The best 17 Mental Illness books

Educated (2018) is the memoir of Tara Westover, who grew up in a Mormon family in rural Idaho, and, despite never attending school, was able to earn a PhD from the University of Cambridge. However, she had to pay a high price to achieve her academic dreams. Indeed, she lost her family in the process.

The Quiet Room is a memoir by Lori Schiller that chronicles her struggle with severe mental illness. From her initial diagnosis to her time in psychiatric hospitals, Schiller provides a raw and honest account of her experiences. The book offers insight into the challenges faced by those with mental illness and the importance of understanding and support. It is a powerful and eye-opening read.

The Soloist is a captivating true story about a journalist who befriends a homeless musician with extraordinary talent. As he delves into the man's past and struggles with mental illness, the author explores themes of friendship, music, and the power of human connection. This inspiring book sheds light on the complexities of homelessness and mental health, while also celebrating the beauty of music and the resilience of the human spirit.

This book is a collection of essays that offers a unique and insightful perspective on living with schizophrenia. Esmé Weijun Wang shares her personal experiences and delves into the complexities of the condition, challenging common misconceptions and shedding light on the realities of mental illness. Thought-provoking and beautifully written, it provides a deep understanding of what it means to navigate life with schizophrenia.

Sybil is a gripping true story about a woman with multiple personality disorder. Written by Flora Rheta Schreiber, the book delves into the life of Sybil Dorsett and her 16 distinct personalities, as well as the therapy sessions with her psychiatrist, Dr. Cornelia B. Wilbur. It explores the devastating effects of childhood trauma and the resilience of the human mind. A haunting and thought-provoking read.

"Elsewhere" is a novel by Richard Russo that tells the story of a man named William who returns to his hometown after his mother's death. As he navigates through his past and present, he uncovers family secrets and learns to come to terms with his own life choices. The book explores themes of family, regret, and the search for meaning in life.

Heart Berries is a memoir by Terese Marie Mailhot that delves into her experiences as a First Nations woman, grappling with mental illness, trauma, and the complexities of her own identity. Through raw and poetic prose, Mailhot explores her journey towards healing and self-discovery, offering a powerful and intimate reflection on love, family, and the resilience of the human spirit.

In "The Deepest Well," Nadine Burke Harris explores the long-term effects of childhood adversity on health and well-being. Drawing on her own research and experiences as a pediatrician, she reveals the profound impact that early trauma can have on the developing brain and body. Harris also offers insights into how we can better support and protect children from the harmful effects of toxic stress. This book sheds light on an important public health issue and offers hope for a healthier future.

Tweak is a memoir by Nic Sheff that chronicles his struggle with addiction and his journey to recovery. Sheff provides a raw and honest account of his experiences with drugs, relapses, and the impact it had on his family and friends. Through his compelling storytelling, he sheds light on the complexities of addiction and the challenges of finding redemption.

Elsewhere is a novel by Gabrielle Zevin that tells the story of a teenage girl named Liz Hall who finds herself in a place called Elsewhere after her untimely death. In this afterlife, people age backwards until they are reborn on Earth. As Liz adjusts to this new reality, she learns about love, loss, and the true meaning of life.

Heart Berries is a memoir by Terese Marie Mailhot that delves into her personal journey of trauma, mental illness, and healing. Through raw and poetic prose, Mailhot reflects on her troubled childhood on the Seabird Island Indian Reservation, her experiences with love and motherhood, and her time in a psychiatric institution. It is a powerful and intimate exploration of identity and the resilience of the human spirit.

Sybil is a compelling book that delves into the true story of a woman with multiple personality disorder. Written by Flora Rheta Schreiber, it takes us on a journey through Sybil's traumatic childhood and her struggle to cope with her fragmented identity. The book offers a unique insight into the complexities of the human mind and the resilience of the human spirit.

The Collected Schizophrenias by Esmé Weijun Wang is a thought-provoking and deeply personal exploration of living with schizoaffective disorder. Through a series of essays, Wang challenges societal misconceptions about schizophrenia and offers a unique perspective on the complexities of mental illness. This book sheds light on the often overlooked experiences of those with schizophrenia and encourages empathy and understanding.

The Deepest Well by Nadine Burke Harris explores the lifelong impact of childhood adversity and trauma on our health. Drawing on her own medical practice and groundbreaking research, Harris reveals how toxic stress can affect brain development and lead to chronic diseases later in life. This thought-provoking book offers valuable insights into the importance of early intervention and support for children facing adversity.

The Quiet Room is a powerful memoir by Lori Schiller that offers a raw and honest account of her life with schizophrenia. From her early symptoms and diagnosis to her time in psychiatric hospitals, Schiller provides a unique insight into the challenges and stigmas surrounding mental illness. Ultimately, it is a story of resilience and hope as she learns to navigate her own mind and find a sense of peace in the 'quiet room' within herself.

The Soloist is a captivating book by Steve Lopez that tells the true story of his friendship with Nathaniel Ayers, a talented musician who struggles with schizophrenia and homelessness. Through their unlikely bond, Lopez sheds light on the power of music and the complexities of mental illness, ultimately inspiring readers to see the humanity in those often overlooked by society.

Tweak is a memoir by Nic Sheff that chronicles his struggle with drug addiction and his journey to recovery. From experimenting with drugs as a teenager to hitting rock bottom as a young adult, Sheff provides a raw and honest account of the devastating effects of addiction on his life and relationships. Through his compelling storytelling, he offers insight into the complexities of addiction and the challenges of finding redemption.