Collection Highlight: Depression and Mental Illness Resources at FCPL, Part 1

When Meghan Markle shared her struggles with depression during an Oprah interview earlier this year, the world learned about another type of depression, categorized by some experts as “high-functioning” depression. This is when one is able to continue to function at a high level, hiding their suffering behind a careful façade. 

Meghan’s revealing interview struck a chord with me, and I researched what resources FCPL has to help people with depression and other mental illnesses. Our Materials Department has recently ordered several new books on these topics, and patrons have a wide array of books to choose from to learn more about depression and mental illness for themselves or to help a friend or loved one. 

I have shared a few new titles below, and I plan to add more titles in the coming months. 

The Better Brain: Overcome Anxiety, Combat Depression, and Reduce ADHD and Stress with Nutrition by Bonnie J. Kaplan. 2021

A paradigm-shifting approach to treating mental disorders like anxiety, depression, and ADHD with food and nutrients, by two leading scientists who share their original, groundbreaking research with readers everywhere for the first time, explaining why nutrients improve brain health, and how to use them.

Broken (In the Best Possible Way) by Jenny Lawson. 2021

As Jenny Lawson's hundreds of thousands of fans know, she suffers from depression. In Broken (In the Best Possible Way), she explores her experimental treatment of transcranial magnetic stimulation with brutal honesty, but also with brutal humor. A treat for Jenny Lawson's already existing fans, and destined to convert new ones, Broken is a beacon of hope and a wellspring of laughter.

Checking In: How Getting Real about Depression Saved My Life - And Can Save Yours by Michelle Williams. 2021.

Acclaimed musical artist Michelle Williams shares the intimate, never-before-told story of how, even in the midst of enormous fame and success, she battled depression, leading her to find her true calling as an advocate for mental health--especially her own.

Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess: 5 Simple, Scientifically Proven Steps to Reduce Anxiety, Stress, and Toxic Thinking by Dr. Caroline Leaf. 2021.

Our toxic thoughts, depression, and anxiety are frequently aggravated by our chaotic world, and they are sustained by an inability to manage our thought life. The author provides a 5-step, 63-day plan, the Neurocycle, to find and eliminate the root of anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts in your life so you can experience dramatically improved mental and physical health.

Please see library staff if you need help finding more resources about depression and mental health.

Jeanne McMahan
Information Specialist
Sharon Forks Library
#WeKnowBooks