Books to Help Women Improve Their Mental Health

As a woman, don’t you feel like that at least half of the time your mental health is under assault? Be it by less than nice individuals or predatory advertising on the screen that seeks to have you behaving or buying in a specific way.

These constant sources of distress cannot do anything good for you except wreck your mind by poisoning it with anxiety, stress, and anything in between. Plus, more stress takes a huge toll on your appearance.

While obnoxious and rude people are not gonna go away anytime soon, and you cannot dictate their actions, it’s up to you to take defensive measures for your own sanity. Instead of hiring an expensive therapist whose bill you could definitively use on something better, why not do it yourself with the help of some self-help literature? These books on mental health written specifically for women have all the right set of tips and advice to help keep your head in place with all of its screws on.

#1 You Are Worthy: A Guide For The Overwhelmed Perfectionist by Julee Hunt

Recommended by Christina Albe from Haus von Albe. Find out more about the book You Are Worthy: A Guide For The Overwhelmed Perfectionist by Julee Hunt by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

A guide for the overwhelmed perfectionist struck a chord with me as I left my consulting job in Europe and moved back home. With 8 years of experience in 3 countries and 2 languages, I couldn’t seem to get anyone to respond to my job applications. Feeling low and wholly unconfident in myself, I read this book knowing I wasn’t alone in feeling this way – in tying my entire worth as a human to my career. Hunt shares personal stories and tools that helped me find my own worthiness again and start my own business.

#2 Losing Weight is a Healing Journey by Katrina Love Senn

Recommended by Katrina LoveSenn from Katrina Love Senn. Find out more about the book Losing Weight is a Healing Journey by Katrina Love Senn by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

“I wrote this book to help women heal their relationship with food and discover how to break free of dieting, drugs and deprivation. And, instead discover how to experience food freedom, through creating a new relationship with their bodies and themselves.

This book takes a holistic approach to healing the body, mind and emotions so that women can create a body and life that they love! ”

#3 Can You Die of a Broken Heart? by Dr Nikki Stamp

Recommended by Lydia Rasmussen from The Quarto Group. Find out more about the book Can You Die of a Broken Heart? by Dr Nikki Stamp by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

Heart and lung surgeon Dr Nikki Stamp takes us into the operating theatre, explaining what she sees in patients with heart complications and how a life-saving transplant works. Stamp fell in the love with the heart as a child and continues to be fascinated by its workings and the whole-of-life experiences that affect it. Rich with anecdotes, and insights for maintaining heart health, Can You Die of a Broken Heart? is a blockbuster from a uniquely positioned young specialist.

#4 The Art of Living Alone and Loving It by Jane Mathews

Recommended by Lydia Rasmussen from The Quarto Group. Find out more about the book The Art of Living Alone and Loving It by Jane Mathews by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

Whether you view living alone as the ultimate compromise or the ultimate luxury, it presents daily challenges, such as cooking for one, organizing holidays, juggling finances, and avoiding the siren call of wine, Ugg boots and Netflix. And there are the less tangible tests, like nailing the octopus of loneliness to the wall, and holding your head high in a society where solo living is viewed (consciously or not) as the runner-up prize. Author Jane Mathews believes that to be truly content living alone, it pays to examine every aspect of your life-relationships, health, home, finances, interests and spirituality – and then take action. No matter what your unique situation, there’s something in The Art of Living Alone and Loving It for you. Jane provides the map and you choose the route to a more joyful, contented life.

#5 Optimize Your Body, Heal Your Mind by Dr. Janelle Louis ND

Recommended by Jeff Louis from The Mental Health Advocate Spot. Find out more about the book Optimize Your Body, Heal Your Mind by Dr. Janelle Louis ND by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

In Optimize Your Body, Heal Your Mind, Dr. Louis shares an innovative, whole-person approach to addressing mental health concerns. She describes the effect of genetic and hormonal factors, trauma history, lifestyle, inflammation levels, gastrointestinal health and other factors that primary care physicians and psychiatrists frequently overlook when diagnosing a person with and treating mental health concerns. She describes her P7 Protocol™ which she uses to help women in her practice and she shares how it can be used to help those diagnosed with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and other mental health concerns regain their health and/or live healthier and improved lives.

#6 Don’t Feel Stuck! by Jaclyn Johnston

Recommended by Jaclyn Nicole Johnston from Manifest It!. Find out more about the book Don’t Feel Stuck! by Jaclyn Johnston by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

“Don’t Feel Stuck helps you release your most stubborn limiting stories you tell yourself (and believe) in order to start living and thriving by your soul’s highest happiness. You learn how to identify and examine the root of your past beliefs and why you have them. This makes it easier to let goof your negative beliefs because you are looking at your past from a different angle. This book transforms your habit-forming limiting self-talk and shifts you into a positive, empowering mindset through soul-exploring journaling. It teaches you how to listen to your soul’s wants and needs through the book’s  training exercises, and you learn how to secure your newly positive mindset into your soul’s core.

Don’t Feel Stuck safely encourages you to take inspiring,soul-based actions to show the Universe what you truly want in your life, thus speeding up the manifestation process! It’s a fantastic way to learn how to love yourself, and with the book’s successful formula, all your dreams and desires come to you much more rapidly with ease! ”

#7 The Illustrated Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living by Russ Harris

Recommended by Kathryn Tipton from Houston Center for Valued Living. Find out more about the book The Illustrated Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living by Russ Harris by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

This book isn’t specifically for women however in it is jam packed full of powerful tools to help women break free from self-critical thoughts, expectations, and difficult emotions. We all get stuck in the I just want to be happier but this book helps us let go of the struggle to constantly feel and be happy and instead find a way to start living life now. As a bonus, this is in an illustrated form, which means it reads like a fun comic book. The tools and concepts are straightforward and easy to understand. It is a seriously FUN to read and great for the woman who is multitasking with little time for self-help. Every woman can benefit from this book!

#8 The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women by Valerie Young

Recommended by Nicole N. Kaufman from High Performance Counseling. Find out more about the book The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women by Valerie Young by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

Regardless of our level of personal or professional success, at some point a majority of women will chalk a “win” up to luck, looks, or fortuitous circumstances beyond anyone’s control. Young brilliantly explains why we do this,and how it affects our performance both at work, at home, and in our personal relationships. This book has been a game-changer for several of my clients, allowing them to own their successes and recognize when they need to get out of their own way.

#9 The Quiet Zone: Mindful Stress Management for Everyday People by Susan Petang

Recommended by Susan Petang from The Quiet Zone – Mindful Stress Management. Find out more about the book The Quiet Zone: Mindful Stress Management for Everyday People by Susan Petang by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

Even though professional demands are usually the same for men and women, it seems that responsibility for running a household still falls primarily to women. Stress is running rampant in our society. Most of my clients are women, from college age right on through the 60’s – and the stressors are all very similar. The Quiet Zone – Mindful Stress Management for Everyday People is an easy-to-read workbook that not only outlines what we can do to relieve stress, but contains exercises and tips on how to do it. The program is based on mindfulness, neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to rewire itself), and proven psychology.

#10 The Adventures of Lil’ Sass Series by Christie Mann

Recommended by Chrissy Bernal from ChrissyBernal. Find out more about the book The Adventures of Lil’ Sass Series by Christie Mann by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

While this series might be packaged for children, the ultimate audience is adults. Women would greatly benefit from reading this series as it will get them thinking about their own emotions, and empower them to fully express themselves in a healthy way. It will also equip them with ways to model emotional health for the children in their lives.

#11 The Sacred Bombshell Handbook of Self-Love by Abiola Abrams

Recommended by Abiola Abrams from Womanifesting with Abiola. Find out more about the book The Sacred Bombshell Handbook of Self-Love by Abiola Abrams by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

I wrote this book because we all grew up being told just love yourself but no one knew what that meant. In addition, the well-meaning people who raised many of us didn’t know how to love themselves, so they could not teach us what they did not know. Lack of self-love results in patterns of self-sabotage and fearful beliefs that affect every aspect of our lives. I believe in my soul that we all deserve to be happy with positive emotional health, and happiness begins with loving ourselves.

#12 Je Ne Sais Quoi by Devoreaux Walton

Recommended by Devoreaux Walton from The Modern Lady. Find out more about the book Je Ne Sais Quoi by Devoreaux Walton by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

Je Ne Sais Quoi is a powerful book teaching women how to be intentional to create a life with self-love and self-confidence. In this inspiring, transformational guide, women learn how to unlock their inner greatness to live their best life.

#13 The Dark Side Of The Light-Chasers by Debbie Ford

Recommended by April Cunningham from The Jealous Vegan. Find out more about the book The Dark Side Of The Light-Chasers by Debbie Ford by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

The short synopsis: Get out of your own head and let go. But, that’s a watered down version of the truth shared in this book. There is power in embracing our uniqueness and our gifts. This book helps you, with actionable practices, to learn to do just that. In my work as a coach, I have found that the majority of mental health dysfunction comes from the perception and social conditioning that you should be something that doesn’t truly align to your soul’s purpose and your unique gifts. To embrace yourself authentically is to be truly free, healthy, and gloriously marvelous.

#14 Choose Wonder Over Worry by Amber Rae

Recommended by Gabi Garrett from GabiGarrett. Find out more about the book Choose Wonder Over Worry by Amber Rae by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

This book was like a journal and a life coach rolled into one. I picked off my bookshelf again three months ago, and I had completed EVERY dream I had outlined in Amber’s book. She’s a great inspiration for those of us who are often clouded by our deep emotions and fears. I highly recommend this for anyone who is ready to make a leap, but a little afraid of what others may think or how it may turn out.

#15 The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

Recommended by Lindsay Cooke from LindsayCooke. Find out more about the book The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

This book is a great read and gives a different take on self-help books concept basically saying it is useless. It discusses that struggles are a huge part of life and that it can help you give life meaning.

#16 Judgement Detox by Gabby Bernstein

Recommended by Lindsay Cooke from LindsayCooke. Find out more about the book Judgement Detox by Gabby Bernstein by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

This book explores judging self and others and how it can be destructive and be a barrier in relatiosnhips.

#17 The Universe has your Back by Gabby Bernstein

Recommended by Lindsay Cooke from LindsayCooke. Find out more about the book The Universe has your Back by Gabby Bernstein by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

This book explores the idea of fear versus faith and having a better understanding of how to ‘let go’ and ‘trust’ the process of life rather than trying to control outcomes.

#18 The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Recommended by Lindsay Cooke from LindsayCooke. Find out more about the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

This book is great for people struggling with existential issues.

#19 The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Recommended by Lindsay Cooke from LindsayCooke. Find out more about the book The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

This book is very helpful for those having difficulty with severe anxiety or pressure. It discusses the power of the present moment which is the backbone of practicing a mindful life.

#20 You can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay

Recommended by Lindsay Cooke from LindsayCooke. Find out more about the book You can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

This book has been around since the 80’s and discusses the power of positivity and empowerment.

#21 Codependent No More by Melody Beatie

Recommended by Lindsay Cooke from LindsayCooke. Find out more about the book Codependent No More by Melody Beatie by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

This book shares about the struggle of toxic relationships, specifically codependent relatiosnhips and trying to control, fix, save or cure your partner.

#22 Stuck in Bed by Jennifer Degl

Recommended by Jennifer Degl from Nicole Chavez Public Relations. Find out more about the book Stuck in Bed by Jennifer Degl by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

Stuck in Bed, is a picture book written to emotionally and mentally support and encourage mothers (and their children) who are coping with bed rest or restricted activity, due to a high-risk pregnancy. It is a valuable and in-demand resource as approximately 1 million U.S. women are prescribed bed rest each year in an effort to reduce the likelihood of pre-term delivery. With Maternal Mental Health Month and Mother’s Day quickly approaching, the goal of the book is to encourage a healthy mental state when dealing with one of the most stressful times a family could face.

#23 Depression Hates a Moving Target by Nita Sweeney

Recommended by Amy Eisenbach from AmyEisenbach. Find out more about the book Depression Hates a Moving Target by Nita Sweeney by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

This inspiring memoir of a 49-year old, grief-stricken and chronically depressed woman who takes up running with her dog will entertain and motivate any reader who has ever fallen into deep despair. Sweeney finds a way through the darkness by pounding the roads with her canine companion. Whether or not readers want to follow in her footsteps, they will be enthralled with her journey.

#24 Love You Like the Sky by Sarah Neustadter PhD

Recommended by Tabitha Bailey from SparkPOint Studio. Find out more about the book Love You Like the Sky by Sarah Neustadter PhD by reading the description below or clicking on the button.

“Writing from the unique point of view of a suicide survivor who is also a psychologist, Sarah Neustadter presents a selection of the emails she sent to John, her deceased beloved, over a three-year period following his death. Documenting the raw emotions she experienced during this time period – grief, despair, abandonment, confusion, and the seductive feeling of wanting to die – she seeks to answer the hard existential and psychological questions: Why is this happening? What does this mean about mortality? How do I go on with the rest of my life without my beloved? How do I heal my broken heart? Will I ever love again?

Love You Like the Sky is a companion guide and roadmap for supporting younger women and men through intense and complicated grief as an access point toward deeper transformation – shifting awareness from despair to beauty.

This book is very much about spirituality. It’s about using this kind of complicated and traumatic grief as an access point towards deeper transformation. The book is about understanding grief as sacred shadow work that requires the griever to confront and integrate many scary facets of them self, their own mortality, and the terrifying choice of suicide made by their loved one. This book takes readers through the experience of loss by suicide as well as provides a map for how to understand and navigate through the landscape of traumatic grief, so that readers can move through their pain consciously and ultimately come out the other side healed and more actualized on their life path.”