Check It Out WPL Non-Fiction, Picturebooks, YA

Mental Health Week: May 1-7

Every year since 1951, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has hosted Mental Health Week during the first week of May. According to CMHA, one in five Canadians experience a mental illness or mental health issues. It is a week to recognize the struggles that many are facing and to be kind to yourself and others.

We encourage you to take some time this week (and every week) to nurture your mental wellbeing—as well as that of your kids and other people around you. Here are some books and resources to get you started.

For Adults

  • All Along You Were Blooming
    by Morgan Harper Nichols
  • Joy: Life Lessons from a Tuscan Villa
    by Debbie Travis
  • The Seven Circles: Indigenous Teachings for Living Well
    by Chelsey Luger and Thosh Collins
  • It Didn’t Start With You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle
    by Mark Wolynn
  • The Self-Healing Mind
    by Gregory Scott Brown, M.D.
  • The Save of My Life: My Journey Out of the Dark
    by Corey Hirsch
  • Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things
    by Jenny Lawson
  • This is Depression
    by Dr. Diane McIntosh

For Teens

  • Heads Up: Changing Minds on Mental Health
    by Melanie Siebert
  • The Self-Care Kit for Stressed-Out Teens
    by Frankie Young
  • Slaying Digital Dragons: Tips and Tools for Protecting Your Body, Brain, Psyche, and Thumbs from the Digital Dark Side
    by Alex J. Packer, PH.D
  • The Greatfulness Guide
    by Jacqui Jones

Picturebooks

  • Breathing Makes it Better
    by Christopher Willard
  • Sometimes When I’m Sad
    by Deborah Serani
  • Tough Guys Have Feelings Too
    by Keith Negley
  • Jenny Mei is Sad
    by Tracy Subisak
  • My Body is a Rainbow: The Colour of My Feelings
    by Mallika Chopra
  • Even Superheroes Have Bad Days
    by Shelly Becker
  • I’m Happy-Sad Today by Lori Britain

  • Bear Feels Scared
    by Karma Wilson

More Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling, there are many places to reach out for help right here in our community. These include:

Other Ways to Boost Your Mental Health

Waterloo Public Library is here to help you find ways to practice self-care and boost your mental health.