Bibliotherapy: A novel take on mental health

Reading is often one of the first things to go when you're busy - your bag's already full and you've got your phone to play with - but could picking up a book be one simple way to help boost or maintain your mental health?It's Mental Health Awareness Week and here at BBC Ouch we're not missing out so this podcast is all about how a good book could be a good thing - and we're not talking self-help books - we're talking any and every genre.It's thought books can help you set targets and find focus, even if you can't get out of bed because of depression. They let you see that awkward situation you've been anxious about for weeks from someone else's perspective and you might even learn how to be empathetic or find your way into a new community.Presented by Niamh Hughes with Beth Rose, blogger Harriet Allner and academic Dr Paula Byrne