Mark your calendars, because in September I'll be hosting a month-long blog event! "Psychtember" will feature YA books focusing on mental health. I got my undergraduate degree in psychology and still have an interest in it, so I'd like to see this category of YA get some more attention! The event will be highlighting a mixture of books, both upcoming and recent releases (since our knowledge of mental health is continually changing). The featured books may deal with topics like eating disorders, depression, schizophrenia, and addiction. (Yes, this is why my "In My Mailbox" posts have included so many library books over the past couple weeks!)
Did you know?You may know a friend or family member struggling with mental health problems, or even have had experience with it yourself. Since it's so significant in the teen years, I thought it would make sense to look at how mental health issues are portrayed in YA books — the disorders themselves as well as coping methods, treatment and recovery. I'm hoping this event will help to make these kinds of books more accessible to a wider audience.
- 70% of mental health problems begin during childhood/adolescence.
- About 5% of boys and 12% of girls, aged 12 to 19, have had a major depressive episode.
- Only 20% of children in Canada who need mental health services actually get them.
There'll be reviews, guest posts, author interviews, and giveaways! And helping me out will be these awesome bloggers, many of whom have studied (or are studying) psychology:
Books from Bleh to Basically Amazing
Small Review
Musings of a YA Reader
Brave New Adventure
One Book at a Time
All of Everything
Musings of a Reader Happy
A Backwards Story
If you'd like to grab the button and spread the word, that would be much appreciated! :)
I'm still looking for more people to contribute, so if you're a blogger who reads YA and has a background or perspective related to psych, please contact me! Also, if there's a book you'd like to see featured, feel free to suggest it and I'll take it into consideration :)
Oooh this is such a cool idea! I can't wait to see posts from this perspective, it'll be really interesting :) Seriously awesome, I'll definitely be tuning in :)
ReplyDeleteI don't have any experience in psych other than taking a few high school courses, but I'll be doing a few psych/soc courses this fall. I absolutely love reading YA books about schizophrenia, hoarding, eating disorders, etc. I'll definitely be tuning in!
ReplyDeleteI'm SO excited!!! :D
ReplyDeleteThe event sounds great Danya! I'll be looking forward to checking out all the posts in September!! :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so exciting! I'm sure it will be a really fascinating and fun event. The last book I read involving mental illness was Mad Love by Suzanne Selfors, which I saw in your mailbox last week.
ReplyDeleteVery, very interesting. Count me in - I will definitely read your posts and other things. I also would have to say this might be a bit of a touchy subject for some. I think you will be able to encourage a lot of people through this..
ReplyDeleteSo excited! I can't wait to see what you put together. I loved all of your previous psych-related posts. :)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds amazing! I studied neuroscience so I love hearing about mental health disorders. I'm excited to add some new books to my TBR from all the posts!
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely!!!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great idea! I went through a major depression when I was 15 so I know it's a hard struggle and I'm so happy an event like this exist!!
I'm going to put the button in my blog