Scan barcode
Reviews
No Such Thing As Normal: What My Mental Illness Has Taught Me About Mental Wellness by Bryony Gordon
rachiereadsbooks90's review
5.0
In Bryony Gordon’s latest book No such thing as Normal, she uses her own experiences of mental illness to compile a practical, compassionate guide to mental health. As a person who lives with OCD and anxiety, I found this book refreshing, relatable and most of all helpful to my situation. Bryony isn’t afraid to talk about difficult issues and I found her chapter on Lockdown and its effects on our mental health particularly poignant.
In no such thing as normal, Bryony tackles a taboo subject and helps the reader put in place a practical plan to help them look after their mental health – including an incredibly detailed chapter on how to get help and what to expect when you make the brave decision to take that step.
I came away from this book feeling mentally stronger and I’ve since used some of Bryony’s tips and analogies to help me in times of struggle or uncertainty.
In no such thing as normal, Bryony tackles a taboo subject and helps the reader put in place a practical plan to help them look after their mental health – including an incredibly detailed chapter on how to get help and what to expect when you make the brave decision to take that step.
I came away from this book feeling mentally stronger and I’ve since used some of Bryony’s tips and analogies to help me in times of struggle or uncertainty.
sjw84's review
5.0
I have not read any of Briony’s previous books, and picked this up on a whim whilst supermarket shopping. I am very glad I did. Although it didn’t tell me anything ‘new’ per se about how to better manage my mental health, it was put across in such an empathetic and genuine way that it felt like a hug from a friend. Exactly what I needed, when I needed it.
dennasus's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
4.0
Another great book from Bryony. I've been working on my own mental health issues for a while now, so I've known about many of the techniques / advice in this book. But it definitely helped as a reminder.
hanxiety_in_pink's review
4.0
I’ve been trying to read at least one non-fiction book every month this year and, after hitting a little low in my mental health again over the last few weeks, it felt like a good time to take this one off the shelf.
It’s a practical guide to mental health, short and plain-speaking, with chapters covering ‘The Basics’ of mental well-being, ‘How To Ask For Help’ and ‘The Importance Of Helping Others’ as well as a whole chapter on ‘Lockdown’ and the lasting effects it has had on the mental health of so many. Gordon writes about the woefully underfunded NHS mental health provisions and the apparent lack of importance that successive Governments place upon them, she stresses the importance of knowing that you have the right to ask for help (and to keep on asking if you don’t get it).
I particularly liked the way she spoke about meditation and mindfulness, the practices that are exalted as the way to a ‘happy’ brain, great in theory but sometimes impossible with a noisy and anxious mind.
I really enjoyed this quick little read, I’m not saying it’s cured me, but it definitely was grounding. Practical and sensible advice is usually exactly what I need when my brain gets carried away with itself and I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels that. I’d recommend it to anyone who feels like they just need a good sensible talking to sometimes!
It’s a practical guide to mental health, short and plain-speaking, with chapters covering ‘The Basics’ of mental well-being, ‘How To Ask For Help’ and ‘The Importance Of Helping Others’ as well as a whole chapter on ‘Lockdown’ and the lasting effects it has had on the mental health of so many. Gordon writes about the woefully underfunded NHS mental health provisions and the apparent lack of importance that successive Governments place upon them, she stresses the importance of knowing that you have the right to ask for help (and to keep on asking if you don’t get it).
I particularly liked the way she spoke about meditation and mindfulness, the practices that are exalted as the way to a ‘happy’ brain, great in theory but sometimes impossible with a noisy and anxious mind.
I really enjoyed this quick little read, I’m not saying it’s cured me, but it definitely was grounding. Practical and sensible advice is usually exactly what I need when my brain gets carried away with itself and I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels that. I’d recommend it to anyone who feels like they just need a good sensible talking to sometimes!
jellybean1981's review
5.0
Brilliant book, really enjoyed reading it. Bryony is extremely honest & doesn't hold back.