December’s theme centers on mental health, an essential aspect of overall well-being that shapes how individuals think, feel, work, and connect with others. The World Health Organization defines good mental health as a state that enables people to cope with life’s stresses, realize their abilities, learn effectively, and contribute to their communities. Like physical health, mental health exists on a spectrum, and challenges in this area can significantly affect daily life.
With more than a billion people worldwide living with a mental health condition (and one in five adults in the United States experiencing mental illness each year) understanding mental health is both urgent and necessary. Engaging with research, personal narratives, and clinical perspectives helps reduce stigma, strengthens empathy, and supports more informed approaches to care.
This month’s collection offers resources that illuminate the complexity of mental health and encourage thoughtful, compassionate conversation. Explore these works to deepen your understanding and reflect on the role mental well-being plays in our shared experiences.
Each month, "Discover & Discuss" presents a fresh theme designed to inform, inspire, and connect our community with a curated selection of books and digital resources that invite deeper thinking and dialogue.
Special thanks to our Materials Processing Coordinator, Leah Zande, for compiling this list. Feature image by Ümit Bulut on Unsplash.
The Balanced Brain: The Science of Mental Health
Nord, Camilla (2024)
There are many routes to mental well-being. In this groundbreaking book, neuroscientist Camilla Nord offers a fascinating tour of the scientific developments that are revolutionising the way we think about mental health, showing why and how events—and treatments—can affect people in such different ways.
In "The Balanced Brain," Nord explains how our brain constructs our sense of mental health—actively striving to maintain balance in response to our changing circumstances. While a mentally healthy brain deals well with life’s turbulence, poor mental health results when the brain struggles with disruption. But just what is the brain trying to balance? Nord describes the foundations of mental health in the brain—from the neurobiology of pleasure, pain and desire to the role of mood-mediating chemicals like dopamine, serotonin and opioids. She then pivots to interventions, revealing how antidepressants, placebos and even recreational drugs work; how psychotherapy changes brain chemistry; and how the brain and body interact to make us feel physically (as well as mentally) healthy. Along the way, Nord explains how the seemingly small things we use to lift our moods—a piece of chocolate, a walk, a chat with a friend—work on the same pathways in our brains as the latest treatments for mental health disorders.
Understanding the cause of poor mental health is one of the crucial questions of our time. But the answer is unique to each of us, and it requires finding what helps our brains rebalance and thrive. With so many factors at play, there are more possibilities for recovery and resilience than we might think. - Publisher's Description
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Student Stress in Higher Education
Aloka, Peter (2023)
In the realm of higher education, the journey to academic success is often accompanied by an array of challenges, particularly in the form of stress and its profound impact on mental health. The multifaceted nature of these challenges, stemming from a variety of factors, has sparked significant interest among scholars and educators alike. Student Stress in Higher Education delves into the intricate interplay between stressors, coping mechanisms, and the psychological well-being of students within higher education institutions. This book addresses a conspicuous gap in existing literature, meticulously examining the dimensions of stress uniquely experienced in higher education settings. The chapters contained within illuminate various facets of this complex issue. From the barriers obstructing effective stress management to the gender disparities in mental health experiences, each chapter dissects a critical aspect of the overarching theme.
The insights garnered from these chapters hold potential to reshape institutional approaches to mental health awareness and support. This book serves as a beacon of knowledge for a diverse readership. Scholars seeking to explore the nuanced landscape of student well-being will find this volume to be an indispensable resource. Administrators and counselors entrusted with the welfare of students will discover pragmatic approaches to aid students in acclimating to the challenges of higher education. From gender-specific stress manifestations to the intricacies of institutional mental health provision, this book delivers a holistic perspective. - Publisher's Description
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Mental Health, Racism, and Contemporary Challenges of Being Black in America
Norris, Donna; Primm, Annelle (2023)
Collected in a single volume for the first time, the writings in this novel anthology represent more than four decades of perspectives from the American Psychiatric Association's Solomon Carter Fuller Award lectures, named for the first Black psychiatrist in the United States. The chapter authors—Solomon Carter Fuller awardees themselves, psychiatrists building on the work of previous awardees, and other scholar experts—offer a multidisciplinary, cross-sectional examination of both the historical and contemporary environments that inform the Black experience in the United States.
Emphasizing the real challenges that Black communities have faced and continue to face, each chapter also offers reasons for perseverance in the face of adversity. Readers will come away with a better understanding of the complexity of the Black experience in America and its impact on mental health, as well as a greater awareness of and appreciation for the legacy and ongoing contributions of Black psychiatric leaders to the field. - Publisher's Description
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Mental Health Challenges in Academia: Stressors Faced by Students & Faculty
Kurebwa, Jeffrey (2025)
Mental health challenges in academia are prevalent but often overlooked aspects of education. Students, researchers, and faculty face pressure to perform, publish, and compete in a demanding and often isolating environment. The pursuit of academic excellence, while rewarding, can come at the cost of well-being, with high rates of anxiety, depression, burnout, and imposter syndrome reported across all levels of academic institutions. As awareness of these issues grows, it is crucial to examine the systemic and cultural factors that contribute to poor mental health in academia and explore meaningful solutions to support students and faculty navigating its challenges.
"Mental Health Challenges in Academia: Stressors Faced by Students and Faculty" explores mental health issues prevalent in academic settings, such as anxiety, depression, and burnout. It provides insights into the unique stressors faced by students and faculty, fostering a deeper understanding of the academic environment's impact on mental health. This book covers topics such as grief counseling, social media, and work-life balance, and is a useful resource for business owners, educators, psychologists, sociologists, academicians, researchers, and scientists. - Publisher's Description
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21st Century Media & Female Mental Health: Profitable Vulnerability & Sad Girl Culture
Thelandersson, Fredrika (2023)
This open access book examines the conversations around gendered mental health in contemporary Western media culture. While early 21st century-media was marked by a distinct focus on happiness, productivity and success, during the 2010s negative feelings and discussions around mental health have become increasingly common in that same media landscape.
This book traces this turn to sadness in women’s media culture and shows that it emerged indirectly as a result of a culture overtly focused on happiness. By tracing the coverage of mental health issues in magazines, among female celebrities, and on social media this book shows how an increasingly intimate media environment has made way for a profitable vulnerability, that takes the shape of marketable and brand-friendly mental illness awareness that strengthens the authenticity of those who embrace it. But at the same time sad girl cultures are proliferating on social media platforms, creating radically honest spaces where those who suffer get support, and more capacious ways of feeling bad are formed. Using discourse analysis and digital ethnography to study contemporary representations of mental illness and sadness in Western popular media and social media, this book takes a feminist media studies approach to popular discourse, understanding the conversations happening around mental health in these sites to function as scripts for how to think about and experience mental illness and sadness. - Publisher's Description
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Mental Health, Disability, & Combating Marginalization in Education
Phasha, Nareadi Tlakale (2025)
Mental health and disability remain connected to issues of marginalization in education, shaping the experiences and outcomes of students. Despite growing awareness, learners with mental health challenges or disabilities often face systemic barriers, including stigma, inadequate support services, and exclusionary practices that limit their participation in academic life. These challenges increase due to factors like race, socioeconomic status, and gender identity, further marginalizing vulnerable populations. Addressing these disparities requires a commitment to inclusive education that acknowledges the diverse needs of students while working to dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequality and exclusion.
"Mental Health, Disability, and Combating Marginalization in Education" explores how mental health and disability intersect with educational inequities, highlighting the systemic barriers that marginalize affected students. It examines strategies and policies that create more inclusive, supportive, and equitable learning environments. This book covers topics such as special education, accessibility services, and mental health, and is a useful resource for sociologists, educators, policymakers, academicians, researchers, and scientists. - Publisher's Description
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Smartphone Addiction, Phone Snubbing, & Effects on Interpersonal Relationships and Mental Health
Chandan, Harish Chandra (2025)
In today's digitally connected world, smartphone addiction has become a pervasive issue, impacting interpersonal relationships and mental health. As people become dependent on their devices, the constant stream of notifications and social media interactions often leads to phone snubbing, an act where individuals prioritize their phones over face-to-face communication with those around them. This behavior diminishes the quality of relationships while contributing to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. The constant need for digital validation and the fear of missing out (FOMO) have created a cycle of dependence that interferes with meaningful human connections and personal well-being. As smartphone use continues to dominate daily life, understanding the psychological effects of these behaviors and finding ways to balance digital communication with authentic, in-person interactions is crucial.
"Smartphone Addiction, Phone Snubbing, and Effects on Interpersonal Relationships and Mental Health" explores the psychosocial factors that lead to problematic use of technology. It examines the potential risk factors for pathological smartphone use, connections between social media addiction, FOMO, personality traits, and phubbing behaviors, and effects on interpersonal relationships and mental health. This book covers topics such as digital communication, phone addiction, and social media, and is a useful resource for computer engineers, sociologists, psychologists, data scientists, academicians, and researchers. - Publisher's Description
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The Climate Change Crisis & Its Impact on Mental Health
Samanta, Debabrata; Garg, Muskan (2024)
Amidst the issues of our changing climate, a critical yet often overlooked concern comes to the forefront-the profound impact on mental health. As our planet experiences shifts in temperature and ecosystems teeter on the brink, a silent crisis takes root, woven into the fabric of our collective well-being.
"The Climate Change Crisis" lays bare the extensive consequences of environmental upheaval on the human psyche, transcending scientific debates and policy discussions. No longer confined to abstract notions, climate change emerges as an omnipresent force, shaping not only landscapes but profoundly affecting the mental resilience of individuals and communities. This urgent challenge resonates through the pages of The Climate Change Crisis and Its Impact on Mental Health, which acts as a guiding resource for academic scholars navigating the path toward holistic solutions. In the relentless face of climate change, awareness becomes a potent tool for change. This book illuminates the unseen toll on mental well-being, underscoring the direct and indirect psychological impacts of environmental shifts. It delves into the ethical and economic dimensions, amplifying the urgency for comprehensive solutions. Moreover, it not only examines the challenges but also provides a roadmap for mitigation and adaptation. It empowers scholars to delve into topics like disaster response, resource scarcity, and climate-induced migration, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities at play. - Publisher's Description
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Revolutionizing Youth Mental Health with Ethical AI
Chatterjee, Sharmistha; Dindarian, Azadeh; Rengaraju, Usha (2025)
This book is your comprehensive guide into the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and youth mental health. It aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI technology and its transformative potential in addressing youth mental health challenges.
The book's content is structured into three key parts, each focusing on different facets of AI applications in youth mental health. The first part provides a comprehensive background on the current state of youth mental health, analyzing the prevalence of mental health issues and identifying the unique challenges faced by the digital generation. In the second part, we explore the foundational principles of AI and its potential for revolutionizing mental health care, including natural language processing, machine learning, and predictive analytics. In this section, you will find in-depth case studies and real-world applications that showcase how AI-driven interventions have already transformed mental health care for youth across diverse contexts. Finally, the third part delves into ethical considerations, fairness, privacy concerns, and the responsible integration of AI in youth mental health care to design long-term sustainable solutions.
This book offers a unique and holistic perspective, making it an indispensable resource for anyone passionate about leveraging AI for the betterment of youth mental health. Through this book, you will gain the knowledge and tools needed to design and implement effective AI-driven solutions that have the potential to transform the mental health landscape for the benefit of future generations. - Publisher's Description
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The College Student's Guide to Mental Health: Essential Wellness Strategies for Flourishing in College
Nosanow, Mia (2024)
While being in college can be an exciting time, it can also be a period of uncertainty, anxiety, loneliness, and even depression. "The College Student’s Guide to Mental Health" is for any college student who wants to understand and maintain mental and emotional health.
Mia Nosanow, a licensed psychologist and college therapist, has drawn upon her more than twenty years of direct experience counseling a diverse college student body to write a comprehensive mental and emotional health manual designed specifically for college students.
Presented in clear, practical language and organized in short chapters, this book breaks down common problems and provides actionable strategies for addressing them. Whether students want to understand challenging emotions, transform negative thoughts, improve relationships, or explore the connection between time management and mental health, these topics and more can be found in this one book — a valuable tool for college students as well as the families and professionals who support them. - Publisher's Description
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Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace: A Practical Guide for Employers and Employees
Hasson, Gill; Butler, Donna (2020)
The importance of good mental health and wellbeing in the workplace is a subject of increased public awareness and governmental attention. The Department of Health advises that one in four people will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives. Although a number of recent developments and initiatives have raised the profile of this crucial issue, employers are experiencing challenges in promoting the mental health and wellbeing of their employees. "Mental Health & Wellbeing in the Workplace" contains expert guidance for improving mental health and supporting those experiencing mental ill health.
This comprehensive book addresses the range of issues surrounding mental health and wellbeing in work environments – providing all involved with informative and practical assistance. Authors Gill Hasson and Donna Butler examine changing workplace environment for improved wellbeing, shifting employer and employee attitudes on mental health, possible solutions to current and future challenges and more. Detailed, real-world case studies illustrate a variety of associated concerns from both employer and employee perspectives. - Publisher's Description
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How to Grieve What We've Lost: Evidence-based Skills to Process Grief & Reconnect with What Matters
Harris, Russ; Kennedy, Alexandra; Kumar, Sameet; Williams, Mary Beth; Poijula, Soili (2024)
Grief comes in many forms. You may grieve a loved one who has passed on, a romantic relationship which has ended, the loss of a job you loved, or even a place you used to go that no longer exists or has changed. You may also be dealing with another kind of loss—a sense of who you are and how you can live your life in an increasingly uncertain and changed world. But what if you could transform your grief into lasting positive growth?
Featuring excerpts from the authors’ previously published works, "How to Grieve What We’ve Lost" offers effective therapeutic tools based in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and more. In the book, you’ll find strategies for immediate relief, including present-moment awareness and mindful breathing. You’ll learn to create a safe sanctuary for your grief, so you can honor your feelings and give them the space they deserve. And you’ll discover ways to create a support network, give voice to your sorrow, and share your humanity with others. - Publisher's Description
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Assessing & Treating Behavioral Addictions
Johnson, Rommel; Mwangi, Reuben (2025)
Behavioral addictions like gambling and compulsive sexual behavior have been increasingly recognized as serious mental health disorders in the psychology community. Unlike substance related addictions, these disorders involve a compulsive engagement in rewarding behavior despite the consequences. As awareness grows, so is the need for accurate assessment tools and effective treatment strategies tailored to the unique nature of behavioral addictions.
"Assessing and Treating Behavioral Addictions" explores the spectrum of behavioral disorders and discusses the use of counseling. This book discusses behavioral addictions and deeper commitment to treatments. Covering topics such as gambling, behavioral addiction, and mental health, this book is an excellent resource for psychiatrists, psychologies, therapists, researchers, educators, academicians, and more. - Publisher's Description
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Mental Health Virtual Reality: The Power of Immersive Worlds
Stone, Jessica (2025)
"MHVR: The Power of Immersive Worlds" is an expansive and highly insightful exploration into the integration of virtual reality (VR) within the spectrum of mental health offerings. This book is not merely a collection of research and examples; it is a journey through the evolution of VR, tracing its origins from visionary fiction to a substantial, transformative tool in mental health therapy.
Written in a modular format with case studies included throughout, this book features contributions from well-known names in the fields of mental health and technology.
"MHVR: The Power of Immersive Worlds" earns a well-deserved spot on the bookshelves of all mental health professionals seeking state-of-the-art knowledge to help improve patient outcomes, as well as all curious individuals seeking to understand more about the latest VR developments and how they can be used to change the world for the better. - Publisher's Description
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The Sage Handbook of Addiction Psychology
Franken, Ingmar; Wiers, Reinout; Witkiewitz, Katie (2024)
"The Sage Handbook of Addiction Psychology" presents a comprehensive overview of the state of the science behind the psychology of addiction, offering a crucial resource for psychologists engaged in both research and practice.
The Handbook features a distinguished international group of contributors, all renowned specialists in their respective fields and emphasizes a forward-looking perspective. Chapters delve into psychological theories of addiction and evidence-based addiction treatment, offering practical insights on the intricacies of addiction psychology.
The handbook takes a holistic approach by incorporating neighbouring fields traditionally outside of psychology; it explores economics, genetics, public health, neurobiology, computer science, and sociology, recognizing that psychology and individual-centered perspectives are just one facet of addiction. This multifaceted approach ensures that readers gain a broad understanding of the psychology of addiction, fostering a comprehensive and nuanced comprehension of this complex subject.
With Substance Use Disorders ranking among the most prevalent mental health concerns globally, this handbook, designed from the ground up for students and researchers, is an essential resource for those seeking a deep understanding of the field of addiction psychology. - Publisher's Description
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Why We Worry: A Sociological Explanation
Paulsen, Roland (2025)
Something must have changed in society. We weren’t always this worried. Not always caught up in disastrous scenarios in our minds. What is this nagging voice in our head? Why won’t it stop, and why are we so fixated on it?
In "Why We Worry," Roland Paulsen paints a broad picture of the cultural variations and historical evolution of anxiety. Through this lens, he invites readers to explore the paradox of how material wealth has enriched our lives in every aspect except one: our mental well-being.
This book offers empirically grounded insights into the sociological underpinnings of issues relating to worry. As such, it is suitable for undergraduate students in psychology, sociology, and medicine – and anyone who has ever been trapped in rumination. - Publisher's Description
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Gender-Affirming Psychiatric Care
Goetz, Teddy; Keuroghlian, Alex (2023)
Integrating cutting-edge neuroscience, clinical research, best practices, mental health systems design, and mental health policy, "Gender-Affirming Psychiatric Care" is the first textbook in the field to provide an affirming, intersectional, and evidence-informed approach to caring for transgender, non-binary, and/or gender-expansive (TNG) people.
Contributors offer an expert view from fields that include psychiatry, psychology, social work, nursing, pharmacy, public health, law, business, community activism, and more. And because each of the 26 chapters features at least one TNG author, wisdom gleaned from lived experience bolsters the professional perspective provided throughout the book.
"Gender Affirming Psychiatric Care" is a rigorous—and timely—resource. It is indispensable for mental health and primary care clinicians looking to deliver evidence-informed and affirming care for TNG patients, and it is informative for neuroscientists and clinical researchers seeking to better understand translational frameworks linking scientific research, gender-affirming clinical practice, and mental health policy. - Publisher's Description
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Breakthrough: A Story of Hope, Resilience & Mental Health Recovery
Hankir, Ahmed Zakaria (2024)
In "Breakthrough: A Story of Hope, Resilience and Mental Health Recovery," World Health Organization Award Winning psychiatrist, former psychiatric patient and mental health advocate Dr. Ahmed Hankir delivers a unique and powerful insight into mental health and wellness, mental illness, mental health treatment, and the culture surrounding mental health by tracing his own personal recovery journey from impoverished and shunned psychiatric patient, to becoming an NHS Consultant psychiatrist. In the book you'll explore many of the issues currently dominating the discussion of mental health and illness, including the impacts of poverty, unemployment, the cost of living crisis, homelessness, addictions, the use of medication to treat mental illness, the widespread prevalence of stigma, discrimination and racism in mental health and much more.
"Breakthrough" is a resource of hope and a companion for people suffering in silence who feel isolated and disconnected from society. It will also be of interest to mental health practitioners, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counsellors, addictions specialists, carers and clients. The take home messages are clear: living with a mental health condition is nothing to be ashamed about and, with the right support, recovery is a reality for the many and not the few. - Publisher's Description
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Stand Tall, Little Girl: Facing Up to Anorexia
Virgo, Hope (2023)
For four years, Hope managed to keep it hidden, keeping dark secrets from friends and family. But then, on 17th November 2007, Hope's world changed forever. She was admitted to a mental health hospital. Her skin was yellowing, her heart was failing. She was barely recognizable. Forced to leave her family and friends, the hospital became her home. Over the next year, at her lowest ebb, Hope faced the biggest challenge of her life. She had to find the courage to beat her anorexia.
In "Stand Tall Little Girl," Hope shares her harrowing, yet truly inspiring, journey. Through her letters and diary entries, Hope tells us how she fought from rock bottom to beat the ‘friend’ that had controlled and nearly destroyed her life. The story of Hope's recovery will inspire countless others. - Publisher's Description
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Shiny Happy Person: Finding the Sun Between Clouds of Depression
Cox, Terri (2024)
Young, talented, intelligent, and with a thriving social life, on the surface Terri Cox had it all. But deep down in her mind a storm was brewing, and a series of life-changing events were about to unfold in quick succession that would send her spiralling into a full mental breakdown.Over the next few weeks and months, Terri was tormented by panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, bouts of insomnia, crippling headaches, severe weight loss and horrific side effects from antidepressants. Fearful of large crowds and ashamed of admitting what was happening to her, she did her best to hide away and shut herself off from society.Wracked with despair and suffering from hallucinations, Terri was taken by her family to the local A&E. When she was discharged, they desperately sought the help of a local psychotherapist.
Using a highly effective and innovative form of psychotherapy, Terri was able to revisit the traumas of her past in order to understand the workings of her mind in the present. Slowly but surely, she was able to fight back and find that shiny, happy person that she'd always been before. - Publisher's Description
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