An average of 1400 people call the South African Depression and Anxiety Suicide Helpline every day. And those are just the people who know it exists and are able to reach out for help, either for themselves or for a loved one. Journalist Marion Scher has spent years speaking to people suffering from depression or some other form of mental illness and felt compelled to share some of these stories in Surfacing. Each chapter tells a different and very...

Personality disorders are so widely misunderstood that most people who live with them never receive help. This book explores the age-old question of 'What is 'normal'?' to help young adults understand where the line is drawn between healthy and disordered personalities. Mental health experts' current understanding of personality disorders, including causes and treatments, is explained in this engaging text, supplemented with informative sidebars and...

Max's parents give him a very special gift: a tiny, magical box that will hold everything, from his toys to his feelings. Max learns, however, that feelings can't be put away as easily as toys. Each negative emotion he feels-anger, embarrassment, sadness, loneliness-gets added to the box, which grows and grows. Eventually it is so large that it keeps him from doing what he loves, like riding his bike and climbing trees. With some help from his friends...

In this story without words, Molly must overcome her fear of the shadowy monsters that only she can see in order to return a lost book, and so make a new friend.

Henry's mind is the birthplace of Hope, a little thought who goes around looking for reasons to stay. On Hope's journey, it encounters other thoughts, making friends and making enemies. Even in the darkest times, Hope is able to find a reason to stay, which eventually leads to a complete change within the mindscape.

A young girl notices, and celebrates, her way of looking at and experiencing the world. "I think. I think a lot. I think I think a lot. More than most other kids." A young girl notices and wonders about the ways she and her classmates approach doing good work, caring about people's feelings, and showing they're grateful. She comes to accept herself just as she is and celebrates the differences between herself and her classmates. "I care a lot. Not...

As one of the most common mental disorders, it is important that everyone understands depression. It is a complex subject, but with the help of an accessible narrative, fact boxes, and diagrams, this supportive volume presents it in a very manageable way. Colorful photographs correlate closely with the text to help illustrate key ideas. This book makes an excellent guide, whether the reader is dealing with depression themselves, knows someone who...

In the past, mental health was rarely discussed. It was seen as a private or even embarrassing issue, and anyone with a mental illness was generally expected to keep it a secret. Today, however, many people have recognized the benefits of being open and honest about mental health. Through informative fact boxes, helpful graphic organizers, and engaging text, readers learn the basics about what mental health means. This allows them to become cognizant...

The growing mental health crisis cannot be ignored. Medical experts warn that doing so would cost countries trillions of dollars and more importantly, millions of lives. Showcasing activists and leaders who are fighting to address mental health issues and overcome the stigmas associated with them, this informative book explains what the mental health crisis is and what can be done about it. Young readers will gain a deeper understanding of mental...

Children can often use help in understanding and verbalizing their feelings in safe, simple, comforting, and encouraging ways. They must know they are not alone and that things will change and get better. Blue Bear: A Children's Book about Depression addresses the experience of the child with the hurt, but also helps a child know how to help someone who may be hurting. Children will see how Blue Bear starts changing and healing, through the power...