Books To Heal The Mind
There are well over 100,000 ‘self improvement’ books in publication which makes choosing one extremely difficult. 300 million people suffer from some form of depression and half of those never seek any treatment. In 2003, a psychiatrist in Wales noticed that that some of his patients were reading books while they were waiting to be treated, and some were healed before he had a chance to treat them. Since then, Dr Frude has been recommending books to his patients, and the books below had the highest success rate. The term ‘Bibliotherapy‘ was born.
In June 2012, the NHS in the UK started a program which allowed doctors to effectively prescribe books to their patients, and they in turn could go to their local library to pick up a copy.
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Here are 10 books to heal your mind, as recommended by doctors.
1. Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think
Developed by two master clinicians with extensive experience in cognitive therapy treatment and training, this popular workbook shows readers how to improve their lives using cognitive therapy. The book is designed to be used alone or in conjunction with professional treatment. Step-by-step worksheets teach specific skills that have helped hundreds of thousands people conquer depression, panic attacks, anxiety, anger, guilt, shame, low self-esteem, eating disorders, substance abuse and relationship problems.
2. Overcoming Depression One Step at a Time: The New Behavioral Activation Approach to Getting Your Life Back
Behavioral activation therapy is built on this powerful, insightful assumption. Its techniques offer fast, effective relief from depression by guiding you to make positive and rewarding changes in your life. This simple, profound process reconnects you to the naturally occurring rewards of a well-lived life, which are powerful antidotes to feelings of depression.
3. The Feeling Good Handbook
This book helps you: free yourself from fears, phobias and panic attacks; overcome self-defeating attitudes; discover the five secrets of intimate communication; put an end to marital conflict; and, conquer your procrastination and unleash your potential for success
4. Break Free from OCD: Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with CBT
Are you plagued by obsessive thoughts, rituals or routines? Would you like to regain control over your behaviour and cast your fears aside? Whether you are compelled to wash your hands more and more thoroughly or feel the need to keep checking that you’ve turned off appliances, obsessive worries can be a drain on daily life. However, you don’t need to suffer any more. This practical guide, written by three leading cognitive behavioural therapy experts, enables you to make sense of your symptoms, and gives a simple plan to help you conquer OCD.
5. Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway: Dynamic techniques for turning Fear, Indecision and Anger into Power, Action and Love
With dynamic techniques and profound advice, Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway® has guided so many readers around the world to turn their fear, indecision and anger into power, action and love. Learn the tools that will vastly improve your ability to handle any situation so that you can become powerful and decisive in the face of your fears.
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6. Getting Better Bit(e) by Bit(e): A Survival Kit for Sufferers of Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorders
The only self-help programme that has been evaluated in a randomised controlled trial, it provides detailed step-by-step advice for dealing with this condition.
Unlike other less problem-oriented books currently available on the subject, this book concentrates on the key behaviour changes necessary for the sufferer to achieve a happier and more fulfilled life. Theory is closely interwoven with practice and the book draws together real problems and solutions experienced by hundreds of sufferers.
7. How to Stop Worrying and Start Living
“Those who don’t know how to fight worry, die young.” This ominous advice begins Dale Carnegie’s bestseller, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, an eight-part treatise on the follies of worrying. Like other Carnegie books, this one is packed with good old-fashioned common sense, illustrated with examples drawn from research on historical figures and interviews with business leaders.
8. The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾
At thirteen years old, Adrian Mole has more than his fair share of problems – spots, ill-health, parents threatening to divorce, rejection of his poetry and much more – all recorded with brilliant humour in his diary.
9. This Book Will Save Your Life
Since her debut in 1989, A. M. Homes has been among the boldest and most original voices of her generation, acclaimed for the psychological accuracy and unnerving emotional intensity of her storytelling. Her ability to explore how extraordinary the ordinary can be is at the heart of her touching and funny new novel, her first in six years. This Book Will Save Your Life is a vivid, uplifting, and revealing story about compassion, transformation, and what can happen if you are willing to lose yourself and open up to the world around you.
10. The Power of Positive Thinking: 10 Traits for Maximum Results
The Power of Positive Thinking has helped millions of men and women to achieve fulfillment in their lives. In this phenomenal bestseller, Dr. Peale demonstrates the power of faith in action. With the practical techniques outlined in this book, you can energize your life — and give yourself the initiative needed to carry out your ambitions and hopes.
Leave your book suggestions below.
