The Best Books to Read If You’re on a Mental Health Journey

Whether you're navigating anxiety, healing from trauma, recovering from burnout, or simply trying to understand yourself better, these books are powerful companions for the road. They don’t offer quick fixes—but they do offer insight, comfort, tools, and the kind of honest truth that makes you feel seen.

1.The Body Keeps the Score

By Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.

📖 About: A groundbreaking book that explains how trauma reshapes both body and brain—and how we can heal.

💡 Why You’ll Love It: Deep, scientific, and validating—it connects the dots between your past and your present.

🎯 Best For: Trauma survivors, therapists, and anyone curious about the mind-body connection.

👉 Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cC4VBf

2.Maybe You Should Talk to Someone

By Lori Gottlieb

📖 About: A therapist shares her own story of going to therapy, offering a heartfelt, humorous view into the healing process.

💡 Why You’ll Love It: Funny, raw, and beautifully human. You’ll feel less alone.

🎯 Best For: Anyone curious about therapy or going through emotional transitions.

👉 Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RTo4F3

3.It’s OK That You’re Not OK

By Megan Devine

📖 About: A radically honest look at grief and why we need to stop trying to “fix” pain that can’t be fixed.

💡 Why You’ll Love It: Validating, empathetic, and full of wisdom for those in mourning or emotional pain.

🎯 Best For: People grieving, supporting others through grief, or seeking permission to feel.

👉 Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4im0FqK

4.The Mountain Is You

By Brianna Wiest

📖 About: A poetic and powerful guide to identifying self-sabotage and turning it into self-mastery.

💡 Why You’ll Love It: Hits hard in the best way—this one speaks straight to your soul.

🎯 Best For: Anyone feeling stuck or ready to grow through their struggles.

👉 Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Edm3R9

5.Unwinding Anxiety

By Dr. Judson Brewer

📖 About: A neuroscience-backed guide to breaking the habit loops that fuel anxiety.

💡 Why You’ll Love It: It offers a step-by-step strategy that feels doable and empowering.

🎯 Best For: Overthinkers, worriers, and anyone stuck in anxious thought patterns.

👉 Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jFq8ws

6.You Are Not a Before Picture

By Alex Light

📖 About: A moving, body-positive memoir and guide to unlearning shame and toxic body standards.

💡 Why You’ll Love It: Gentle, healing, and full of self-love wisdom.

🎯 Best For: Anyone struggling with body image or self-worth.

👉 Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Gc8mlY

7.Healing the Shame That Binds You

By John Bradshaw

📖 About: Explores how toxic shame takes root and how to break free from its emotional grip.

💡 Why You’ll Love It: Insightful, intense, and freeing—it names what most people silently carry.

🎯 Best For: Adults unpacking childhood wounds or persistent self-loathing.

👉 Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cyCNig

8.Radical Compassion

By Tara Brach

📖 About: A guide to using mindfulness and self-compassion to release judgment, fear, and emotional pain.

💡 Why You’ll Love It: Calming, kind, and practical—it feels like a deep breath in book form.

🎯 Best For: Anyone wanting to be gentler with themselves and others.

👉 Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RVg728

9.Lost Connections

By Johann Hari

📖 About: Looks at the real causes of depression and anxiety—many of which have nothing to do with brain chemistry.

💡 Why You’ll Love It: Deeply researched and incredibly hopeful—it redefines what healing can look like.

🎯 Best For: Anyone questioning traditional approaches to mental health.

👉 Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/42sHmaJ

10.Permission to Come Home

By Dr. Jenny

📖 About: A guide to mental wellness for Asian Americans navigating cultural pressure, shame, and identity.

💡 Why You’ll Love It: Eye-opening and affirming—it offers a safe space for healing.

🎯 Best For: Asian Americans, first-generation children, and anyone dealing with cultural identity challenges.

👉 Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RToJGA

Mental health is a journey—not a destination. These books won’t solve everything, but they can light your way, soften your heart, and remind you that you’re not walking alone. Whether you’re beginning to explore therapy or are deep into healing, these reads are a quiet form of companionship.

Let them be your mirror, your map, or your reminder that you're already doing the work. One page at a time.