Today is World Mental Health Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and gaining a greater understanding of the challenges many individuals face. According to Mind, 1 in 4 people struggle with their mental health each year. In some cases, this is higher for Black and Brown people.
As a Black British woman, I believe it’s essential to shed light on the unique experiences and struggles we encounter concerning mental health as well as the ones that are experienced by women from all backgrounds. In this blog post, I want to share some books from my personal collection that have provided me with invaluable insights and information on various aspects of life that can profoundly impact our mental well-being. Have you read any of these?
1. How the Pill Changes Everything – Dr. Sarah E. Hill
The Hormonal Connection to Mental Health
This book looks at the impact of the pill on the body in a scientific, yet accessible way. It offers crucial information that will revolutionise the way you look at an area of healthcare that is poorly covered in formal education and has historically lacked research. Since this title focuses on how hormonal contraception affects the body, it considers mental health too, which is particularly important for Black women since there is a statistically higher risk of experiencing anxiety or depression. This book was a gamechanger for me and I still reference it when doing research as it is the most comprehensive work on this topic that I have come across so far.
2. How to Heal a Broken Heart – Rosie Green
Navigating Emotional Pain and Resilience
The title is as straightforward as the content at a time you need it most. Here you’ll find insights into the complex emotions associated with heartbreak and strategies for healing. This book is a valuable resource for women dealing with the emotional toll of relationships, breakups, and self-discovery. It combines comfort with practical advice and a dash a humour — perfect for when your heart and mind need that boost.
3. (Dis)connected – Emma Gannon
The Digital Age and Mental Health
In our digitally connected world, it’s essential to understand the impact of technology on our mental health. (Dis)connected explores the challenges and benefits of our digital lives, and offers some strategies on how anyone can navigate the online world while safeguarding their mental well-being. This one is a short read with a calming tone and mindful pacing — an excellent antidote to digital overstimulation.
4. You are Your Best Thing – Tarana Burke and Brené Brown
Empowerment and Self-Compassion
You are Your Best Thing, offers a powerful exploration of self-compassion, empowerment, and resilience. It contains powerful, inspiring essays by a variety of voices from different walks of life. I would highly recommend the audiobook as well as the paperback or e-book for highlighting. The writers read their own essays and hearing their emotion behind the words is a truly visceral experience.
5. I Am Not Your Baby Mother – Candice Brathwaite
Motherhood and Mental Health
I Am Not Your Baby Mother addresses the unique experiences of Black British motherhood. This is a book that is full of wit and heart and support, empowering mums to be liberated from the many stigmas and stressors that come with motherhood (and which inevitably impact mental health), and encourage intuitive, happier parenting.
6. Notes on Grief – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Grief and Loss
Notes on Grief provides a poignant and intimate look at the process of grieving. Grief is a universal experience, and Adichie’s words offer solace and understanding. Despite being a short read, it is deeply moving and powerful.
I hope that this list has provided some inspiration for your own reading list. Whilst World Mental Health Day is fantastic for raising awareness, our health is something that we have to attend to regularly, and there is so much strength in seeking knowledge and support. Are there any books that you would add to this list? Please let me know.
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