Reading as Healing: Mental Health, Self-Care & the Power of Libraries | Book Lounge by Libby Season 3

This week, we’re reflecting on Mental Health Awareness Month. Today, Joe sits down with two mental health professionals to explore the powerful connection between reading, emotional well-being, and community. 

Split into two thoughtful segments, this episode invites listeners to reflect on how books, libraries, and small daily habits can support healing, growth, and a sense of stability in an often-overwhelming world. 

In the first segment, Joe is joined by Monica Hobson (aka: @thebookeduptherapist), a therapist and licensed clinical social worker whose work centers on the role of reading in our healing journeys. Together, they explore the idea that distraction isn’t avoidance; it's a meaningful part of processing and recovery. They discuss the importance of self-care, how books can act as connectors between people and experiences, and how to quiet the pressure of “what should I read” in favor of what truly serves you. 

In the second segment, Joe speaks with Dr. Suzan Song, MD, PhD, about the broader impact of reading on both individuals and communities. Their conversation touches on personal and collective agency, building stability in uncertain times, and what Dr. Song wishes more people understood about mental health. She also shares why one of her first priorities in any new place is getting a library card and what that represents beyond just access to books. 

This episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and consider the role stories play in our lives; not just as entertainment, but as tools for connection, understanding, and healing. 

We hope this conversation offers a sense of comfort and possibility. You are not alone. 

If you are seeking support, please find a list of resources below: 

• Psychology Today Find a Therapist tool: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org
• Maternal Mental Health: call or text 1-833-852-6262
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations: call or text 1-800-985-5990
• The Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ Youth: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678

Who’s in this episode: 

Segment 1: 

• Monica Hobson – Instagram, Psychology Today

Segment 2:  

• Dr. Suzan Song – Website, Instagram, book: Why We Suffer and How We Heal

Link to our full book list:

Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!
Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026)! 

Time stamps:
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro – Welcome to Mental Health Awareness Month 
00:00:43 Segment 1 with Monica Hobson, LCSW 
00:06:37 Distraction is an important part of our healing process 
00:08:22 Making time and giving power to self-care 
00:15:23 Do something fun and have hobbies 
00:19:55 Books are a connector 
00:29:45 How do you tell if a book is helping your healing?  
00:33:52 What do you pair with reading for processing?  
00:35:39 What are the immediate benefits to reading for mental health?  
00:38:30 How can you make a more stress-free reading life?  
00:40:22 How do we quiet the noise of “what to read”?  
00:43:53 How can we contribute to our JOY while reading?  
00:47:36 Picking up a book is being KIND to yourself 
00:48:12 Segment 2 with Dr. Suzan Song, MD, PhD 
00:49:07 How does reading help heal communities?  
00:51:09 Self-blame as a response to the state of the world 
00:52:58 Personal and collective agency  
00:53:58 How can you build your own sense of agency? 
00:56:40 Reading has the power to displace 
00:57:48 Escapism versus alignment 
00:59:05 What does Dr. Song wish more people understood about mental health? 
01:01:40 Sense of stability and getting through day-to-day 
01:05:46 Resilience is not just enduring 
01:07:21 The paradox of connection – wanting to be but not knowing how to connect 
01:09:03 Book club is an experience of connection 
01:11:16 We’re missing a lot of shared spaces 
01:13:36 Getting a library card 
01:14:15 Where do stories and reading fit within a healing journey? 
01:15:26 Privatized suffering and healing 
01:19:02 Thinking about death and dying 
01:23:36 Through reading, we feel more safe and understood 
01:27:17 How can someone start reflecting through the day (easily) 
01:29:36 The emotional GPS 
01:31:04 What’s a message you hope readers carry with them?  
01:32:21 Outro 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!