PHE Staff Picks for Best Reads on Mental Health
In honor of Mental Health Awareness month in May, we've asked PHE staff to submit their favorite books with mental health as the topic. Peruse some of our favorites below!
- The Myth of Normal, Gabor Mate. Recognizes the prevailing understanding of “normal” as false, neglecting the roles that trauma and stress, and the pressures of modern-day living, exert on our bodies and our minds at the expense of good health. “I like it because Mate untangles myths about what makes us "normal" in the context of modern day living and provides a guide for health and healing.” -
- The Body Keeps The Score, Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, Bessel Van Der Kolk - MDGlynis McCray, Senior Director, Talent
- It’s Time to Start Looking In, Pritika Kharkwal. Pritika Kharkwal is a youth mental health advocate at Peer Health Exchange. Her book is one of the first self-help books written by a young person. “This accomplishment speaks volumes about her dedication to empower youth, parents, educators, and beyond. Peer Health Exchange congratulates Pritika on this amazing achievement!” - Dr. Angela Glymph, CEO
- The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health: Navigate an Unequal System, Learn Tools for Emotional Wellness, and Get the Help You Deserve “This was one of the first times I truly felt seen in a mental health book. It names the real barriers Black folks face in accessing care, while also offering tools and encouragement to navigate the system and prioritize your healing.” - Nty Diakite, Peer Health Exchange Director, Digital Wellbeing
- Set Boundaries, Find Peace “I always recommend this book because as adults, there’s so much we have to unlearn and relearn about boundaries. This book gave me the language and permission I didn’t know I needed.” - Nty Diakite, Peer Health Exchange Director, Digital Wellbeing
- Growing with Gratitude: Free-write Journal & Prompt Journal “These are my own gratitude journals—created with love and intention to make the practice of gratitude feel simple, meaningful, and doable. Starting and ending my day with these pages has helped me stay grounded, and I made them to help others build that same intentional pause into their lives.”- Nty Diakite, Peer Health Exchange Director, Digital Wellbeing