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Codex1Senior Contributor
I just thought I'd tag a few people who may be interested to talk about self-help books as an add-on type of support to our regular mental health supports. For example, advice from a self-help book can be used in conjunction with usual therapy supports.
@MDT @Dimity @LostAngel @LookingHopeful @oceangirl @Meowmy @Former-Member andothers.s
In response to: Self-help books
PaperdaisySenior Contributor
Great idea @Codex1 love a self help book or podcast. Have a look at this thread too, might be of interest 😊https://saneforums.org/t5/Social-Spaces/3-Books-that-have-made-an-impact/m-p/1130592#M270668
In response to: Self-help books
LostAngelSenior Contributor
hello @Codex1 I tend to read self help books as part of self care, mindfullness routine
In response to: Re: Self-help books
Codex1Senior Contributor
In response to: Re: Self-help books
StuFSenior Contributor
@Codex1I tried reading The Subtle Art a couple of years back. Enjoyed it, but my brain wasn't ready to absorb information in book form...so I never finished it.
My reading capability has improved since then though, so I will give the book another go soon 🙂
In response to: Re: Self-help books
MDTSenior Contributor
Hey @Codex1 just wondering - what was your old username?
In terms of self help books I have a list that has helped me:
- 12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12_Rules_for_Life
- Quiet by Susan Caine https://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Power-Introverts-World-Talking/dp/0307352153
- Before and Laughter by Jimmy Carr https://www.amazon.com.au/Before-Laughter-funniest-genuinely-useful-ebook/dp/B095C1M1W1
- the Social Leap by William von Hippel https://www.amazon.com.au/Social-Leap-William-von-Hippel/dp/0062740393
12 Rules for Life I found quite practical when I was in a very low state. In that low state you need anything that gives you that practical edge. Peterson is only as controversial as people let themselves think. I dunno why people try to pin him on the alt-right. If it helps then it helps. I don't agree with everything he says - but so what right? Anyways.
Quiet by Susan Caine I found very reassuring. She basically talks about the extroversion ideal which is her way of describing the extroverted nature of so much of modern life. I'm an introvert. Definitely. I found this book to quite reassuring and well argued.
Before and Laughter is good. About to finish reading it. It's about Jimmy Carr's life - he's a comedian from the UK. He's a bit dirty for some, but he's very clever. He was a liason for Shell back in the day - went to a prestigious university in the UK. He gave all that up at 25 to become a comedian. I find myself relating to that theme right about now. He talks about imposter syndrome, mental wellbeing, being true to yourself etc. I'm finding it quite good.
The Social Leap was useful but I did find it got repetitive after a while. The theme is about how we evolved as a social species. There were some good examples but I have forgotten most of them. One I do remember however is that sugar is very clever - it replaces and acts like the thing we need by releasing the same chemicals in our brain - his basic argument for that was we should always seek to find the original source of joy.
There are some fiction books I found quite helpful too.
In response to: Re: Self-help books
Codex1Senior Contributor
In response to: Re: Self-help books
Codex1Senior Contributor
In response to: Re: Self-help books
MDTSenior Contributor
In response to: Self-help books
LookingHopefulSenior Contributor
Yeap @Codex1 great thread idea.
I really enjoy self help books but like @StuF said, it really depends on how I am going with my feelings/ thoughts. I cannot force reading something even if I know it is good for me, I have to be in the right frame of mind first.
I just finished From crappy to Happy - an easy read and fairly lighthearted. Also reading The Compound effect - I enjoy it and another easy read but it is really about achieving success and I am miles from trying any of the suggestions because I am not mentally there yet.
I am just taking it really easy and trying to be easy with what I absorb. Trying to keep it really lighthearted ❤️
In response to: Self-help books
EternalFlowerSenior Contributor
I like Danielle Leporte...
Her stuff seems genuine
I like Linda Barry's books about creativity
Anyone into the artists way?
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
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