Student doctor publishes book on mental health and wellbeing
Student Doctor Shantanu Kundu and Psychology student Finn Thompson are proud to launch their book The Journey, a guide to taking care of your mental health and wellbeing at home. Here they share more about their own journey to publication.
“When we first came about writing this book,” explains Shantanu, “it didn't seem like it would turn into what it is today. Our first aim was an informative booklet. However, we realised the best way for us to get across our message was to create an engaging, interactive and inspirational book that motivates people to empower and make noise about mental health.”
Finn says, “Shantanu came to me with the idea of a ‘wellbeing toolkit’, which somewhere along the way turned into a book."
Our aim was to provide positive psychological resources in an unjudgmental and stigma-free way.
“The book looks at the mental health journey that we go through throughout our lives and hopes to give the reader tools to promote positive mental health no matter how they are feeling. It is a great guide for student doctors and medical professionals to learn more about mental health and how to effectively work on their wellbeing at home, as well as help others.” says Shantanu.
“We realised there are lots of ways an individual can promote their mental health and wellbeing no matter their current understanding. There are sections on each part of a person’s mental health journey, including exercises, knowledge, and projects to help people work on their mental health.” says Finn
COVID-19 has had a damaging impact on mental health and so we want to improve people's self-help tactics and help them seek more professional help.
"7 out of 10 of mental health illness patients are seen in the community and so if we can enhance their perceptions and understanding we can dramatically improve outcomes.” says Shantanu.
“Our goal was to be able to provide help for everyone, no matter their current mental health status. From promoting their physical and mental wellbeing when things are okay to assisting them in finding the right formal help. We hope there is something for everyone in this book.” concludes Finn.
The Journey is available to purchase through Waterstones, Blackwells, Amazon and other major booksellers, with all proceeds going to Shantanu’s Be Free Campaign. See Shantanu and Finn’s conversation on YouTube to learn more about their own journey to creating this one.