If someone asked you to describe your mental health, what would be your answer? Good; fine; stressed; anxious; lonely; depressed; it’s complicated; all of the above? A recent article in The Conversation focused on the impact of loneliness on society, and possible ways to address it.
The authors offered reading as a promising solution by sharing reports of improved mental health, connection, and well-being in book club participants. Research studies of the brain were also shared to highlight that avid readers showed better development in childhood, increased activity in areas linked to social cognition for young adults, and less likelihood of age-related dementia, respectively.
The NGHS Health Sciences Library promotes shared reading and interaction through our virtual book club. Since 2020, we have read various fiction and non-fiction titles covering health and other topics. Staff and the general public are invited to join us in reading Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. The discussion will take place virtually on Thursday, June 19 at noon; please click here to register.
We embrace every opportunity to reduce loneliness and build social connections through reading with our NGHS community! -Tanisha Mills, Medical Librarian
To learn more about the Library and all the resources available, visit https://www.nghs.com/library
