Self help books

[Autumn77]

Hi all,

I've been off this sight for awhile and proud to say I've been doing really well. Reduced and discontinued most medications and been able to be strong enough to deal (?) with my anxiety...overthinking...worrying mind.

Its been a year now, and so far this is what has happened. I've started a new relationship about 6 months ago...and still trying to feel absolutely comfortable around him. I still find it hard to show my whole self...and be completely open. And, I've just started a new job.

So as you can see, I've gone through a few changes in the last 6 months and I would prefer not to return to my medications or the crutch as I like to call it.

And I'm really looking for some great recommendations on some reading material. I've always loved self help books and did read them a lot in the past.

Thanks for your help guys. Looking forward to your replies.

Annie 🥰

[TheWookie]

Congrats! I have no reading recommendations though.

[softdrinksandwich]

Amazing to hear Annie! Glad you're doing well.

The Courage To Be Disliked was amazing for me. It showed me a better way to handle my emotions and interpersonal relationships. Highly introspective.

I loved Atomic Habits, it teaches you the way of establishing and maintaining positive habits. Something we all know can really help when it comes to feeling healthy mentally!

Will keep an eye on this thread myself.

[Katyonthehamsterwheel]

This is really cool to read - good on you! Love to see people moving forwards 🙂

Have you read The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown?

All the best, Katy

[Guest_1643]

"the happiness trap"

and

"the confidence gap" by Russ Harris - on Acceptance Commitment Therapy

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"Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert on Creative Process

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The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up - by Marie Kondo - on clearaing ur space to heal ur mind

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Trauma and Recovery - By Judith Lewis Herman - academic but feminist, approach to trauma and particularly sensitive for women sufferers of trauma

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The Artist's Way - Julie Cameron - a spiritual take on reclaiming lost creativity (no belief in religion needed)

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First we Make the Beast, - Sarah Wilson

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Annie,

Welcome back! Well done to you for doing so well, and even now for reaching out for support and being so proactive about your mental health.

Self-help books.. such a great question. I'm kind of addicted to them (if that's a thing?) so I'm struggling to round it down a little.

I think when it comes to struggling to be your whole self, the one that comes to mind is Brene Brown. She does a lot of work and research into vulnerability and 'showing up'. Katyonthehamsterwheel recommended The Gifts of Imperfection but I'd also add Daring Greatly.

The other one that comes to mind is Me Time by Jessica Sanders. It's a very easy read with lots of pictures and things, but it's all about self-care, and often self-care is kind of neglected, especially if you have so much stuff going on - just a little 101 and reminder to be kind to yourself and take some time for yourself.

Hope this helps! Please report back on all the ones you like 🙂

rt