8 Amazing Movember Mental Health & Wellness Books
Movember is the month that follows October, and precedes December. It’s the month when men grow fantastic moustaches.
But as Movember comes to an end for another year, it isn’t just about stylish facial hair.
No, it’s for raising awareness of something bigger, something way more important: men’s mental health and wellness.
Movember is when men all around the world grow their facial hair to raise awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.
There’s a stigma in today’s society about men not having emotions, and how they shouldn’t cry.
That’s why Movember is so SO important, as no one should ever feel, or live, like that. It’s why we want to share some of our favourite mental health and wellness books, specifically written for men, by men.
We’ve shared 8 of our ultimate favourites below, but you can check out some more on our bookshop.org page, under Movember.
There’re some other great books on there, too, like Robert Webb’s How Not to Be a Boy, and Jay Shetty’s Think Like a Monk, so check it out if you want to read more than the 8 books suggested below.
1. Inspire by Ben Fogle
‘Ben Fogle’ and ‘nature’ seem to be synonymous nowadays, and rightly so! In his newest book, Inspire, Fogle explores how nature and being in-touch with the outdoors can help our mental wellbeing in our everyday lives. It’s about overcoming obstacles and living life with a bit more positivity. Inspire is your guidebook to living your own adventure.
2. Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig
Matt Haig is the author of so many great books (think, Notes on a Nervous Planet, and The Midnight Library) however, when Matt was 24, his life no longer seemed worth living. Thankfully, he survived, and Reasons to Stay Alive is his account of his experience, his memoir about that time in his life. But it’s not just that, it’s a book that’s here to help you, too. It’s here to help you realise that you can do what makes you happy and make the most out of your life on earth, and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
3. How to Survive the End of the World (When it’s in Your Own Head): An Anxiety Survival Guide by Aaron Gillies
Aaron Gillies’ book is here to help those with anxiety not feel so alone. With his dark sense of humour and insightful notes on how to get through life with anxiety, you’ll find this book will actually help you take those first steps. Not only that, but it’ll also be a pleasure to read. From helping readers to pinpoint anxious triggers, to safeguarding areas of their lives, Gillies explores ways to tackle anxiety by discussing CBT, medication, therapy and more. If you need some space from your own head, escape into this book for a while.
4. Daddy Blues: Postnatal Depression and Fatherhood by Mark Williams
Not spoken about enough, Postnatal Depression CAN affect men. In his book Daddy Blues, Mark Williams discusses his own account of Postnatal Depression, something he never thought he could get. His life seems perfect, but after his wife has a difficult birth, Williams begins to feel anxious, stressed, and as if he has lost something. He becomes disconnected from his wife, his baby won’t stop crying, and he comforts himself the only way he can: through drink. This is a must read.
5. Born to be Mild: Adventures for the Anxious by Rob Temple
Anxiety shouldn’t stop you having adventures. In Rob Temple’s memoir Born to be Mild, he explores how when he hit his 30s, he became afraid to go outside thanks to his anxiety. His life became his house, his phone, and his social media feeds (sound familiar?). It wasn’t healthy and he knew it. After a moment of clarity, enough was enough, and he went about reinventing his life. He learnt how to have adventures again, just ones that were a bit more, well, mild.
6. Not a Life Coach by James Smith
The newest release on this list, this book isn’t for the faint of heart. James Smith is back with some home-truths about what truly makes a successful life. He asks you one important question: What does SUCCESS truly mean to you? James is here to give you the guidance to stop daydreaming through your life, but to act and seek the life you want.
7. Zero Negativity by Ant Middleton
Ant Middleton shows you how to tackle all the problems life throws at you with a more positive outlook, rather than a negative. Through sharing his own experiences, he’ll help you to live a life with no regrets, and how to be the best possible version of yourself.
8. Man Down: A Guide for Men on Mental Health by Charlie Hoare
If you’re only going to read one book off this list, then pick this one. It covers everything from anxiety and depression to stress and dealing with traditional gender expectations. There’re tips on how to navigate life with anxiety, how to open-up and communicate, and how to take care of your mental health and overall wellness. Ultimately, this book is here to show you that you’re not alone.
We hope some of the books above either help you personally, or you know someone else who needs some guidance in their lives.
Remember, you can order any of the books above from The Book Nook, or by clicking on any of the books above. Check out our blog post How to Order Books During Lockdown 2.0 for more information on how you can order with us, and don't forget you can also email us, too, at info@booknookshop.co.uk. You can also call us on 01920 467 597.
Did you know we’re also now open for Click and Collect on Saturday? From 11am – 2pm.
For more information on Movember or men’s mental health, check out their Movember Homepage, where you can also donate towards this amazing cause.