Improves Mental Well-being Through Reading: Insights into its Effect on Anxiety and Mental Health

Improves Anxiety and Mental Health Through Reading?

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, feelings of anxiety and depression have been prevalent, often exacerbated by isolation. However, a potential remedy may lie within the pages of a good book.

Bibliotherapy, or book therapy, has emerged as a promising approach to reach those struggling with anxiety. This practice involves reading, dissecting, and discussing books in a structured setting, aiming to improve mental health. Notably, bibliotherapy has been recognised as a beneficial tool for treating not only anxiety but also depression, sleep disorders, and burnout.

Research has shown that reading can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. For instance, a small 2022 study with older adults living in nursing homes reported that reading about the outside world helps them feel less separate from it. Similarly, a study in Japan found that reading fiction can help people experiencing hikikomori (a form of social withdrawal) feel less emotional stress and more empathy.

Reading can also be a powerful tool for children coping with difficult experiences. For example, reading may help children cope with feelings of grief, such as confusion about a parent's death, by providing an opportunity for open communication with adults. A 2019 study with children between the ages of 7 and 12 showed a relationship between bibliotherapy and increased feelings of hope.

One of the key advantages of bibliotherapy is its ability to foster connection and empathy. Reading and discussing stories can help foster empathy and provide a connection to a bigger community. This can be particularly beneficial in remote areas, where access to mental health resources may be limited. Reading can be accessible in remote areas through libraries, low-cost or free books, and digital books.

Moreover, reading fiction might promote awareness of other people's feelings and improve problem-solving skills. This can be attributed to the immersive nature of fiction, which allows readers to step into the shoes of characters and experience their emotions and challenges firsthand.

In addition to its mental health benefits, reading can boost mood and build hopeful feelings. Diving into a good book can provide a much-needed escape from daily stresses, offering a sense of solace and comfort.

If you're experiencing anxiety or depression, remember that seeking help is important. Check out Psych Central's guide to finding mental health support. Isolation can make treating conditions like anxiety more complicated, but resources are available to help.

In conclusion, reading can be a powerful tool for enhancing mental health, fostering empathy, and lessening feelings of isolation. Whether you find reading enjoyable or are looking for a new way to cope, consider giving bibliotherapy a try.