Transitions: Making Sense Of Life's Changes
William Bridges
My favorite book regarding how to make sense of life's changes and navigating confusing times. Actual research was involved.
Mental Health Resources for Entrepreneurs & Creative Professionals
Being a creator can be a rollercoaster. The highs are high, the lows are low, and there is a constant sense of being different, which can lead to profound loneliness. Below are a few resources to help you on that journey.
But first, a word on art: I believe we're saturated in books, podcasts, and other "just work harder" content that's masquerading as self-help. Find a skilled coach or therapist, and spend time with art: a great work of fiction, a beautiful movie, an amazing album, or a quiet museum. In other words, don't forget to feed your creative soul.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
Elizabeth Gilbert
This book speaks to the mystery and magic of creating. Where do ideas come from? What do we do with them when they arrive? Whimsical yet grounded. A life-giving and empathetic read for creators.
Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life
Steve Martin
A transparent and, of course, funny look at the nature of "making it." Full of wisdom, empathy, compassion, and candor. Audiobook for this one.
Can't Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation
Anne Helen Petersen
A critique of the unspoken work culture that Millennials were brought into and continue to foster: being always on, a deep sense of precarity, and inevitable burnout. More observational than research-driven, full of insights and moments of, "Oh wow, I'm glad someone finally put that into words."
Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone
Brené Brown
All of her work is exceptional. This book, in particular, speaks to the idea of belonging and standing alone, the latter of which is inherent to entrepreneurship, and the former of which is conspicuously absent.
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music
Dave Grohl
The lead singer of the Foo Fighters writes with candor, warmth, vulnerability, and joy. This book doesn't shy away from mental health, rather it leans right in. A "You're not alone" book for creators of all kinds. Audiobook for this one.
DIY Mental Health
Meditation
Meditation can be profound if you dig in. My favorite meditation app is Headspace because it takes you beyond pop-psychology and teaches you why mindfulness helps and how to do it.
Government of Western Australia
This is an incredible, free resource full of research-based mental health protocols using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It's not for everyone, but it can be a wonderful supplement.
- Overview: Self Help Resources for Mental Health Problems
- Anxiety
- Assertiveness
- Appearance Concerns
- Bipolar
- Body Dysmorphia
- Depression
- Disordered Eating
- Health Anxiety
- Panic
- Perfectionism
- Procrastination
- Self-Compassion
- Self-Esteem
- Sleep
- Social Anxiety
- Tolerating Distress
- Worry and Rumination
Help Hotlines
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
United States
1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to:
741741 (US & Canada)
85258 (UK)
50808 (Ireland)
