Children's Books About Mental Health

While parents would rather protect their kids from worry, health professionals encourage parents to speak about mental health with their children; but talking about mental health with kids can be difficult.

Like in many children’s books, fun characters are created and placed in situations kids can better understand. As a residential mental health facility in Boca, we believe mental illness is something everyone should learn more about, especially children. Children’s books about mental health are a great way for kids to learn more about the significance of taking care of their minds.

Books for Explaining Mental Illness to A Child

Don’t Feed the WorryBug

In the book, “Don’t Feed the WorryBug”, readers learn more about the worry monster, name Wince, and how his worries cause the WorryBug to grow. In the book, the more Wince worries, the bigger the Worry Bug gets. Eventually, the WorryBug becomes so big it can’t be ignored. This is a great book about the struggles of anxiety and teaches children how to express their emotions when they feel overwhelmed.

The Fix-It Friends: Have No Fear!

In this book about overcoming anxiety, a little girl named Veronica works to help her classmate Maya conquer her fear of bugs. Maya’s fear of bugs prevents her from playing with her friends at recess, leaving her feeling lonely and isolated. Veronica comes up with a plan to help her friend Maya overcome her anxiety and fear of bugs. This story teaches kids the importance of expressing your fears and the importance of asking for help. This is another book that helps explain anxiety to kids and new ways to overcome it.

In My Heart: A Book of Feelings

This book is about a little girl who explains that her heart is full of feelings. Emotions like happiness, fear, and courage are expressed with engaging scenarios kids can relate to. Some of these scenarios include referring to sadness as a dark cloud and tears like rain. This story helps children better understand their feelings, whether they’re happy or sad, and how to express them.

Children’s Books About Parents with Mental Illness

Many parents struggle with mental health, and their children are often unsure of what to do or how to help. Fortunately, there are also children’s books about mental health that help kids better understand how to cope with their parent’s battle with mental illness.

Can I Catch It Like a Cold? Coping with a Parent’s Depression

This book focuses on a little boy and his father’s depression. Alex begins to realize his dad stopped going to work and likes to sleep all day. When he discovers his dad has depression, he shares the news with one of his close friends, Anna. Anna tells Alex her mom struggles with the same disorder and receives treatment for depression. This book teaches kids the importance of mental health therapy.

Helicopter Man

In this book about a father’s struggle with schizophrenia and paranoia, a little boy named Pete is sent to foster care after his father has a severe episode. It’s a serious but insightful story about how a little boy slowly begins to understand more about his father’s mental illness. Although it’s a sad story, it brings light to the experiences of children who have been separated from their parents as a result of mental illness.

To break down the stigma surrounding mental health treatment and prevent the negative outcomes of untreated mental illness, parents should talk to their kids about mental health.

If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health problem, do not wait to help. Call us today at Banyan Mental Health 888-280-4763.