Have you ever wondered if there is a key that unlocks the door to invaluable knowledge on how to cope with mental health struggles or life in general? Did you try to repair a relationship with a book recommended by a friend or try to control your panic attacks with advice shared by a neighbor? Besides asking your typical go-to guru, Google, what professionally recommended supports do you have to deal with depression, address your anxiety and communicate effectively with others? Here are top resources that mental health experts recommend to their own clients.
Anxiety/Stress
Generalized anxiety disorder is one of the most common conditions affecting approximately 18% of adults in the United States. Therapists teach clients about the anxiety spiral; what we think affects how we feel, what we feel affects how we behave, how we behave affects us physically, relationally, etc. See below for highly recommended anxiety and stress resources.
Books
The Feeling Good Handbook by David D. Burns
Change Your Brain-Change Your Life by Daniel Amen
When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron
Anxiety Relief For Teens by Regine Galanti
The Ten Best Ever Anxiety Management Techniques by Margaret Wehrenberg
APPS
Youper
CBT-I Coach
MindDoc
Videos
Lessons from the Mental Health Hospital
Gifts
STRESS RELIEF AND ANTI-ANXITY TOOLS
Grief and Loss
The loss of a loved one can derail you and the effects of the pain can be far-reaching. Those experiencing grief might have an impaired ability to function in some parts of daily life, even taking a toll on mental and physical health. The following supports can help guide you in your grief, and regain a sense of balance and eventually even peace.
Book
It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine
Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief by David Kessler
Through the Eyes of a Lion by Levi Lusko
The Other Side of Sadness by George A. Bonanno
A Grace Disguised by Jerry L. Sittser
Videos
We don’t move on from grief, we move forward with it
Mood
Do you find yourself in an alternating pattern of emotional highs and lows? Use the following guides to identify how you are feeling and what you can do to regain emotional stability in your life.
Books
Mind Over Mood by Dennis Greenberger and Christine A. Padesky
The Anger Workbook by Frank Minirth and Les Carter Good
Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David D. Burns
An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison
The Bipolar Survival Guide by David J Milkowitz
I Hate You Don’t Leave Me by Erin Johnston
APPS
MoodTools
FearTools
Videos
How to Practice Emotional First Aid
Gifts
Relationships
Explore the dynamics of relationship patterns for growth, clarity, and a deeper understanding of interpersonal communication. Identify and address areas of interpersonal tension or ongoing conflict with these top relational supports.
Books
Love is Never Enough by Aaron Beck
Codependent No More by Melody Beattie Marriage by David Schnarch
The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
The Dance of Anger by Harriet Lerner
Everybody Wins by Gary Chapman
Getting the Love You Want by Harville Hendrix
After the Affair by Janis Abrahms Spring
Love Me Don’t Leave Me by Michelle Skeen
Gifts
OUR MOMENTS Couples: 100 Thought Provoking Conversation Starters
APPS
Trauma
Have you survived a trauma or scary experience and are looking to heal? Stop seeing the world through the eyes of fear and rediscover safety in your environment. These resources will help you learn skills to help you cope as you process your traumatic experiences.
Books
The Body Keeps Score by Bessel van der Kolk
Getting Past Your Past by Francine Shapiro
Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine
The Courage to Heal by Ellen Bass and Laura Davis
Healing Collective Trauma by Thomas Hubl
Healing Developmental Trauma by Laurence Heller Ph.D and Aline LaPierre
The Journey from Abandonment to Healing by Susan Anderson
APPS
CPT Coach
Breathe2Relax
Self-Care
We have been given this gift, known as life, and it can be a doozy to navigate some days. Giving ourselves the time and space to recuperate and recharge, especially during challenging times, is essential to our health and happiness. Put your feet up, relax and snatch up one of these self-care inspirations.
Books
Give Yourself a Break by Kim Fredrickson
The More or Less Definitive Guide to Self-Care by Anna Borges
Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No by Henry Cloud
APPS
Headspace
Calm
Bloom
Gifts
AROMATHERAPY DIFFUSER AND OIL SET
WELLNESS ESSENTIAL OIL ROLLERBALL SET
Podcasts
Imposter Syndrome
Do you feel inadequate at your job, insecure in your relationships, and question if you really belong? If you struggle with low self-esteem, perfectionism, and insecurities, you might be experiencing what social psychologists call Imposter Syndrome. Check out these tips and tricks to address your distorted thoughts and tear down the faulty feelings of fraud.
Books
The Middle Finger Project by Ash Ambirge
The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women by Valerie Young
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
Videos