Search

Search only in certain items:

Am I Normal Yet?
Am I Normal Yet?
Holly Bourne | 2017 | Humor & Comedy, Young Adult (YA)
10
7.8 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
Holly Bourne writes about two of my absolute favourite topics: feminism and mental health.

So Evie is a teenage girl, who desperately wants to be "normal". She's been diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder and OCD, and is trying so, so hard to prevent them from ruling her life anymore.

Evie combats a number of issues in this book, such as the stigma around mental health, and the misuse of diagnoses (eg. "I like things neat, I'm so OCD"). She's such a real character, who makes mistakes and upsets people and keeps secrets. She shares her bad thoughts, her rituals and her worries with us, which makes this book so fantastically relatable for people with similar thoughts.

Like everyone else suffering with mental illnesses, Evie has a ton on her plate. Recovery, boy problems, friendship problems... And her desperation to just be normal for once, which leads her into a teenage guys bedroom and triggers a horrific relapse.

This doesn't have a typical happy ending. Yes, things do get better at the end, but Evie doesn't magically beat her illnesses or avoid a relapse altogether - because that's just unrealistic. Mental health doesn't work like that. Recovering from a mental illness is a rollercoaster, with about a thousand loops.

The girls - the Spinsters as they decide to call themselves - are all fabulous too. They talk about all the things that people don't talk about enough, including periods and the difference between mental health care for males versus females. I think these are all such important topics, and are covered fantastically in this novel from a teenage girl's viewpoint.

Overall, I think this is just such a wonderful, important book. For those of us who are struggling with mental health issues, it helps us to feel less alone, and lets us know that our problems are not uncommon. For other people, the more "normal" people, Am I Normal Yet? provides an accurate insight into the mind of someone who's not having such a great time mentally. I really loved this book and all the topics it includes. A new favourite of mine, with 5 stars.
  
The Mist - Season 1
The Mist - Season 1
2017 | Drama, Horror
visually beautiful (1 more)
genuinely haunting at times
some poor acting takes away from the plot (1 more)
although it deals with some issues the lgbtqia+ deal with in terms of acceptance, their representation ends up being solely negative (the same can be said for mental health issues, with dangerous stereotypes being represented)
  
Lost Connections
Lost Connections
Johann Hari | 2018 | Philosophy, Psychology & Social Sciences
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Sentiment is worthy but not cohesive
Johann Hari has delved into the world of depression and psychiatry, revealing his own battles with the condition and attempting to debunk approaches towards mental health. His intentions are worthy as it is a dense topic of discussion, and absolutely essential, but unfortunately Hari only focuses on one side.

His views on overprescription are completely accurate as many mental health professionals have a tendency to equate behaviour as a science, therefore looking towards traditional methods of treatment. However, his views that depression is totally reactive to environment is incorrect as many with other serious conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar, would have "endogenous" depression ie. where something goes wrong in the brain.

Much of this book concentrates on the disconnection from vital human requirements such as neighbourliness, professional fulfillment, acknowledgement of trauma and so on. His approach suggests that reconnecting may help the malaise. While I agree with half of his argument, others may find it oversimplified. But no doubt we do need a more compassionate attitude towards mental health.
  
FYM (ft. Wiz Khalifa) - Single by Elohim
FYM (ft. Wiz Khalifa) - Single by Elohim
2019
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Elohim is an artist and producer based in Los Angeles, California. Not too long ago, she released a new version of her “F*ck Your Money” single, entitled, “FYM (Rock Mafia Remix)”, featuring rapper Wiz Khalifa.

‘FYM (Rock Mafia Remix)’ contains a relatable storyline, harmonious vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with electro-pop and hip-hop elements.

The likable tune follows last week’s release of Elohim’s new EP, entitled, “BRAINDEAD”.

The 7-track project explores Elohim’s courageous struggle with mental health, a centerpiece of her artistry and songwriting since day one.

The release of “BRAINDEAD” is timed with the month of May in support of Mental Health Awareness Month.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/elohim-fym-wiz-khalifa/
  
    Dandelion

    Dandelion

    Gabbie Hanna

    (0 Ratings) Rate It

    Book

    In this visually thrilling installment of the inner-workings of Gabbie’s mind, we’re taken on a...

Dr. Tracey Marks
Dr. Tracey Marks
Education
Educational content (3 more)
Easy to understand, explains things very well
Raises awareness about mental illnesses
Interacts with her audience
If you're looking for mental health related content, she's your gal.
Honestly, her and Kati Morton are my top favorite youtubers. Tracey has taught me a tremendous amount of things.

Her videos are pleasant to listen to, she's very descriptive, she explains things well, she treats her audience respectfully, she gives out advice for free by answering questions. That woman is an angel.
  
Turtles All The Way Down
Turtles All The Way Down
John Green | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.4 (60 Ratings)
Book Rating
Plot (5 more)
Characters
Dialogue
Fandom Representation
Use of Fanfiction
Honest Portrayal of Mental Health Issues
This book blew me away, I honestly wasn't sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. The way John Green portrayed mental health was brutally honest. It was hard to read at some points but it was refreshing not to have a YA book romanticize mental illness but instead to show it from all sides: the way it affects familial relationships; the way it affects friendships; the way it affects romantic relationships and how easy and scary it is when your thoughts spiral out of control.

I loved reading about Aza and how she navigates through her friendships, new relationships and dealing with OCD. I have so much respect for John Green after reading this. It was very well done, and the Star Wars references were an added bonus!