Mental health and wellness are subjects that I am very invested in as I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder and have struggled with depression in the past. I do not take medication for my disorder nor do I seek therapy. Instead, I seek other ways to maintain mental wellness, such as diet, exercise, time with family and friends, and doing things that make me comfortable and happy.

I think this book takes on a great perspective on mental health and wellness and I am appreciative of how easy this book was to read.

This is a very refreshing read with some well-known advises as meditation and with such simple steps as taking regular walks and having fun, but the key is to stay motivated and continue practicing all key-points on a regular basis to reach the deep calmness and to be in one with the Universe. Once you reach it, you will know it. And if feels amazing as I’ve experienced it myself before, but lost it. And now I’m looking forward to achieving it again. This is a great motivational book, well-explained why you should take those steps.

RATING: 3.5 STARS
​(I received an ARC from the NETGALLEY​)​
(Review Not on Blog)

Mental health and wellness are subjects that I am personally invested in as I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I do take medication for my disorder as well as going to therapy, but I also look for other ways to maintain mental wellness. I am finding that having more than one "treatment" is a better balance for me. I also think it is best to go over any new treatments - even those naturally - with both my doctor and therapist.

It was hard to rate this book. I decided to rate it on how easy it was to read - in language and engagement. Whether the philosophy, or ideas in this book work for you, is something each person will have to gauge on their own. I liked that this book wasn't preaching one thing or another. This is not a book on debating medication, medicine or science. This book provides another way for wellness - and something that has worked for the author, Madiyson Taylor. I would say this book is like a memoir of one woman's journey rather than a "guide". I would recommend Unmedicated to anyone interested in the subject matter as it is easy to get into and read.

Madisyn Taylor’s unmedicated. is deceptively simple — and exceptionally powerful. In 165 pages, this beautiful book lays out how she found her path to wellness and how others might do the same thing, relying upon her as a friendly guide along the way. 
Don’t let the slim, well-designed book fool you. This is no guru intoning the best way to enlightenment, that following her path will lead you to glories and robust wellbeing. Her way is simple, inexpensive, free of complications and drama, but it is not a quick, easy, one-shot process. It takes commitment, full attention and admitting to yourself what you know to be true, but prefer to keep hidden, smushed, and unsaid. It’s easier to stay broken and miserable than it is to know what you know and take action.
Within the first pages, Taylor lays it out, “…I had to get serious about how I was going to live my life….[B]y radically changing the course of how I treated and thought of my health, I gradually gained my life back. I had a chance to finally live life as a whole being.” After sharing her story, Taylor discusses the specifics for each of the four pillars that establish a healing foundation: 
 Clear your mind
Nurture your spirit
Strengthen your body
Find your tribe

Her book is profound, simple, not challenging established protocols for addressing depression, anxiety, angst, but suggesting there are other ways to live, whole and aware, making your own way in the world. If you are in crisis, get help, but don’t stop there. Keep going until you are creating a sustainable life with the support and tools you need for wellbeing. 
Here is where my apology comes in: 
Madisyn, I truly enjoyed unmedicated. the first time I read it. I breezed through, appreciating your clear, calm writer’s voice and the wise, actionable plan for the reader to find their own path to wellbeing. I gave it a five-star review, highlighting the clarity, the wisdom, the honesty of a lifelong commitment.
Where I fell short — and why I am apologizing — was not describing how powerful and transformational this book can be. For some reason, I was moved to read it again, only this time I took notes, thought deeply about what I was reading instead of racing on ahead to file a review. 
Your book is powerful. It is transformational. The work that you have put into this beautiful book is a genuine gift to the world, a beacon of light and possibility made manifest by a woman who dared to change herself and share her journey.
Thank you for writing this book, for sharing it with the world.

I’ve read many spiritual/self-help books in the past and got to a point where everything started sounded the same. There was nothing new to keep me interested. After a few years of break, something compelled me to read this book even though I’m not on any medication. As the author states “this book can serve anybody weather you are medicated or not.”

This is a very refreshing read with some well-known advises as meditation and with such simple steps as taking regular walks and having fun, but the key is to stay motivated and continue practicing all key-points on a regular basis to reach the deep calmness and to be in one with the Universe. Once you reach it, you will know it. And if feels amazing as I’ve experienced it myself before, but lost it. And now I’m looking forward to achieving it again. This is a great motivational book, well-explained why you should take those steps.

The four pillars are:
1. Clear Your Mind – is about meditating and connecting with nature to clear the mind and to be in the present moment rather than worrying about future or stressing over little things.
2. Nurture Your Spirit – is about connecting to a greater source/Universe and opening oneself to creativity by keeping a journal with purpose to reach higher level, developing artistic skills, being kind and of help to others.
3. Strengthen Your Body – is about paying attention to our physical body and its needs, identifying what is good for our body including healthy food and holistic healing (such as acupuncture, massage, reflexology). As simple as it may sound, everyday walking has many health benefits as well.
4. Find Your Tribe – is about having compassionate friends who will lend helping hand and who will listen without judgement and leave you feeling good after a conversation. Maintain friendships by talking/seeing friends on a regular basis. Healthy balance means that you also need alone time for yourself. Have a purpose: hobby, volunteering, whatever makes you happy.

This is such a wonderful book for those of us with anxiety/depression who don't want to take medication. The author writes with such transparency and gives a clear plan for success. The steps are manageable, well-thought out and anyone can implement them.

A great book full of commonsense ideas to help support and care for your body and mind so that you can be less reliant on medication.

Interesting book. Not just for people wanting to withdraw from medication. In fact it is not really about medication at all, it is more about the author and her story, her way of doing things. It is more inspirational than instructional. I think it is a good one to read to see if there is anything you want to add to your own life from it. My favourite pillar was the second one. Overall a good read that you can take what you want from. Hopefully the greatest message is to listen to everyone but take control and do things your own way. Many thanks.