Hello fellow bookworms,
In honor of mental health month, today I want to talk about a topic close to my heart and something that has had a huge impact on me for my entire life – mental illness. I find a lot of my comfort in reading, so I wanted to share some of my personal favorite YA books that feature mentally ill main characters. It is so crucial that we discuss and destigmatize these illnesses! Making talking about it an option can literally save a life.
So, without further ado, here are my top picks for YA books with main characters with mental health issues.
All the Bright Places (Jennifer Niven)
This novel follows the story of two teens who meet on the ledge of their school’s bell tower and develop a deep connection as they navigate their own mental health struggles.
Turtles All the Way Down (John Green)
In this novel, a young woman named Aza struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as she navigates friendship, romance, and the search for a missing billionaire.
It’s Kind of a Funny Story (Ned Vizzini)
This novel follows the story of a high school student named Craig who is admitted to a psychiatric hospital after struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts.
Fangirl (Rainbow Rowell)
In this novel, a young woman named Cath struggles with anxiety and social isolation as she navigates her first year of college and a blossoming romance.
Wintergirls (Laurie Halse Anderson)
This novel explores the journey of a young woman named Lia who struggles with anorexia and the voice in her head that tells her she’s not enough.
Under Rose-Tainted Skies (Louise Gornall)
This novel follows the story of a young woman named Norah who struggles with agoraphobia and OCD as she begins to form a bond with her new neighbor, Luke.
A List of Cages (Robin Roe)
When high school senior Adam is assigned to mentor his former foster brother, Julian, he discovers that Julian’s life is far from easy and he must confront the truth about their shared past.
Eliza and Her Monsters (Francesca Zappia)
In this novel, Eliza is the anonymous creator of a wildly popular webcomic, but when her secret identity is revealed, she must navigate fame and the pressures of the online community.
Speak (Laurie Halse Anderson)
This novel tells the story of Melinda, a high school student who becomes increasingly isolated and struggles to find her voice after a traumatic experience.
The Art of Starving (Sam J. Miller)
This novel follows the story of a young man named Matt who believes that starving himself gives him supernatural powers, but he must confront the truth about his eating disorder and the pain it’s causing him.
These ten YA novels featuring mentally ill main characters are powerful, thought-provoking, and important. They offer insight into the experiences of those who struggle with mental health and remind us of the importance of empathy, understanding, and support. They also should not be read lightly! Trigger warning for mental illness, trauma, eating disorders, self-harm, sexual assault, and more. Please be gentle with yourself, and ask for help when you need it; it’s the bravest thing that you could do. Sending you all of my love.
SUICIDE HOTLINES IN THE UNITED STATES (thank you Psycom for the references):
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI, or text “HELPLINE” to 62640. Both services are available between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday
- NEW 988 Mental Health Emergency Hotline: In July 2022, a universal mental health crisis line was launched nationwide. Calling 988 will connect you to a crisis counselor regardless of where you are in the United States.
- The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678678. Standard text messaging rates apply. Available 24/7/365. (Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning—LGBTQ—young people under 25.)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Crisis Text Line: Text REASON to 741741 (free, confidential, and 24/7). In English and Spanish
- National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependency: 1-800-622-2255