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NSHN Forum Support & On Topic Forums. Some additional boards are viewable to members only => Survivor Room => Topic started by: lainey on September 24, 2007, 09:30:44 AM

Title: Books that you have found to help
Post by: lainey on September 24, 2007, 09:30:44 AM
Someone mentioned a list about books that have helped people, Please let others know if you have read anything that you have found useful in the road of recovery.


Bloodletting- Victoria leatham

'Victoria leathem takes us to the world of selfharming behaviours, one that can be occupied by princess to poor university students.'*

*Bloodletting victoria Leatham, foreward by professor Gordon Parker, executive director, Black dog institute
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The Courage to Heal- Ellen Bass & laura Davis isbn 0-09-188420-9

A guide for women survivors of child sexual Abuse.
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Coping with Anxiety And depression- Shirley Trickett  isbn 0-85969-762-2

Shirley Trickett understands the havoc that depression and anxiety can cause in your life, and how powerless they can make you feel.
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Self Esteem- Gael Lindenfield isbn 0-7225-4007-8

Simple Steps to Develop Self-worth and Heal Emotional Wounds.


Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Jess on September 24, 2007, 02:08:00 PM
'A Bright Red Scream' by Marilee Strong: A research piece which includes real life accounts/experiences of people who SH.

'Prozac Nation' by Elizabeth Wurtzel: Account of the author's fight with depression.

'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath: Novel focusing on Plath's character Esther Greenwood, story is actually about Plath's own fight with depression but is written as a novel rather than autobiographical.

'Wasted' by Marya Hornbacher: Account of author's struggle with Bulimia/Anorexia and her hospitalisation/recovery from ED.

'Alice in the Looking Glass - A mother & daughter's experience of Anorexia' by Alice & Jo Kingsley: Book is separated into 2 parts told from the perspective of Alice (sufferer) and her mum, makes a change to read both 'sides' of the illness.

'Girl, Interrupted' by Susanna Kaysen: Account of kaysen's hospitalisation for BPD.

'The Trick is to Keep Breathing' by Janice Galloway: Short book on Depression, focusing on the characters depression triggered by grief.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: pohelia on September 24, 2007, 03:26:55 PM
An Unquiet Mind - Kay Redfield Jamison - one woman's struggle with Manic Depression

More, Now, Again - Elizabeth Wurtzel - sequel to Prozac Nation, covers more of Wurtzel's depression and also her drug habbit which developed from this.

Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: icklechick on September 24, 2007, 07:16:29 PM
An Unquiet Mind - insight into manic depression

Get Me Out Of Here - Rachel Reiland - recovery from BPD

(I personally don't like Courage to Heal)

But I did like "The Little Prisoner" - Jane Elliott (sexual abuse)
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Reeta on September 24, 2007, 07:27:21 PM
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cutting-Out-Journey-Psychotherapy-Self-harm/dp/1843102668/ref=sr_1_1/026-7377629-2034813?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190658329&sr=1-1

cutting it out, it was written by an ex or current member, i cant remember!

Anyway I read it and thought that my counsellor woud find it useful, a year later, my last session I got it back.

The counselling service has their own copy after they all read it.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: laura81 on September 30, 2007, 01:27:54 PM
Sunbathing in the rain x
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: purplefiona on October 02, 2007, 12:40:20 PM
Sunbathing in the rain is a BRILLIANT book. Its by Gwyneth Lewis and its http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sunbathing-Rain-Gwyneth-Lewis/dp/0007120621/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/026-6654932-6101215?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1191325071&sr=8-2 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sunbathing-Rain-Gwyneth-Lewis/dp/0007120621/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/026-6654932-6101215?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1191325071&sr=8-2)

I also find SARK's books helpful, they have such lovely titles as "eating mangoes naked" :)

most of the standard books are helpful, like the "coping with........" black and white series.

x
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: icklechick on October 03, 2007, 01:32:27 PM
"Emotional Intelligence" (can't remember author)
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Paradox on October 04, 2007, 11:39:26 AM
^^ Daniel Goleman. He also wrote one called Destructive Emotions which is a blend of science and buddhism (with contributions from the Delai Lama) - very thought provoking, but not a 'light' read - requires concentration!

I also like They F*** You Up by Oliver James. It's quite controversial in that James argues that most mental health problems are a direct result of environmental factors rather than down to biology. In particular, he pinpoints family relationships as being the main contributing factor in mental disorder - however, it's not a book about 'blaming' other people for our problems. Rather, it's about coming to understand our role in what he calls the 'family drama' and so understanding why we are the way we are, and finally, taking responsibility to change the things we don't like in ourselves. It's not a light read either, but it'll make you think. Even if you firmly believe mental health problems are rooted in biology, you'll find it difficult to argue against the weight of evidence he provides.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Alex on October 09, 2007, 09:42:02 PM
Get Me Out Of Here - Rachel Reiland - recovery from BPD

One of the only books i have read that is actually hopefull. i read it in two days and refur to it regually. Inspirationaly!
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: riot-grrrl on October 17, 2007, 07:28:22 PM
i definately second jess's reccomendation of :
The trick is to keep breathing - janice galloway
the bell jar - sylvia plath
prozac nation - elizabeth qurtzel (though she can be a little annoying sometimes!!)

also really reccomend b**** rules by elizabeth wurtzel

Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: flame on October 26, 2007, 08:19:05 PM
Just looked in my bookcase!

'Cutting' by Steven Levenkron; - this is my favourite
'Red Tears' by Joanna Kenrick;
'A note on Madness' by Tabitha suzuma; - novel about bipolar if I remember correctly but interesting read
'Sickened' by Julie Gregory;
'Don't ever Tell' by Kathy O'Beirne;
'Cut' by Patricia McCormick;
'Secret Scars' by V.J. Turner;
'In Search of Adam' by Caroline Smailes;
'Growing up a Drunk Girl' by Koren Zailckas; - very good book about a girl who is an alcoholic
'The Little Prisoner' by Jane Elliot;
'Skin Game' by Caroline Kettlewell
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: riot-grrrl on November 07, 2007, 05:06:08 PM
http://www.mhsanctuary.com/books/smbooks.htm

check out this huge list
xxx
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: aurora on November 07, 2007, 10:44:05 PM
Not necessarily from a sh point of view.
But Torey Hayden's books i've found to help. i don't really know why but they show stuff that goes on in our lives from a professional point of view and they also, to me, show that out there there are some professionals that do care. It's not just a job to her she really does love her kids etc.
It kinda makes me have a small amount of hope.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Hayez on November 07, 2007, 10:52:37 PM
have to agree with thsi one

'A Bright Red Scream' by Marilee Strong: A research piece which includes real life accounts/experiences of people who SH.

Louise L Hay helped me massively here "you can heal your life" was the best book for recover.

I read bright read scream recently as i began to understand more what i used to do and why
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: riot-grrrl on November 08, 2007, 06:08:47 PM
I personally didnt like bright red scream, but maybe thats just because my mum gave it to me to read, and i jus couldnt bare too..

I have just got a book out the library and so far its great.

"Sometimes i act crazy" Living with Borderline Personality Disorder
Jerold J. Kreisman and Hal Strous
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Louise on November 08, 2007, 06:18:00 PM
One book my dad recommends is

"I hate you Don't Leave me" by Jerold J. Kreisman

It's essentially a guide for the loved ones of those who suffer from BPD. He bought it after a professional gave me that unofficial disgnosis many moons ago and I decided to read it myself recently. It's a good starting point for anyone who is pretty clueless about the illness and personally I thought it articulated very perceptively what goes on in the mind of someone with BPD - it's highly recommended by my dad anyway, he reckons it was really helpful without talking down to him at all.

Apparently the treatments etc it mentions are considered a bit dated now, but as I was lucky enough to escape official diagnosis I do not know how true this is. Anyway it's worth reading - just the title gives an insight as to how good it is in my opinon :;):
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: riot-grrrl on November 08, 2007, 06:22:18 PM
just a brief note,
the book Louise just mentioned, i hate you don't leave me, was the first book by Kreisman, 'sometimes i act crazy' is the follow up. I havnt read his first one, but apparently it can seem a little negative at times, not giving the borderline a great prognosis for the future, but in 'sometimes i act crazy' treatment options are considered carefully and it offers a much more optimistic outlook, which is nice!
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: pohelia on November 08, 2007, 07:06:32 PM
I haven't read the secone but have read the first (I hate you...) and would recommend it, it's given me a huge insight into BPD and made me fully understand what it is I may be branded with in the near future. I wouldn't say it's overly negative but I guess that depends upon the reader. I'm definitely going to check up the follow up now! Thanks RG
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Feebee on November 09, 2007, 12:26:27 PM
Wonderful book I've just finished reading.  It's called Tuk Tuk to the Road by Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent and Jo Huxster  It's their story  -  2 girls, 3 wheels covering 12,500 miles.  The book tells their story of their travels in a tuk tuk from Bangkok to Brighton raising money for the chairty MIND. 

Jo has had serious mental health problems in the past and self-harmed really badly.  Ants her friend although having suffered from depression herself, never quite had the problems that Jo had and was also never admitted into hospital.  However their friendship and support of each other resulted in them doing the almost impossible task of travelling in once of the most uncomfortable vehicles known to man - a tuk, tuk for miles and miles to raise money and awareness of mental health issues.

It's a truly great book  -  very inspiring and I would recommend it to anyone wanting something a little different to read - combined with some good humour too. 
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: riot-grrrl on November 09, 2007, 06:21:44 PM
that sounds great feebee!  :hug1:

Incase it hasnt already been mentioned, The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is such a classic.
Also, if you like poetry check out, her collection called Ariel. Also, anne sexton's 'all my pretty ones' is brilliant
xx
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: aurora on November 09, 2007, 08:15:29 PM
Incase it hasnt already been mentioned, The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is such a classic.

i am in love with this book.
i read it all the time. My copy is falling apart.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: riot-grrrl on November 24, 2007, 04:19:07 PM
Ive just finished reading 'get me out of here' rachel reiland, following a reccomendation on here, and i really enjoyed it. definately reccomend it for any other BPD sufferers out there
x
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Thrin on November 24, 2007, 11:01:27 PM
I haven't read that many books on this that haven't been condescending or simplistic, but A Bright Red Scream is good. Also +lots for The Bell Jar. Everyone in the whole world should read that book, whether they know about depression or not.

I hated Prozac Nation. I've never read a book where the main character/voice is so annoyingly self-obsessed in a very 'woe is me' tone. Terrible book.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: pohelia on November 25, 2007, 01:54:07 AM
personally I prefer Prozac Nation to the Bell Jar. Somehow the Bell Jar just doesn't get the overwhelming-ness of depression....however I do think Wurtzel is a likely candidate for a BPD label. The sequal to Prozac Nation (More, Now, Again) is also fab
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: riot-grrrl on November 25, 2007, 06:38:07 PM
i can see why people hate Wurtzel, she can be so annoying self obsessed, but i also kind of love the way she portrays things, she does get across the overwhelming nature of depression, and also obviously, how selfish it can sometimes make you
x
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: nakmuay on December 01, 2007, 04:20:58 AM
I've just finished reading Wurtzels 2 books. I thought they were fantastic. I found it very real. I agree RG, how it makes you very aware of your own selfishness, which i myself didn't realise I was until I took a step back.

I also loved "An uncommon dialogue" by Deborah ....? Just about this womens journey through therapy. Was brilliant. I gave it to my therapist to read. When i was reading it, it was like hearing my own therapist talking to me cos she used to say a lot of the same things to me. Great book.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Eloise on January 05, 2008, 01:35:20 PM
currently looking at which of these my county has in libraries xxx
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Gofeen on January 06, 2008, 03:40:15 AM
I agree Torey Hayden's books are brilliant. While I've never gone through the traumas her children have there are elements in all her books which could have been me. I was a teacher myself until 3-4 years agao but I can honestly say I was never as sensitive as she is.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Gofeen on January 06, 2008, 03:43:49 AM
P.S. I want to read A Bright Red Scream. I'm going to get it from Amazon tomorrow.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Sue on January 12, 2008, 06:00:39 PM
Breaking the Chains of Abuse: A Practical Guide. Sue Atkinson
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Emmie on January 12, 2008, 08:22:25 PM
Secret Survivors: Uncovering Incest and Its After-Effects in Women by Sue Blume

Thiscould be written about me and my life.  Painful to read but makes so much sense.

Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Hedgehog on January 20, 2008, 10:14:58 PM
'Growing up a Drunk Girl' by Koren Zailckas; - I was surprised how goodthis book was. Well written, touching and inspiring.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Sue on January 26, 2008, 07:19:24 PM
Borderline Personality Disorder Demystified. Robert O. Friedel. The author understands and explains the disorder- unlike the members of the medical profession I've come across in the UK.
Too late for Kate- a DVD produced by Joshua Cole for BPD World- just nice for it to be a DVD rather than reading a book for a change.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Sue on February 02, 2008, 01:47:49 PM
' No One Knows' Joshua Cole 2008.
Very inspirational and highlights how people can be viewed by services and let down. The author has BPD and suffered child abuse. He has set up a charity to support others.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Sue on February 03, 2008, 12:27:35 PM
'Get me out of here: My recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder' Rachel Reiland. Helped me to understand BPD but 4 years of seeing a therapist 2/3 times a week? I can't believe that after just talking to someone she is 'cured' and doesn't need meds.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: icklechick on February 03, 2008, 04:24:43 PM
'Get me out of here: My recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder' Rachel Reiland. Helped me to understand BPD but 4 years of seeing a therapist 2/3 times a week? I can't believe that after just talking to someone she is 'cured' and doesn't need meds.

A lot of people my T sees are "cured" without meds (and don't take as long as 4 years, and don't get 2/3 sessions a week - despite them being labelled too "fragile" for regular psychotherapy) I think it's more about being understood and listened to than meds anyway...I'm definitely making big strides (though admittedly on antidepressants too)
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: MSCL on February 11, 2008, 04:19:42 PM
The Bell Jar is one of my favourite books. Plath could articulate the most horrible feelings beautifully, it really affects you. I'd also recommend her journals for more of that in an even more personal way.

I couldn't get into Prozac Nation. It didn't bother me that she was "self obsessed", it's an autobiography after all, I just couldn't shake the feeling that she was trying to write like Sylvia Plath.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: lindameik on February 18, 2008, 11:54:08 AM
you can heal your life has helped me a great deal

lindaxxx
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Maybe? on February 18, 2008, 11:27:03 PM
one book i really enjoyed was 'the tenth circle' by jodi picoult. its fictional and i'm not sure why i found it helpful but it made me feel less alone. it was also a very good read.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Bee on March 22, 2008, 12:27:12 PM
"Healing the Hurt Within" by Jan Sutton - a factual book with accounts from people who self harm under different circumstances. It also has research based facts. She has a website too.

"Cutting It Out" by Carolyn Smith. I found this story based on real life experience of sh really easy to read and heartfelt. It is emotive, quirky and endearing and you really empathise for the main character and her battle with sh.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Kat on March 28, 2008, 05:58:30 PM
I found 'bloodletting' by Victoria Leatham really interesting, and she told her own story really well. I also liked the tenth circle, as it was a great book.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: fragment on April 01, 2008, 08:47:01 PM
SH
"Cutting" by Steven Levenkron
"The Luckiest Girl in the World" by Steven Levenkron (this one's fiction)
"Hidden Self Harm" by Maggie Turp
SA
"The Courage to Heal" sorry, the authors excape me
"Stolen Tomorrows" by Steven Levenkron (can you guess I'm a bit of a fan of his work?)
"Broken" by Shy Keenan (very tough read, may well trigger but well worth it if you're well enough)
Depression
"Malignant Sadness: Anatomy of Depression" by Lewis Wolpert
The Dummies Guide series book on depression - good introduction
ED
"Anatomy of Anorexia"
"The Best Little Girl in the World"
"Kessa" - all by Steven Levenkron
"Stick Figure" by Lori Gottlieb
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: dizzyfest on May 05, 2008, 10:05:34 AM
'A million little pieces' by James Frey
This book isn't about SH, it's about drug abuse. But the message that it gave to me was about fighting and not giving up, and that's why I think it is very good.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: dg on May 10, 2008, 08:32:07 AM
'Overcoming Anxiety' by Helen Kennerley

I was prescribed this by the CMHT. It is very informative and gives CBT techniques for you to try and apply. I've found it to be very beneficial to me and helped me make some positive steps.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: wolfie on May 17, 2008, 08:35:09 PM
CBT for Dummies.

Very, very good. Its written by 2 doctors who work in the Priory.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Lynz on June 07, 2008, 10:14:13 PM
I love 'The Pact' by Jodi Picoult, well infact I love all her books, but this one I found I could relate to abit more, and you get to see issues like suicide viewed from a different perspective, and that made me kind of happy, & gave me hope  :)
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Toxic Tears on July 11, 2008, 10:06:10 PM
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

I read this book in secondary school and had to but three copies myself because I read it that much. It's one girl's experience as she deals with a life changing event. I felt so connected with the character and gripped by the style of writing.

Neurotically yours,
boo1989
:rose:
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Shattered on July 17, 2008, 07:12:44 PM
'The stranger in the mirror' by marlene steineberg. A very good book on dissociative disorders, it's very informative and helped me to understand what i was going through.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: happy girl on July 18, 2008, 12:02:34 AM
Not on topic books,but any autobiography takes me out of my life and into someone else's,that helps
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Regsar on July 30, 2008, 07:05:21 PM
For those with a diagnosis of BPD

"The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook" by Matthew McKay, Jeffrey Brantley and Thomas Marra ISBN-10: 1572245131

Wonderful book, my CPN has used the approaches in this book with me and they have saved my life. (Slushy I know)

RS
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: goowak on July 30, 2008, 08:23:23 PM
I know they've already been listed but wanted to mention them as they've really helped me in many different ways.

Girl Interrupted - Really good book, the movie is pretty good too

Wasted - Marya Hornbacher. I've read this book twice. The first time I read it I found myself really triggered. The second time I read it I found myself so deeply touched. It was as if she was in my head. I realised that I really needed to change.

Prozac Nation - made me feel a bit desperate in parts, but on whole it was helpful


Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: thecardmaker on August 01, 2008, 07:40:26 PM
hi i have a book and its called the six pillars of self esteem
its good i would encourage any one to buy it its by nathaniel brandan
you have to order it from waterstones but its worth the wait


the card maker
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: kayw on August 01, 2008, 11:41:45 PM
i would like to recommend Veronika decides to die by Paulo Coelho. Its fictional put really spiritual as are most of his books. its quite short as well so good for readers block.


I've also just bought The Feeling Good Hanbook by David D Burns haven't read it yet but its come highly recommended.

Had no idea Girl, Interupted was a book i'm gonna look for that!
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Sue on August 13, 2008, 09:36:43 PM
Psychiatric Drugs Explained, David Healy.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: butterflys on August 19, 2008, 01:08:06 AM
i have noticed alot of ppl have mentioned elizabeth wurtzel (prozac nation, more,agin, now and b****) I love all of her books...but to all that have not read them i will warn that it could be a poss trig if your feeling fragile! just thought id warn :) x
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Sue on August 19, 2008, 12:07:00 PM
Psychiatry and the Human Condition, though I don't agree with all of it and one of the chapters is hard going in places.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: secretsquirrel on September 24, 2008, 09:51:41 PM
I find poetry books can help me in difficult times.  Just browsing through a book and finding one poem that speaks to me and expresses what i feel and cannot say makes me feel less alone and more connected to the world.   Also, when my concentration is not good, I can just chose one short poem of a few lines and that is enough.   


We Have Come Through: 100 Poems celebrating courage in overcoming depression and tragedy.

I have found this poetry book very inspiring, offering insight into despair and difficult emotions and also hope and solace.  It was published to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Survivor's Poetry (which is a network of writers groups for people who have suffered mental distress), and has a few poems written by members, as well as more famous poets of past and present.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-Come-Through-Celebrating-Overcoming/dp/1852246197 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-Come-Through-Celebrating-Overcoming/dp/1852246197)


Staying Alive:  real poems for unreal times

This is another anthology, with contemporary poems that are powerful, emotive and life-affirming, from a variety of international poets on themes such as life and death, love and loss, journeys, war and peace, body and soul.   

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Staying-Alive-Poems-Unreal-Times/dp/1852245883 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Staying-Alive-Poems-Unreal-Times/dp/1852245883)
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: riot-grrrl on November 24, 2008, 10:44:20 PM
For those with a diagnosis of BPD

"The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook" by Matthew McKay, Jeffrey Brantley and Thomas Marra ISBN-10: 1572245131

Wonderful book, my CPN has used the approaches in this book with me and they have saved my life. (Slushy I know)

RS

my therapist reccomended this to me too.
xxx
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Nixie on December 10, 2008, 11:54:50 PM
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

I read this book in secondary school and had to but three copies myself because I read it that much. It's one girl's experience as she deals with a life changing event. I felt so connected with the character and gripped by the style of writing.
speak is the most amazing book ever - although i never went through what she did. the way she feels and thinks and the way it is written i can totally relate to. that book has been read so many times by me, it helps me cry, it makes me laugh and it inspires me to carry on. i also read it in secondary school - but i would recomend anyone to read it, it may be about a teenager, but im sure quite a few people on this site can relate to alot of what she goes through. whenever i go through a bad patch, speak comes off the bookshelf. x
Title: A book about Suicide Prevention
Post by: Wolfie on March 21, 2009, 09:17:39 PM
A book on suicidal prevention

http://concernedcounseling.com/communities/Depression/related/suicide_11.asp
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: ali t on April 25, 2009, 09:25:30 PM
A fairly recent one - Scarred by Sophie Andrews - although not all the same issues as me, it kind of made me feel like I wasn't alone in what I've done
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: sparkledust on April 25, 2009, 09:27:34 PM


^ that is good


cut by cathy glass
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Bethy on April 25, 2009, 09:48:54 PM
I've recently read 'Wasted' and 'Madness' by Marya Hornbacher, both brilliant IMO. I particularly loved 'Wasted' (probably because I relate to the ED stuff rather than the Bipolar stuff in 'Madness'), she has an honest but poetic style of writing that really got to me. They're hard to read but worth it. :)
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: pudsey on July 06, 2009, 10:54:48 PM
The drama of being a child by Alice Miller. It's the book that got me to stop SH, together with CBT.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Nixie on July 09, 2009, 11:27:25 AM
*mt trig*
th1rteen r3asons why by Jay Asher. that book stopped me from killing myself about a year ago - but be warned it talks about suicide through the whole of the book.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: hay on July 10, 2009, 09:22:08 PM
out of the darkness   by linda cain

damaged   by cathy glass

 :confused:   book by josh cannon but cant remember name v good though
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Emmz on July 14, 2009, 04:58:09 PM
Get Me Out Of Here - Rachel Reiland
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Bethy on August 08, 2009, 08:24:55 PM
"Getting Better Bit(e) by Bit(e)" by Ulrike Schmidt and Janet Treasure - helpful, practical advice on breaking binge/purge cycles.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Olivia on August 08, 2009, 11:50:34 PM
Just two more to add that aren't on the list...

'Freedom from Addiction' by Joe Griffin and Ivan Tyrrell. Focuses on addictive behaviour in general and how to change it - it's called 'The Human Givens Approach'

'I'm OK-You're OK' by Thomas A. Harris. Was written in the 1960s so some of the gender examples are a bit outdated!

Both of these books are practical help about trying to change behaviours.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: closebutnocigar on September 07, 2009, 01:16:56 AM
A fairly recent one - Scarred by Sophie Andrews - although not all the same issues as me, it kind of made me feel like I wasn't alone in what I've done
That's a great book.
Also, I echo I hate you... Don't leave me. and The best little girl in the world.
Borderline personality disorder for dummies is also great.
xxx
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: liletty on May 10, 2010, 12:05:35 AM
I have just finished reading Cutting it Out! OH MY GOD! What a book. I want to read it again and again. So powerful! xx
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: oOoKATEoOo on May 20, 2010, 10:59:03 AM
Hey, I'm new, I just wanted to say thank you for this thread - it was the first thing I read in the forum and I've now ordered Bloodletting: A True Story of Secrets, Self-harm and Survival and Cutting it Out: A Journey Through Psychotherapy and Self-harm

I'm hoping that these will help.  I'm ready to quit but I need help to stop. 

If there are any other books/materials that you know of that might help please let me know.

 :hug1:
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: ButterfliesAndHurricanes on August 06, 2010, 10:25:06 PM
-Cut by Patricia McCormick - about Callie, a 15 year-old, who is sent to a place called Sea Pines to battle her struggle with self-mutilation.
-Red Tears by Joanna Kenrick - about a teenager who resorts to self-mutilation upon entering GCSE year and struggling with the stress.
-Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen - about the authors stay in a psychiatric hospital in the sixties for borderline personality disorder.
-Zelah Green by Vanessa Curtis - about a teenager who develops OCD after the death of her mother and is sent to group home.
-Impulse by Ellen Hopkins - about three troubled teenagers who meet at a psychiatric hospital after committing suicide and set plan to attempt again, only this time suceed.
-Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher - about a young girl who committs suicide and leaves tapes behind for thirteen people, there tapes telling these thirteen people what part they played in her suicide.

 :yahooo: All are fantastic and excellent reads, but be warned: triggering content throughout.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Moti on January 13, 2011, 09:41:24 PM
Wow!

Thanks for such a great thread!

I have just finished reading Healing the Hurt Within (Jan Sutton) (Read it in Two Days) I found this really helpful, both to understand myself and how to explain myself to others. I was sat there reading it saying Oh My Word, this is so freakingly me!

Next in line is A Bright Red Scream (Marilee Strong), then Self Harm: the path to recovery (Middleton and Garvie), then Bloodletting (Victoria Leatham).
(Yes, I've been on an Amazon binge!)

After reading this thread, I also purchased Cutting it Out.

*I'm going to be busy*

 :)

Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: billy on January 14, 2011, 10:46:43 AM
i found the book cutting it out very help full and it lovely to ready.

but the book self hearm i didnt find helpfull at all i though i was just used to show how badly a number of people were treated but profeshnals i didnt find anything postive form it at all
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: lpoolluvly on May 26, 2011, 09:09:47 PM
I must b goin through a mad phase pardon the expression but i went to waterstones they didnt have much selection so i tried amazon an ther is loads on sh. Am startin to read a book called impulse an its pretty good upto now. Healing the hurt within is good but really hard to get into x
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: lh293 on August 04, 2011, 01:33:03 PM
I read 'Bright Red Scream' and found it was good, and as a research piece very informative. The case studies were varied and relateable. The only aspect I didn't like so much was that the author seems to generalise self harming as a behaviour which usually has roots in sexual abuse which I don't agree with. Just in that, I wasn't abused and I harm. Not really a self help book at all, and can have triggering content, but very informative like I said, and made me rethink some of my own behaviours from a sociological context.

Have just ordered some more books from Amazon :)
The not so fun bit is hiding them round my flat so the boyfriend doesn't find them!
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: lh293 on August 06, 2011, 09:21:12 PM
Update: Got (and read) Cutting It Out today. Is absolutely brilliant, would totally recommend. I've never heard anyone else talk about what I call 'my saviour syndrome' (what I've ended up attributing to counsellors before) so it was really reassuring to know someone, somewhere has felt this too. Seriously, a must-read.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: lh293 on April 22, 2012, 03:36:52 PM
Hey,

Just want to recommend 'Skin Game' by Caroline Kettlewell, especially for people like me who don't feel like they have a 'reason' to assign to their s/h which is easy to define, and for people who don't feel 'worthy' of labels like 'depressed' etc.

I found it quite triggering in some places though. But I related to the author in a way I've never related to any book before, to the extent where I wondered if the book could be about me! Really encouraging to people who think they can't get better, though it doesn't have that typical (and in my opinion, patronising) 'aspirational' stage of recovery at the end.

Hope this helps someone. x
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Talina on November 06, 2012, 05:22:39 PM
I read 'The Memory Bird' by Caroline Malone & others.

It has it's roots in s/a but even if this isn't someones reason to s/h the words & poems of those who use s/h to survive life are very touching.

I don't feel so alone when I read this book.

Been around for a while but I just checked & Amazon have it.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: scarlet ibis on November 09, 2014, 01:01:36 AM
"Cutting It Out" by Carolyn Smith. I found this story based on real life experience of sh really easy to read and heartfelt. It is emotive, quirky and endearing and you really empathise for the main character and her battle with sh.
[/quote]

Just purchased this one, keep you posted.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Hullie on June 24, 2015, 04:11:52 PM
I recently read "phone at nine just to say you're alive" by Linda Hart. And could relate to some of the things in her book . However if you're a survivor of the Mental Health System there are countless reference books out there to choose from although haven't come across many on self-harm.Until I started reading some of your posts that is , Thanks .
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: riot-grrrl on July 14, 2016, 05:47:43 PM
Im obsessed with Elena Vanishing by Elena and Clare Dunkle - it's largely about anorexia but there is discussion of depression and self harm in it too. Ive read it three times through back to back. It's a true story about Elenas descent into anorexia following being raped. Her mum Clare is a children's author and she helped to write the book. Clare later wrote a book called Hope and Other Luxaries, which is amazing and tells her side of the story and her experience of what Elena went through. Elenas older sister Valerie also suffered with depression and self harm, and this is discussed in both books.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: Lorien on June 11, 2019, 01:14:13 AM
Reasons to stay alive - Matt Haig
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: icicle on October 15, 2019, 03:03:24 PM
Rose, N. (2019), 'Our Psychiatric Future', Cambridge: Polity Press. Written by a professor of Sociology, who discusses: What a mental disorder is, possible causes (with an emphasis on social adversity), Psychopharmacology and suggestions for the future. NSHN is mentioned on p 158. Personally, I have found learning about sociological explanations for mental distress, to be helpful.
Title: Re: Books that you have found to help
Post by: icicle on May 08, 2020, 10:56:16 AM
Attwood, T. The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome (2007). The most helpful book that I have read about Asperger's Syndrome, so far.