Read Your Mind project

Saturday, 18 September 2021

We all learn about ourselves and how to get through life in different ways.

Talking to a family member, a friend or a health professional can help. Sometimes it can also be useful to find out for ourselves by reading a book.

Dr. Joseph Duffy

Jigsaw CEO

Sometimes the best place to find the pick-me-up we are looking for is in a good book

What is bibliotherapy?

Bibliotherapy is using books as a form of therapy to help our mental health. It is recognised as useful support for managing mild to moderate depression, stress, anxiety and other mental health difficulties.

Jigsaw’s Read Your Mind

The Jigsaw Read Your Mind project offers a catalogue of book suggestions across 14 different topics. These cover things like anger, self-esteem and bullying. You can borrow these books for free at participating libraries.

If your local library is not participating in the project, you can still ask if they have a particular book. If they don’t have it in stock, they may be able to order it in.

Books to support positive mental health

Reading about mental health could be helpful as a starting point when you are looking for help. It can also be useful if you are waiting on an appointment with a health professional.

Whether you’re a young person, parent or teacher, there may be a book to support your own mental health. Or you might find it useful to inform yourself more about mental health to support someone you care about.

You can view the catalogue online. Or copies are available through Jigsaw services in Dublin 15, South West, North Fingal, Offaly, Donegal and Limerick. These should also be available through secondary schools, and community groups in the local areas.