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pinksreads's review
3.0
Pretty much a textbook read to understand the biological symptoms and effects of mental illness. A lot of effort has gone into compiling this book.
It is digestible as a normal read at the start, but it gets very scientific later on with little to no explanation for the scientific terms. I enjoy reading such books usually as study material, but not as a storybook. I did fine the research references extremely interesting to look into. I will be reaching out to this again and again like a reference book every time I want to know more about neuroscience and mental illness.
That being said, it is not a digestible read as a storybook overall. It gets very repetitive over time and I struggled to get through to the end. I couldn't retain a lot of information as it is filled to the brim with lists. I think it would've been better-marketed as a reference book or study manual.
It is digestible as a normal read at the start, but it gets very scientific later on with little to no explanation for the scientific terms. I enjoy reading such books usually as study material, but not as a storybook. I did fine the research references extremely interesting to look into. I will be reaching out to this again and again like a reference book every time I want to know more about neuroscience and mental illness.
That being said, it is not a digestible read as a storybook overall. It gets very repetitive over time and I struggled to get through to the end. I couldn't retain a lot of information as it is filled to the brim with lists. I think it would've been better-marketed as a reference book or study manual.
rachelmellema's review
5.0
An in depth exploration of the factors contributing to mental health and well being. Amen's comprehensive research and practical strategies provide a holistic understanding of the brain's role in mental health, emphasising the importance of proactive measures for maintaining cognitive wellness. The book's emphasis on the integration of physical, psychological, and social factors in addressing mental health issues is super informative.
anna3101's review
2.0
I rarely write reviews these days but I just have to say that if hear him mention "his nieces Alizé & Amelie" one more time, I'm going to scream. Seriously, what's the deal with the poor Alizé and Amelie that they must be drilled into the poor reader's skull every chapter? Has no editor ever looked at this and said "Heck, let's refine the writing a bit, as to not make the reader go through the same suffering as the hypothetical suffering of the nieces?"
Most of the things mentioned in the book are common sense and have been said before by a million other authors. SPECT certainly seems promising though remains to be better researched. Different nutriceuticals and blood tests were interesting to read about and I might try a couple. However, as many other readers have already mentioned, a huge chunk of the book is one big sales pitch for his clinic. Also, even if you absolutely agree with each and every word and would want to follow all the advice, you're out of luck if you are not crazy rich. Can you afford to have only organic food? Replace all the "toxic" furniture in your house? Do a bazillion of blood tests? Pay for the infamous SPECT? How about "just not being stressed"? No problem Dr Amen, I could be as peaceful as a Buddhist monk if I didn't have to work under pressure at irregular hours, didn't have to worry about paying my bills or losing my rent.
I didn't hate this book but I didn't love it either. A lot of it is simply irrelevant to an ordinary middle-class person.
Most of the things mentioned in the book are common sense and have been said before by a million other authors. SPECT certainly seems promising though remains to be better researched. Different nutriceuticals and blood tests were interesting to read about and I might try a couple. However, as many other readers have already mentioned, a huge chunk of the book is one big sales pitch for his clinic. Also, even if you absolutely agree with each and every word and would want to follow all the advice, you're out of luck if you are not crazy rich. Can you afford to have only organic food? Replace all the "toxic" furniture in your house? Do a bazillion of blood tests? Pay for the infamous SPECT? How about "just not being stressed"? No problem Dr Amen, I could be as peaceful as a Buddhist monk if I didn't have to work under pressure at irregular hours, didn't have to worry about paying my bills or losing my rent.
I didn't hate this book but I didn't love it either. A lot of it is simply irrelevant to an ordinary middle-class person.
sophiaclarice's review
informative
slow-paced
5.0
The most comprehensive book I’ve ever read on mental illness and overall health. Chock full of actionable tips to incorporate into your daily habits, this book will change your life.
analuyza's review
1.0
If I could give it half a star, I would. Hell, if I could give it ZERO stars, I would. I actually had to DNF it halfway through because it just seems a huge advertisement for himself, his clinics and his books. The fact that this has a average 4 stars on goodreads makes me question if I’ll ever trust a goodreads ratings for nonfiction ever again. (Not saying everyone should dislike it, just saying that I’m surprised my taste differs so much from so many people’s).
barkydonaldson's review
2.0
seems like some useful info and insight but also maybe kind of quacky and basically an infomercial in book form.
maturnbu's review
5.0
Lots of good information, yes a bit repetitive but he walks you through the keys to brain health in a way that you can understand and retain them. Talks about alternatives to using prescription drugs and getting to the root of the problem.
Any of the reviews from people about it being a sales pitch are missing the point. He does have other books and his own clinic and programs but I didn’t find he was overly pushy about it at all.
Great read.
Any of the reviews from people about it being a sales pitch are missing the point. He does have other books and his own clinic and programs but I didn’t find he was overly pushy about it at all.
Great read.
jamesthomas79's review
5.0
I was researching ways to manage depression - I suffer with clinical dpression - and I came across a Youtube video of Daniel Amen asking the question - (Im parphrasing) 'if have a heart problem your cariologist looks at your heart, if you have a mental health problem why doesn't your psychiatrist look at your brain?' That question got me hooked, then I loved what he had to say about how improving brain health, improves mental health. Then I bought this book.
If you struggle with mental health or know someone how does, or if you are interesting in maintaining your good mental health, then this book is a must-read!
If you struggle with mental health or know someone how does, or if you are interesting in maintaining your good mental health, then this book is a must-read!