6 books on mental health

Not only physical but also mental health is important. Unfortunately, this is often neglected. If we don’t take enough time for ourselves, our soul will suffer. The way we think about ourselves also has a huge impact on our well-being. Do you sometimes feel low on energy, unloved or depressed? Even a little rethinking can do a lot for us. Reading a book that helps us better understand ourselves and our surroundings is a step in the right direction.

“The Book You Wish Your Family Had Read” (2020), Philippa Perry

“The book you wish your parents had read” (2020) on Ex Libris is around 20 francs. Image: exlibris.ch
As a child, you are very sensitive and vulnerable. Fights, problems, and a bad relationship with parents cause deep wounds that persist into adulthood. Even if only subconsciously, such difficult experiences shape us. In her book, Philippa Perry (64), she explains how to heal the painful experiences of your own childhood. It also explains how your parents’ upbringing affects your relationship with your own children and how you treat yourself and others in a forgiving way.

“How we see the world” (2022), Ronja von Wurmb-Seibel

“How we see the world” (2022) for CHF 28.90 at Orell Füssli. Image: orellfuessli.ch
Ronja von Wurmb-Seibel (36) works as a journalist and knows exactly how negative headlines affect the way we think. Many people are not even aware of how badly negative news affects our subconscious mind: Reports of crisis not only affect our minds and actions, but also distort our worldview. Wurmb-Seibel shows how to find a healthier way to deal with the news and thus break out of the negative spiral.

“The enemy in my head” (2015), Matthias Hammer

“The enemy in my head” (2015) for CHF 16.90 on Galaxus. Image: galaxus.ch
We make life difficult for ourselves with self-doubt, a distorted sense of self, and negative beliefs. For Matthias Hammer (56) the situation is clear: we are sabotaging ourselves! The author helps us transform our critical thinker into a motivating friend with effective exercises. In her book, she makes it clear how important it is to treat yourself positively.

“Feel Better” (2021), Leon Windscheid

“Feel better” (2021) via Orell Füssli for approximately CHF 25.90. Image: orellfuessli.ch
We live in a society where showing our emotions is seen as a weakness. But the situation is just the opposite: even expressing your feelings is very powerful. Psychologist Leon Windschein (33) explains why grief, anger, and the like are so valuable. It also shows how these strong emotions can help us in life. Windscheid brings a whole new perspective to emotions with his book.

“You Don’t Have to Be Loved by Everyone” (2018), Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga

“You don’t have to be liked by everyone” (2018) for CHF 12.40 via Ex Libris. Image: exlibris.ch
We are often concerned with what others think of us. But much more important is what we think about ourselves. Written by Ichiro Kishimi (66) and Fumitake Koga (49), the book is about an unfortunate man who meets a philosopher. This makes it clear to the young man that he too can change his life in a short time. The philosopher also shows him how to break with the past and the expectations of others.

“Your inner child must find a home” (2015), Stefanie Stahl

“Your inner child must find a home” (2015) for CHF 21.95 via Weltbild. Image: weltbild.ch
Our childhood experiences continue to shape us as adults. This applies to all areas of life, but especially to our relationship life. Stefanie Stahl (58) shows that healing your “inner child” can greatly improve our relationships. Incredible possibilities open up when you make peace with your own childhood, including all negative experiences.