The Role of Books in Supporting Teenagers’ Mental Health
Bev Humphrey
Literacy & Digital Media Consultant
www.bevhumphrey.com
Social media – https://linktr.ee/BevHumphrey
In recent years, concerns about teenagers’ mental health have been on the rise, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdowns. Research from the UK has shown a notable increase in anxiety and depression among teens, worsened by prolonged isolation and disruptions to their daily routines. Similar trends have been noted worldwide, with experts highlighting the deep psychological effects of extended social distancing and school closures on young people. Indeed, the World Health Organization states that “Globally, one in seven 10-to-19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder, accounting for 15% of the global burden of disease in this age group. Depression, anxiety, and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability amongst adolescents. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among those aged 15-29 years old.” (https://tinyurl.com/readingmentalhealth)
In the midst of these challenges, books stand out as a wonderful means of relief and healing. Reading not only offers an escape from reality but also brings a comforting sense of companionship and understanding, helping to build resilience and emotional well-being as well as helping us to understand what we are going through inside our heads. Author Nicola Morgan coined the term “readaxation” to describe the strategy of using reading for pleasure as a way of lowering stress levels, and she shares my own belief that relaxation is an essential part of physical and mental health. (https://tinyurl.com/redaxation)
Here are some book recommendations to help young people cope with their mental health challenges and tap into the soothing power of literature.
The Anxiety Club
This title follows three people as they learn to cope with different forms of anxiety using evidence-based strategies instead of unhealthy habits. Written by Dr. Frédéric Fanget and Catherine Meyer, with illustrations by Pauline Aubry, this guide helps readers recognise, understand, and overcome anxiety. It is highly illustrated, making good use of comic strips, so it is great for visual learners.
Astral Panic
This YA graphic novel by Katie Hicks follows Gale, a young man wrestling with anxiety and self-doubt, whose life changes when he moves in with the outgoing Aiden. Drawn into Aiden’s world and his band, Astral Panic, Gale starts to confront his fears and find his voice, both onstage and off. It tackles anxiety, wellness culture (the Simply Pear app and lifestyle products), digital overload, and the pressure to appear in control.
No Worries
Be Resilient, Positively Teenage, Body Brilliant, etc. – All of these titles from Nicola Morgan offer no-nonsense, practical advice and are worth their weight in gold in a school library. Their matter of fact, sympathetic style is just perfectly pitched, and I learnt a lot from these books as an adult, which made me wish they were about when I was a misunderstood teenager.
Blackout
A YA anthology that follows multiple Black teens across New York City during a power outage. Each story explores friendship, love, and self-discovery, capturing the energy and creativity of urban teen life. The collection celebrates connection, hope, and the magic found in ordinary moments. Short stories can be very helpful if depression means you have a low attention span, and these stories are very good for the soul and uplifting.
King of Nothing
Nathanael Lessore is gifted at dealing with serious issues with wit and humour, and books that make you laugh can be so cathartic. Anton is the self-proclaimed King of Year 9, confident in his social dominance, until his mother forces him to join the local Happy Campers club, where he’s stuck alongside Matthew, the school’s underdog. The story explores themes of masculinity, social hierarchy, and empathy, showing how unexpected experiences can reshape identity and relationships.
I hope these suggestions help you support vulnerable young people in your library. Even if it’s just one we reach, it makes it all worthwhile.
