A New Treatment Strategy in England
I’ve always believed in the power of books, and if you’re here reading, you probably do too. We’re not alone. Doctors in England will soon be “prescribing” books to their patients to treat mild to moderate mental illness!
According to a recent article in the The Guardian, a British charity called The Reading Agency has developed a plan to link doctors, libraries, and books. The program targets people who have mild to moderate problems with :
- depression
- anxiety
- anger
- eating disorders
- panic attacks
- phobias
- self-esteem
- worry
- obsessions and compulsions
Organizers argue that with the plethora of self-help titles out there (Amazon sells over 250,000), it’s hard to find the right one. Doctors will get a list of thirty books, including The Feeling Good Handbook and How to Stop Worrying, that they can recommend to patients.
Similar programs already exist in Wales, Denmark, and New Zealand.
Could bibliotherapy work in America?
I’m all about self-help, and have read many such books. My favorites: The Seven Habits of 
Highly Effective People, Simple Abundance, and Unglued. I avoid taking medication, a habit I have picked up from my husband, a physician. Ironic, I know, but he’s seen first hand that every medicine has a side effect. (Note, that new Jude Law movie takes this notion to the extreme).
So I applaud The Reading Agency, and think we should try a similar program here too. It could decrease health care costs and get everyone reading more. As a bonus, it could give libraries a crucial new role in society, thereby securing a necessary position in a world where printed media seems to be disappearing.
But a lot of Americans like quick fixes. They want their problems solved with a pill. Or better yet, a chocolate shake. (Think Slim Fast) What would happen to the doctor who suggested a book to his anxious patient seeking “a nerve pill”? My guess? That patient would walk out the door and find the next doctor willing to write a script for Xanax.
And of course The Guardian article, The Reading Agency, and I acknowledge that some patients need more than just a book for treatment. But wouldn’t it be nice if reading could help lots of people?
How do you think a program like this would be received in America? What self-help books have been beneficial to you?
Share your thoughts in the comments, and thanks for stopping by.
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Julia
What an awesome idea! I swear, all the money we spend on pharmaceuticals and there are so many things like books and yoga, and walking outdoors, and *cough* eating a vegetable here and there that cold improve peoples lives so much.
Go Books! Woot, woot! 🙂
Great idea. And pair reading with a required running/exercise regime – treatment!!! Seriously, there is power in words and physiological benefits to moving. Both help me everyday.
Personally, I love this idea. Heck, I love ANY idea that doesn’t include a pharmaceutical! I enjoy reading (and I like self-helps too) but I wonder if one of the most beneficial things is what we DO when we read: sit in a quiet room, relax our bodies, slow and deepen our breathing, stimulate our brains, etc.
I wish western medicine would pay a little more attention to the things that allow our bodies to heal themselves because, in a lot of instances, they CAN.
Of course, the Bible would be my #1 choice of reading material, but I also enjoy biographies, humor and mysteries.
Interesting finding, Julia. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Julia,
This is a great question. There are many great books that have proven beneficial for various struggles and addictions out there. I also acknowledge there are times when medication may be necessary.
The books that have helped me the most are the ones that have a biblical foundation for truth. Sadly, many books can teach an ‘inner power’ to healing. I’ve fallen victim to trying to heal myself from past addictions through my own efforts. Interestingly, I’ve managed to maintain ‘self-discipline’ or will power for awhile, but eventually failed. After much failure with a consuming eating disorder that held me in bondage for more than 10 years, it wasn’t until I surrendered my ‘will power’ to His Holy Spirit’s power that God was able to enable me to overcome. The power of the empty tomb offers every believer the power to overcome habits, hang-ups and hurts. It is not of ourselves, but through the power of Christ. (Romans 8:11, Eph. 1:19-20, Gal. 2:20, 2 Cor. 2:4:10).
I’m so thankful for books that accurately teach this truth as its foundation.
God bless your weekend,
Love, Hester 😉
Wow Hester, thank you for sharing. I’m so happy that you have found the way out of your eating disorder- a more common problem than many realize. And I’m glad that it ultimately strengthened your faith. A great testimony!
I’ve actually had a doctor recommend a book before. As a reader, I really appreciated it and liked feeling like I could be proactive at home by reading and learning.
Well good, I’m glad to hear it! I like being proactive too.