best mental health fiction books

One of the best is 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath. It gives a vivid and often harrowing account of a young woman's struggle with mental illness. Another great one is 'It's Kind of a Funny Story' by Ned Vizzini, which combines humor with the serious topic of mental health as it follows a teen in a psychiatric ward. And 'Perks of Being a Wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky also delves into mental health themes among its coming - of - age story.

A really good one is 'Prozac Nation' by Elizabeth Wurtzel. This memoir - in - the - form - of - a - novel tells the story of the author's battle with depression while also exploring larger themes about mental health in society. It's a very raw and honest look at what it's like to live with mental illness. And then there's 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky. Through the eyes of Charlie, the book touches on topics like anxiety, trauma, and the process of growing up with mental health challenges.

One of the great ones is 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath. It gives a very raw and personal look into the protagonist's struggle with mental illness. It's a semi - autobiographical novel that shows the dark depths of depression.

Well, 'The Shock of the Fall' is quite well - known. It delves into the mind of a young man with schizophrenia. The way it portrays his inner thoughts, hallucinations, and his struggle to fit into society despite his mental illness is really powerful.

In recent years, 'Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine' has gained a lot of popularity. While it may not seem like a typical mental health book at first, as the story progresses, it reveals the main character's deep - seated emotional and mental issues. The book is heartwarming and has sold many copies.

They usually incorporate real - life experiences. 'Girl, Interrupted' is based on Susanna Kaysen's time in a mental hospital. This connection to reality makes the stories more relatable. And they might have a sense of catharsis. As readers, we go through the characters' struggles, and by the end, there can be a feeling of release or understanding, like when Esther Greenwood in 'The Bell Jar' starts to find some hope.

For beginners, 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night - Time' by Mark Haddon is a good start. It's about a boy with autism. The story is told in a simple yet engaging way that can help new readers understand how a mind different from the 'typical' one works. Another great beginner - friendly book is 'Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine' which delves into the main character's past trauma and how it affects her mental state. It's written in a very accessible style with a touch of humor.

Good mental health fiction books often have relatable characters. For example, in 'It's Kind of a Funny Story', the teen protagonist's feelings of confusion and anxiety are things many readers can identify with. They also usually show the journey of the character dealing with mental health issues, whether it's recovery or just learning to live with it. Another characteristic is authenticity. 'The Bell Jar' feels very real in its portrayal of depression.

They can make you feel less alone. If you're dealing with mental health issues, seeing similar experiences in a book can be comforting.

Good mental health fiction books usually have a strong narrative that draws the reader in. This is the case with 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' which has a compelling story that also weaves in mental health themes. They are also educational in a sense, subtly teaching readers about mental health. For instance, 'Mrs. Dalloway' makes readers think about how a person's mental state can be influenced by their past and present. Additionally, they are often empathetic, making the reader feel for the characters dealing with mental health problems, just as in 'Girl, Interrupted' where we can feel the confusion and pain of the characters.