Available in the Litcham School Secondary Phase library is a special selection of books, labelled “Shelf Help”.  These texts are within easy reach of students who wish to read around building self-esteem and other related issues.  Below are a selection of anonymous book reviews written by some of our students.  Mrs Berry is available should students need any help in selecting titles or if pupils have any questions.

Living with a Black Dog

There is a book about how to care for someone suffering depression.  This book works as a guide to spot someone with depression and also what to do and not to do with someone who may be suffering.  The book uses the metaphor “black dog” to describe the person suffering depression.  The phrase “a black dog” infers that they go under the radar.  This book describes a “Black Dog” as more of a disease that latches onto your loved ones.  I recommend this book to someone who wants to have a more detailed understanding of depression and how to cope with it.

Under Pressure: How to Handle Low Self-Esteem

This book is about how to deal with the pressures of life. For example;  self-harm, anxiety. It includes support and practical advice for dealing with real-life problems and suggestions as to where support can be found.  It also has good advice on things like how to feel more positive.

Bad Points: The layout is childish and formally written.  However, it has good advice and has stories from other people dealing with similar problems.

Good Points: It has a Q and A which is helpful to find out answers to your problems.  It has illustrations which make it interesting too. It does not have too much information which stops you feeling overwhelmed.

The Teenage Guide to Stress

This is an information book about dealing with mental difficulties such as self-harm.  The book reassures the reader that what they are dealing with is natural and can be helped.  It is aimed at teenagers and helps to point out the difficulties of these years whilst helping the reader to better understand the circumstances. It a addresses reader directly and helps you understand your feeling and how to deal with them.