Each year, the U.S. designates May to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and its impact on the well-being of all Americans. For some of us, talking about mental health and mental illness is hard. But we are stronger together, and one of the most empowering things about speaking up is the knowledge that you are not alone, no matter how you may feel otherwise. Here is a sampling of enlightening and empathetic fiction featuring characters with mental health challenges to remind you that it does get better.

And of course we have tons of nonfiction on mental health topics ranging from depression and anxiety to addiction and meditation. Search "mental health" in our online catalogue, visit the Self, Health & Wellness section of the library, or let us know what you're looking for and we'll hook you up.