These books are recommended by mental health practitioners to help people finding it difficult to cope or need advice on specific emotional or mental health problems.
The books on this page are for adults. We also recommend self-help books for young people and families.
How the 'Books on prescription' scheme works
Choosing books yourself
Check our booklist below or browse through the books at your local library. It's free and easy to join the library and borrow books.
When books are recommended by your counsellor or adviser
You may have been given a ‘Books on prescription' recommendation slip by your counsellor or mental health adviser. Take this slip to the library to reserve the book free of charge:
- hand the recommendation slip to staff when you reserve a book in the library
- if you reserve a book on the E-library, a reservation charge will be placed on your account. Just hand the recommendation slip to library staff on your next visit to a library, and they will take the charge off your account.
To find out more, please read our leaflet:
Using self-help books
Try to set aside some time each day to work with your book. Having someone to work through it with you can help. Your local mental health service may be able to offer support.
If the book includes exercises or questionnaires, please make your own copy of the material and use this for your work. You can make photocopies at the library for a small charge.
Where can I get more help and advice?
We realise that these books might not be able to completely resolve your problems. If you still feel you need more help, don't hesitate to contact your GP or mental health worker. For contact details, please visit our pages:
Recommended books and CDs
Click the book titles below to find out which libraries have them. Some books are only available on CD.
You can also print a copy of Books on prescription – booklist for adults (Adobe PDF, 51KB).
Anger
Anxiety
Assertiveness
Bereavement
Childhood sexual abuse
Chronic fatigue
Chronic pain
Depression
Eating disorders
Gambling
General
Mood swings
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Panic
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Relationships
Self-esteem
Self-harm
Social anxiety
Stress
Worry
East Sussex County Council