Guide to Bibliotherapy: How Reading Books Can Improve Your Mental Health

A bibliotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses literature to support mental health. 

Studies say that identifying with a character can trigger catharsis and promote healing. Reading also helps in developing emotional intelligence and improving understanding of the self. All of which contribute to better mental and physical health. In this blog, I will be discussing the studies, experiments, and future possibilities of using Bibliotherapy for mental health.

In simple words, bibliotherapy means using books as therapy. But this does not mean that books can replace your medicines but can complement treatment for faster healing and better prognosis. Bibliotherapy is often combined with writing therapy which again is a proven therapy for dealing with mental issues. 

Experts say it can help in treating mild to moderate symptoms of several mood-related conditions. Studies also say that reading can increase empathy, sharpen the mind and impact one’s behavior. It results in heightened awareness and better self-care. Also, it can be very helpful in treating depression, anxiety, and other mental woes.  

Also Read: Manage your mental health with writing therapy

Fascinating History of Bibliotherapy

Scientific theories have already established writing and reading as healing tools. The notion ‘book is the best therapy’ dates back to ancient Greece. The Greeks considered libraries as sacred places with curative powers. It did help in better management of physical and physchological issues.

In the early 19^th century, physicians started using bibliotherapy as a clinical tool for treating mental disorders. During World Wars I and II, counsellors used bibliotherapy to treat soldiers suffering from PTSD and emotional traumas. Reading helped the patients cope better with their mental struggles.

Since then, this therapy has gained a lot of attention and has been used in different set-ups to help people cope better. Be it the battle with deadly diseases or a conflict with the inner-self, books came to help. Experts highly recommend self-help books as a means of physiological therapy. Books on improving communication, confidence, positive thinking, empathy have helped millions. 

Also Read: Reading books can make you healthy

Words can heal

Reading is like a spa for your mind. It increases self-awareness, improves self-esteem, and aids in developing life skills. Books are also the fastest means of teleportation which has healing effects for an overactive mind. 

Further, the stories and characters in the books often provide us with wider perspectives. Books that are relatable to a particular situation or condition help see how the characters deal with similar issues. These stories also boost confidence by saying that others are sailing in the same water. This can be very helpful in coping with personal struggles. 

Further, reading requires consistent concentration for an extended period which has a calming effect as good as meditation. It can help in the treatment of depression, anxiety, relationship, and communication issues.

The healing effects of bibliotherapy can also be helpful in addressing family-related challenges. It can promote healing in post-traumatic stress and grief. Including books in treatment can also decrease recovery time and promote behavioral change.  

How to use Bibliotherapy For Mental Health?

Over the years, physicians have used bibliotherapy in different set-ups with differing intentions. 

A therapist often prescribes a set of books that resonates with the current situation or condition of the patient. Books that offer a better understanding of the disease and symptoms. This is called therapeutic bibliotherapy.

Knowledge about their condition and learning about other people’s experiences can amplify the effects of treatment. It further helps in coping with the mental concerns while offering hope and positivity. 

Another type of bibliotherapy that became popular is developmental bibliotherapy. This is used in educational settings to address typical childhood and adolescent concerns. It includes books that talk about puberty, bodily functions, or developmental milestones. This can help the clueless children have a better understanding of their fast-changing bodies. 

Bibliotherapy in counseling

Physicians and counsellors have used bibliotherapy in a variety of set-ups. Be it dealing with bereavement or coping with life transitions, books can help. When using books for therapy it’s crucial that the book or the story relates directly to the client’s situation. They should be able to identify with the challenges and situations of the protagonist. 

The counselor and the patient can then discuss the ways the protagonist handled the problems. This is not only a great conversation started but also productive in finding ways to deal with the different challenges of life. Hence, experts opine that bibliotherapy can be very beneficial in counselling patients.

Take away – Bibliotherapy For Mental Health!

Clinical trials have well-established the effectiveness of bibliotherapy. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) UK also recommends this therapy for easing mild and moderate depression, anxiety, panic, and other mental health problems.

Today, bibliotherapy is a widely used positive therapy. Educators, counselors, therapists employ bibliotherapy to help people. Studies found that reading for even 30 minutes a day can reduce anxiety while improving self-esteem, empathy, and emotional intelligence.

In India, a Mumbai-based book club has started a mental health initiative called bibliotherapy. They blend books with a support group as a means of healing. The trend is catching up fast and soon we could see these little libraries as a new center for mental care.

Further research also found bibliotherapy could be a cost-effective intervention for people suffering from mental illness. In conclusion, bibliotherapy is a safe, effective, and cheap therapy option that needs to be used more often, especially in an educational and clinical setup.