The prevalence of mental illness in teen books has increased over the last few years, in part due to the cultural acceptance of mental disease. Today's teenagers are utterly reshaping the conversation, and what was once a taboo topic is now being talked openly. In particular, teen literature about depression are providing a window into the many ways in which the illness manifests itself.

Depression was not professionally recognized in me until I was an adult, but it was a constant companion during my adolescence. The symptoms of depression are not universally experienced, despite the fact that they share a few basic characteristics. The good news is that there are many teen books that show this. Depression can consume a person's entire being. Other others may find it more of a background noise in their daily routine.

There are a variety of ways that books about depression in teens will resonate with readers. Some people will find the material relatable to their own lives, while others won't. However, this does not imply that the works that do not resonate portray an erroneous view of depression. As a result, it's critical to have a wide range of YA books on the subject, so that readers are exposed to a range of perspectives. Even if a book resonates with one person, it may not resonate with another. As a result, we can better comprehend how and why depression differs from person to person via reading and understanding. In order to "do it properly," there is no one method to do it.

For those who aren't familiar, depression is characterized by feelings of hopelessness, despair, and a lack of enthusiasm for formerly pleasurable activities. An imbalance in the brain's chemical equilibrium is often the cause of depression, which can linger for days, weeks, or even years and months at a time. Trauma can also lead to depression. Exhaustion, bodily pain, sluggishness, and erratic eating and sleeping habits are among the most prevalent signs of depressive illness. When a person suffers from bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression), he or she experiences periods of extreme joy and euphoria, as well as periods of deep depression. Mood swings can come on suddenly or gradually. For those suffering from bipolar disorder, there may be times when they are able to accomplish things they previously thought impossible, such as getting out of bed, making meals, or brushing their teeth.

Here is a selection of teen novels about depression, both fiction and nonfiction, which cover both the generalized illness and bipolar disorder. In some cases, the main character's struggle with the sickness is depicted in these titles, while in other cases, a loved one's suffering is depicted. Though all titles have been thoroughly vetted and are cognizant of portraying serious disease in an accurate and sympathetic manner, there are a few notable exceptions. Many young people and the adults in their life can gain a better understanding of depression by reading YA literature about it.

You should always seek treatment if you or someone you care about exhibits signs that could be associated with depression. Depression treatment, whether it is counseling, medicine, a mix of the two, or some other sort of assistance to help manage depression, can have a profound impact on one's quality of life. Although depression cannot be cured, it can be managed in a beneficial way.

Teen Books About Depression

Crazy by Amy Reed

For all Connor knows, Izzy isn't going to fall in love with him. Her wild and adventurous world has somehow allowed him to become one of her most trusted friends. As they get closer, though, Connor begins to see that Izzy's highs and lows are becoming increasingly out of whack. Because of this, she's slipping into a more sinister side of herself.

Connor becomes more and more anxious to save Izzy from herself as her behavior becomes increasingly chaotic and self-destructive. He's well aware that he can't take away her suffering... If no one else can, what will happen?

(Don’t) Call Me Crazy edited by Kelly Jensen (October 2)

Who's crazy?

The definition of craziness is unclear. The word "mad" has been deemed "offensive" by some. Why would you label yourself with such a descriptor?

We need to talk about mental health more openly if we want to learn more about it. It's impossible to define "crazy" in a single way, because the word itself has a variety of meanings for people, from "wild" to "extreme" to "disturbed."

(Don't) Think I'm a crazy person.

helps us better grasp how our mental health impacts us on a daily basis. One hundred and thirty-three authors, athletes, and artists share their personal experiences with mental illness in a variety of forms — from short essays to lists to comics — in an effort to shed light on how we talk about mental health and how it varies from person to person.

Here we go: If you or someone you know have ever struggled with mental health issues, come on in and flip the pages.

The author of this post is the editor of this collection, so full disclosure is in order. However, with 33 contributors—including an entire section devoted to depression—it offers a comprehensive look at the disease.

Dr. Bird’s Advice for Sad Poets by Evan Roskos

In spite of my self-loathing, I adore Walt Whitman, the kooky poet. Positivity is contagious. As a daily reminder to be more optimistic, I sing a song of my own to myself in the morning."

When James Whitman's father kicked his older sister Jorie out of the house, he started yawping (à la Whitman). It is a heartbreaking book, but James's wild, exuberant Whitmanization of the world and great sense of humor keep this emotionally charged debut novel buoyant.

Fans of The Impossible Life by Kate Scelsa

Saint Francis Prep offers a fresh start for Mira. Sebby's promise to her parents was that this time around, they wouldn't see a girl who couldn't get out of bed for days on end, who only felt awake when she was with her.

An incident in his final year of high school has forced the painfully shy art nerd Jeremy to withdraw from society. There is an air of anticipation when he spots Sebby for the first time across the school lawn. He seems to have been anticipating him.

When it comes to Sebby, Mira's gay best friend, the sun always shines down on him. Sebby and Mira create a world of magic rituals and impromptu road trips to heal the damaged pieces of their lives, even as living in his foster home begins to take its toll.

The more deeply Jeremy is dragged into the lives of Sebby and Mira, the more he learns about the secrets they keep hidden from others who don't share their drive to achieve the impossible.

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

Leonard Peacock's birthday is today. In addition, it's on this day that he smuggles a gun into school. Because today is the day he will use his grandfather's P-38 pistol to murder his erstwhile best friend and then himself.

His next-door neighbor Walt, a Humphrey Bogart fanatic; his violin genius classmate Baback; his Christian homeschooler crush Lauren; and Holocaust history teacher Herr Silverman must all say their goodbyes before he can move on. Leonard progressively confesses his secrets to each of them as the hours pass and the moment of truth approaches, speaking to them one at a time.

It’s Kind Of A Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

Craig Gilner, a bright New York City kid, is focused on achieving his life goals, which include getting into the perfect high school and landing a profession that he loves. However, the pressure mounts as soon as Craig is accepted to Manhattan's Executive Pre-Professional High School. One night, he nearly dies from starvation and exhaustion.

The self-elected President Armelio and a [transgender] sex addict are among Craig's new companions at the mental institution where his suicidal episode lands him. Craig is finally able to face the root causes of his anxiety in this environment.

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