Books for my 16 DD in mental health unit

[Frankie111]

My DD is very poorly with her MH. She suffering from pyscosis and delusions atm. She in hospital just waiting to be moved to a mental health unit probably for at least 28 days. She only got her phone and some magazines. Shes a smart girl and a good reader. I want to get her some books, however I really have to be careful about the content. Nothing gruesome, no self harm or anything hospital or anything like poisoning people (a delusion she has) or people planning attacks and playing tricks on her (another delusion). I even wonder if buying books for her is a good thing tbh. I been trying to be careful what I say to her, so she don't run out the hospital. So last thing I want to do is get her a book that makes her mind worse. Something with a happy ending and light and funny would be good I think

What about colouring books or puzzle books if you haven’t already thought of that. Does she have the concentration for a reading book at the moment?
Does she have any childhood books that she might like to revisit. Or what about a book based on a favourite film?
I really hope she feels better soon. It must be very difficult for you too. I hope you have plenty of support.

How about a Jane Austen novel? Pride & Prejudice or Sense & Sensibility. Nice and wholesome.

My nephew was in hospital with psychosis as a teenager too. He enjoyed lots of drawing, chess and Lego. I hope things get better for you and your daughter soon xx

So sorry that you’re going through this OP, I can’t imagine how hard it must be and what you’ve all been through before getting to the admission

I can’t think of a single book that I’ve read recently that might fit the bill. Maybe a book of short stories as they often take less concentration?

If I do think of one I’ll pop back

Would she enjoy some P G Wodehouse? Yes, they're old-fashioned, but very funny.
Or Nancy Mitford "The Pursuit of Love", which I adored at 16.

I know someone who took Lego with them on visits to be done together and as a focal point for the visit.

I'm so sorry about your daughter and I hope she makes a full recovery. What were her favourite books from childhood? I'd aim for books younger than her age and preferably ones she's already read.

I'm so sorry for you, too - it must be a really difficult time for you.

Terry Pratchett might be a good should. Kurt Vonnegut? She’s probably a bit too young for Jilly Cooper style books which are raucous fluff but with too much shagging, but other ‘chick lit’ (I hate that expression) might be suitable - Adele Parkes or Freya North. Bridget Jones Diary was very funny. Biographies of favourite celebrities or sports people, geography/travel books, David Attenborough/nature type books, history of cinema/furniture/fashion type books, popular psychology or business books. A good thing to do would be to go to Waterstones on a Tuesday morning or another time when they won’t be too busy, and ask for advice. The people who work there often have loads of great suggestions. I hope she recovers soon x

I think it’s always good to have a focus like this. I used to take my DM to visit her DF in a Psychiatric Hospital and used to do her nails whilst we were there

Books were tricky for me when I was unwell, as actually were plays on radio 4 etc. The lines between reality and fiction were tricky. But I love the idea of colouring books and puzzle books, crosswords etc. I think the poster above is onto something there. Sadly knitting needles were not permitted when I was admitted, although I don't know about crochet hooks maybe? Jigsaws were also good.

A wizard of earthsea series

Books might be difficult for her as they require concentration whereas magazine articles can be read in a matter of minutes. Adult colouring books and puzzle books might be a better idea and are recommended as part of therapy for people with MH.

Books she enjoyed as a child? I find comfort in those when my mental health is poor. I could not face starting something new

How about this https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1030255.Down_to_Earth

So sorry to hear you and your DD are going through this. I’ve been there.

When my 16yo was in a mental health unit and experiencing psychosis, the things that kept her occupied were:

• Very very light reading - the Laurie Gilmore series for example
• Sudoku
• Card games - she learnt Shithead and Chinese Patience on the ward and it became something we’d do together on visits when conversation was too difficult for her
• Colouring - the Johanna Basford series of colouring books and anything cosy/hygge.

Does she like jigsaws? On the ward I visit, people had phones and iPads - audible books might be a good idea too if that’s possible. They also have a common room with books, games and a tv.

All the best. Hope you’re doing ok and the medication gets your daughter feels a lot better very soon.