Because this week is Mental Illness Awareness Week, we thought we would highlight some Young Adult books that deal with such issues.
We can all name a few, such as The Bell Jar (Sylvia Plath), It’s Kind of a Funny Story (Ned Vizzini), and The Silver Linings Playbook (Matthew Quick). These are great books that are definitely worth a read if you haven’t done so yet, but here are some that you might not have heard of before.
1. Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh
Depression
You may be familiar with Allie Brosh’s blog that started in 2009 under the same name. The blog was infamous for its wit, charm, MS Paint-like illustrations, and relatability. The book is written in the same style and also touches on Brosh’s own experiences with depression. Through humor and a large dose of dealing with real life, Brosh writes about “unfortunate situations, flawed coping mechanisms, mayhem, and other things that happened.”
2. Freaks Like Us by Susan Vaught
Schizophrenia
In this story, the narrator Jason has schizophrenia, his friend Drip has ADHD, and they are both on a search for their missing friend, Sunshine, who is a selective mute. Jason struggles past the many voices within his head in order to have his own voice heard. Although he cannot recall the events leading up to Sunshine’s disappearance, he continues on with the faith that he would never hurt his friend. With the help of a select few who truly believe in him, Jason has to solve this mystery for himself.
3. Born to be Perfect by Barbara Raghavan
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Navin has an obsessive nature toward cleanliness. He comes from a dysfunctional family and always feels different, but all he wants is to be considered “normal.” Throughout the story, Navin meets a number of colorful characters who have their own neuroses, and he begins to question his own idea of being “normal.”
4. Suicide Notes by Michael Thomas Ford
Suicide/Depression
Jeff wakes up in a psychiatric ward after an attempt to take his life. Each chapter of this book walks the reader through another day toward his recovery. With such a hefty topic set in bleak surroundings, this book could easily weigh heavy; and yet, there is a lot of humor, albeit pretty dark humor. Fifteen-year-old Jeff is witty and sarcastic as he tries his best to evade real conversation until he finally has to come to terms with himself.
5. Crazy by Amy Reed
Bipolar Disorder
After meeting at camp, Connor and Izzy decide to keep in touch via email. Connor’s desire for connection finds him quickly falling in love, but Izzy’s natural defense is to push away. He begins to realize that her extremes are far too extreme, and the energy that made her so intriguing could actually be her downfall. All he wants is to be the one to save her, but he has no idea if that is even possible.
6. Hold Still by Nina LaCour
Suicide/Depression
Caitlin doesn’t know what to do after her best friend, Ingrid, commits suicide. She spirals into a depression, and it doesn’t seem that she can find her way out. Then she finds Ingrid’s journal with passages and illustrations left for Caitlin that spell out her final days. Through Ingrid’s words, Caitlin has to learn how to continue living.
7. The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderso
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Hayley’s father, Andy, is a soldier who served two years in Iraq. After his homecoming, Hayley noticed a change in his behavior. For five years, they move around together — never staying anywhere for too long — until they finally settle in Andy’s hometown so that Hayley can live a seemingly normal life and go to school. Andy tries his best to cope with his new civilian life and to leave his service behind, but he finds that memories don’t fade when you have nothing but time on your hands. He’s trying to forget, and Hayley’s trying to keep the only family she has.
8. Life is But a Dream by Brian James
Schizophrenia
Artist Sabrina is checked into a Wellness Center after she is diagnosed with schizophrenia. She meets Alec, who is convinced it’s the world that’s crazy, not them. He tells her that her treatment will wipe her mind and take her creativity. Equally scared of losing her art and losing her mind, Sabrina is forced to make a choice between listening to Alec or listening to her doctor.
9. The Nature of Jade by Deb Caletti
Panic/Anxiety Disorder
After being diagnosed with Panic Disorder, Jade is trying her best to stay calm. She will not be defined by her illness. She keeps a live feed of the zoo on in her room because watching the elephants helps. It’s through this live camera that a boy with a baby catches her eye. After finding and meeting them, Jade quickly falls in love with Sebastian and his son. Sebastian’s life has had its complications, giving Jade plenty to worry about, yet she feels safe with him. He’s hiding a secret, though, and she will need to decide to either do what’s right or to do what feels right.
10. Monkey Taming by Judith Fathallah
Eating Disorder
“The Monkey” lives inside 13-year-old Jessica and tells her that being skinny is being happy, safe, good. This abusive beast of a voice within her consumes her and becomes all that she has and thinks she needs. When Jessica stops eating altogether, she is forced into treatment. For the sake of her family and, most importantly, herself, she will have to face her demons and silence the Monkey.