What is the bravest thing you did today? It may surprise you that the answer just might be that you got out of bed. I started reading this book while on a Caribbean cruise. It felt like a downer when there was so much fun to be had! I set it aside.
About a month later, tan long faded, Depression barged his way into my life. Something he does too often and always stays for too long. As I scrambled for hope I found it in the pages of On Getting out of Bed, by Alan Noble. Although Mr. Noble doesn’t share much in terms of personal stories about his own mental sufferings, it was clear to me that he understood. That in itself is a gift in what is an isolating experience.
This was not an easy read for me, but I’m so glad I did. In it I found words to encourage me to keep living even if all I can do is the one next thing. His tone is that of a good friend who is not going to sugar coat things for you. And goodness do I need that when I’m on day 3 of not leaving the house. He propels the reader to look for beauty, no excuses! “You either choose to receive the beauty of this life in the midst of chaos or distress or you never will”. So I went off to search for beauty. Then he reminded me that others are watching, looking to see how I persevere. The weight of that responsibility did it for me.
Ultimately, this book is a call to all of us who suffer mentally to take a step back from the literal ledge and choose, for one more day, to live. This book can/will save lives. I know this book will live in my nightstand, ready to remind me to get out of bed and seek beauty, and do the next thing. And for that I am so grateful.

Thank you NetGalley and InterVarsity Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Sometimes, if we are honest with ourselves, it is hard to get out of bed. Noble's book is refreshing and reminds us of life. It doesn't excuse mental health issues, yet at the same time he doesn't allow you to stay in your bed. His book encourages you to get up; live your life.

This was a book I needed in 2021, as I was dealing with many personal issues. The book provided comfort and clarity. It was a short read and not cumbersome, which is perfect when you can't focus in the depths of depression. I appreciate the push to keep on living while acknowledging how hard life can be at times.

The title and subtitle of this book captured my attention from the moment that I saw them! As someone who struggles with a cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder (PMDD), I’ve had my fair share of struggles getting out of bed. During particularly difficult seasons, the battle with hopelessness has left me void of energy and the desire to press forward.

Alan Noble does an incredible job speaking to these struggles. As a fellow sufferer, he comes alongside us offering truth and encouragement. He reminds us that life is worth living—that it is worth it to push back the sheets, swing our feet over the edge, and get out of bed. He helps us to open our eyes to God’s grace, the goodness of His creation (even in its fallen state), and the aid of loving community.

For those that struggle with mental illness or experience mental struggles from time-to-time, this is a must read. For those that love someone who deals with these things, this is a must read. For churchgoers that want to be able to better empathize with the folks who walk through your doors that may have these struggles, this is a must read. I’m so grateful to have read this book!

I received a copy of this book for free from NetGalley and IVP in exchange for this honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. While reading it, I felt like I was talking to a supportive friend. It breaks down the simple act of getting out of bed and made me realize that one act in itself is a tremendous act of courage on some days. I felt seen and understood after reading. It's easy to feel alone in the world and in the sadness and melancholy we all feel as the human condition. But this book reminded me that I can overcome hard things and each step leads to the next good step.
This was my first time reading one of Mr Noble's books and I will definitely read the others.

I was encouraged both in my own previous journey with mental health struggles and as I walk with friends who are currently on a journey with mental health struggles. I highly recommend!

I was greatly encouraged by Alan Noble's new book. So often we do not have the ability to either experience suffering, or sit with those who are suffering. Yet Noble encourages the reader that this suffering is not something we should presume we will escape by more faith, but it is a witness to our humanity in the present age. We are creations by God, and therefore our lives are gifts. We have reasons to get out of bed in the morning, even though it may take more effort each day. May we be encouraged, even amidst our suffering, to live for God.

I am so thankful for this book, The book identifies with those feelings that you sometimes think “ Am I the only one”. Helpful perspectives that have changed me for the better, and brought me closer to the Lord first thing when I awaken. If you suffer when awakening with all different kinds of negative feelings I suggest you give the read a go at it. Thanks for being a part of this book being a blessing in my life, was an answer to prayer.

"We Are Not Dead Yet" by Alan Noble is a personal essay that explores the struggles of everyday life and mental health. The book has a religious perspective, which may surprise some readers, but it still offers insights into the challenges of daily life. It is worth noting that the author has no medical expertise in mental health, so readers should not rely on this book as a comprehensive guide. However, the author's honesty and accessible writing style make this a good choice for readers who are interested in gaining a better understanding of mental health issues. Overall, "We Are Not Dead Yet" is a thought-provoking book that offers a unique perspective on the human experience.

This book, On Getting Out of Bed, was so helpful to me because I felt like I was sitting across the table from the author, getting let into their heart. It is a beautiful book that was written like a letter to a friend. There are quotes at the top of each chapter which were one of my favorite aspects of the book. I love this because our thoughts are just a blend of all the other things we have read and learned and this book seemed to be all the best things the author had learned combined into one cohesive story. The only thing I would add is more scripture to the book. I wish it referenced the Bible more, which would have been practical to the idea of running to Jesus.

A concise but compassionate look at depression. Noble says what needs to be said with love and kindness while sharing his own experiences along the way.

Here's the thing about being a person: it's hard a lot (if not most) of the time, but there seems to be an unspoken expectation from other persons that "no actually, it isn't, what are you talking about?" And that cognitive dissonance only serves to make the hard parts harder.

There are a lot of helpful truths for those whose minds are their biggest battlefield, but the core question we really need answered is: "Why should I get out of bed?" Which is just another way of saying, "What am I doing here?"

Noble cuts to the chase with this one, and I appreciate him for it. Thanks to IVP for the ARC. I'm excited to share more quotes once this releases.

This book is about mental health and how hard it can be to get out of bed sometimes, but that life is a gift and we should look as it as such. It's one of the better Christian books I have read on mental health because Noble highlights how life is a gift and we are called 'to do the next thing before and unto God...That is all you must ever do and all you can do. It is your spiritual act of worship.' Along this vein, he says choosing to push through hard things is an example to those around us which really resonated wiht me.

Noble writes with a lot of compassion around mental health and really strikes a good balance of not blaming mental health on a spiritual inadequacy, but also not saying that there is no agency in mental health. He encourages readers that 'if you wait until you are "in a good place" mentally before you accept your responsibilities, you may never act. It's never a good time to sacrifice for others, but it's always the right time to sacrifice for others.'

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC!

There was some good and useful information in this book, but overall I felt it was oversimplified and repeated ad naseum. I appreciated what the author was saying, but it sure seemed like a lot of repetition. Note, if you are not a Christian you will not like this book, it is very specific to the Christian viewpoint of God and religion.

This was a helpful book. I really liked that it wasn't just to trust God and you'll be fine mentally. Teh author includes other methods of mental health and intertwines faith within it. The only issue is I don't have to be inspiration porn to show the glory of God with in me.

Mental illness doesn’t carry the same stigma it once did. Today I see people posting all the time on social media about their anxiety or PTSD. Some TikTok content makers recently received backlash for pretending to have a mental illness just for the “likes.” Suffering is a normal part of living in this broken world in these broken vessels. Those who truly have a mental illness though would love nothing better than to be rid of it. They often find themselves overwhelmed by their broken minds that lie to them about reality and distort their thinking. I know this because I’ve been there. Author Alan Noble has as well.

In his latest book, Alan writes about living well despite daily suffering in “On Getting Out of Bed: The Burden and Gift of Living.” He wrote for Christians suffering mental illness as someone who intimately understands anxiety and depression.

People living with mental illnesses don’t readily rise from their beds in the morning. They don’t want to face another day living with dread of having panic attacks with their side-kicks guilt and shame, he said, likening depression to "falling into the same hole day after day. I’d agree with him.  

Alan witnessed people in his life who lived in poverty and/or lived with addiction. Some had been abandoned or neglected. Others imprisoned. Others raped or molested. And many passed their afflictions onto the next generation, as if it were part of their DNA.

For the most part, Alan thought maybe these people chose paths that led to their suffering. He believed most people live happy, comfortable, safe, and productive lives. He thought he could just “put in the work” and honor God with his life and he’d escape that level of suffering.

Now, he said he believes people with acute suffering are the norm, not the exception. He thought his earlier assessment made him more like Job’s friends in scripture who blamed Job for all the tragedies he suffered.

But he wouldn’t be the only one who thinks that people bring mental illness on themselves. He showed how our society tries to keep this “unspoken conspiracy” in place. We’re expected to ignore the tragedies and traumas in life. If we just make the right choices, we will have a successful, happy, and comfortable life.

Alan said Americans tend to think every problem has a solution after all. Think of all the programs, medications, and therapies. We have seen enough on social media about various apps and words of wisdom from self-appointed life coaches. With all the available research and technology, how could I not find a cure? I must not have good self-discipline, or I am not doing a proper self-care routine. Sound familiar?

These well-meaning people offer technique-based advice and just add to the burden, heaping shame onto people who are already suffering enough in their minds. More than likely, those with mental illnesses have tried many methods and techniques. They haven’t found a cure because it is not a physical illness or infection. Treating depression and anxiety is not like treating diabetes or high blood pressure. Mental illness involves the heart and the soul, he said, and no test exists that will provide doctors with data about things like anxiety levels in our blood.

Psychology and psychiatry can only do so much for the same reason. This is a complicated medical problem. When it comes to medications like antidepressants, he said, doctors don’t even know how and why they work, just that they are useful, work for some people, and the alternative is worse. (Alan does touch on suicide, not from a place of judgment, but I did want to warn you if that might be a trigger.) The people in our lives can become frustrated as the days, sometimes months and years go by and we’re still in the hole. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders rarely have clear answers…but we want them, of course.

Alan asked: Why put up with suffering? Why prolong the pain of this life when death is inevitable? When life is no longer pleasurable, and suffering is inevitable, what keeps us living?

Ok, yes. I see it. The book is a downer for my first review of 2023, but I really did like Alan's forthrightness about these hard topics, and I'll explain.

Alan talked often about “doing the next thing” in faith throughout this book. And faith is the key. He doesn’t have an introduction yet, but I am hoping he touches on that. How else do people manage life with depression and anxiety if they don't have Jesus by their side? This same Jesus is the One who walked among us and suffered in human form. When you repent and accept Jesus Christ as Savior, you receive the gift of the Holy Spirit who never leaves you. He hears your groans and prays for you when you have no words. God the Father protects and shelters you when you are in desert places. You will find this throughout scripture.

When we rise from our beds, our actions speak volumes about “the goodness of God, His love for us, and the goodness of His creation.” We do the work God has for us each day and live for Him. We alone make the choice. Living your life for God is your spiritual act of worship. Rising from your bed every morning…or afternoon…defies your flesh that wants to hold you to the mattress. “Each choice to do the next thing is an act of worship,” Alan said. And it can be as simple as making your bed, cooking meals, and taking care of your pets. They are acts of faith.

Let me share a few other takeaways for me reading this book: 1. Our lives are a gift from a good and loving God who created us because He loves us. He created us for His glory and our good. 2. We are not here on Earth for ourselves. Others depend on us. We have a responsibility to them to keep getting out of bed. Choosing to act through the power of the Holy Spirit goes against our flesh, Alan said. We die to self and honor God when we make the choice to rise from our beds amid pain and suffering. And here’s the best part: Jesus’ work on the cross and His resurrection are why I have hope for the future and know this is not all there is to life.

I think that last part resonated with me the most. If I’m not going to rise from my bed for me, I can at least rise from my bed for other people who may directly or indirectly depend on me that day. People are watching to see how I hold up in the face of extreme hardship and pain, Alan said. I knew my life is not my own because I am a follower of Jesus Christ. Alan said my suffering also is not mine. God wastes nothing. He uses everything to grow me up to look more like His Son Jesus. In moments of despair, I can still acknowledge it is good I exist. God’s opinion is all that counts. When my mind is tormented, I can turn to the Holy Spirit for help, as well as comfort. Some day I will be made whole again, even if it is not this side of eternity.

Most importantly, I need to share these burdens with medical professional, friends and family, and people I trust within the body of Christ. I need to do this before life becomes too overwhelming and I'm not in a good place mentally. They will reap the blessings, Alan said, so I should not be afraid to turn to them for help and support.

I recommend this book to those who are suffering from anxiety and depression and for those who know someone with mental illness. He writes from a place of knowledge about the tragedy of having a broken heart and mind. He reminded me of God’s promises. He showed me life is worth living because God has work for me to do for my good and His glory. I will remember that my life is a witness and my life “counts for something.” I am better equipped to help those who likewise suffer from mental afflictions having walked through those dark days.

Compassionate, honest, wise and biblically grounded book to help those suffering with afflictions, depression or anxiety - which is all of us at some point in our lives. He reminds us that mental anguish is part of the human condition and points the way forward and Godward.

It takes a short but pragmatic tone that initially seems blunt, especially when Noble is telling readers the fact is that we can't opt out of serving each other (and therefore, to the best we can, we have to be good parents and teachers and community members even if our mental health makes that difficult). Once it becomes clear that he's speaking as someone who has his share of mental suffering, and that he really means the title (sometimes we just start with getting up in the morning, and go on from there. Can we give much? Maybe not. But we can all get out of bed), it becomes an honest piece of loving advice.

This book gives the reader a day to day purpose to living and highlights the choices each of us must face minute by minute. It emphasizes how we have a responsibility to those around us. It does not diminish the need for help from others and encourages each individual to reach out for help.

An excellent little book on what it looks like to live for God when you are struggling with mental illness, depression, anxiety, etc.

The author knows about these struggles firsthand, and it shows. This is one of the most realistic and honest portrayals of Christian depression that I've seen, one that recognizes how difficult it can be to do even simple things, like showering or getting out of bed.

He doesn't make excuses for readers, but does offer grace, and consistently points them back to Jesus.

Though this is a short book, it was still a little too long, and was repetitive and wordy at times.

Note: This contains major spoilers for the book <i>The Road</i> by Cormac McCarthy. I really hate spoilers.