Member Reviews

Really enjoyed this one! I should have read it so much sooner! But I don’t regret it. This maybe a new obsession! I love the characters, plot, etc.

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I'm Not Okay and That's Okay: Mental Health Microskills to Deal with Life's Inevitable Struggles by Steff Du Bois is a decent introduction to practical techniques for managing everyday mental health challenges. While it doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking, it does provide a solid collection of microskills that are easy to understand and implement.

Du Bois covers a range of topics, from mindfulness and self-compassion to setting boundaries and dealing with difficult emotions. The writing is accessible and the advice is straightforward, making it a helpful resource for those new to exploring mental health strategies. Some of the insights, such as the emphasis on small, manageable changes and the reminder that it’s okay to not have everything figured out, are particularly relatable and comforting.

That said, the book occasionally lacks depth, and those looking for more advanced or in-depth strategies might find it a bit superficial. It’s best suited for readers seeking a gentle reminder that it’s normal to struggle and that there are simple, effective ways to cope.

Overall, I'm Not Okay and That's Okay is a fine read with a few helpful nuggets of wisdom, but it may not stand out for those already familiar with basic mental health practices. Three out of five stars for its approachable and supportive tone.

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This was a quick and informative read.
The short chapters were a bonus, as this type of content can be quite dense at times. I would say this book is more of a resource than a learning tool.

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I thought this was really well written and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I think it will find readers at our library, so we will definitely be purchasing for the collection.

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I had high hopes for this book but I honestly didn’t enjoy it or find it helpful. It is broken down into 52 microskills to think about and use when you are feeling sad, stressed or overwhelmed. Each one had a silly name having to do with Scooby Doo or be kind and rewind or something like that. It felt like a lot of talking and homework, and honestly when you are really feeling depressed or anxious you don’t necessarily have it in you to do this much navel gazing, reading, processing, memorizing and emotional labor. They also were just not particularly helpful for me. Others may find it more useful, especially those who are new to CBT.

I read a digital ARC of this book for review.

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"I'm Not Okay and That's Okay" by Steff Du Bois is a heartfelt, empowering guide designed to navigate the turbulent waters of mental health challenges. Du Bois, with vulnerability and wisdom, crafts a narrative that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt alone in their struggles. This book is not just a memoir of personal experience; it's a beacon of hope, offering practical advice, insights, and compassionate reassurance that it's okay to not be okay.

From the very first page, Du Bois establishes a connection with the reader that is both intimate and supportive. The book is structured around key themes and lessons that the author has learned through her own journey with mental health. These range from the importance of acknowledging your feelings and seeking help, to finding strategies for self-care and building a support network. What makes this book particularly compelling is Du Bois's ability to intertwine personal anecdotes with actionable advice, making the reader feel as though they're receiving wisdom from a trusted friend.

One of the book's strengths is its inclusivity and accessibility. Du Bois writes in a way that is relatable to a broad audience, whether one is beginning to question their mental health, is in the throes of a crisis, or is supporting someone else through their journey. The author's honesty about her own struggles with mental health breaks down the stigma surrounding these issues, encouraging readers to approach their challenges with kindness and understanding rather than judgment or shame.

"I'm Not Okay and That's Okay" also stands out for its practicality. Du Bois offers a wealth of resources, from how to find a therapist or support group to techniques for managing anxiety and depression on a daily basis. These resources are presented in a way that is easy to understand and apply, making the book not just a source of comfort but a tool for action.

Another remarkable aspect of the book is its emphasis on the journey rather than the destination. Du Bois acknowledges that mental health is not about achieving a state of perpetual happiness but about learning to navigate life's ups and downs with resilience and grace. This perspective is incredibly refreshing and offers a more realistic and sustainable approach to mental wellness.

In conclusion, "I'm Not Okay and That's Okay" by Steff Du Bois is a powerful, uplifting book that offers light in the darkness for those dealing with mental health challenges. It is a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that seeking help and working towards understanding ourselves is not just okay but brave and necessary. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to find solace and strength in the face of mental health challenges.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

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I read a lot of self help books and go to therapy so these concepts weren’t new to me and therefore I did not personally find them very compelling. However, I think this is a great book for beginners. It makes these concepts and strategies accessible to people who may need them and I cannot respect the author more for being able to do that.

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This was a good, quick, informative book.

The chapters are super short, and I enjoyed it for the most part.

What I liked:
Short chapters.
The topics.

What I didn’t like:
How to deal answers could get repetitive.

This is definitely more of a workout book or a resource for when you’re feeling a certain way to go back and look at hey, I’m thinking negative thoughts about myself. I need to make a list of my attributes, etc.

Overall, good and informative book.

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A wonderful book. Highly recommended. You will enjoy reading it. Written in a very engaging prose. Nowhere would you feel being stuck or bored. Pick it up if you get a chance. A very good psychology book. Thanks to the author for a review copy.

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I wanted books on self care and for therapeutic practices. I am a school counselor and am always looking for techniques and practices to help students. This provides great information and help.

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man did this make me cry and feel less alone in this world. if you suffer from mental illness you need to read this book. We are all not alone and Mental Health should be talked about way more often. I highly recommend this to everyone.

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I loved this book! I devoured it in only a few sittings and wish there was more to read. The story line was paced very well and the characters were easy to love!

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It's an okay book for me. I don't particularly enjoy the reading experience while reading this book and I'm quite dreading the time I need to read this book. Thank you Netgalley, author and publisher for this e-ARC.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own opinions.

CBT helped save my life a couple of years ago, and I find revisiting the basics and learning new tools very important.

That being written, I really enjoyed It's Okay Not To Be Okay. The chapters were a good length to incorporate into a daily routine, and the "homework" was really helpful, especially with my anxiety.

I do wish, however, that an example of the "homework" was provided. I have multiple sclerosis, and when I'm tired, I tend to have problems taking in tasks. I get what is wanted, but it gets fuzzy on how to do it.

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Over the last several years, the phase, “It’s okay not to be okay” has been a mantra for many. Thankfully, our society is starting to normalize this sentiment. I’m Not Okay and That’s Okay by Steff DuBois is a great resource for people who are not okay or who are supporting someone who isn’t okay. DuBois shares CBT tools in easily digestible chapters. The book is a must-read for those diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety or for anyone whose current life circumstances call for a bit of extra support.

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I'm not okay & that's okay is such a good message though.
Everyone has their story & their drama. Society wants us to always be good & happy & fine with everything but yeah no .. that's not ideal at all. It is ok to not be ok & take time for yourself. I loved that message.
You could read a chapter every week for a year . Of I didn't get an Arc I would have read it that way .
I think there's a chapter for everyone in this book . Not my typical genre but I wasn't mad at this book at all. Good positive advice . 🖤

#NetGalley #Arc #ImNotOkayandThatsOkay

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Man today is under pressure that everything must be good and ideal. This attitude causes stress and dissatisfaction. Frustrations. Happiness is satv! it depends on us whether the glass is half empty or half full. The author is right, EVERYTHING DOESN'T HAVE TO BE GOOD. Life is a cross, and the cross is growing up. Growing up through beautiful and difficult moments. smiles and laughterze.

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I'm Not Okay and That's Okay by Steff Du Bois is a good resource. I especially liked the information about sleep. As a child, I would worry about falling asleep last in the house, so this portion was quite useful for me.

The information was presented with several questions to ponder and checklists. A simple formula to follow is to identify current challenges, stressors, or struggles and then use that information to create associated goals to work toward.

The book's premise is that it's okay to NOT feel okay sometimes. Fortunately, there are simple ways to help a person identify and improve their negative thoughts, calm the chaos of emotional overwhelm, and feel better quickly.

The book is based on cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and real-life experience. The book is a helpful guide to coping, managing stress, identifying why a person feels the way they do, and then the steps to take to work on how to deal with the feelings.

#ImNotOkayandThatsOkay #NetGalley @NewHarbinger

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I enjoyed "I'm Not Okay and That's Okay". I felt that the tips were very Mental Health 101 and it's a ready that's perfect for someone new to seeking mental health help. It's easily accessible, easy to read, and I enjoyed that there were 52 chapters for the 52 weeks of the year.

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Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me a copy of this book to read. This was so insightful and honestly I rate it a 5/5, I will absolutely be looking into adding this to my collection.

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