Graphic Novels for Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

While there may only be a week left in May, there is still plenty of time to read one (or all) of these eight graphic novels that help destigmatize mental health.  

Please be advised that some of these titles mention sensitive topics like anxiety, OCD, depression, eating disorders, self harm, grief, and addiction. 

Children

Guts by Raina Telgemeier

Raina keeps having stomach aches. At first her family think it’s the flu, but they soon realize that her anxiety and stress are having physical symptoms. 

-

Timid by Jonathan Todd

Cecil is the new kid at school and not sure how to fit in. When his peers misuse his art, he must learn how to confront them. 

-

Buzzing by Samuel Sattin

Isaac has OCD and uses his new love of role-playing games to gain confidence and learn more about himself. 

-

Young Adult

Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett Krosoczka

Jarrett loves to draw comics and uses his art to process his complicated relationships with his family and addiction. 

-

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

Volume 4 focuses on Charlie’s mental health while he continues to explore his feelings for Nick. 

-

Side Effects by Ted Anderson

Hannah is a freshman in college living away from her family for the first time. Unable to handle the adjustment on her own, she is prescribed therapy and medications that have side effects which also grant her superpowers.  

Borrow this title through LINK+.

Adults

Seek You by Kristen Radtke

A nonfiction graphic novel that focuses on the sociology and psychology of isolation. 

-

Shubeik Lubeik by Deena Mohamed

Follows three characters who are each on their own mental health journey in a fantasy world where wishes come true. 

-