By Renata Hill, Moodfuel
The paperback version of Mental Health America's guide just dropped so learning and doing something about mental health challenges is more accessible for young people
Do jumbled thoughts and emotions make it challenging to navigate your mental health journey or even begin one? Well, good news because on Apr. 9, Penguin Random House released the paperback version of Where to Start from Mental Health America.
This less expensive edition ($12.99) of the hardcover book enables teen and young adult readers to make sense of their struggles. The conversational tone and simple language frame the examination of psychological concerns while presenting ways to understand and address them. Cartoonist, writer and "all-round small person" Gemma Correll did a wonderful job of illustrating points in the light-hearted, yet heartfelt way she's famous for on Instagram, banishing stigma in the process.
It's divided into four sections, including Am I Okay? (signs and symptoms of mental ill health), Talking about Mental Health (techniques for discussing these concerns with parents and others), Getting Professional Help (types of therapy and safe places to find it) and DIY Mental Health (active steps for dealing with mental distress).
While the book contains plenty of helpful information interspersed with bulleted points and brainstorming worksheets, it does lack an index and references. Still, the friendly, authentic content reassures readers, aims to quiet loud inner critics and reliably guides those who feel frustrated, frightened or alone toward self-compassion and action.
