K.A.J

Personable, Relatable, Honest, & Helpful

Revisado: 01-04-25

The book took a little bit to capture my attention, but I started it when I was very tired. By the time I got a little further in, I was drawn to the pure honesty shared and relatability of this arduous life we're all smashed into together. The author easily gave references to other notable books and professional tactics that he incorporated into the work. I felt like I was having a long conversation with someone I knew well and who wasn't judging me nor telling me what to do or not to do. There was ample advice on how best to navigate this insane reality we are to exist in for now. With brief discussions of the many philosophical reasonings about our existence in life, the unanswered questions we just can't answer, I finally truly felt as if my thoughts were heard by someone somewhere; and that I wasn't swimming around in complete darkness all alone.

Even the simplistic reminder was riveting; that the person who just really p-ssd me off, has a demon of their own and is going through much the same battle in their head (even if they don't realize it), and I normally do have empathy which helps get me through some days. The suggestions for overcoming onslaught from others even made me laugh a couple of times; and I deal with treatment resistant depression every day and chronic suicidal ideation.

Listening to this author was like having an understanding, empathetic, lighthearted, yet serious at times, friend- even in the last chapter/prologue when addressing how you might feel after you've finished the book. I didn't feel shoved aside, abandoned or lost after all the advice was shared with me. It really is a book worth acknowledging for those of us struggling to navigate through life. I can say: a job well done and thank you for creating it.

It helps, and I plan to go over the ideas presented again because this IS work when you're depressed or anxious -but easy work, to try to help you feel just a tiny bit better -even if it gets you to "neutral".

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Admirably Honest and Fully Relatable

Revisado: 07-29-23

I love this book because it didn't sugarcoat the theme of depression nor did it glorify what this tragic disease does. The author was candid and honest about their experiences. The many problems with mental healthcare and victories, albeit small, were brought up. I won't say I enjoyed this book because I have depressive disorder (treatment resistant), and I could feel the psychological pain just from relatable experiences. That doesn't give me joy but rather empathy, understanding, and relatableness.

I can appreciate the author's willingness to be forthright with even the grimmist details, and I'm certain sometimes shameful feelings when describing their experiences. I appreciated the section on statistics and how they're changing, how so much is underreported, and how it's entirely taboo to admit this disease can be considered fatal, let alone admit its enormous impact on families and the world itself. The book is fantastic, and I applaud her bravery in writing it to share with millions of strangers who might need to know they're not alone, that this struggle probably will never end for most of us. At least not in the foreseeable future.

With all that being said, the narrator was good/decent and kept me engaged. I would definitely recommend this read to anyone touched by depression but as well as others (family or personally). Well worth the purchase.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Help for Inescapable Suicidal ideation

Revisado: 07-25-21

Absolutely love the narrator -who did a fabulous job. This book is filled with empathy and sympathy for the reader (listener) through a wonderfully raw, acceptable humor and full of practicality. The author is understanding and encouraging through a way of sharing personal thoughts and ideas for when depression, the horrible dark beast decides to inundate your mind. If you have chronic intrusive thoughts and/or suicidal ideation- then this book could be just what you need in your life.

When I decided to give yet one more book to help me a chance- I was not disappointed at all. The author serves you up with just what you need including being someone that "gets it". This isn't some mundane, boring person with a bunch of credentials after their name; rather, it's a clever *real* person giving you every reminder of tips for coping that you may already know, may not have known, or had forgotten about over time. Ideas are presented to use known skills/activities but thinking about them in different ways with additional ideas of activities you may have never tried. Like gaming! Tips for utilizing gaming to help you including playing around someone.

I loved the part regarding creating to get the stuff out of your head. Artists of all kinds deal with thinking everyone's work is better or you're not good enough and the author reminds us that some of the best creations out there are ugly and far from *perfect*. You're reminded to not hold back but to express your thoughts through whatever medium of creation you make. Not just painters or drawers but also writers/bloggers, sculptors, programmers even. If it is cathartic for you do whatever you want with it. Keep it just for you or share it with others.

There's so much more to this book than I ever would've thought could be contained in it. I felt understood, I felt myself smiling from the at times sardonic humor, I felt inspired and renewed. I felt real, loved, alive and valued. I felt like maybe, just maybe, I can give my deplorable existence one more chance.

My mind has been blown by the power and relatedness of this book. My review doesn't do the book proper justice. I highly recommend listening to/reading this- you'll do so without regret.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 4 personas