Young Adult (YA) Novels About Mental Health

Now more than ever, Mental Health Issues are so prevalent. For Young Adults, this may be something new or has been a struggle longer than they would like. Some aren’t ready to dive into therapy and tell a stranger like me what is truly happening. Vulnerability is hard! And most of the time, people don’t know why they feel a certain way, but they know something does not feel right. This is when I turn to books as being a resource. Reading a book that delves into our experiences may give validation, resolution, insight, and sometimes healing. Read Brightly has curated a list of —11 Enlightening and Empathetic YA Novels About Mental Illness. It is well worth checking out the list. 

The one book I would like to highlight is Turtles All the Way Down by John Green. From the outside, it is a story about 16-year-old Aza, trying to solve the mystery of a fugitive billionaire. But the novel depicts what it is like to live with two different mood disorders—Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It taps into the universal experiences of falling in love, fear of loss, and navigating friendships. It is also a reminder that it is possible to have a happy and well-functioning life with mental illness. 

Through the use of stories, we can all gain a better understanding of our experiences and the experiences of others.

*The content or suggested book is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.