Mental Illness in Fiction

[abc]

Hi, I'm looking for some recommendations of fiction books that deal realistically with mental illnesses. Young Adult would be best, but any would be helpful. Specifically depression, anxiety, and bi-polar disorder. Thanks!

[Mira]

Hey, I know I've read some, but can't think of them right now.

Wikipedia might have some good suggestions.

Good luck!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_illness_in_fiction

[HillaryJ]

I recently finished Talking to the Dead by Harry BIngham. It's adult, a mystery, but the narrator suffers from highs and lows similar to bi-polar disorder. The mystery is interesting, but the slow revelation of the unreliable narrator is absolutely fascinating. I highly recommend it if you're looking at writing from the POV of a character with mental illness.

[WilyKit]

I was thinking about some of the novels I've read in which mental illness plays a role. Some that come to mind are:

- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
- I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb
- The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy

[Sommer Leigh]

It's a little bit old, but I highly recommend I Never Promised You a Rose Garden.

[mtowbin]

My YA book, STRAIGHTJACKET, is about mental illness! It's being released in about a month. Both main characters are struggling with some issues -- Anna is suffering from depression and panic attacks, and Caleb is delusional and has catatonic stupors. Here's a little bit more info if you're interested: http://www.meredithtowbin.com/my-books-2

[abc]

Thanks everybody!

[kghartwig]

There's a great short story, THE YELLOW WALLPAPER, by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (1892) - link here: http://www.library.csi.cuny.edu/dept/hi ... paper.html

[SunnyE]

I highly recommend I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb. It's a bit lengthy and heavier than YA reads, but it's really good. He gives great insight into mental illness and its effects on the people around the ill person.