5 Places to Learn about Mental Health | Mental Health Awareness Week

This week (10th-16th May) marks Mental Health Awareness Week. In the last few years mental health has been spoken about more than ever. This has been helped by public figures, such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, speaking openly and supporting mental health charities.

As it is Mental Health Awareness Week, we wanted to share some books and podcasts where you can learn about mental health.

Whether you yourself are going through something, or someone close to you is, having a better understanding and knowing others go through similar can be a real comfort.

I started learning more about mental health when a friend was suffering from depression. I wanted to understand how she felt and importantly, how I could talk to her.

I read a line in a book “Reasons to Stay Alive” by Matt Haig which says so much…

“To other people, it sometimes seems like nothing at all. You are walking around with your head on fire and no one can see the flames.”

Here are 5 recommendations for where to learn more about mental health

Book | Matt Haig – Reasons to Stay Alive

Reasons to Stay Alive was the first book I ever read about mental health. Matt Haig fell into depression in his 20’s. He is one of those authors who you just want to keep highlighting on your kindle.

He’s also very good at quotes on Twitter and the gram. Here’s one I like:

“You are not what you feel. Your feelings can be intense. They can be overwhelming. But they are something you experience. The you is separate. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain but – important – YOU ARE NOT THE RAIN.”

Buy it here this mental health awareness week

Book | The Man Who Couldn’t Stop by David Adam

The Man Who Couldn’t Stop is a series of stories around OCD. The story is told by a man who himself suffered from OCD, seemingly out of nowhere.

This book blends personal memoir, science and history. He explores weird intrusive thoughts that everyone of us have, everyday. I always get the urge to drive into traffic cones or post my phone in the letterbox. Never done it, but after reading this book I understood all about intrusive thoughts.

It is a book that is sure to help you understand more about mental conditions, such as OCD and compulsions. You’ll probably never say “I’m a bit OCD” again.

Buy the book here or at your local book shop 🙂

Podcast | Mad World – Bryony Gordon

Writer, Bryony Gordon interviews people in the public eye about their own struggles with mental health. Including Prince Harry, Daisy May Cooper, Stephen Fry and Will Young.

Bryony Gordon is also the author of one of my favorite books, The Wrong Knickers. This had me laughing out loud as well as crying (again, out loud).

It is her story as she looks back in humor on her battles with eating disorders, pure O, OCD and drug/alcohol abuse. I was crying one page then laughing the next.

(She used to take the iron to work as it was easier than worrying that she left it on…)

Listen on Google, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.

https://open.spotify.com/show/0vlae127BL68a4R6wy9zvSPodcast | Unbottled by Our Remedy

Recently, Our Remedy posted a story featuring a mother who had perinatal and postnatal depression, as well as postpartum psychosis. This is an emotional listen where Marjia shares the ins and outs of her first year as a mum second time round.

In this brave and raw story you will learn how to spot signs that someone you know, or you yourself, may be suffering from one of these conditions.

Unbottled has a whole host of guests in the pipeline ready to discuss mental health issues and other wellness topics.

Listen on Google, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.

Podcast | Happy Place by Ferne Cotton

Ferne Cotton interviews some fantastic people in Happy Place. She shares stories of the personal and career highs and lows from the likes of Philip Schofeild, Robbie Williams, Sam Smith, George Ezra and Russel Brand.

There are some really inspiring stories on here. The one with Philip Schofeild was certainly one to remember as he talks about his struggles with his sexuality. Favorite bit when he tells his mum and her reaction is “Oh thank heavens I thought you were going blind!”

Listen on Google, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.

There you have 5 ways to learn more about mental health during mental health awareness week and beyond. Whether you are struggling, or someone you know, these are great resources.

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