Stop Saying I'm Fine

When I started reading this book I started writing down lines that resonated, and whilst still reading the introduction realised I would have to buy a physical copy so I could highlight it and make notes. I felt seen, known, understood, in ways that no one has ever made me feel before.

This book is an invitation to honesty and healing, to come alive and experience Gods love and affection for you, and to begin a process of ‘becoming us’. It’s a call to take off the filters society expects us to wear and admit that perhaps “I’m not fine” and that’s ok! The author is vulnerable and honest, and through that provides the reader with tools, space and encouragement for their own imperfect but beautiful journey to begin.

Though not exactly what I thought I was going to get when I started reading this book, a personal journey made for a great way to look at several serious issues.

The author very candidly exposed several of her own mental health struggles. In doing so, she was able to speak to how those issues aren't simply cured, but rather how over a period of time one can learn to control them. She also was able to show how, while they still may be stigmatized, they are not something that we should look negatively on the one who experiences them. Rather, we should see how they are people who are in need of love and encouragement and help from professionals who understand their particular issues.

While reading the book, though I cannot say that I deal with the same issues, I was confronted with some of the issues that I struggle with, and through seeing how she and others on her side dealt with those issues, I was encouraged to think about how I would deal with my own issues. This included asking how my past might be affecting my present, even where I might not have seen connections up to this point.

While this book might not be right for everyone dealing with emotional issues, I am quite sure that anyone who knows someone dealing with all kinds of psychological issues can gain understanding of the other through this book.

A great resource for anyone experiencing the pain of chronic anxiety, this book relies heavily upon the Bible and the author's own personal struggle to paint a message of hope and help. She thoroughly explains the challenges facing people with anxiety in the world and the church and provides practical strategies for managing negative and repetitive thoughts that can exacerbate physical responses to triggers and stressors.

This is the best resource I have encountered so far that biblically and with compassionate personal understanding deals with the topic of chronic, physical anxiety. There is so much judgment, misunderstanding, and stigma out there regarding anxiety. Those who do not have the problem cannot grasp the real and visceral struggle of dealing with crippling anxiety on a daily basis because they mark it down as a purely spiritual problem while completely discounting the physical and neurological problems that exist. Either that or they dismiss anxiety as something trivial and just "in your head." The author does not shy away from exposing her own pain and the way she began to overcome the negative thoughts that provoked her anxiety by using the truth of God's Word. I recommend this book to anyone who has anxiety, anyone who has a loved one with anxiety, and anyone in full or part time ministry. I will promote this book any way I can because it was such a help to me.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Stop Saying I’m Fine isn’t a self help, practical instruction book regarding anxiety. Instead it is a book that reads like a beautifully scripted memoir in which the author invites you to join in on her journey of struggle and seeking healing, married with the wisdom of experience she shares.

This book would be helpful for any struggling with anxiety, depression, shame, self-hatred, rejection and similar issues as it mentions so many of the unhelpful thoughts and lies we sometimes believe.

One helpful suggestion mentioned in the book is that we need to dig deep and search out what is causing our anxiety, which means “listening to our thoughts, revisiting our stories, and seeking to identify those fears, patterns, and beliefs that can trigger our bodies’ biological responses.” This takes us far closer to discovering the cause of our anxiety versus advice simply to cast our cares on the Lord and just trust or pray more.

I also appreciated how the book clarifies that the feeling of anxiety is not a sin. Worry is sin, yes, and actions or responses that stem from anxiety can be sinful, but the emotion itself is not. The last chapter was especially rich, focusing on true community.

One issue I had: I usually don’t mind whatever Bible version someone cites. However, Scripture quotes from the newer Passion “Translation” of the Bible were used and this is problematic because the TPT translator has an agenda to spread the unbiblical teachings of the New Apostolic Reformation (from churches like Bethel Redding of Bethel Music fame) through how many of the passages are translated similar to how JWs changed things in the Bible to reflect their erroneous teaching.

I received a review copy of this book for free from Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.

This book made me cry as I recognized myself in your story. I am glad to see other people are also writing about their struggles. It is important for people of all backgrounds to realize they are not alone. I especially appreciate the parts where you talked about your faith along the journey.

This book is most helpful and easy to read. When starting I didn't realise the author had struggled with anxiety and anorexia, two things that I am continuing to be healed from. Very encouraging read.