World Suicide Prevention Day, a day aimed at raising awareness and destigmatizing mental health disorders, was celebrated on September 10. Here is a list of books to understand the struggles of people dealing with mental health disorders.
I have never been (un)happy
Author: Shaheen Bhatt
Screenwriter Shaheen Bhatt shares her story of growing up in a privileged family but still struggling with depression. Diagnosed at the age of 18, she shares the struggles of dealing with a mental illness that she often misunderstands. The book captures her journey, from coming to terms with her illness to overcoming it and finding the best way to live with it.
A book of light: When a loved one has a different mind
Author: Jerry Pinto
In this collection of stories, 13 people talk about their experience caring for a loved one with mental illness. Jerry Pinto takes readers through the ups and downs of depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The book addresses a big question: We turn to our families to deal with mental health problems, but what if they are the cause?
Side Effects of Living: An Anthology of Voices on Mental Health
Editors: Hilmil Breckenridge and Namarita Kathait
This book is a collection of prose and poetry works by survivors, writers, poets, and artists. It includes stories from people struggling with various conditions as well as their caregivers.
How to travel light — My memories of madness and melancholy
Author: Shreevatsa Nevatia
Shreevatsa, diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 23, writes about what it is like to live with the illness and also about his life as a journalist. In the book, he tries to dispel the myths that surround those who are bipolar. He captures the highs and lows of mania to the lows of each depressive episode.
Dear stranger, I know how you feel
Author: Ashish Bagrecha
The book is a collection of letters for people struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or loneliness. The author addresses readers personally and reminds them that they are not alone.
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