Introduction to Psychology of Mental Health

Mental health affects every aspect of our lives — how we think, feel, relate to others, and navigate the world around us. Yet for many people it remains misunderstood or overlooked. This accessible guide brings together insights from clinical psychology, neuroscience, and well-being research to help readers understand and actively improve their own mental health.

Written by a trained well-being volunteer with NIMHANS (Bangalore) and a graduate of the Psychology of Mental Health programme at King's College London, the book combines academic grounding with practical, human-centred guidance.

What's inside:

The book begins by defining mental health through the bio-psycho-social model, then walks through some of the most significant mental disorders of our time — depression, schizophrenia, addiction, dementia, and stress — exploring the biological, psychological, and social factors behind each.

It then shifts into practical territory, equipping readers with a toolkit of evidence-based techniques: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness and MBSR, positive psychology, logotherapy, and behavioural therapy. The book also covers how diet and physical activity affect mental well-being, and includes a guide to useful apps and digital tools available today.

Who it's for:

Anyone experiencing stress or low mood, caregivers and community workers, psychology students, or anyone curious about how the mind works and what modern psychology tells us about living well.

This book is intended as an introductory guide. Readers experiencing significant mental health challenges are encouraged to also seek advice from a qualified professional.