Michelle Thomas (1) (1986–)

I thought I might like this, and really loved it. Michelle (it's a first-name-terms kinda book) speaks frankly about her experience of mental health issues, mainly depression and anxiety and the self-loathing that came with it. However, the book isn't grim, despite not flinching from the reality of living with enduring poor mental health, and Michelle injects a hearty dose of humour and lightheartedness without ever being flippant or dismissive.

As well as her own story, Michelle shared those of followers of her blog and Instagram account (as well as from Blackpool seafront!) to give a broader perspective of the diversity of experience.

The only small criticism I have is her repetition of the pharmaceutical advertiser's lie that poor mental health is the result of "imbalanced brain chemistry": the meds do work for many people, but not because they're "rebalancing" something that's gone wrong.

Otherwise, I loved hearing about Michelle's ongoing development of self-compassion and empathy, and laughed as much as I sagely nodded in agreement.… (meer)