Recommended Reading for Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental illness is wide spread and can affect anyone. However, mental illness is often untreated whether due to the stigma of seeking treatment or the lack of treatment availability. There are people who are hurting and you and I can no longer ignore the need for help.

Over the years, I have read a number of novels that focus on mental illness. Here just a sampling.

I Never Promised You a Rose Garden by Hannah Green

As you can see from the photo of my copy, it was read a LOT. This book was probably the first hardcore mental illness tale I read. Before that I had read ones that had depressed/suicidal teens. I Never Promised You a Rose Garden is full immersion into the world of mental illness. The main character, Deborah, is institutionalize for her mental illness. The copyright on the book: 1964. Mental heath treatment was still in its infancy. I don't think they ever actually give a diagnosis for Deborah's illness, but if I had to guess I would think schizophrenia.

Get the book at Amazon! I also just noticed it was made into a movie.

Old Wounds series by NK Smith

Old Wounds is the first book in a four book series dealing with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I read an early draft of the entire story and the first book in the series when it was published. You can read my full review here

Get the series at Amazon:

Old Wounds

Little Battles

Weight of the World

Where All Things Will Grow

THR3E by Ted Dekker

A psychological thriller that will keep you guessing. I would tell you what mental illness is featured, but that would give away too much of the plot. I'm afraid I might have given away too much already.

Buy the book at Amazon.

Change of Season by AC Dillon

A dark tale that is a mix of mental illness and urban legend. Autumn is dealing with more than just PTSD. Read my full review here. 

Pick up your copy at Amazon.

Playing the Genetic Lottery by Terri Morgan

A fictional memoir that is well researched on the effects schizophrenic has on the entire family. It follows the life of Ava, who eventually changes her name to Caitlin to escape the chaotic past of her childhood.

Buy the book!
For the month of May, the ebook is only 99 cents at Amazon.






I also received a few recommendations from Twitter friends:

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• Mental Health Awareness Month (jamiecallowayhanauer.com)
• MAY is Mental Health Awareness Month (brittanymoso.wordpress.com)