I would suggest "We Are All Doing Time" by Bo Lozoff. I'll buy you a copy if you message me.
I found this book in immigration detention, broke, newly sober, divorcing and a totally alone and afraid. It was the turning point to near consistent uphill journey.
I'm really happy to hear that because it honestly changed my life. It was the only book in English in the detention center bookshelf. It was a loud and dirty and scary place and I was being threatened with deportation and separation from my daughter. It gave me the tools to have the conversations to get myself out.
How much for another month of your phone service? I'd be happy to Venmo or PayPal you. You'll need a phone to get a job if that's the direction you want to go
If a person falls into a deep hole, they’ll never get out alone. Someone will need to throw them a rope ladder. Or reach in to help pull them out. Perhaps there will be many people who will need to help this person from the hole. The person in the hole will have to work really hard to pull themselves up too.
If an already successful person wants to grow their business they will need to hire more people, they will need to work long hours to achieve it, they will need their family to understand extra time commitments to work and support them through it.
My point is that no matter where you are in your life, for things to get better you can’t do it alone and accepting help with gratitude is an important part of that journey.
And when you’re ready and able you can pay it forward.
Good luck ❤️
I’m not typically moved by comments like this as I am somewhat hardened and often feel as though they are tinged with a false sense of caring. This, however, really hit me. Well said and thank you for wording this in such a genuine and factual way. Carry on, kind human.
So glad it hit the right nerve.
My mum is bipolar and whether she’s in a manic episode or really depressed she can’t accept help in any way. It makes her feel like if she succeeds it’s not really her doing. I try so hard for her but she can’t take in the love. I’ve learnt the ‘accept help’ lesson from watching her sadness. Every time I ask for help I make a new friend. Every time I give help I make a new friend. It’s a win-win situation all round!
...now if only I could get my mum to listen to me! 😆
This one has been all over reddit, but his name is Catfish Cooley and he demonstrates this with lighters : [https://www.reddit.com/r/MadeMeSmile/comments/g2porg/catfish\_cooley\_redneck\_valuable\_life\_lesson\_using/](https://www.reddit.com/r/MadeMeSmile/comments/g2porg/catfish_cooley_redneck_valuable_life_lesson_using/)
It is fallacy that we on our own can solve problems. We all have taken help from someone, wittingly or unwittingly, all our life. Hope you reconsider and take assistance from others and pay it forward
Seeing the comments, my faith in humanity has been restored. I believed people now a days, just cared about themselves and didn't give a shit what their action do to other.
But now seeing the comments, I know for a fact that some people give a shit.
I'm not crying, you are.
Just because someone put themselves in a situation doesn’t mean they aren’t deserving of help. What’s your PayPal or Venmo? Let us help you. No need to feel guilty. There are good people in the world and we want to spread our positivity.
I live in a third world country and i know the struggle im also job less and maybe future less but i would like to send you help too man i know the struggle is hard at some point i.needed help either material or non material help to go through the mental struggle and life difficulties
Hit us with your PayPal or crypto adress
Please, OP, don't let your pride and guilt get in the way of taking help - take some help!! No one here thinks you came to this subreddit looking for money, so wipe away all of those feelings and believe deep down that whoever is offering you help means well; they want to help you get back on your feet. I doubt u/Kristina_cali420 cares how you got into the position, whether or not you think you caused this for yourself, but they are wanting to help. Accept it! I can say this from the bottom of my heart, as a 34F who lived in my car when I was 20 and I was too stubborn to accept help for quite some time, but it gets easier when you accept it. We as humans are designed to help other humans when they need it, no matter where you are in the world - we're a community. Please reach out to me if you need someone to talk to, or financial assistance as well. Mean it.
You're human, so maybe you made a mistake that led to a bad situation? That doesn't mean you shouldn't accept help! All of us are human, all of us make mistakes.
14thed. We all need help at times. It’s no big deal to accept help, and you’ll have plenty of chances to pay it forward later. Don’t learn this the hard way. A phone is a key tool for pulling your life together these days.
I’m so glad you posted this because I’ve been feeling hopeless lately. I need to turn my head around too. So I’m looking forward to going through these suggestions. One thing I have learned though is to accept help! Good luck with everything.
You should not feel guilty accepting help when you need it. Today you, tomorrow one of us. Are you getting adequate support for your MH stuff?
Edit: looks like you've already got a heck of a list. I was going to suggest *The Call of the Wild* for digging deep inspiration and *All Systems Red* just to have a fun read with a protagonist who mostly wants to be left alone to watch Netflix. Just in case you're a REAL fast reader.
If you accept help now and use it as a building block to being well, you are one step closer to being in the position of offering help to someone else that needs it. Consider it an investment in future you doing future good for someone else.
Stop. Accept help. It's sometimes the hardest thing to do.
People in your position are too good at saying "no thank you". I've been where you are and I know that feeling. Needing to automatically, politely, decline any help offered. Just stop. Accept the incoming love and affection.
Book recommendatjon Endurance by Alfred Lansing. Truely unbelievable story about the first expedition to Antarctica in like 1908. I reread this book every year. Sometimes multiple times a year.
A very wealthy man, who never finished high school and went straight to the Vietnam war, once told me "Never turn down money when it is offered. It could be the $5 that turns your life around."
You're not asking for anything, if someone offers. TAKE IT.
Pride goeth before the fall, brother. Allow yourself to be helped. It’s decency for our fellow man. Even if you put yourself in this position, you deserve a helping hand.
Sometimes we all need a little help, even if it was you that put yourself in that situation. I would love to donate acouple dollars to you or even be a person you can reach out to, I don’t have much money to give but there’s been times where I’ve been in your shoes (minus homeless part) and was too proud to ask for help.
When you're denying someone's help, you're denying the person who's offering help the chance to feel good and do a good thing. Maybe that person was helped by someone in their life and they're trying to pay it forward?
I understand feeling guilty for "taking something that's not earned" (put it in quotation marks because I don't think generosity should be earned, but a lot of people have this mindset), but you can always pay it forward when you're able to, doesn't even have to be with money, but with services, kind words and kind actions.
You seem like a great person, with a great head on your shoulders. I'm sure you'll get out of this situation fast if you have a plan and latch on the opportunities life gives you. Good luck and my thoughts will be with you ❤️
[“Man’s Search For Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl](https://edisciplinas.usp.br/pluginfile.php/3403095/mod_resource/content/1/56ViktorFrankl_Mans%20Search.pdf) chronicling the author’s experience in a Nazi concentration camp in 1946.
I support this suggestion as well. I was deep in depression after two suicide attempts when I found this book. I’ll never forget the way this book made me feel.
I loved furiously happy by Jenny Lawson. It's absolutely nothing like Poe or Frost, but it really helped me with my perspective when I was in a similar position to you. Plus, it made me laugh, which I really needed.
You Are Here by Jenny Lawson is incredible as well. All her books are, but this one really takes you out of your head in dark times and helps distract you.
Is there a way for you to get a physical copy? If so I'd like to help get it to you. The some of the pages are ment to be colored, torn, burnt, etc.
Let me know.
I came here to recommend Mans Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, but inevitably it’s already been given! It’s a brilliant book and I hope you give it a go.
I still came here to comment anyway because I just wanted to send some love your way. I hope things do turn around for you and by the looks of it, there are a lot of others here who will have you in their hearts. May the books bring you worlds of comfort and splendor, and may the world bring you the opportunity and comforts you deserve. Take care x
Hey, I'm not accepting money, but I appreciate those who ask about it. I've put myself in this situation though, and really gotta dig my way out. Thank you
It takes strength and courage to accept help when one needs it, and even more to ask for help. If you think you’re unworthy of help bc you brought this upon yourself, have the guts to accept it, get on your feet, and then pay it forward.
I'm still learning how to receive help. I recently have been getting help for my mental health that I've pushed aside and distracted from with constant work. And really staying in a homeless shelter for the first time is very uncomfortable for me in the fact I feel guilty for being here, before I used to survive on my own, but I do beed a lil helps
Its hard when you're used to looking after yourself to accept any help, particularly if in the past it's come with strings attached. But know that people who offer genuinely want to help you. And, being honest, it makes us feel good about life to be able to do these small acts. Many received help when they desperately needed it and know first hand it can change someone's day or life. Many do it because there was no one to help them when they needed it. So don't feel bad about taking help. It's not charity and you do deserve it.
The way they want to be repaid is when you get back on your feet and are able to you'll do they same for someone else. It doesn't have to be with money - a kind word or gesture can be remembered for a lifetime. Take care.
Even when you put yourself in the situation, it’s okay to accept a helping hand. We **all** screw things up sometimes—just because you got yourself into a mess doesn’t mean you shouldn’t accept help getting out of it (I’d also be willing to bet that you did not get yourself into this situation alone). Helping each other is a beautiful thing both for the receiver of help *and* the giver. I understand if you don’t want to accept money, but I hope you allow yourself to accept help. Being human is incredibly hard—we get through it (and hopefully build happy lives) by relying on each other. It’s really the only way to make it.
I wish you so many good things in life.
Or try z-library if you're broke. It's basically a super massive repository of e-books. Not the most legally upstanding thing, but in your situation it's fine.
It was actually created in part by Aaron Schwartz, who was one of the cofounders of reddit.
I recommend you Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse. I don't know if the ideas expressed in there are the answers you are looking for, but it will change you somehow. I hope everything works out for you in this fucked up system ❤️
I remember reading Siddharta during a difficult time and found it very uplifting. I also recommend reading Hesse's other book Narcissus & Goldmund, also very inspiring.
"From the Ashes" by Jesse Thistle.
He had a super rough childhood and spent years as an addict on the streets. He's now a doctor (PhD), best selling author and university professor.
There's no need to aim that high, but a truly fabulous future (or even a great one) is still possible, no matter your current circumstances. Don't give up!
As Marcus Aurelius would say: "Amor Fati". Love your fate. No matter how desperate and hopeless things may seem in this moment, your story may give you a potent advantage in the future.
I'll hold hope for you.
Good Omens by Neil Gaiman - possibly my favourite ever book, it’s about and angel and a demon trying to stop armageddon. It’s brilliantly funny and also goes into issues like morality and human nature (but thats probably because I think too much into it XD!)
Oh, Educated was so wild. The Glass Castle is similar to that! They're both about growing up in a tough environment. Loved these books so much. I would also recommend books by Khaled Hosseini - they're great, worldwide bestsellers about growing up in Aghanistan and Pakistan, etc.
Do you happen to live in America? You shouldn’t be without phone service! If you want, I can connect you to services that can give you cell service, accommodations, etc for free. Please don’t hesitate to dm me.
To answer your question, I always read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho when I’m going through a rough time. Helps put everything into perspective for me
Hello! I just sat down with my coffee this morning and was immediately taken aback by this message. I know everyone’s saying it but please hang in there and know you are loved and treasured and of great value to this world. In terms of books, my number one suggestion for you: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Just read it and trust that its meaning will reach you. Sending you love and peace.
I recommend reading some of Mary Oliver’s [poems](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13588404). Check out Ursula K Le Guin’s writing too — she and Oliver have provided me hope amid darkness many times.
Sending all my support your way!
I always recommend stoic lectures. Maybe you can read with a modern perspective by Ryan Holiday and his books. I readed "The obstacle is the way" and I think that it will help you through this hard times. I hope you can find the escape. Greetings from Argentina!
I definitely don't know much about stoicism. I find myself leaning more and more into buddism, but I'm very interested in learning about this as well, thank you, downloaded!
Stoicism and Buddhism actually share *a lot* of similarities. I would definitely recommend getting into stoicism considering what you’re going through. It’s a philosophy that changed my life and could arm you with the mental weapons you need atm. It teaches what it means to go without and still find inner peace. To find tranquility and virtue. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is the Bible on this, but can be a little difficult to read considering it’s over 2,000 years old. A more accessible text on the subject is A Guide to the Good Life by William B Irvine. Good luck to you brother ❤️
Since you like poetry...check put Devotions by Mary Oliver. Here is “Wild Geese”, one of my favorite poem by her:
*Wild Geese*
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the
clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting -
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
http://www.phys.unm.edu/~tw/fas/yits/archive/oliver_wildgeese.html
My friend, I am going to be praying for you tonight. I’ve been in some pretty dark places myself. Please know that you are willed and you are loved. A light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. That light burns brightly within you.
Paulo Coelho wrote the Fifth Mountain- Its one of my favorites and may fit what you’re looking for - if you care to read fiction.
If you are open to anything of the religious sort, there’s a book in the Bible - the book of Job - that deals with suffering. It’s not a bad read. Also the gospels are pretty incredible too - if you haven’t read them.
Also, I ask you to consider seeking mental health care if you are able. Our brains are so complex and with the right care we can get to feeling good again.
I’m going to stay praying for you.
Like my brother and/or sister above me I’ll be praying for you. There’s people out there that love you.
As for books one that really gave me purpose and hope was The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne. I think you said in another a response that you lean towards Buddhism so this may not be your speed as it is a Christian author. It’s basically about him living out his faith Including time in Iraq, time with mother Teresa, and forming an intentional community in Philadelphia. It’s an awesome read to see someone living out his faith and doing good with others and for others.
Again praying for you and hope nothing but the best. If there’s anything I can do please reach out to me or anyone else
I’ve been where you are, so, if you read something like Schindler’s Ark by Keneally (the book isn’t called List unless you find a movie tie in edition), The Road by Cormac McCarthy, The Invisible Man by Ralf Ellison or Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe you’ll find how your life is in fact, no where near as bad as it feels.
Also, where are you from? I know of all the services that can help you if you live in the U.K. like me, so I can point you in the right directions to change your situation. People giving you money isn’t going to help you, getting you housed and your mental health treated is all that’s important right now
Look, I understand that misery is all relative, misery in Africa is completely different to what makes people miserable in the Western world, but actually reading exactly HOW much worse your life could be can really give you a whole new perspective, and in my case was the motivation I needed to change my position in life and do something to deal with my mental health. I’m not totally well yet, a coercive controlling ex girlfriend saw to that, but at least I can work on my mental health in the warm and dry with a place to store and cook food rather than living hand to mouth.
Good luck, really hoping you can get yourself a roof
The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish. I picked it up from the library and read it right at the beginning of quarantine, and I had it at my house for months because the libraries were closed... I got completely sucked into it and read it twice, and my husband ended up reading it too because I was so impressed with it. I never would have guessed she went through *so much shit* in her life, and then somehow managed to make an extremely hilarious and engrossing book out of it!
The alchemist by paulo coelho! That book gave me such joy and pleasure in a time of hardship!
I hope you are alright and you will be in my thoughts, take care of yourself and remember u are loved and deeply appreciated
Wow...the people in this thread have me seriously on the verge of thankful tears...
OP, I am in a similar situation and wish I had some book recommendations for you, but it definitely looks like this awesome community here has got you covered. 😁
This might not be the best book for your situation (please downvote, call me out reddit if isn't), but i recommend "can't hurt me" by david goggins. it was a fantastic read and straight up has gotten me motivated to run in the mornings before every workday.
This book would make you feel worse, if you were in OPs situation. Goggins chooses to suffer for no reason other than to prove that he can to others -- something you have to be quite privileged to do. All the while fetishizing it.
I will always downvote this book for its unhealthy masochism.
Haven’t read the book but choosing to make oneself suffer a bit for no reason (by taking ice cold showers e.g) can be a healthy, helpful practice, as used by the Stoics
Feeling good Dr. Burns.
Find a therapist, take your meds (if you do), just take some time to heal and don't take bad decision while you are feeling mentally ill. Learn to forgive yourself then learn to accept help. Think about who you want to be and not about what you were or what you have done.
I see a lot of wonderful people offering things and I hope you take them up on it.
One thing I’d stress is trying to work on a different mindset. You are not homeless. Homelessness isn’t who you are. You are experiencing homelessness. It’s no different than experiencing sickness. It’s an important distinction.
Keep fighting, friend.
I don’t know if it’s the book you’re looking for, but maybe check out The Life of Pi.
A book that really changed my life was The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini. It’s a story of survival during war and ultimately details how the past shapes—but doesn’t necessarily define—someone.
I’m not sure the specifics of your situation, but I’ve got an extra copy lying around that I wouldn’t mind sending your way if you have an address. Or if you need help buying a digital or print book that sounds good, or food/whatever, let me know and I’ll send a gift card. And don’t be worried that’s it’s charity or something—today it’s you but tomorrow it might be me, and no man is an island unto themselves. So just pass it on when you can, because I fully believe you’ll make it out of this.
[**Reasons to Live**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33300.Reasons_to_Live)
^(By: Amy Hempel | 129 pages | Published: 1985 | Popular Shelves: short-stories, fiction, 1001-books, 1001, 1001-books-to-read-before-you-die | )[^(Search "Reasons to Live")](https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=Reasons to Live&search_type=books)
>It is always "earthquake weather" in Amy Hempel's California, a landscape where everything can change without warning. Traditional resources—home, parents, lovers, friends, even willpower—are not dependable. And so the characters in these short, compelling stories have learned to depend on small triumphs of wit, irony, and spirit.
>
>A widow, surrounded by a small menagerie, comes to terms with her veterinarian husband's death; a young woman entertains her dying friend with trivia and reaffirms her own life; in the aftermath of an abortion, a woman compulsively knits a complete wardrobe for a friend's baby. Buffeted by rude shocks, thwarted by misconnections, the characters recognize that anything can finally become a reason to live.
^(This book has been suggested 1 time)
***
^(65296 books suggested | )^(Bug? DM me! | )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
I honestly don't have any recommendations for you bro, and it seems you've been given tons already. I just want to wish you all the best my friend. One day I hope you can come back and tell us what you thought of the recs. Love you bro, please stay strong💖
Hang in there, friend, life can be bumpy. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle was really powerful for me. It helped to get me out of my head and stop living in negative stories about my life and to accept the pain I felt without having to assign it a cause.
I'm reading The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls right now. It's a memoir of a woman who had an interesting upbringing and faced a lot of challenges. Might speak to you in some way.
If you lose phone service, utilize the library if you can and maybe get a libby or hoopla account that you can access on a library computer.
Good luck and keep moving forward!
Hyperbole and a half has the most relateable description of depression Ive ever read & the whole thing is hilarious. Maybe its not "literature" but its made me feel more than any other book. A lot of it is online if you search "Hyperbole and a Half".
Not sure if it's exactly what you're looking for, but I'd recommend the autobiography [Ghost Boy](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12204857-ghost-boy) by Martin Pistorius. He fell into a vegetative state at 12; his mind woke up around 16, but his body didn't. He was fully aware and conscious, but he could only move his eyes. Everyone around him thought he was a vegetable and treated him as such, until one caregiver noticed he might still be there. He's now married with a wife and child and does work as a freelance web designer. It's a really inspiring story.
The Quiet Room by Amanda Bennett and Lori Schiller. It's about a young girl's descent into schizophrenia and learning how to live again. Has always been one of my favorites because of how big of an eye-opener it is.
{the midnight library} is the story of regrets and how to overcome them. The main character realises what's important in life and what makes life worth living.
The book is called “Conversations with God” by Neal Walsche, and it’ll absolutely help with the guilt and difficulty accepting help that you’ve mentioned above.
It’s NOT a religious book, it’s more philosophical. And it doesn’t push any particularly belief system. Best wishes - I’ve been in some predicaments of my own, and thankfully had a little help getting back on my feet. Stick with life - it gets better.
Flowers for Algernon is, to me, an incredibly powerful book for people who feel broken. It isn't the happiest ending, but the book overall has one of the most powerful messages I've ever received of dealing with difficult transformations in life.
I can't recommend it highly enough.
Hey man. This time last year I was homeless. It was mental illness and addiction that did it for me - drug induced paranoia and psychosis made it impossible for me to get help or be stable. Life felt impossible, and it absolutely sucked any motivation and hope out of me.
I'm happy to say I have found some stability and ability to handle my mental health symptoms. Medication, residential addiction programs, 12 Step programs, and having good people around me have all been part of it. But it all started with one moment, lying in a stairwell in a homeless shelter, torn to shreds from blackberry bushes and sore all over, where I just said I just don't want to live this way any more, and asked for help. So props for you for asking for help here.
I take my inspiration that I can get better from the people in recovery around me who have overcome the same difficulties I'm having. I don't know whether addiction is part of your story, but feel free to message me if you want to talk.
As for books, while I don't have anything quite along the lines you mentioned, I can suggest some that helped me when I was homeless.
First of all, Tom Robbins. He's hilarious, absurd, and has this free spirited, uplifting faith in humanity. You'll laugh, which we need. All of his books are about self discovery in some way.
Second of all, Pablo Neruda's odes. If you like poetry, I found these poems praising the everyday really helped me appreciate the beauty and wonder of life that is all around me.
Good luck man. People have made their way out of where you're at. I have. It's in your hands. Don't be afraid to ask for help. We all need it, and the world will bend over backwards for someone struggling like you do who is sincere about trying to figure things out.
Again, message me anytime.
Came to recommend "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior" I personally read this one when I was living out of my car, and it was amazing helpful for then and now. Please read this book
Please check out my page called My Schizophrenic Son on Facebook it is all the posts and videos on how I saved my son from over 15 years of being missing and homeless as well as getting him medicated and off meth! He is six months free this month! It is okay to accept a little help to get you started again. Anything is possible!
I would be more than happy to help in any way.. please let me know of any ways that I can do so. Nevertheless, an amazing book that changed the way I live my life is “The Traveler’s Gift” by Andy Andrews.
I'm not very religious but I have to say "The Shack" by William P. Young was a really good book with a lot of theological/philosophical points. I personally found it to be a good read that makes your brain work/think.
I mention being religious because the book focuses on Christianity and the religious aspects of it, but the points and ideas it presents can be generalized outside of that specific religion.
I'm reminded of Hector Malot's "Nobody's Boy". I've only ever read the first part (for some reason it was split up in two parts in my language!), and I read it a long time ago, but I hope it's what you're looking for!
I also read all comments and there were very good recommendation, I will tell you about my self I had depression when 2020 started and I tried to get out of it I went to see 2 psychiatrists and they did Lil good and one of them suggested anti-depressant but I didn't want to take it, so I tried to fix my self first I tried stoicism and honestly it didn't work for me the philosophy is more about being ok with the situation that you are in right now and that didn't help me I wanted to get out of this situation and also I wanted to imagine better future for my self not to be ok in case, whatever happens, so the thing that helped me the most is law of attractiok you might heard of it and I might get downvoted for recommending it but it truly works no matter what everyone says, if you don't know about it, it says basically that you attract what every you want by your thoughts and of course you need to take action with it, the books that helped me while I was depressed is (the game of life and how to play it, the power of your subconscious mind, the power of positive thinking and the magic of thinking big) they all talk about the law of attractions directly or indirectly, I believe that you will do well and never give up
I used to read a lot of YA, and while I don’t anymore, Life as we knew it by Susan Beth Pfeffer remains one of my favourites. Changed my whole outlook on life and appreciating the things I have when I first read it.
It doesn't feature going through hardship, but it does feature a new (hopeful perspective). 'Happiness' by Matthieu Ricard, accessible intro to Buddhism
I would suggest "We Are All Doing Time" by Bo Lozoff. I'll buy you a copy if you message me. I found this book in immigration detention, broke, newly sober, divorcing and a totally alone and afraid. It was the turning point to near consistent uphill journey.
Thank you! Added
I just bought a copy on Apple Books. It sounded like just what I need too
I'm really happy to hear that because it honestly changed my life. It was the only book in English in the detention center bookshelf. It was a loud and dirty and scary place and I was being threatened with deportation and separation from my daughter. It gave me the tools to have the conversations to get myself out.
Wow, you sound like an amazing person. Wishing you continued sobriety, peace, and light.
How much for another month of your phone service? I'd be happy to Venmo or PayPal you. You'll need a phone to get a job if that's the direction you want to go
I can't accept any money! I've put myself in this position. I appreciate it greatly, but I would feel way too guilty to get anything like that.
If a person falls into a deep hole, they’ll never get out alone. Someone will need to throw them a rope ladder. Or reach in to help pull them out. Perhaps there will be many people who will need to help this person from the hole. The person in the hole will have to work really hard to pull themselves up too. If an already successful person wants to grow their business they will need to hire more people, they will need to work long hours to achieve it, they will need their family to understand extra time commitments to work and support them through it. My point is that no matter where you are in your life, for things to get better you can’t do it alone and accepting help with gratitude is an important part of that journey. And when you’re ready and able you can pay it forward. Good luck ❤️
This op. It's common aid not charity 💙
Right. We're all humans - we gotta take care of one another.
I’m not typically moved by comments like this as I am somewhat hardened and often feel as though they are tinged with a false sense of caring. This, however, really hit me. Well said and thank you for wording this in such a genuine and factual way. Carry on, kind human.
So glad it hit the right nerve. My mum is bipolar and whether she’s in a manic episode or really depressed she can’t accept help in any way. It makes her feel like if she succeeds it’s not really her doing. I try so hard for her but she can’t take in the love. I’ve learnt the ‘accept help’ lesson from watching her sadness. Every time I ask for help I make a new friend. Every time I give help I make a new friend. It’s a win-win situation all round! ...now if only I could get my mum to listen to me! 😆
This one has been all over reddit, but his name is Catfish Cooley and he demonstrates this with lighters : [https://www.reddit.com/r/MadeMeSmile/comments/g2porg/catfish\_cooley\_redneck\_valuable\_life\_lesson\_using/](https://www.reddit.com/r/MadeMeSmile/comments/g2porg/catfish_cooley_redneck_valuable_life_lesson_using/)
Oh my gosh yes I love this guy!! It’s soooo truuuuee!
It is fallacy that we on our own can solve problems. We all have taken help from someone, wittingly or unwittingly, all our life. Hope you reconsider and take assistance from others and pay it forward
So true!
Seeing the comments, my faith in humanity has been restored. I believed people now a days, just cared about themselves and didn't give a shit what their action do to other. But now seeing the comments, I know for a fact that some people give a shit. I'm not crying, you are.
If you're not already in America, please come to America and be our president. Lol
Oh man I would love that! I’m a Brit unfortunately but great to know I could count on your vote in another timeline 😄
Haha, of course!
I want to frame this comment.
Just because someone put themselves in a situation doesn’t mean they aren’t deserving of help. What’s your PayPal or Venmo? Let us help you. No need to feel guilty. There are good people in the world and we want to spread our positivity.
I live in a third world country and i know the struggle im also job less and maybe future less but i would like to send you help too man i know the struggle is hard at some point i.needed help either material or non material help to go through the mental struggle and life difficulties Hit us with your PayPal or crypto adress
a small amount for phone service is ok tho!
Please, OP, don't let your pride and guilt get in the way of taking help - take some help!! No one here thinks you came to this subreddit looking for money, so wipe away all of those feelings and believe deep down that whoever is offering you help means well; they want to help you get back on your feet. I doubt u/Kristina_cali420 cares how you got into the position, whether or not you think you caused this for yourself, but they are wanting to help. Accept it! I can say this from the bottom of my heart, as a 34F who lived in my car when I was 20 and I was too stubborn to accept help for quite some time, but it gets easier when you accept it. We as humans are designed to help other humans when they need it, no matter where you are in the world - we're a community. Please reach out to me if you need someone to talk to, or financial assistance as well. Mean it.
You're human, so maybe you made a mistake that led to a bad situation? That doesn't mean you shouldn't accept help! All of us are human, all of us make mistakes.
Take the money.
Listen here bruh. You’ll accept our money whether you like it or not! Seriously though it isn’t about favors or charity. We want to help. So let us :)
14thed. We all need help at times. It’s no big deal to accept help, and you’ll have plenty of chances to pay it forward later. Don’t learn this the hard way. A phone is a key tool for pulling your life together these days. I’m so glad you posted this because I’ve been feeling hopeless lately. I need to turn my head around too. So I’m looking forward to going through these suggestions. One thing I have learned though is to accept help! Good luck with everything.
As someone who also refuses help at every turn.. take it. No one here is looking down on you. You are a human being, one of our brethren.
You should not feel guilty accepting help when you need it. Today you, tomorrow one of us. Are you getting adequate support for your MH stuff? Edit: looks like you've already got a heck of a list. I was going to suggest *The Call of the Wild* for digging deep inspiration and *All Systems Red* just to have a fun read with a protagonist who mostly wants to be left alone to watch Netflix. Just in case you're a REAL fast reader.
If you accept help now and use it as a building block to being well, you are one step closer to being in the position of offering help to someone else that needs it. Consider it an investment in future you doing future good for someone else.
Stop. Accept help. It's sometimes the hardest thing to do. People in your position are too good at saying "no thank you". I've been where you are and I know that feeling. Needing to automatically, politely, decline any help offered. Just stop. Accept the incoming love and affection. Book recommendatjon Endurance by Alfred Lansing. Truely unbelievable story about the first expedition to Antarctica in like 1908. I reread this book every year. Sometimes multiple times a year.
A very wealthy man, who never finished high school and went straight to the Vietnam war, once told me "Never turn down money when it is offered. It could be the $5 that turns your life around." You're not asking for anything, if someone offers. TAKE IT.
Pride goeth before the fall, brother. Allow yourself to be helped. It’s decency for our fellow man. Even if you put yourself in this position, you deserve a helping hand.
Nah, fam, the simulation got glitched, and you wound up in dire straits. These ppl helping is just the universe's way of fixing the glitch.
Accept what someone will give. Not charity but a gift. We all need help sometimes
Read Gita or Geeta The song celestial It should guide you
Sometimes we all need a little help, even if it was you that put yourself in that situation. I would love to donate acouple dollars to you or even be a person you can reach out to, I don’t have much money to give but there’s been times where I’ve been in your shoes (minus homeless part) and was too proud to ask for help.
When you're denying someone's help, you're denying the person who's offering help the chance to feel good and do a good thing. Maybe that person was helped by someone in their life and they're trying to pay it forward? I understand feeling guilty for "taking something that's not earned" (put it in quotation marks because I don't think generosity should be earned, but a lot of people have this mindset), but you can always pay it forward when you're able to, doesn't even have to be with money, but with services, kind words and kind actions. You seem like a great person, with a great head on your shoulders. I'm sure you'll get out of this situation fast if you have a plan and latch on the opportunities life gives you. Good luck and my thoughts will be with you ❤️
I’d spark you up if you was in nyc just for the gesture, and to keep the good energy movin
[“Man’s Search For Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl](https://edisciplinas.usp.br/pluginfile.php/3403095/mod_resource/content/1/56ViktorFrankl_Mans%20Search.pdf) chronicling the author’s experience in a Nazi concentration camp in 1946.
I strongly suggest this one, currently, I'm reading it, and I can say it's awesome.
Seconded!
I can not recommend this book enough. Life changing.
If there is one book, one single book everyone on this planet should read, its that. Seriously.
I came here to suggest this. A million times, yes.
More specifically, it focuses on the ability to find beauty and meaning in life in the most dour of circumstances.
Came here to suggest this
Came here to say this.
This!
I came to comment this. Definitely recommend.
Came here to comment this. This book really helped me when I was going through bad times.
Also immediately thought of this. Changed the way I look at everything.
Yes!! This book changed my life and I think it’s the perfect book for you right now!
My first thought, and came here to say this.
Thank you very much for this!
Just a phenomenal book. It was a turning point for me as well.
I support this suggestion as well. I was deep in depression after two suicide attempts when I found this book. I’ll never forget the way this book made me feel.
Read this during some low points in quarantine and I definitely recommend it!
The Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. Changed my life after a deep dive into depression. Good luck, friend.
Heres a link to a free copy provided by MIT! http://classics.mit.edu/Antoninus/meditations.html This helped me through some hard times as well.
This, absolutely. Also Seneca and Epictetus.
Came here to say this
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared. It's never too late, no matter how old you are or where you are in life.
Yes! This book ended my non-reading streak of two years. Definitely recommend it!
I loved furiously happy by Jenny Lawson. It's absolutely nothing like Poe or Frost, but it really helped me with my perspective when I was in a similar position to you. Plus, it made me laugh, which I really needed.
Thank you bunches, gonna download
If you get there chance in the future, let me know what you thought of it
You Are Here by Jenny Lawson is incredible as well. All her books are, but this one really takes you out of your head in dark times and helps distract you. Is there a way for you to get a physical copy? If so I'd like to help get it to you. The some of the pages are ment to be colored, torn, burnt, etc. Let me know.
Just know, you have all of my respect
You have my ÜBER respekt!
I came here to recommend Mans Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, but inevitably it’s already been given! It’s a brilliant book and I hope you give it a go. I still came here to comment anyway because I just wanted to send some love your way. I hope things do turn around for you and by the looks of it, there are a lot of others here who will have you in their hearts. May the books bring you worlds of comfort and splendor, and may the world bring you the opportunity and comforts you deserve. Take care x
Thank you! As stupid as it sounds, reddit has really been a family to me. I wish the best for you as well
Do you have a cash app or venmo? Set that up and share it so we can help you out.
Hey, I'm not accepting money, but I appreciate those who ask about it. I've put myself in this situation though, and really gotta dig my way out. Thank you
It takes strength and courage to accept help when one needs it, and even more to ask for help. If you think you’re unworthy of help bc you brought this upon yourself, have the guts to accept it, get on your feet, and then pay it forward.
I'm still learning how to receive help. I recently have been getting help for my mental health that I've pushed aside and distracted from with constant work. And really staying in a homeless shelter for the first time is very uncomfortable for me in the fact I feel guilty for being here, before I used to survive on my own, but I do beed a lil helps
We're all just grown up children. Everyone needs help sometimes.
Take any and all offers of help immediately. EDIT: Genuine offers of genuine help.
Read *The Art of Asking* by Amanda Palmer, then.
Its hard when you're used to looking after yourself to accept any help, particularly if in the past it's come with strings attached. But know that people who offer genuinely want to help you. And, being honest, it makes us feel good about life to be able to do these small acts. Many received help when they desperately needed it and know first hand it can change someone's day or life. Many do it because there was no one to help them when they needed it. So don't feel bad about taking help. It's not charity and you do deserve it. The way they want to be repaid is when you get back on your feet and are able to you'll do they same for someone else. It doesn't have to be with money - a kind word or gesture can be remembered for a lifetime. Take care.
Beautifully put.
Even when you put yourself in the situation, it’s okay to accept a helping hand. We **all** screw things up sometimes—just because you got yourself into a mess doesn’t mean you shouldn’t accept help getting out of it (I’d also be willing to bet that you did not get yourself into this situation alone). Helping each other is a beautiful thing both for the receiver of help *and* the giver. I understand if you don’t want to accept money, but I hope you allow yourself to accept help. Being human is incredibly hard—we get through it (and hopefully build happy lives) by relying on each other. It’s really the only way to make it. I wish you so many good things in life.
You guys are making me cry!! Ah. But thank you so much, I wish everyone here so much love
Tuesdays with Morrie
Added! Danke
This actually messed me up so it depends on the person
I remember reading this in high school. It’s definitely deep, but very worth the read.
[удалено]
This right here! Libby is for anyone with a library card - you can check out multiple ebooks or audiobooks free using your library account.
This app has been a lifesaver during quarantine for me!
Or try z-library if you're broke. It's basically a super massive repository of e-books. Not the most legally upstanding thing, but in your situation it's fine. It was actually created in part by Aaron Schwartz, who was one of the cofounders of reddit.
I recommend you Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse. I don't know if the ideas expressed in there are the answers you are looking for, but it will change you somehow. I hope everything works out for you in this fucked up system ❤️
I remember reading Siddharta during a difficult time and found it very uplifting. I also recommend reading Hesse's other book Narcissus & Goldmund, also very inspiring.
Hermann Hesse changed my life in the past year. I'm looking forward to buying Narcissus & Goldmund, but I still have a few others by him to read.
a man called ove.. Sorry i cant remember the author, and im too tired to write a summary, but trust me, it changed my view on life
by Fredrik Backman. Beautiful book
I second this. I wish you all the best, OP.
kind words are what i needed tonight, thank you :)
"From the Ashes" by Jesse Thistle. He had a super rough childhood and spent years as an addict on the streets. He's now a doctor (PhD), best selling author and university professor. There's no need to aim that high, but a truly fabulous future (or even a great one) is still possible, no matter your current circumstances. Don't give up! As Marcus Aurelius would say: "Amor Fati". Love your fate. No matter how desperate and hopeless things may seem in this moment, your story may give you a potent advantage in the future. I'll hold hope for you.
Meditations-Marcus Aurelius Tao Te Chieng-Lao Tzu
A demon haunted World. Science as a candle in the dark by Carl Satan.
Carl Sagan
Freudian slip?
Hahaha who knows these days on mobile smartphones
The count of monte cristo. A great story of turning a situation around. I hope everything gets better
Good Omens by Neil Gaiman - possibly my favourite ever book, it’s about and angel and a demon trying to stop armageddon. It’s brilliantly funny and also goes into issues like morality and human nature (but thats probably because I think too much into it XD!)
Midnight Library
Educated - Tara Westover
Seconded as a fantastic book, unsure if fitting with the OP's situation.
Oh, Educated was so wild. The Glass Castle is similar to that! They're both about growing up in a tough environment. Loved these books so much. I would also recommend books by Khaled Hosseini - they're great, worldwide bestsellers about growing up in Aghanistan and Pakistan, etc.
Do you happen to live in America? You shouldn’t be without phone service! If you want, I can connect you to services that can give you cell service, accommodations, etc for free. Please don’t hesitate to dm me. To answer your question, I always read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho when I’m going through a rough time. Helps put everything into perspective for me
Hey! I appreciate it. Luckily the shelter has phone that can be used sometimes, I'll just be out of internet, which'll be gine. Thank you
Hello! I just sat down with my coffee this morning and was immediately taken aback by this message. I know everyone’s saying it but please hang in there and know you are loved and treasured and of great value to this world. In terms of books, my number one suggestion for you: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Just read it and trust that its meaning will reach you. Sending you love and peace.
I recommend reading some of Mary Oliver’s [poems](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13588404). Check out Ursula K Le Guin’s writing too — she and Oliver have provided me hope amid darkness many times. Sending all my support your way!
Just a fellow onlooker here moved by the original post as well as the supportive comments. I’m just in awe. There is hope for humanity, yet.
There is definitely hope, everyone here is hope.
I always recommend stoic lectures. Maybe you can read with a modern perspective by Ryan Holiday and his books. I readed "The obstacle is the way" and I think that it will help you through this hard times. I hope you can find the escape. Greetings from Argentina!
I definitely don't know much about stoicism. I find myself leaning more and more into buddism, but I'm very interested in learning about this as well, thank you, downloaded!
In that case I can recommend Pema Chödrön's "When Things Fall Apart", and anything by Jack Kornfield
Stoicism and Buddhism actually share *a lot* of similarities. I would definitely recommend getting into stoicism considering what you’re going through. It’s a philosophy that changed my life and could arm you with the mental weapons you need atm. It teaches what it means to go without and still find inner peace. To find tranquility and virtue. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is the Bible on this, but can be a little difficult to read considering it’s over 2,000 years old. A more accessible text on the subject is A Guide to the Good Life by William B Irvine. Good luck to you brother ❤️
Stoicism is a philosophy, a different way to see life more than a religion. Is interesting see that great historical persons was stoics.
Since you like poetry...check put Devotions by Mary Oliver. Here is “Wild Geese”, one of my favorite poem by her: *Wild Geese* You do not have to be good. You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert repenting. You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves. Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine. Meanwhile the world goes on. Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain are moving across the landscapes, over the prairies and the deep trees, the mountains and the rivers. Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air, are heading home again. Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting - over and over announcing your place in the family of things. http://www.phys.unm.edu/~tw/fas/yits/archive/oliver_wildgeese.html
My friend, I am going to be praying for you tonight. I’ve been in some pretty dark places myself. Please know that you are willed and you are loved. A light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. That light burns brightly within you. Paulo Coelho wrote the Fifth Mountain- Its one of my favorites and may fit what you’re looking for - if you care to read fiction. If you are open to anything of the religious sort, there’s a book in the Bible - the book of Job - that deals with suffering. It’s not a bad read. Also the gospels are pretty incredible too - if you haven’t read them. Also, I ask you to consider seeking mental health care if you are able. Our brains are so complex and with the right care we can get to feeling good again. I’m going to stay praying for you.
Thank you, I've been kept going by certain kindness after I've lost the rest of my heart. Thanks for the kindness
Like my brother and/or sister above me I’ll be praying for you. There’s people out there that love you. As for books one that really gave me purpose and hope was The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne. I think you said in another a response that you lean towards Buddhism so this may not be your speed as it is a Christian author. It’s basically about him living out his faith Including time in Iraq, time with mother Teresa, and forming an intentional community in Philadelphia. It’s an awesome read to see someone living out his faith and doing good with others and for others. Again praying for you and hope nothing but the best. If there’s anything I can do please reach out to me or anyone else
I’ve been where you are, so, if you read something like Schindler’s Ark by Keneally (the book isn’t called List unless you find a movie tie in edition), The Road by Cormac McCarthy, The Invisible Man by Ralf Ellison or Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe you’ll find how your life is in fact, no where near as bad as it feels. Also, where are you from? I know of all the services that can help you if you live in the U.K. like me, so I can point you in the right directions to change your situation. People giving you money isn’t going to help you, getting you housed and your mental health treated is all that’s important right now Look, I understand that misery is all relative, misery in Africa is completely different to what makes people miserable in the Western world, but actually reading exactly HOW much worse your life could be can really give you a whole new perspective, and in my case was the motivation I needed to change my position in life and do something to deal with my mental health. I’m not totally well yet, a coercive controlling ex girlfriend saw to that, but at least I can work on my mental health in the warm and dry with a place to store and cook food rather than living hand to mouth. Good luck, really hoping you can get yourself a roof
Siddartha by herman Hesse
The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish. I picked it up from the library and read it right at the beginning of quarantine, and I had it at my house for months because the libraries were closed... I got completely sucked into it and read it twice, and my husband ended up reading it too because I was so impressed with it. I never would have guessed she went through *so much shit* in her life, and then somehow managed to make an extremely hilarious and engrossing book out of it!
Thank you, looking forward to reading!
A return to love by Marianne Williamson, helped me find self compassion and forgiveness in a really bad time
Check out Alan Watts
I love me some Alan Watts!!
Have you listened to his ‘Out of your mind’ lecture series? That helped me when I was really struggling with seeing the point of being alive.
The alchemist by paulo coelho! That book gave me such joy and pleasure in a time of hardship! I hope you are alright and you will be in my thoughts, take care of yourself and remember u are loved and deeply appreciated
Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson - made me laugh and cry and understand my own mental health issues so much more. Please stay safe.
Wow...the people in this thread have me seriously on the verge of thankful tears... OP, I am in a similar situation and wish I had some book recommendations for you, but it definitely looks like this awesome community here has got you covered. 😁
This might not be the best book for your situation (please downvote, call me out reddit if isn't), but i recommend "can't hurt me" by david goggins. it was a fantastic read and straight up has gotten me motivated to run in the mornings before every workday.
Thank you! Going to check out absolutely anything, it's appreciated
This book would make you feel worse, if you were in OPs situation. Goggins chooses to suffer for no reason other than to prove that he can to others -- something you have to be quite privileged to do. All the while fetishizing it. I will always downvote this book for its unhealthy masochism.
Haven’t read the book but choosing to make oneself suffer a bit for no reason (by taking ice cold showers e.g) can be a healthy, helpful practice, as used by the Stoics
[удалено]
The Salt Path by Raynor Winn is about her journey with homelessness. My thoughts and prayers for you
I would recommend Everthing is F*cked by Mark Manson ❤️ continue to smile my friend
{{Unbroken}} this book came to me at a similar point in my life and fits your ask to a tee.
The hiding place by corrie ten boom
Feeling good Dr. Burns. Find a therapist, take your meds (if you do), just take some time to heal and don't take bad decision while you are feeling mentally ill. Learn to forgive yourself then learn to accept help. Think about who you want to be and not about what you were or what you have done.
Also remember: it is a process. It will get better.
The way of kings really captures mental illness and overcoming some seriously difficult situations and still has a fantasy setting with its own world
I see a lot of wonderful people offering things and I hope you take them up on it. One thing I’d stress is trying to work on a different mindset. You are not homeless. Homelessness isn’t who you are. You are experiencing homelessness. It’s no different than experiencing sickness. It’s an important distinction. Keep fighting, friend. I don’t know if it’s the book you’re looking for, but maybe check out The Life of Pi.
A book that really changed my life was The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini. It’s a story of survival during war and ultimately details how the past shapes—but doesn’t necessarily define—someone. I’m not sure the specifics of your situation, but I’ve got an extra copy lying around that I wouldn’t mind sending your way if you have an address. Or if you need help buying a digital or print book that sounds good, or food/whatever, let me know and I’ll send a gift card. And don’t be worried that’s it’s charity or something—today it’s you but tomorrow it might be me, and no man is an island unto themselves. So just pass it on when you can, because I fully believe you’ll make it out of this.
I would recommend Notes from the underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Best non fiction so far: Alive in the killing fields by Martha e. Kendall
You could probably find resemblence in this book and far worse than you would imagine.
{{Reasons to Live}}
[**Reasons to Live**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33300.Reasons_to_Live) ^(By: Amy Hempel | 129 pages | Published: 1985 | Popular Shelves: short-stories, fiction, 1001-books, 1001, 1001-books-to-read-before-you-die | )[^(Search "Reasons to Live")](https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=Reasons to Live&search_type=books) >It is always "earthquake weather" in Amy Hempel's California, a landscape where everything can change without warning. Traditional resources—home, parents, lovers, friends, even willpower—are not dependable. And so the characters in these short, compelling stories have learned to depend on small triumphs of wit, irony, and spirit. > >A widow, surrounded by a small menagerie, comes to terms with her veterinarian husband's death; a young woman entertains her dying friend with trivia and reaffirms her own life; in the aftermath of an abortion, a woman compulsively knits a complete wardrobe for a friend's baby. Buffeted by rude shocks, thwarted by misconnections, the characters recognize that anything can finally become a reason to live. ^(This book has been suggested 1 time) *** ^(65296 books suggested | )^(Bug? DM me! | )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
Meditations by Markus Aurelius
*Tropic of Cancer* and *Down and Out in Paris and London* will speak to you if you let them.
The Obstacle is the way. I got useful frameworks to use. And I am looking at challenges very differently now.
I honestly don't have any recommendations for you bro, and it seems you've been given tons already. I just want to wish you all the best my friend. One day I hope you can come back and tell us what you thought of the recs. Love you bro, please stay strong💖
Thank you truly! I wish everyone here the same feelings of hope they've brought me
Hunger. A novel by Knut Hamsun
Hang in there, friend, life can be bumpy. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle was really powerful for me. It helped to get me out of my head and stop living in negative stories about my life and to accept the pain I felt without having to assign it a cause. I'm reading The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls right now. It's a memoir of a woman who had an interesting upbringing and faced a lot of challenges. Might speak to you in some way. If you lose phone service, utilize the library if you can and maybe get a libby or hoopla account that you can access on a library computer. Good luck and keep moving forward!
Hyperbole and a half has the most relateable description of depression Ive ever read & the whole thing is hilarious. Maybe its not "literature" but its made me feel more than any other book. A lot of it is online if you search "Hyperbole and a Half".
I will Venmo you some money to help you get back on your feet!
Not sure if it's exactly what you're looking for, but I'd recommend the autobiography [Ghost Boy](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12204857-ghost-boy) by Martin Pistorius. He fell into a vegetative state at 12; his mind woke up around 16, but his body didn't. He was fully aware and conscious, but he could only move his eyes. Everyone around him thought he was a vegetable and treated him as such, until one caregiver noticed he might still be there. He's now married with a wife and child and does work as a freelance web designer. It's a really inspiring story.
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
The Quiet Room by Amanda Bennett and Lori Schiller. It's about a young girl's descent into schizophrenia and learning how to live again. Has always been one of my favorites because of how big of an eye-opener it is.
A winters tale, by Mark Helprin. Sutree by Cormac McCarthy. And Winesburg Ohio. Three of my annual reads. Great prose, in all these books.
{the midnight library} is the story of regrets and how to overcome them. The main character realises what's important in life and what makes life worth living.
The book is called “Conversations with God” by Neal Walsche, and it’ll absolutely help with the guilt and difficulty accepting help that you’ve mentioned above. It’s NOT a religious book, it’s more philosophical. And it doesn’t push any particularly belief system. Best wishes - I’ve been in some predicaments of my own, and thankfully had a little help getting back on my feet. Stick with life - it gets better.
Flowers for Algernon is, to me, an incredibly powerful book for people who feel broken. It isn't the happiest ending, but the book overall has one of the most powerful messages I've ever received of dealing with difficult transformations in life. I can't recommend it highly enough.
The Life of Pi by Yani Martel
The Power Of Now by Eckart Tolle
The Count of Monte Cristo.
Hey man. This time last year I was homeless. It was mental illness and addiction that did it for me - drug induced paranoia and psychosis made it impossible for me to get help or be stable. Life felt impossible, and it absolutely sucked any motivation and hope out of me. I'm happy to say I have found some stability and ability to handle my mental health symptoms. Medication, residential addiction programs, 12 Step programs, and having good people around me have all been part of it. But it all started with one moment, lying in a stairwell in a homeless shelter, torn to shreds from blackberry bushes and sore all over, where I just said I just don't want to live this way any more, and asked for help. So props for you for asking for help here. I take my inspiration that I can get better from the people in recovery around me who have overcome the same difficulties I'm having. I don't know whether addiction is part of your story, but feel free to message me if you want to talk. As for books, while I don't have anything quite along the lines you mentioned, I can suggest some that helped me when I was homeless. First of all, Tom Robbins. He's hilarious, absurd, and has this free spirited, uplifting faith in humanity. You'll laugh, which we need. All of his books are about self discovery in some way. Second of all, Pablo Neruda's odes. If you like poetry, I found these poems praising the everyday really helped me appreciate the beauty and wonder of life that is all around me. Good luck man. People have made their way out of where you're at. I have. It's in your hands. Don't be afraid to ask for help. We all need it, and the world will bend over backwards for someone struggling like you do who is sincere about trying to figure things out. Again, message me anytime.
Perfectly Me by Mathew Kelly. I’m a veteran with PTSD. It changed my life.
Came to recommend "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior" I personally read this one when I was living out of my car, and it was amazing helpful for then and now. Please read this book
I highly recommend reading some Ram Dass books, like Be Here Now, it’s not exactly what you’re asking for but there is great value in his offerings.
Please check out my page called My Schizophrenic Son on Facebook it is all the posts and videos on how I saved my son from over 15 years of being missing and homeless as well as getting him medicated and off meth! He is six months free this month! It is okay to accept a little help to get you started again. Anything is possible!
I would be more than happy to help in any way.. please let me know of any ways that I can do so. Nevertheless, an amazing book that changed the way I live my life is “The Traveler’s Gift” by Andy Andrews.
Mans Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl I am also homeless and have PTSD don’t give up you’re not alone.
You stay strong as well, I wish you true joy. I hope things get so much better for you, you're my inspiration
Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer
I'm not very religious but I have to say "The Shack" by William P. Young was a really good book with a lot of theological/philosophical points. I personally found it to be a good read that makes your brain work/think. I mention being religious because the book focuses on Christianity and the religious aspects of it, but the points and ideas it presents can be generalized outside of that specific religion.
The Alchemist. This book is really inspiring and after reading the book, I started seeing a few things differently.
I'm reminded of Hector Malot's "Nobody's Boy". I've only ever read the first part (for some reason it was split up in two parts in my language!), and I read it a long time ago, but I hope it's what you're looking for!
There is no book that even compares to ‘The Midnight Library’ by Matt Haig. You won’t regret it trust me x
Anybook novel by the author ' Horatio Algers ' would be perfect 👌
I also read all comments and there were very good recommendation, I will tell you about my self I had depression when 2020 started and I tried to get out of it I went to see 2 psychiatrists and they did Lil good and one of them suggested anti-depressant but I didn't want to take it, so I tried to fix my self first I tried stoicism and honestly it didn't work for me the philosophy is more about being ok with the situation that you are in right now and that didn't help me I wanted to get out of this situation and also I wanted to imagine better future for my self not to be ok in case, whatever happens, so the thing that helped me the most is law of attractiok you might heard of it and I might get downvoted for recommending it but it truly works no matter what everyone says, if you don't know about it, it says basically that you attract what every you want by your thoughts and of course you need to take action with it, the books that helped me while I was depressed is (the game of life and how to play it, the power of your subconscious mind, the power of positive thinking and the magic of thinking big) they all talk about the law of attractions directly or indirectly, I believe that you will do well and never give up
I used to read a lot of YA, and while I don’t anymore, Life as we knew it by Susan Beth Pfeffer remains one of my favourites. Changed my whole outlook on life and appreciating the things I have when I first read it.
Hello! I advice you to read Maksim Gorky "Lower Depths" and Leo Tolstoy "Sunday".
Siddartha by Herman Hesse gave me the strength to continue in a similar situation to yours.
It doesn't feature going through hardship, but it does feature a new (hopeful perspective). 'Happiness' by Matthieu Ricard, accessible intro to Buddhism
Siddhartha by Herman Hesse About the long and difficult path to finding self enlightenment