The 6 Best Mood Disorders Books
Book RaiderMental health, right? It's like a rollercoaster that never got the memo about when to stop, and lately, it seems to be in love with loopty-loops. But fear not, fellow humans. I've rounded up something to help keep us afloat in this vast, tumultuous sea of emotions – a list of the best books on mood disorders. You know, those pesky uninvited visitors that keep knocking on our cranial doors, insisting they crash on our mental couches for 'just a bit?'
Now, before you say, "But I’ve already watched every talk on YouTube and given Google’s search bar a real run for its money," let me assure you; good old-fashioned books sometimes say it best. From personal memoirs to expert advice, these books will show you that you’re not alone and help you manage your mental walkabouts. They provide insights into the battle trenches waged inside minds across the globe every single day and even end on the hopeful note that it can and does get better. Stick around, and let's enter the literary world of mood disorders. Hugs and empathy guaranteed. No extra charge for emotional baggage.
The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time
by Alex Korb PhD
Why The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time is on this list: Because depression is a mood disorder, isn't it? And pretty darn moody if you ask us. This book takes a deep dive into the science of depression, but without making your head spin. So it's not just another book slapping a 'be happy' sticker on the complex problem of mood disorders.
Dr. Korb makes neuroscience fun (well, as fun as possible, we suppose) and understandable. Depression can feel like a downward spiral, dragging you into a vortex of sadness and despair. But this book flips the script, showing you an upwards spiral. Dr. Korb explores how making small life changes can have a significant impact on your mood and depression. All this, using neuroscience. Cool, huh?
What readers like: Readers love Dr. Korb's knack for explaining complicated neuroscience jargon in a way that makes sense to us non-neuroscientist folks. They appreciate the practical advice, his empathy in recognizing how difficult depression can be, and his optimism without being Pollyanna about it. So, do like them, grab a cup of tea (or something stronger, we don't judge), and get ready to harness neuroscience for a happier life.
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Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me: A Graphic Memoir
by Ellen Forney
Why Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me: A Graphic Memoir is on this list: Ellen Forney's Marbles is like an adventure into a mind whirled and twirled by mood disorders, which perfectly suits our list. It's a commiserative companion for people who are roller-coasting through the ups and downs of mood disorders, while also providing a useful roadmap for those desperately trying to understand.
This is no ordinary book. It's an intimate, bold graphic memoir where the author, Ellen Forney, peels back the layers of her life. She explores her roller-coaster journey from the dizzying highs of a manic episode to the crushing lows of depression following her bipolar diagnosis. Through the skilful use of art, she portrays her personal experience with mood disorders in a way that you can literally see, bringing mental health issues out of the shadows and into the vibrant colors of her drawings.
What readers like: Readers love this book (a lot). They find it raw, real and honest. It's brave in its portrayal of the author's struggle with mood disorders, embracing vulnerability in a powerful and insightful way. They appreciate the humor sneaking into the picture every so often, because who doesn’t need a good chuckle sometimes, right? And the bonus- it's a graphic memoir. So, it's like reading a comic but with so much more depth. Cool, isn’t it?
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Unworthy: How to Stop Hating Yourself
by Anneli Rufus
Why Unworthy: How to Stop Hating Yourself is on this list: Living with a mood disorder often comes with its unwelcome sidekick – self-hatred. 'Unworthy' is brilliant because it battles these demons head-on, making it an ace up your sleeve in the fight against mood disorders.
'Unworthy' is a guide for people who think they don't deserve happiness or success, beautifully written by Anneli Rufus. Through personal stories and solid research, Rufus paints a picture of the often misunderstood experience of self-loathing. She also arms her readers with ways to dismantle negative, self-deprecating thoughts. The book doesn't just shed light on why many of us feel undeserving, but offers effective strategies to kick self-hatred to the curve.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the raw, honest exploration of self-hatred in the book. They also love Rufus's equal parts of empathy and practical advice – it's like having a trusted pal who gets it, and is ready to help you navigate your stormier moments. Another big plus is that the book can be an eye-opener for those lucky souls who don't struggle with self-loathing but know someone who does. It's a compassionate bridge that offers understanding.
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Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things
by Jenny Lawson
Why Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things is on this list: This book fits perfectly into our list because its an honest, heart wrenching, and hysterical exploration of life with mental illness. Lawson lays bare her own struggles with mood disorders in a way that's as enlightening as it is entertaining.
The book is a collection of essays that delve into author Jenny Lawson's often wild, sometimes dark, and always hilarious struggles with mental health. It's about embracing joy in fantastic and ridiculous ways and finding laughter even when things seem at their darkest. Lawson takes us on a journey full of taxidermied raccoons, funny encounters with her therapist and late-night sessions with a talking cat.
What readers like: Readers have loved this book for its unflinching honesty, its raw portrayal of the struggles of mental health, and its unique ability to make them laugh even while discussing serious topics. Many folks have said it's like having a funny, down-to-earth friend who gets what it's like to struggle with mood disorders.
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Reasons to Stay Alive
by Matt Haig
Why Reasons to Stay Alive is on this list: Matt Haig's Reasons to Stay Alive is an authentic and candid exploration of the author's journey managing depression and anxiety, making it a perfect fit for our list of 'The 10 Best Mood Disorder Books'.
Taking you deep into the heart of Matt's own battles with mental health issues, Reasons to Stay Alive is eye-opening, heartrending, and sometimes amusingly written. Matt is just the guy-next-door. What makes it special is how the author finds rays of hope in the darkest of times and shares how to embrace life, weaving together a vivid picture of what mental health truly entails and how one can navigate it.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the honesty and rawness with which Haig narrates his personal experiences. It's kind of like having a sincere chat with a good friend who's been there, done that. They particularly enjoy the practical tips he shares on dealing with the daily struggles faced by those dealing with mood disorders. The lively writing style, added to the spoonfuls of wisdom shared, make it an intensely readable and relatable book.
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The Worry Cure: Seven Steps to Stop Worry from Stopping You
by Robert L. Leahy
Why The Worry Cure: Seven Steps to Stop Worry from Stopping You is on this list: This book focuses on managing one of the most common symptoms of mood disorders - worry. It promises to give practical advice on how to escape the grip of constant anxiety and worry.
Ever feel like worry is getting the best of you? In 'The Worry Cure', psychologist Robert L. Leahy explores the ins and outs of worry and anxiety, painting a clear picture of how they touch our lives. Leahy doesn't just stop there, though, he also offers practical tips, exercises and strategies for managing our thoughts and feelings to prevent worry from taking the wheel.
What readers like: Readers really appreciate Leahy's blend of expertise and plain, down-to-earth language, making complex psychological concepts digestible. His prescribed seven-step plan isn't just theoretical mumbo jumbo; it's real, doable steps that have helped many readers feel less handcuffed by their worry. The sense of humor sprinkled throughout also makes this book feel like less of a heavy-duty self-help manual and more of a witty, enlightening chat with a good friend.
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