ)

In this book, celebrity Shaheen Bhatt recounts her struggle with depression. She reveals that she was diagnosed with depression at 18 and how she had endured it for five years prior to it. With raw emotion, she illuminates the daily battles and broader context of this widely misunderstood mental illness. Shaheen's narrative explores the intricate dance of comprehending and coping with depression in her rather privileged circumstances, offering an honest and self-aware account rooted in the human experience. The book bravely delves into the complexities of living with depression, providing solace and understanding for those facing similar mental health challenges.

(Image: Penguin eBury Press)

Pragya Agarwal, in her insightful work "Hysterical," delves into the historical and scientific foundations that have shaped the gendering of emotions. Agarwal critically examines whether there is factual basis for the perceived innate differences in how men and women experience emotions. Additionally, she scrutinizes the ramifications of such gendered emotions, particularly in the historical subjugation of women, and contemplates a future where emotions are liberated from gender biases.

(Image: Canongate Books)

Andrea Bonior's book proves to be exceptionally helpful, teaching and addressing negative thoughts, self-discovery, depression, and social media's impact. Bonior's wisdom guides readers to face their struggles, promoting forgiveness, gratitude, and self-love. Highlighting the importance of recognizing fleeting thoughts and shedding insecurities, the book empowers individuals to align their lives with values and goals. The book is without a doubt a modern-day self-love guide, emphasizing meaningful connections amid today's digital age.

(Image: Chronicle Prism)

The book by Haig serves as a compilation of notes, lists and narratives penned over many years. Initially intended as tender prompts for Haig's future self, these writings emphasize the fundamental truth that situations aren't always as bleak as they may appear. Haig skillfully weaves together insights from a wide range of sources including global perspectives, historical accounts, scientific knowledge, and his own life encounters. Through this, he extends a comforting embrace, encouraging us to pause, savor the charm, and embrace the inherent unpredictability of life.

(Image: Canongate Books)

After a sudden breakup with her fiancée, Gottlieb seeks therapy with Wendell, a therapist with no prior connection. Initially expecting a quick fix, she discovers a need for more profound healing. The memoir blends her sessions with Wendell, patient interactions, and her journey into therapy and single motherhood. It offers an honest portrayal of the therapeutic process, emphasizing that therapists guide self-reflection rather than dictating actions. Gottlieb’s empathy shines through, revealing the challenge of acknowledging our flaws and evolving both as therapists and patients. The interactions and portrayals also clearly highlight that the ones who heal others also need some healing themselves.

(Image: Harper)