Books that acknowledge or explore mental health issues can help to increase awareness, encourage dialogue, reduce stigma and develop real understanding.
Read on to find links to useful websites with lists of wonderful books.
BOOKS TO SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESSThe suggestions on the BookTrust website offer a spectrum of different perspectives and are well worth seeking out. These include books that explore emotions for discussion with younger children, plus a range of teen/young adult reads that feature mental health issues.
BOOKS ABOUT FEELINGSPicture books can be a great way to get children to discuss their feelings. From anxiety to bullying and jealousy to loss. These books are perfect to help children to understand a range of feelings and emotions.
BOOKS TO HELP US TO FEEL CALMER AND MORE MINDFULWhy should adults get all the self-help books? There are also lovely reads and activities for youngsters who need some extra support to feel relaxed, mindful, grateful, inspired and happy. These books are great if your child has particular worries or just wants to explore their identity and place in the world. The ones listed cover a wide range of ages.
TALKING ABOUT TOUGH TOPICSSharing picture books and talking about the words and images you see can help you to gently introduce topics which might seem tricky to talk about at first. It also provides an opportunity to spend special one-on-one time with your child where they feel supported and listened to. In this list you'll find book suggestions covering a wide range of emotions and experiences including anxiety, sadness, loss and worry about starting school.
