Books and resources

Books and resources

Books and resources for mental illness

This page contains a list of books and other resources on various aspects of mental health/illness. The list below is not exhaustive but have been recommended.

World Health Organisation (WHO) MindBank: An on-line Database of Resources covering Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Disability, General Health, Human Rights & Development.

The Samaritans work closely with the media to promote sensitive and appropriate reporting of suicide to portray these deaths. Samaritans and IAS’ Media Guidelines for Reporting Suicide are updated regularly and have been a vital part of our work with the media for two decades.

A database of resources covering mental health, substanceabuse, disability, general health, human rights, & development Addiction & Mental Health: A Relationship Gone Wrong: Alcohol & Your Mental Health. Recent CPsychI Information Leaflet as part of World Mental Health Day 2011
‘Your Mental Health’ Information Booklet – published by the HSE as part of ‘Your Mental Health’ awareness campaign, good general information on how to look after our mental health.

The Mental Health Commission has developed The Headspace Toolkit for young people who are currently inpatients of the Mental Health Services. The toolkit is intended to provide young people with information on what they can expect when they go into hospital, what their rights are, who they can talk to and how to speak up for themselves. To find out more and for other other guides, visit the website: Headspace Ireland
Overtime we hope to build on this list with suggestions from members and others.

Other sections of this website, particularly Helpful Info may have further sections with information that can answer some questions you may have.

Depression/Anxiety:

The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression. Author: Andrew Solomon.
Darkness Visible. Author: William Styron.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) books- Useful for depression, anxiety, and other conditions:
Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think. Authors: Dennis Greenberger, Christine Padesky
The Overcoming Series by Constable and Robinson is a series of books which utilise CBT techniques to deal with numerous emotional difficulties

Psychosis:

The First Episode of Psychosis: A Guide for Patients and their Families. Authors: Michael T. Compton & Beth Broussard.
Living with Schizophrenia. Author: Neel Burton, Phil Davison
The Centre Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness. Author: Elyn Saks

Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder:

Managing Intense Emotions and Overcoming Destructive Habits. Author: Lorraine Bell

Bipolar Affective Disorder:

Loving someone with bipolar disorder: understanding and helping your partner. Author: Julia A. Fast &John
An Unquiet Mind. Author: Kay Redfield Jamison

Autism Spectrum Disorder:

Autism Spectrum Disorder Bill 2017 – as passed by Seanad

General

Libraries in Ireland have recently launched a bibliotherapy campaign. View here

Many more book recommendations for different mental illnesses may be found at:

BBC Headroom website
Neuroscience Ireland