Books about teenagers’ mental health. For them and for their parents

For teenagers and adults

“I won’t tell you everything will be fine” Justyna Suchecka (WAB) is a book that, in my opinion, should be in every school library. A journalist who has been dealing with education issues for years, her heart is sensitive to youth issues (and since I know her personally, I can say that not only youth issues). In the book, he talks to young people, among others: about anorexia, depression, ADHD. It shows how important psychological first aid is, but also that when helping a person in a mental crisis, a teenager should take care of their own safety and mental well-being.

“Justyna Suchecka’s interlocutors most often talk about the right to a good life for everyone. They already know that it means something different for each person. And that each of us can be their ally. We just need to arm ourselves with knowledge and… “empathy. And that’s what this book is for,” writes the publisher. At the end, Suchecka’s interlocutors talk about what they would like readers to remember from the book. “Not everyone on the spectrum is the same. Even autistic is not the same as autistic”, “Start to tolerate, not discriminate”, “I have the right to freedom, freedom and feelings”, “Be nice” or “Give me time. It’s the same “as important as you” is something everyone should take to heart.

“School of heroines and heroes, or how to deal with life” and “School of heroines and heroes, or how to deal with evil. Volume 2” (Agora Publishing House) are books by Przemek Staroń, known for being the teacher of the year, he loves Lego blocks and Harry Potter, but also thanks to his work on for taking young people seriously and listening to what they have to say. Trying to answer questions such as: “Is it bad to be sad? Is it worth falling in love? How to endure failure? What will happen if I step out of line? Why is appearance so important?” the answers are firmly rooted not only in psychological knowledge, but also in pop culture.

For parents and close adults

“Teenagers at a crossroads. How to support the mental health of young people?” (Charaktery Publishing House) is a guide to support parents, teachers and guardians in strengthening the mental health of young people. Provides detailed answers to questions parents, teachers, and caregivers have about teen mental health. You can find tips, exercises and conversation templates based on specific examples. The guide is edited by prof. AMU Ph.D. Katarzyna Waszyńska, and the author’s team consists of the best psychologists and psychotherapists in Poland cooperating with the “Charaktery” magazine.

The guide is under the patronage of the Polish Psychological Association, the Faculty of Cognitive Science and Psychology of Adam Mickiewicz University and the Monar Association. The project is supported by the TVN Foundation as part of the larger “Health in Your Head” initiative. This is a social campaign that aims to build awareness of mental health problems among children and adolescents. He also wants to educate parents and guardians. The Health in Glow program also involves the renovation of hospitals and the creation of additional psychological and psychiatric offices.

You can also reach for: “Love and allow rebellion. How to accompany teenagers as they grow up” Joanna Szulc (Agora Publishing House). Specialists advise what to worry about and what is normal and typical for this period. How to talk so as not to argue, how to support so as not to burn out.

About Małgorzata Gołota’s book “I always carry a razor blade with me. Depression in children and adolescents” (Filia) psychologist Ewa Woydyłło-Osiatyńska writes that “it is a manifesto calling for rescue for our children. We have created a world for them that hurts, terrifies and provokes them to run away (…) But children tell us: the razor blade will be unnecessary when “There will be someone willing to talk.” This is not easy, but very important and necessary reading.

If you need to talk to a psychologist, you can call 800 70 2222. ITAKA Foundation psychologists are available by phone, e-mail or chat, providing advice and directing callers to the appropriate help facility in their region. Relatives of people who require help can also contact the Center. Specialists will advise you on what to do to encourage your loved one to contact a specialist.