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
- Mental Health in Ireland: The Complete Guide for Patients, Families, Health Care Professionals & Everyone Who Wants To Be Well Written by one of Ireland’s leading psychiatrists, Prof Brendan D. Kelly, this book provides a clear overview of mental health, illness and well-being in Ireland. It includes a clear guide to common mental illnesses, including depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, dementia, eating disorders and suicide and self-harm. For each condition, four key questions are answered: What are the signs and symptoms? How common is it? What are the causes? What are the treatments? Published by The Liffey Press.
- ‘‘Out of Silence – Women’s Mental Health in their Own Words’: National Women’s Council of Ireland
- Trans Guide to Mental Health and Wellbeing – Produced by TENI (Transgender Equality Network Ireland). Research has shown that trangender individuals experience high levels of stress (83%), depression (82%), and anxiety (73%). These figures are much higher than in people whoare not trans, so it is important that trans mental health and wellbeing is addressed. This guide will go some of the way to doing that.
- Hearing Voices – The history of psychiatry in Ireland. Author: Brendan Kelly. This is the first book to outline the history of psychiatry in Ireland from earliest times to the present day, exploring countless unresolved questions peculiar to Irish medical and social history. Published by Irish Academic Press. 2016.
- Mental Illness, Human Rights and the Law. Author: Brendan D. Kelly. This book explores international human rights standrads and the law relating to the right to liberty of people with mental illness in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Ireland. Published by RCPsych Publications. 2016.
- The U-Turn: A Guide to Happiness. A book about being happier, The U-Turn presents a way of tackling the everyday negative emotions that can interfere with enjoying life. Author Dr Conor Farren. Published by Orpen Press, 2013.
Addiction & Mental Health: A Relationship Gone Wrong: Alcohol & Your Mental Health (Recent CPsychI Information Leaflet as part of World Mental Health Day 2011). - Demystifying Psychiatry: A Resource for Patients and Families. Authors Charles F. Zorumski & Eugene H. Rubin
- Taking Control of Your Mental Health. Published by Shine.
- The Mind: A User’s Guide. Consultant Editor: Raj Persaud.
- The Young Mind: An essential guide for parents, teachers, and young adults. Co-editors: Sue Bailey, Mike Shooter. View further titles here
- Changing Minds: our lives and mental illness. Authors/Editors: Rosalind Ramsay, Anne Page, Tricia Goodman, Deborah Hart.
- Despite the offensive titles, the “For Dummies” book series are generally well written and informative i.e. Schizophrenia for Dummies or Borderline Personality Disorder for Dummies.
Libraries in Ireland have recently launched a bibliotherapy campaign. View here