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Wellbeing Services in Devon

Books and e-books

Reading can be a great form of self-care, and there are a wide range of books available on various mental health topics. If you are interested in understanding your mental health further, there is a list compiled by University of Exeter Wellbeing Service staff below.

Our selection is not intended to be the final word. We are sure there are many other good and helpful books out there; in any case we recognise that what is helpful is very subjective and depends on personal circumstance.

Additionally, for students based on our Devon campuses, the Library's Wellbeing & Leisure Collection has a Reading for Health and Wellbeing selection, which covers books recommended by us and the Reading Agency's Reading Well (Books on Prescription). These books are available in print and some are available online. 

  • Overcoming Anger and Irritability by William Davies
  • Overcoming Worry and Generalised Anxiety Disorder: A self-help guide using cognitive behavioural techniques by Meares and Freeston
  • The Worry Cure: Stop worrying and start living by Leahy
  • Overcoming Health Anxiety: A self-help guide using congitive behavioural techniques by Willson and Veale
  • Overcoming Anxiety by Kennerley

E-books - The books below are available online and students simply need to login using their Exeter IT login details when prompted. Go to: as.exeter.ac.uk/library/resources

All books can also be found on the Library's Wellbeing Collection List.

  • Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by David Veale and Rob Willson
  • Overcoming perfectionism: A self-help guide using scientifically supported cognitive behavioural techniques by Roz Shafran, Sarah Egan and Tracey Wade
  • Overcoming Low Self-Esteem: A self-help guide using cognitive behavioural techniques by Melanie Fennell
  • Overcoming Insomnia and Sleep Problems by Colin Espie
  • Overcoming Social Anxiety and Shyness by Gillian Butler
  • Healing from Trauma: A Survivor's Guide to Understanding Your Symptoms and Reclaiming Your Life by Jasmin Lee Cori
  • The Body Keeps the Score: Mind, Brain and Body in the Transformation of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
  • Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence by Rick Hanson
  • The Poetry Pharmacy: Tried-and-True Prescriptions for the Heart, Mind and Soul by William Stieghart
  • 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works - A True Story by Dan Harris
  • The Compassionate Mind (Compassion Focused Therapy) by Paul Gilbert
  • Mind Over Mood, Second Edition: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think by Dennis Greenberger and Christine Padesky

The Reading Well scheme helps you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing using helpful reading available from public libraries

The books provide helpful information and support for dealing with difficult feelings and experiences. Some include personal stories from people who are living with or caring for someone with mental health needs.

You can be recommended a title by a health professional, or you can visit your local library and borrow a book yourself.