Book recommendations for Mental Health Awareness Week

Since 2021 the UCL community has been providing thoughtful book recommendations celebrating the many different cultures and identities which exist at UCL. Given the success of this initiative, this May we decided to launch a new call-out for recommendations based on Mental Health Awareness Week (11-17 May 2026).

We received more than 40 recommendations from students, staff and alumni. Many of you followed the theme, recommending books that have helped you to improve your own mental health or support the mental health of others. Several of you zoomed out, sharing books that explore the reasons why the number of people experiencing mental health challenges is rising, and suggesting changes needed in government policy and mental health services. Others moved beyond the theme, recommending books that included representations of mental health challenges that resonated with their own experiences, or sharing books that had simply brought them joy.

Thank you to everyone who recommended a book. We aim to acquire any books which aren’t already in UCL’s library collection, so you’ll be able to borrow them from the library in future.

How many have you read? Share your own recommendations through the online form or on Instagram. 

Action: for yourself, for someone else, for all

Action for yourself

A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD: Embrace Neurodiversity, Live Boldly, and Break Through Barriers by Michelle Frank and Sari Solden

"It's specific to issues that women with ADHD (and other neurodivergence) face."

Linda Reed, student, IOE

Move! The New Science of Body Over Mind by Caroline Williams

“It explains the connection between body and mind, and how movement is inextricably linked to mental health, especially strength training. I found it a very useful and accessible book that I keep returning to.”

Staff

The Compassionate Mind by Professor Paul Gilbert and No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz

“Seminal books for self-compassion. Love those guys.”

Catherine Wood, student, Psychology

Wintering by Katharine May

“It really champions the idea of resting being something active and positive to allow you to reset from burnout.”

Staff

Black Sheep: The Hidden Benefits of Being Bad by Dr Richard Stephens

“I can relate to it as I was one of the last generations to grow up at the tail end of when severe punishments for even what would now be called 'minor misdemeanours' were much more common. Even using bad language got you severely punished and what the author highlights is how doing the odd 'bad' or 'forbidden' thing is not a bad thing and it shows that punishments do not work, as all that will happen is that those who are punished will associate that punishment with the people who punished them.”

Student

Self-care for Autistic People by Megan Anna Neff

“It helped me be guided on why regular self-care advice doesn't work for me as an autistic individual and gave me new tips and a deeper understanding of why and how I am different. The author is also autistic, and so they have first-hand experience dealing with not only themself and their child's mental health.”

Student, School of European Languages, Culture, and Society

You Will Get Through This Night by Daniel Howell

“He took a hiatus from his usual job to write this, dedicating his life to it for over a year. He's rife with dark humour and actual advice for mental health from lived experience, but also properly researched. He's a good person.”

Staff

Walking London by Andrew Duncan

“It will get you out and about, exploring parts of London you would be unlikely to encounter, unprompted. Andrew Duncan's avuncular and easy-going style is reassuring, and before long you'll find yourself obsessed with a city that you previously loathed.”

Roy Jhuboo, staff, ISD

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Se-hee

“It’s a real, honest look at self-care, showing that sometimes the most important step is simply acknowledging how hard things are while still holding onto the small, simple comforts that keep you going.”

Student

Action for someone else

Ten Things I Wish You Knew about Your Child's Mental Health by Dr Billy Garvey

“Outstanding practical advice on building and supporting good mental health in our kids (as parents, but also as a wider community)”

Rosie Clow, staff, Department of Imaging

Action for all

Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Dr. Joy DeGruy

“I wish every person in the world had to read this book. Although the topics are heavy, Dr. DeGruy explains why people with generational/society-wide trauma do what they do and how healing can begin. Though aimed at African Americans in many ways, Dr. DeGruy reminds the reader that whether you're from a directly traumatized community or not, systemic racism, and the inevitable violence and degradation it causes, harms everyone. She has helped me as a White American from the US South get to know a process that is difficult for those with privilege to fully understand but shaped everything about our society and many others. Most importantly, it has helped me have constructive conversations with racism deniers and those who say "Well, slavery/Native removal/Jim Crow/apartheid is over. Let's just move on." The writing is clearly reasoned, addresses common arguments from all sides, and is easy to follow. There's also an accompanying workbook to help us begin the healing process.”

Linda Reed, student, IOE

Sedated: How Modern Capitalism Created our Mental Health Crisis by James Davies

“It is important to remember that in a world where this many people are struggling, that we should not blame ourselves. It is a reminder to look beyond medication as a one fix shop and explore how we can change our environment to improve our own mental health.”

Staff

You Don't Have to be Mad to Work Here by Dr Benji Waterhouse

“The life of a resident doctor training in psychiatry in the NHS. This book is to psychiatry what 'The Big Bang Theory' is to physics.”

Staff 

Shocked by Professor George Kirov

“A rigorous and moving account of electroconvulsive therapy. Challenging stigma around mental illness and its diverse treatment options.”

Staff

The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog by Bruce D. Perry and Maia Szalavitz

“This is an incredibly thought-provoking book about trauma and child development, which is focused on real-life stories. Some of the cases are difficult to read, but they give you an insight on how early experiences shape behaviour, emotions, and relationships. What I found most valuable is how it shifts your perspective from seeing challenging behaviour as 'bad' and start understanding it as a response to what a child has been through. Emotional and genuinely impactful, I would definitely recommend this book as must read.”

Dilber Bhamra, staff, IOE

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman

“It reshapes how one views ethics, medical and social models of illness, and the individual patients' expertise.”

Jamie Danemayer, staff, Computer Science

A Creative Health Communication Framework: Addressing the Compatibility and Marketability of Mental Health and Wellbeing Services by Jane Hearst

“It provides a shared framework for members of the public, health professionals, artists and community organisations to discuss mental health. Co-created with members of the public to replicate the features of their mental health stories, whilst providing clarity to the people that support them, this framework encourages the de-pathologising and cultural attunement of mental health discussions. It shows how mental health can be supported without medication, using creative activities and other socially informed services. Grounded in information about why the NHS position mental health in the way that they do, the book is at one strategic, refreshing and eye opening.”

Staff

Beyond the theme

Uplifting stories

Every Brilliant Thing by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe

“This is a beautiful play and book that includes so many wonderful everyday things that make life better.”

Tracey, staff, School of Management

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

“When you're feeling down and aren't sure if anything you do is of value, it shows that small things count.”

Staff

“Helps put things into perspective.”

Student

“It was emotionally impactful and helped give a different perspective without being too heavy.”

Alumni

Life Safari by John Strelecky

“This short, easy-to-read book has profound wisdom and uplifting perspectives. Read it all at once or a few pages at a time.”

Linda Reed, student, IOE

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

“It is a hopeful and uplifting book. One that will stay with you long after you have read it!”

Staff

The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell

“It's a true story, charming and heartwarming.” 

Staff, IOE

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

“Beyond a cliched romance, this novel poignantly captures how the two protagonists cope with their individual mental health challenges, how love and support can act as a lighthouse for someone in the dark, and ultimately how one of them must maintain resilience whilst grieving the loss of the other.”

Jenny He, student, IOE

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

“It encourages a sense of community, warmth, understanding, and reflection towards oneself and people around us. I found this book during a very anxious time of my life and maybe it's not so much about anxiety, but I felt comforted reading it. To add to that, it's written really well, like how thoughts would come to one's mind. The plot twists, connections, and internal references keep you hooked till the end. And a very sweet and wholesome ending.”

Omar Kashif Nazir, student, Computer Science

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

“It’s a powerful story about finding your own way to exist in the world, reminding us that 'action for yourself' can simply mean living a life that feels honest and right for you, even if others don't quite get it.”

Student

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

“It’s a beautiful reminder that you don't need grand gestures to help someone. Sometimes, just stubbornly showing up for a neighbour and refusing to let them disappear into their own grief is enough to save a life.”

Student

The Blue Castle by LM Montgomery

“Even though people may be more familiar with her other work (Anne of Green Gables), this book about a 29-year-old woman finally standing up for herself and doing what she wants - despite the limitations of the world around her - is funny, empowering, and my favourite of her works.”

Staff

Enlightenment Now by Steven Pinker

“Enlightenment Now makes a bold, data-driven case for human progress, challenging the doom-laden worldview that so many of us are prone to fall into. This is the only book that comes to mind that has made me pause and question my (often pessimistic) assumptions about human progress and genuinely changed my mind for the better on a number of complex issues. It was published in 2018, so it won't cover completely up-to-the-minute topics, but the broad thrust of the argument is still strong. If your mental health is suffering in part because of your worldview, I would highly recommend reading this with an open mind and allowing it to challenge your assumptions.”

Gabriel Merryfield, staff, Faculty of Engineering

Escapism

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

“This is a fantasy book, but don't let that put you off if fantasy is not normally your thing. The best kinds of fantasy and sci-fi examine universal concepts, and this book is all about inclusion and acceptance of diversity, with a journey of self-awareness and discovery. It is funny and joyful and will make you feel good.”

Staff

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

“It's the first book I've been excited to read in a while - excellent science fantasy escapism!”

Alex Marshall, staff, Risk and Disaster Reduction

On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden

“It’s visually stunning and I find the colours are very soothing.”

Staff

Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers

“It is about taking a step back from what you are used to and finding a way to truly feel fulfilled, as well as contemplating meaning and community.”

Staff

Relatable stories

The Bridge by Bill Konigsberg

“I liked The Bridge because it explores teen suicide in a really honest and grounded way. It doesn’t over-dramatise suicidal thoughts but instead shows how they can build up gradually over time. That made it feel much more real. Personally, I found it quite impactful because the character’s thoughts felt very familiar to me; they reflected things I’ve felt or noticed in others, especially the kinds of thoughts people don’t usually say out loud. Overall, I think it encourages empathy and can help others feel less alone, especially those who might recognise their own thoughts in the characters.”

Student

Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume

“I’ve returned to this book so many times since I was a kid, and it remains a constant touchstone because it captures that universal need to just be honest with yourself about your fears and uncertainties.”

Student

When I See Blue: An Inspiring Story of OCD, Friendship and Bravery by Lily Bailey

“This has been the only book I've read that has actually captured my experience of living with OCD from a young age, though it is a children's book it doesn't rely on outdated ideas and stereotypes of the disorder but shows what the reality is for many people; messy and complicated. I read this during my treatment at the age of 15 and cried my eyes out with relief that someone understood what I had gone through. I am happy to say that my treatment was successful and I have only had minor relapses and symptoms since then, I'm nearly 20 now and have been able to do amazing things that I would have never thought possible when I was younger, the bravery which is shown in this book is what got me here, having hope in spite of what has been going on in my head. I wish more people could read it so they can understand that though things may have been bad they can always get better.”

Student, Division of Biosciences

Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C Gibson

“This book was deeply affirming for me and allowed me to put into words my experiences.”

Rosie, student, Greek and Latin

The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer

“I found it very moving.”

Dawn Kinnersley, staff

The Ha-Ha by Jennifer Dawson

“A tragicomic, semi-autobiographical debut novel exploring a young woman’s breakdown at university and her recovery. Set in the 1950s, it's based on Dawson's own experiences of life in a psychiatric hospital and is narrated by a young woman, Josephine, mostly from inside the hospital where she is recovering from a severe bout of mental illness.”

Staff

The Outrun by Amy Liptrot

“A really helpful insight into someone finally turning the corner two years after giving up alcohol.”

Staff

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in UCL Library, Culture, Collections and Open Science

This activity was organised through the Library Liberating the Collections Group. The purpose of this group is to identify and oversee progress with a strategic set of actions intended to enrich the collections, increasing visibility of, and access to, works by authors who have been marginalised (and thus less heard) because of factors such as race, sexuality, gender and disability. Any titles that we don’t already own we will aim to buy and add to our collections, so they are available to borrow.