May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time dedicated to raise awareness, reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues, and support people with mental illness and their families. When it comes to the workplace, there’s no better time to start promoting mental health regularly. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’ve rounded up a few must-read mental health books to add to your list.
Top Mental Health Awareness books to read this year.
Check out these inspiring stories of overcoming and harnessing your mental health and destigmatizing the topic:
Without a Doubt: How To Go From Underrated To Unbeatable
by Surbhi Sarna
Using childhood inspiration, Sarna took the unconventional route to be a founder, developing a life-saving medical device and starting a venture firm. She persevered through prejudice and doubt to achieve business success while managing to lead empathetically, empowering others to think differently, and maintaining her honesty and approachability. In this book, she shares not only her powerful story but insights on overcoming self-doubt and building resilience that will leave you inspired.
Stop Overthinking
by Nick Trenton
Feeling stuck in your never-ending thoughts? This book will help you stay present and stop overthinking to “overcome negative thought patterns, reduce stress and live a worry-free life.” Author Nick Trenton taps into behavioral psychology principles to pinpoint areas for change through practical wisdom and applicable solutions.
There’s An Elephant in Your Office
by Ashley Sides Johnson and Andrea Sides Herron
Join authors Ashley Sides Johnson and our VP of HR Andrea Sides Herron on a transformative journey. This insightful book delves into the crucial topic of mental health in the workplace, offering practical tips to support employees facing mental and emotional challenges. Through the metaphor of elephants representing individuals experiencing mental illness, Johnson and Herron guide employers, managers, and supervisors in creating a nurturing environment where everyone can thrive.
The Anxious Achiever
by Morra Aarons-Mele
As a writer, entrepreneur and mental health advocate, Morra Aarons-Mele uses her second publication on mental health to bring credibility and actionable advice on and how to create a mentally healthy workplace. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the world. But in the workplace, anxiety can be a hidden problem — in plain sight but ignored. This is a book with a timely mission: to destigmatize mental health, normalize anxiety and open dialogue with leadership. Filled with personal stories, research-based insights into mental health, and lots of practical advice, the author shows us that anxiety doesn’t have to stop us — it can actually be managed, channeled, and repurposed as a superpower in work and in life.
How To Meditate Like A Buddhist
by Cynthia Kane
Cynthia Kane is a communication expert, who uses her books to discuss the role of communication and self-awareness in maintaining healthy relationships and managing stress. “How to Meditate like a Buddhist” demystifies this ancient practice and gently teaches you everything you need to know about building a meditation practice that works for you, including detailed guidance on posture, breathing, mindset, overcoming common obstacles and more. Kane gives her own personal story and the role of mindfulness. If you are looking for a step-by-step guide for beginners that is smart, easy-to-follow and educational on meditation, look no further!
Life Inside My Mind
By 31 different authors
In this powerful collection of essays about mental illness, 31 authors share their personal perspective on mental illness along with their loved one’s experiences. Contributors to this anthology are all best-selling, award-winning Young Adult authors that can help inspire this generation and hopefully break the stigma on mental illness. This collection of honest true-life stories provides “a home to those who are feeling alone” and aims to “open the floodgates to conversation.”
The Broken Road To Mental Health In Life And Business
By Sharon Fekete
Who hasn’t struggled at some point with self-doubt, fear, unhealthy behaviors or the extraordinary pressures we put on ourselves today? Sharon Fekete, also known as the “The Doctor Whisperer”, shares her powerful and honest journey to overcome mental health challenges and find success in both her personal and professional life. She candidly exposes her vulnerabilities from the past to discuss how to navigate the complex healthcare system and manage stress. She is raw and transparent with her personal experience and leaves the reader hopeful, strengthened and equipped with practical tips to navigate the world.
So there you have it—the best mental health awareness books to read this month.
As we all know, increasing the awareness and understanding of mental health is crucial to breaking down the stigma and providing support to those in need. By exploring the powerful narratives and insights found in the seven must-reads, we can gain valuable perspectives, guidance, and inspiration on our own mental health journeys. Let us continue to prioritize mental well-being, promote empathy and compassion, and encourage open conversations surrounding mental health all year round. Together, we can foster a more informed, empathetic and supportive community for all.
