Books with their main characters fighting mental illness

The first and greatest victory is to conquer yourself. To be conquered by yourself is of all things most shameful and vile, said Plato. Many books and novels have been written about mental health issues, with the purpose of talking about it more out in the open. Here are some brilliant accounts of protagonists in a book managing to overcome their mental hurdles. As it is Mental Health Awareness month, these stories will help provide perspective and spread awareness.

This is a graphic book by an author who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder as a child. Terrified she would lose her creativity to her disease and medications, she found solace in the fact that many renowned creative minds also suffered from disorders, like Vincent van Gogh and Sylvia Plath. This book details her story in a beautiful creative way.

Photo: Avery

Truddi was the victim of horrific abuse from two-years old on. To deal with it, her mind created “The Troops”- alternate personalities who protected her from the reality of what was happening. This groundbreaking true story is made all the more extraordinary in that it was written by the Troops themselves.

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Robison discusses his life growing up and how he had to overcome setbacks from a condition that is Asperger’s syndrome he didn’t even know he had it until middle adulthood. The story sketches his childhood desperation to connect with others, and his struggle to pass as 'normal' -- a struggle that would continue into adulthood. This book is a rare fusion of inspiration, dark comedy, and insight into the workings of the human mind and highlights the struggle of connecting with others.

Photo:Amazon

It is a love story about perception and truth, physical and emotional pain, and the messy, complicated people we are behind the masks we put on for the world. It tells the story of Jessa, a teen who suffers severe anxiety disorders and portrays that she is absolutely fine in front of the world, until the time she is met with an accident. It makes her look as shattered as she feels. But her life and perception soon changes when she meets a boy with heart defect.

Photo:Amazon