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harleyeryley's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
3.75
achilleanshelves's review against another edition
4.0
This was a very heavy yet a very necessary read. I'm so grateful that this book exists.
ms_library's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
nickymaund's review against another edition
5.0
It’s Not OK to Feel Blue and Other Lies is a powerful anthology of essays, letters, poems, and other candid insights into a whole host of well known (and some not so well known - but that could be my age ☺️) people that have been affected by mental ill health; either themselves or people they love. I love how each contribution is so different, honest and offers little snippets of geniusness (yes I made up a word) to help you, the reader, deal with whatever your life is throwing at you. The fundamental points of this anthology are that you are not alone and don’t compare yourself to others. What you’re feeling or thinking is valid and you’re entitled to them, but they do not define you and you will overcome them. There are lots of people in this world, from all walks of life and from all kinds of backgrounds going through similar situations and struggles. Contributors offer some nugget of wisdom of how they overcome their struggles and that their mental ill-health does not define who they are. These are heartbreaking, uplifting and it goes without saying; they can be upsetting (possibly triggering if you’re vulnerable). Highlights for me are from Scarlett Curtis, Girli, Fearne Cotton, Professor Tanya Byron, Dawn O’Porter, Ella Purnell, Alastair Campbell, Jo Irwin, Poorna Bell, Emma Thompson, Davina McCall.....the list goes on. I’m not going to lie - it’s not an easy read, but I think everyone should read this. It’s informative, enlightening and heartbreaking. Thank you to all the contributors to this - it’s beautiful.
naomileunis's review against another edition
4.0
"it's all OK"
Wish I had had someone tell me that years ago
Wish I had had someone tell me that years ago
clare_tan_wenhui's review against another edition
4.0
As a mental health recoveree, I was initially inclined to award it the full ratings, in recognition of the contributors' efforts and sincerity in promoting mental health awareness.
However as I finished the book, I decided to take the cue from what it is advising. It's ok to not rate this as perfect. It's ok to talk not just about what I liked about it, as well as what did nor relate to.
Due to the unique experiences shared in each testimonial, some sharings tend to deviate into other themes involving other social causes which I'm largely ambivalent.
Nevertheless the unifying theme that runs through all these testimonials, is the importance of health relationships, health relationships with self, healthy relationships with others.
Healthiness is not perfection, it is not invincibility. Healthiness is a critical part of our humanity and identity. Let us treasure and celebrate it, every moment of our lives.
However as I finished the book, I decided to take the cue from what it is advising. It's ok to not rate this as perfect. It's ok to talk not just about what I liked about it, as well as what did nor relate to.
Due to the unique experiences shared in each testimonial, some sharings tend to deviate into other themes involving other social causes which I'm largely ambivalent.
Nevertheless the unifying theme that runs through all these testimonials, is the importance of health relationships, health relationships with self, healthy relationships with others.
Healthiness is not perfection, it is not invincibility. Healthiness is a critical part of our humanity and identity. Let us treasure and celebrate it, every moment of our lives.
julezldn88's review against another edition
4.0
Really heartfelt and relatable experiences with mental health. A great read
crypticspren's review against another edition
4.0
This book isn’t really a self help book, but more of a self-discovery book, and everyone should read it.
I have spent the last 10 years living with mental illness, so I thought I knew it all. I’m a classics historian that specialises in mental illness in the ancient world, so of course I thought I knew it all. But this book prompted me to acknowledge aspects of mental health I had never considered. It made me realise how suffering takes almost every possible form and affects everyone. I had never before considered the possibility that wealthy, physically fit and healthy, beautiful people could battle so violently with the voice in their head. I had never before considered that some of the most successful people have flourished from pain...
This book won’t cure you. But it has shown me that even with mental illness, I have just as much chance to be amazing as anyone else.
This is truly a wonderful collection of essays to read in one go or dip in and out of. I truly think everyone should read this book.
I have spent the last 10 years living with mental illness, so I thought I knew it all. I’m a classics historian that specialises in mental illness in the ancient world, so of course I thought I knew it all. But this book prompted me to acknowledge aspects of mental health I had never considered. It made me realise how suffering takes almost every possible form and affects everyone. I had never before considered the possibility that wealthy, physically fit and healthy, beautiful people could battle so violently with the voice in their head. I had never before considered that some of the most successful people have flourished from pain...
This book won’t cure you. But it has shown me that even with mental illness, I have just as much chance to be amazing as anyone else.
This is truly a wonderful collection of essays to read in one go or dip in and out of. I truly think everyone should read this book.