A review by nickymaund
It's Not OK to Feel Blue (and other lies) by Scarlett Curtis

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.