Aanya J | December 23, 2024

Your Guide to Mental Wellness: Books, Tools, and Resources for Personal Growth

Your Guide to Mental Wellness: Books, Tools, and Resources for Personal Growth

Hello everyone! I’m Aanya Jai founder at Pro Behave, and I’m thrilled to share this curated resource article with all of you, especially the new members. My passion for psychology and mental health drives me to provide tools and knowledge that can enhance our understanding and support ourselves and others. Below, you will find a collection of recommended books, websites, articles, and Instagram accounts that focus on psychology, mental health, and behaviour. These resources can help you navigate complex emotional landscapes and foster personal growth. As a highlight, I’ve included a special project resource from my time at Harvard Summer School towards the end of the article. I believe you’ll find it particularly valuable! Feel free to check out the blog section of the website for a collection of thoughtfully curated articles written by me. Each piece is designed to enhance your understanding of psychology and mental health.

Recommended Books

Here are the Amazon links along with a brief description for each book:

Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity
Amazon Link
Justin Baldoni explores redefining masculinity by challenging societal expectations and embracing vulnerability.

Boys Will Be Human: A Get-Real Gut-Check Guide to Becoming the Strongest, Kindest, Bravest Person You Can Be
Amazon Link
A guide for young boys on how to develop emotional strength, kindness, and bravery while navigating societal pressures.

Should I Stay or Should I Go: Surviving a Relationship with a Narcissist
Amazon Link
Dr. Ramani offers insights and guidance for those questioning whether to stay in a narcissistic relationship.

Sophie's World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy
Amazon Link
Jostein Gaarder blends fiction with philosophy, introducing readers to the history of Western thought.

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Amazon Link
Bessel van der Kolk explores how trauma impacts the body and mind and how it can be healed.

Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma
Amazon Link
Peter Levine explains how trauma affects the body and provides techniques for healing it naturally.

Trauma-Proofing Your Kids: A Parents' Guide for Instilling Confidence, Joy, and Resilience
Amazon Link
Peter Levine and Maggie Kline offer strategies to help parents protect their children from trauma and build resilience.

Homecoming: Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner Child
Amazon Link
John Bradshaw presents a guide to healing inner-child wounds and reclaiming emotional health.

Additional Resources

To Deal with Grief
Link to Scholastic
A collection of books designed to help children understand death and navigate their feelings of grief.

To Deal with Separation and Divorce
Link to Brightly
This list of books supports children experiencing parental separation or divorce by addressing their emotions and concerns.

Kids and Mental Health
Link to Instagram
Alex Winstanley, author and mental health advocate, shares content focusing on children's mental health and emotional well-being.

Instagram Accounts to Follow

Here are some Instagram handles that provide valuable insights into mental health and behavior:

Jesse Katches (@katches_jk) - Therapist sharing mental health tips on anxiety, depression, and emotional well-being.

Jordan Thornton (@thorntontheory) - Dedicated to exploring mental health topics and fostering discussions around psychological theories and practices.

Dr. Ramani (@doctorramani) - Clinical psychologist focusing on narcissism and toxic relationships.

Crappy Childhood Fairy (@crappychildhoodfairy) - Anna Runkle, sharing trauma recovery techniques.

Leeza Mangaldas (@leezamangaldas) - Sexual health advocate educating on sexuality and consent.

Karishma (@talkyounevergot) - Educating on sexual health and body positivity.

Jefferson Fisher (@jefferson_fisher) - Attorney sharing practical communication tips.

Seema Anand (@seemaanandstorytelling) - Mythologist and sex educator using storytelling to discuss intimacy and relationships.

Nedra Glover Tawwab (@nedratawwab) - Licensed therapist and expert on boundaries, sharing insights on mental health and relationships.

Manasi Chaudhari (@PinkLegal) - Empowering individuals with accessible legal knowledge, insights, and resources for navigating the legal landscape.

Neha Nagar (@iamnehanagar) - Financial expert known for her engaging content on financial literacy, including topics like taxation and investing.

Websites & Other Resources

Thought Shop Foundation: Thought Shop Foundation
A mental health organization dedicated to providing support, resources, and education to help individuals and communities improve their emotional well-being.

Wanna Talk About It - 13 Reasons Why- Suicide Prevention: Wanna Talk About It
A resource aimed at discussing mental health topics featured in the series "13 Reasons Why," offering insights and support for viewers.

ReachOut - Helping a Friend Who Self-Harms: ReachOut
A guide for supporting friends who engage in self-harm, providing practical tips and resources.

Better Health - Self-Harm: Better Health
Information on self-harm, including causes, prevention, and treatment options, to promote understanding and support.

School Bullying: YouTube Video
An informative video by UNESCO discussing the impacts of school bullying and strategies for prevention and intervention.

Safe and Unsafe Touch: YouTube Video
A video that educates viewers about recognizing safe and unsafe touches, emphasizing the importance of consent and personal boundaries.

Menstruation - Menstrupedia: Menstrupedia
A comprehensive guide to menstruation, presented in a comic format to educate and empower individuals about their menstrual health.

Attachment Styles - Attachment Project: Attachment Project
An overview of the four attachment styles, explaining how they influence relationships and emotional well-being.

Genderbread Person: Genderbread Person
A visual tool that helps explain complex concepts of gender identity, gender expression, biological sex, and sexual orientation, promoting understanding and inclusivity.

Intergenerational Trauma: Healthline
An article exploring the concept of intergenerational trauma, how it affects families, and ways to address and heal from its impacts.

Attachment Styles - The Wright Initiative: The Wright Initiative
A resource detailing the different attachment styles and their impact on interpersonal relationships.

Internships

MAD Make a Difference
Website: MAD Make a Difference
Description: An organization focused on empowering marginalized children and youth through mentorship and holistic development programs.

Jagriti Yatra
Website: Jagriti Yatra
Description: A 15,000 km train journey across India aimed at fostering entrepreneurial spirit among youth and inspiring them to build a better society.

CYDA - Centre for Youth Development & Activities
Website: CYDA
Description: A non-profit organization dedicated to youth empowerment, promoting their rights, and facilitating community development through various programs and initiatives.

Video Resources : 

WHO Resource on Stress Management: The WHO resource provides comprehensive guidelines on effective stress management strategies to promote mental well-being. You can access the full PDF here.

Psychological First Aid: This video provides an overview of psychological first aid techniques designed to support individuals in crisis, focusing on fostering emotional resilience. Watch the video here.

My Podcasts and YouTube Channel

Podcast: Listen to My Podcast
Join me as I discuss various topics related to psychology, mental health, and personal growth.

YouTube Channel: @ProBehave
Explore content that delves into psychological insights and practical tips for improving well-being and.

My Articles : You can explore them here!

Last but not the least - The Harvard Project Zero initiative can be found at pz.harvard.edu. Founded in 1967, Project Zero aims to understand and nurture human potential in areas such as learning, thinking, ethics, intelligence, and creativity. The initiative conducts extensive research to explore how these potentials develop and the practices that can support their flourishing, particularly in the context of arts education and beyond​(Project Zero)

In conclusion, the resources shared in this article serve as vital tools for enhancing our understanding of psychology, mental health, and behavior. From insightful books and impactful videos to helpful websites and Instagram accounts, each resource offers unique perspectives and practical strategies for navigating life's challenges. Whether you are seeking to deepen your knowledge, support others, or embark on your own personal growth journey, these materials can provide invaluable guidance. Embracing these resources can foster a community of informed individuals dedicated to promoting mental well-being and resilience. Thank you for engaging with this content, and I encourage you to explore these resources further to enhance your journey in mental health and self-discovery.

My Profile Link -  https://linktr.ee/pro_behave

Disclaimer: All resources shared in the personal blogs & article section are the intellectual property of [Aanya Jai / Pro Behave] & the respective organizations & individuals. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is prohibited without prior permission. All rights, including intellectual property rights and copyright, are reserved.The content of this document is intended for educational and informational purposes only.