Welcome to part two of this two-part article featuring 20 of the best books for your mental health and wellbeing.

As stated in part one, to honour the topic's complexity, I have strived to compel a varied list with something for everyone. And while I said 20, I've somehow ended up with 24 and still feel like a dick for not including more.

Note: When it comes to mental health, many of us — including myself — get caught up in the world of acquiring knowledge. We become obsessed about knowing everything without actually doing anything. A very seductive trap, but a trap nonetheless. One that will only ever lead to more suffering.

All books here are fantastic sources of inspiration and knowledge. But inspiration and knowledge can only do so much. There is no substitute for action—it destroys everything.

And that's my pre-game ramble.

Here are 20 of the Best Self-Help Books for Mental Health and Wellbeing (Part Two)

Man's Search for Meaning

by Viktor E. Frankl

In a nutshell, this is an account of Frankyl's time in a Nazi death camp. Not necessarily focussed on the horror experienced daily, the emphasis is more on the psychological journey and how he found meaning in his suffering, which ultimately gave him the strength to persevere.

A key takeaway is there will always be suffering, but you get to choose what meaning you assign to it, which is critical when pursuing freedom.

To say he delivers a profoundly powerful message is an understatement. This book is a classic for a very good reason.

File it under: The Classic.

Buy it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/31EY72A

Jump: One Girl’s Search For Meaning

by Daniella Moyles.

One word: Exceptional. I just finished it and think it is my favourite read of the year, reaffirming my belief the best books are all story-based accounts, as told by the author.

I saw a quote once that read, "anything but raw authenticity is a fucking waste of time," and my God, does this book stay true to that. Not only is it exceptionally well written, but it's also a masterclass in authenticity, which — let’s be honest — is very refreshing with so much fake authenticity out there today.

The first chapter is a good introduction. The second chapter blows the fucking roof off. Moyles then continues this trajectory while documenting her personal account of panic and anxiety and everything that goes along with as she strives to find meaning from it all.

File it under: Inspirational Storytelling.

Buy it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3mjpBmb

Healing Your Attachment Wounds: How to Create Deep and Lasting Intimate Relationships

by Dianne Pool Heller Ph.D

Ah, attachment theory. I suspect I'm not the only one who hates it? This shit goes right to the core of you.

If you haven't heard of attachment theory, you're probably best remaining blissfully ignorant. But as we are suckers for punishment, it was hypothesized by British psychologist John Bowlby in 1950, and concerns itself with emotional attachment between humans, formed from our early relationship with our parents.

There are four main types of attachment. The only desirable one is secure attachment, and if you are reading this, the likelihood of you being secure, I'm sorry to say, is pretty slim. That means you are either anxious-preoccupied, dismissive-avoidant, or fearful-avoidant.

As we grow into adults and end up in relationships that don't seem to pan out as Hollywood predicted, attachment theory will certainly help you understand why.

Trust me, when you find out, you're going to want to fix it. And praise the lord because all hope is not lost, you can take steps to move towards secure attachment. That's why you should read this book. Enjoy.

File it under: I Did Not Sign Up For This Shit.

Buy it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3dYV3TW

As a Man Thinketh

by James Allen

Originally published in 1903, this bad boy is the OG of self-help. Based on the principle you are what you think, Allen explains how our character, identity, ability, and success are all determined by the thoughts in our minds.

It’s not The Secret or some new-age spiritual bullshit where if you want a Ferrari, all you have to do is ask the universe for it, and — abracadabra — there it is in all is glory with a big red bow on it.

The ethos is very much around our ability to shape our thoughts to improve our lives. And it shows you how in a very inspiring way.

This book packs a punch. What I love most is it’s only 61 pages and simple to read. So you can go back and read it often to help keep you on course. Take it with a pinch of salt, and it has the potential to be very powerful, indeed.

File it under: The OG.

Buy it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3oqBYP0

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

What a legend Bessel Van Der Kolk is. He comes across as so genuine and sincere. And my God, is he accomplished. This book is incredible. It is also, without a doubt, the toughest read on the list. The subject is trauma, after all.

A must for anyone looking to better understand trauma or for anyone who has experienced trauma and doesn’t fully understand its impact.

Personally, I would be selective in the chapters I read. You do not need to approach it chronologically. Cherry-pick the chapters you believe are going to impact you the most, and take it from there.

File it under: Essential Trauma Reading

Buy it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/37KSuDF

Love In, Love Out: A Compassionate Approach to Parenting Your Anxious Child

by Dr Malie Coyne

I must admit, I haven’t had the pleasure of reading this one yet. But I did have the pleasure of interviewing Dr Coyne, and she is amazing. Not to mention the work she does is incredible.

More importantly, the message, wisdom, and tips offered in this book can be a complete gamechanger for so many underserved parents out there who might be struggling with their own anxiety or have an anxious child whom they have no clue how to help.

File it under: Essential Reading for Parents.

Buy it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3mqx0Af

Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships

by Marshall B. Rosenberg

As stated on the cover, much of how we communicate could be considered violent. Obviously, this isn’t great, especially in our relationships, when communicating with those that matter most.

NVC is an extremely practical book that is easy to navigate with lots of strategies to improve your communication for better relationships.

File it under: Your Communication Bible

Buy it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3opVxag

The Inflamed Mind: A Radical New Approach to Depression

by Edward Bullmore

For such a dense and — you know — depressing subject, this book is a bit of a page turner. It provides lots of interesting anecdotal stories throughout, all the while examining the link between inflammation and depression and the potential for a new exciting treatment, which is something we haven’t seen since the birth of Prozac.

File it under: Hope for a Brighter Future

Buy it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2TcpXhK

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

by James Clear

No other book on the subject comes close to this bad boy. James Clear is quite simply, the master of habit.

So many of us struggle to break bad habits and routines that are negatively impacting our health. In this book, Clear breaks down all the science in a practical and easy-to-understand manner, ensuring you know exactly what to do to adopt new habits into your life for a healthier, happier future.

File it under: Essential Reading

Buy it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2HrMGo5

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art

by James Nestor

The consequences of breathing incorrectly, as it turns out, can be pretty catastrophic. And while there is nothing more essential to our health than air, it seems we’ve lost our ability to breathe correctly somehow somewhere along the way.

Nestor brings you along on a fascinating journey unraveling the science of breath, and ultimately, guiding you to a place where you will be breathing better for a longer, happier, healthier, and more prosperous life.

File it under: The Power of Breath

Buy it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2HrMGo5

Get Out of My Head: Inspiration for Overthinkers in an Anxious World

by Meredith Arthur

Currently being translated into many different languages, if you are an overthinker who appreciates the arts, then this little gem of a book is for you.

Packed with beautiful illustrations, Arthur provides you lots of guidance and inspiration, as well as soothing techniques to help you move through the traps of overthinking, all the while maintaining a light and upbeat tone throughout.

File it under: Your Pocket-Sized Buddy

Buy it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2HErx9W

The 5 Second Rule: Transform your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage

by Mel Robbins

I found this book excellent. It's almost too positive for me, but it's not. If you know what I mean? Of course, you don't. I don't know what I mean.

The science behind it is fascinating. And the delivery is uplifting and pleasant. It also inspires you to play with your fears and take action, which can only be a good thing.

I'll put it this way: I doubt many struggling with anxiety won't be inspired to take action for having read this. And really, everything we need to do for change is found in action.

File it under: Feelgood Inspiration

Buy it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Hw9sL0.

And that's all he wrote. If you missed part one, be sure to catch it here.

Oh my God, I forgot David Goggins, Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds.

To be filed under unbelievable inspirational storytelling. It's so so good.

Crap, I cannot forget my buddy, Melissa Drake’s heartwarming tale of how she found reprieve from the grips of depression through dance.