If your loved one has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, you may be looking for resources to understand the disorder and how you can support them. Google is likely to be your first stop, but there are many more options off the web that can help you.
Whether you’re going on vacation or just have a few moments to read, there are plenty of books that can help you understand this most recent life change. Below is a list of must-read books on mental health and books on specific mental health disorders.
You are reading: Books for family members of mental illness
books on mental health
Challenging Mental Illness: Finding Recovery with Community Resources and Family Support by Paul Komarek Author Paul Komarek uses an easy-to-understand approach to explain mental illness and its treatment. Plus, the book is a great resource for finding community and family support.
Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Taking Care of Yourself by melody beattie for those struggling with codependency, this book will help you understand codependent behavior and how to break free of the. Along with helpful information, it also includes exercises and self-tests.
I’m not sick, I don’t need help: How to help someone with mental illness by xavier amador, ph.d. Considered a must read for family members whose loved ones struggle with mental illness. Learn to listen, empathize, agree, and partner with those struggling with mental illness.
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Why is dad so mad? by seth kastle for those seeking to give children a better understanding of mental illness, this picture book explores the story of a military family with a father fighting post-traumatic stress. stress disorder (ptsd).
The Burden of Sympathy: How Families Cope with Mental Illness by david a. karp a more academic selection, the book includes dozens of extensive interviews with those who care for someone with mental illness.
books on specific disorders
the complete family guide to schizophrenia: helping your loved one get the most out of life by kim t. Mueser and Susan Gingerich If your loved one has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, this book can help you better understand the illness and the types of treatment available. individual sections highlight issues for parents, children, siblings, and partners.
The Center Can’t Hold: My Journey Through the Madness by elyn saks author elyn saks is a teacher, lawyer, and psychiatrist. however, she has also suffered from mental illness for most of her life. In Ella’s story, she explores her journey through mental illness and the obstacles she overcame to become a respected professional.
Helping Your Anxious Child: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents by Ronald Rape Ph.D., et al. The book, written by five experienced authors, includes information on effective therapies that can help your child overcome intense fears and worries, as well as how to help your child learn social skills.
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The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know by dr. david j. miklowitz For those with a loved one diagnosed with bipolar disorder, this book will provide information and practical advice for solving problems. dr miklowitz provides data on proven medications, therapies, and strategies.
The Man Who Couldn’t Stop: David Adam’s OCD and the True Story of a Life Lost in Thought David Adam explores his condition and experiences in this captivating book. adam explores the thoughts that drive millions of people toward obsession and compulsion.
There are thousands of books, fictional and non-fictional, that explore mental illness. Examples include Kate Chopin’s Awakening, Sylvia Plath’s Bell Jar, Got Rid of Wally Lamb, Jeffrey Eugenides’ Marriage Plot, and Matthew Quick’s Silver Linings Playbook.
For specific recommendations, contact a professional about what books they would recommend if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a specific mental health condition.
*all books listed are recommendations and should not be confused with recommendations.
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