Mental Health Awareness Month.

I think it’s safe to say that most, if not all, of us have struggled with our mental health at one point or another. It’s perfectly natural but NEVER fun. May just happens to be Mental Health Awareness Month, which makes me wish I’d gotten this list out to you sooner! Here are some books to consider if you’re looking for some support on your own mental health journey.

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

Reveals how two simple words—Let Them—can free you from the stress of other people’s opinions, drama, and expectations. With science-backed advice and real-life stories, Robbins teaches you to stop wasting energy on what you can’t control and start focusing on your own happiness, goals, and power. This practical guide shows how to apply the Let Them mindset across all areas of life to unlock confidence, fulfillment, and success.

The Mountain is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage by Brianna Wiest

This book explores self-sabotage—why we do it, when it happens, and how to break the cycle for good. By understanding our conflicting inner needs, healing past wounds, and building emotional intelligence, we can stop holding ourselves back and step into our full potential. The mountain we must climb isn’t external—it’s the journey of mastering ourselves.

Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen

A powerful new perspective on overcoming anxiety, self-doubt, and self-sabotage—without relying on motivation or willpower. It reveals the root cause of emotional suffering and teaches how to achieve lasting peace and fulfillment by expanding consciousness and understanding the true nature of our thoughts. This book invites you to go beyond mental tactics and discover the innate wisdom and freedom already within you.

Dopamine: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence by Anna Lembke

Explores how our modern world of constant stimulation has led to compulsive overconsumption and emotional imbalance. Blending neuroscience with real patient stories, Lembke reveals how the relentless pursuit of pleasure can lead to pain—and how we can restore balance by understanding dopamine and embracing the principles of recovery. This book is a guide to finding lasting contentment in an overstimulated world.

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Caused an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt

Investigates the sharp rise in youth mental health issues since the early 2010s, linking it to the shift from play-based to phone-based childhoods. Drawing on data and developmental psychology, Haidt explains how smartphones and social media have disrupted kids’ emotional and social growth—especially harming girls through social comparison and boys through withdrawal into virtual worlds. He offers a clear action plan for parents, educators, and policymakers to help reclaim a healthier, more grounded childhood.

What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma by Stephanie Foo

A powerful memoir by journalist Stephanie Foo, chronicling her journey of healing after being diagnosed with complex PTSD from years of childhood abuse and abandonment. Blending personal narrative with investigative reporting, Foo explores the science of trauma, intergenerational pain, and the path to recovery. Her story is a testament to resilience and the possibility of living fully while carrying the weight of the past.

Good Morning, Monster: A Therapist Shares Five Heroic Stories of Emotional Recovery by Catherine Gildiner

The compelling true stories of five patients who overcame deep psychological wounds through years of therapy. Each case unravels buried trauma—ranging from abandonment to emotional neglect—and highlights the resilience, courage, and healing power of facing the truth. With empathy and insight, Gildiner offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the transformative journey of therapy.

Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day by Jay Shetty

Blends ancient wisdom with practical advice to help readers reduce anxiety, overcome negativity, and live with greater purpose and clarity. Drawing from his time as a monk and his journey back into the modern world, Shetty offers actionable tools to train the mind, improve relationships, and discover inner peace. This empowering guide shows that anyone can cultivate a monk-like mindset to live a more meaningful and fulfilled life.

The Comfort Book by Matt Haig

A heartfelt collection of reflections, notes, and stories offering hope and encouragement during life’s darkest moments. Drawn from personal experience and global wisdom, it serves as a gentle reminder that even in difficult times, peace and meaning are still possible. This uplifting book is a soothing companion for anyone seeking comfort and perspective.

Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May

An intimate memoir by Katherine May about navigating life’s difficult seasons of illness, loss, and change. Blending personal experience with insights from nature, literature, and mythology, May shows how embracing rest and retreat can lead to healing and renewal. The book invites readers to find meaning and growth in life’s quiet, challenging moments by accepting their cyclical nature.

How to Do the Work: Recognize Your Patterns, Heal from Your Past, and Create Your Self by Nicole LePera

LePera, known as The Holistic Psychologist, offers a groundbreaking approach to healing that integrates mental, physical, and spiritual wellness. Drawing on diverse scientific research and personal experience, she guides readers to break free from childhood trauma patterns and self-sabotaging behaviors to create a more authentic, joyful life. This book is both a manifesto and a practical toolkit for lasting self-healing.

No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family System Model by Richard C. Schwartz

Introduces the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, which views the mind as made up of multiple distinct “parts” rather than a single unified self. By honoring and understanding these internal parts—including critics and saboteurs—IFS offers a powerful approach to healing trauma, addiction, and depression. This groundbreaking book provides tools to access your compassionate Self and transform inner conflict into harmony, showing that there truly are no bad parts within us.

Manifest: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life by Roxie Nafousi

A practical guide to mastering the art of manifestation in seven simple steps—from clarifying your vision and overcoming doubt to embracing gratitude and trusting the universe. Combining science and spiritual wisdom, it teaches you how to attract what you desire and cultivate self-love, confidence, and inner peace to create the life you’ve always dreamed of.

Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab

Clear, practical guidance on establishing healthy boundaries to improve relationships and personal well-being. Drawing on cognitive behavioral therapy, it teaches how to assert your needs confidently and respectfully, helping you overcome codependency, anxiety, and burnout to live more freely and authentically.

Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier by Arthur C. Brooks & Oprah Winfrey

A hopeful, science-backed guide to finding happiness regardless of your situation. They teach practical emotional self-management skills to strengthen four key areas—family, friendship, work, and faith—empowering you to take control of your life now and create lasting joy, no matter the obstacles.

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk

A groundbreaking exploration of trauma’s deep impact on the brain and body. Drawing on decades of research and clinical work, van der Kolk reveals how trauma reshapes our ability to feel pleasure, trust, and control. The book presents innovative healing methods—like neurofeedback, meditation, yoga, and more—that harness the brain’s plasticity to help survivors reclaim their lives. It highlights the crucial role relationships play in both harm and healing, offering hope and new paths to recovery.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson

A blunt, no-nonsense guide that challenges the overemphasis on constant positivity. Manson argues that life is messy and imperfect, and instead of trying to be relentlessly upbeat, we should learn to accept our flaws, limitations, and painful truths. With humor and honesty, he encourages readers to prioritize what truly matters—because we only have so much energy to care. The book promotes resilience, responsibility, and authenticity as the real keys to a meaningful, contented life.

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb

A candid and humorous look inside the therapy room—both as a clinician and a patient. As she navigates her own crisis and her patients’ struggles, Gottlieb reveals the universal questions we all face about love, meaning, and change. This deeply personal book offers an honest, insightful portrait of what it means to be human and the power we have to transform our lives.

The Courage to be Disliked: How to Free Yourself, Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness by Ichiro Kishimi

A powerful Japanese self-help book that uses the ideas of psychologist Alfred Adler to show how we can break free from past traumas, self-doubt, and societal expectations. It teaches that we have the freedom to shape our own lives and find lasting happiness through the courage to change. Accessible yet profound, this book offers a liberating path to becoming your truest self.

The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture by Gabor Mate

Challenges the conventional view of health by revealing how modern society, stress, and unaddressed trauma contribute to widespread chronic illness. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Maté argues that what we consider “normal” health is actually a reflection of a deeply unwell culture. Co-written with his son Daniel, this eye-opening book offers a compassionate call to rethink wellness and embrace true healing of both body and mind.

The High 5 Habit: Take Control of Your Life with One Simple Habit by Mel Robbins

Introduces a simple, powerful practice: giving yourself a high five in the mirror each day to boost self-confidence, self-love, and motivation. Through science-backed insights and personal stories, Robbins shows how this small gesture can silence self-doubt, improve mindset, and create lasting positive change. It’s a daily ritual designed to help you support yourself the way you cheer on others.

Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose by Martha N. Beck

A transformative approach to managing anxiety by tapping into our innate creativity. Instead of thinking your way out of anxious spirals, Beck draws on neuroscience and coaching to show how engaging the brain’s creative pathways can lead to peace, purpose, and connection. The result is not just relief from anxiety, but a richer, more meaningful life.

Building a Non-Anxious Life by John Delony

Tackles the root causes of modern anxiety and offers a practical, no-nonsense roadmap for change. Drawing from research and personal experience, Delony outlines six essential daily choices—like connection, freedom, and mindfulness—that help break the anxiety cycle. While the journey isn’t easy, this guide empowers readers to find peace and resilience in a chaotic world.

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Miguel Ruiz

Distills ancient Toltec wisdom into four simple yet powerful principles: Be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best. These agreements offer a practical code of conduct to break self-limiting beliefs and foster greater freedom, joy, and love.

You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero

A blunt, funny, and empowering self-help guide for people ready to ditch self-doubt and transform their lives. Through 27 punchy chapters, Sincero offers practical advice, personal stories, and mindset-shifting exercises to help readers break bad habits, build confidence, and start living boldly. It’s about learning to love yourself, take risks, and create a life you actually want—without apology.

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

Reveals the Law of Attraction—a universal principle claiming that thoughts shape reality—and teaches readers how to harness this power to create joy, success, and fulfillment in all areas of life. Drawing on wisdom from history, philosophy, and modern-day success stories, the book offers practical steps to manifest health, wealth, and happiness. It’s a guide to unlocking your inner power and transforming your life through intentional thinking.

How to Stop Worrying and Start Living: Time-Tested Methods for Conquering Worry by Dale Carnegie

Practical strategies to overcome anxiety and live a more peaceful, fulfilling life. Drawing on psychological insights and real-life stories, the book presents techniques to analyze and manage worry, develop a positive mindset, and improve mental and physical well-being. It includes step-by-step methods, powerful attitudes, and business-specific advice to help readers conquer worry and thrive.

Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

Challenges the self-limiting lies women often believe, encouraging them to reclaim joy and purpose. Through humor, personal stories, and tough-love advice, Hollis offers empowering insights to help readers build confidence, pursue goals, and embrace their authentic selves.

Why Has Nobody Told me This Before?: Expert Advice for Navigating Life’s Challenges by Julie Smith

A practical, therapist-backed guide offering clear, bite-sized advice to help you build resilience and take control of your mental health. Drawing on clinical experience, Dr. Smith shares effective strategies for managing anxiety, depression, self-confidence, and more, making mental well-being accessible and manageable every day.

What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce D. Perry & Oprah Winfrey

A transformative approach to understanding trauma by shifting the question from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” Through personal stories and scientific insight, the book reveals how early experiences shape behavior and provides a compassionate path to healing, resilience, and self-worth.

Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It by Ethan Kross

Explores the powerful inner conversations we all have with ourselves—whether as encouraging inner coaches or harsh inner critics. Drawing on cutting-edge research and real-life stories, Kross reveals how negative self-talk can harm our health, mood, and relationships, but also shows practical tools to harness our inner voice for greater resilience, focus, and well-being.

Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport

Challenges the modern hustle culture by advocating for doing fewer things, working at a natural pace, and focusing on quality over quantity. Drawing on the habits of great historical thinkers like Galileo and Jane Austen, Newport offers a thoughtful, research-backed approach to escaping overwhelm and burnout by embracing a sustainable, long-term mindset toward meaningful work.

Unwinding Anxiety by Judson Brewer

A clinically proven, step-by-step plan to break anxiety and addictive habits by targeting their root causes. Drawing on over 20 years of research, Brewer teaches how to use mindfulness and curiosity to map brain triggers and disrupt anxiety loops that resist willpower, helping readers regain control and feel better even in overwhelming times.

The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama

A heartfelt guide to navigating uncertainty and challenge with resilience, hope, and connection. Drawing from her personal experiences as a mother, friend, and former First Lady, she shares practical tools and stories that help readers face self-doubt, build meaningful relationships, and find strength through community. With honesty and warmth, Obama encourages us to “recognize our own light” to illuminate both our lives and the world around us, offering wisdom to stay steady and hopeful in turbulent times.

Calm the F*ck Down: How to Control What You Can and Accept What You Can’t So You Can Stop Freaking Out and Get On With Your Life by Sarah Knight

A no-nonsense, irreverent guide to conquering anxiety and regaining control over your life. Using her signature blunt humor, Knight offers practical strategies to stop overthinking, accept what’s beyond your control, and transform unproductive worry into “Productive Helpful Effective Worrying” (PHEW). With tools like identifying your unique “Four Faces of Freaking Out” and learning the “Three Principles of Dealing With It,” this book helps you calm the chaos and keep your cool, even when life feels overwhelming.

Don’t F*cking Panic: The Shit They Don’t Tell You in Therapy About Anxiety Disorder, Panic Attacks, & Depression by Kelsey Darragh

If you’re struggling with your mental health, this interactive workbook by comedian and mental health advocate Kelsey Darragh offers a raw, honest, and often hilariously relatable guide to managing anxiety, panic, and depression. Don’t F*cking Panic cuts through the noise with real talk and practical tools for long-term healing. Whether you’re in the middle of a panic attack or just trying to make it through the day, this workbook is here to help.

The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness by Robert Waldinger & Marc Schulz

Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz—directors of the longest-running study on happiness—reveal that strong relationships, not wealth or achievement, are the key to lasting fulfillment. Drawing on over 80 years of research, they offer practical, science-backed insights into how we can all live happier, more meaningful lives.

Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts by Oliver Burkeman

A refreshing approach to living meaningfully by embracing imperfection and the realities of our limitations. Drawing from philosophy, psychology, and more, it challenges conventional self-help wisdom and provides practical insights for a freer, more fulfilling life. Whether read over weeks or in one sitting, it’s a timely guide to finding clarity and purpose in a chaotic world.

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson

Lawson’s hilarious and heartfelt memoir about living with severe depression and choosing to embrace joy anyway—sometimes with the help of a taxidermied raccoon. Blending raw honesty with absurd humor, Lawson offers a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, it’s possible to live fully and laugh loudly. It’s a celebration of mental illness, resilience, and finding your tribe.

How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Katy Milkman

Behavioral scientist Katy Milkman offers a science-backed guide to overcoming the hidden barriers that block personal growth, from procrastination to impulsivity. Drawing on her research and real-world case studies, she shows how to tailor strategies to your specific challenges and turn obstacles into opportunities. It’s a practical, inspiring blueprint for anyone ready to make lasting change.

Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness by Pooja Lakshmin

Psychiatrist Dr. Pooja Lakshmin challenges the wellness industry’s superficial approach to self-care and offers a deeper, more meaningful alternative. Through clinical insight and practical strategies, she redefines self-care as an internal, often difficult process of setting boundaries, making empowered choices, and prioritizing true well-being over perfection.

How to Be Fine: What We Learned from Living by the Rules of 50 Self-Help Books by Jolenta Greenberg & Kristen Meinzer

A witty, honest look at the world of self-help through the lens of their podcast By the Book, where they live by popular advice books and report the results. Blending personal stories with practical takeaways, they explore what actually works, what doesn’t, and what’s still missing from the conversation. It’s part memoir, part guidebook, and all heart.