IT'S NOT OK TO FEEL BLUE... AND OTHER LIES
Writing news! I’m honoured to feature in the Sunday Times bestselling book It’s Not OK to Feel Blue (and Other Lies). My essay ‘Goodbye, Normal’ sits among personal writings on mental health by a wonderful collection of people including Emilia Clarke, Matt Haig, Sam Smith and Elizabeth Day, all put together by the incredible Scarlett Curtis.
It can be challenging to speak out about mental health issues, whether that’s publicly or otherwise, so I’m really proud that I was able to contribute to this marvellous book and that so many people will be able to read words to relate to, learn about mental health and take in a variety of perspectives and experiences.
“This is the freshest, most honest collection of writings about mental health that I've read... searing wit, blinding passion, bleeding emotion and a fantastic, heroic, glorious refusal to lie down and take it” Stephen Fry
The best part about all of this is that the proceeds of the book are all going to support Shout. Shout is a crisis service available in the UK, which provides support to people experiencing a strain on their mental health via text message. By texting Shout to 85258, users are able to access trained volunteers who can offer guidance and a listening ear when it’s needed the most, whether that’s an acute suicidal crisis or an unexpected bad day that has really taken its toll.
If you think this service sounds familiar, you might be aware of Crisis Text Line, the US version of this service on which Shout is based, or its Canadian iteration.
If you need someone to talk to and aren’t sure where to turn, please do remember Shout - having met the people in charge of the service as well as a number of their amazing volunteers, I can’t recommend them enough. If you’d like to contribute to their efforts, consider becoming a Shout volunteer responder. If you are suitable and able, it’s a really powerful, impactful way to support people going through crises.
The book is available in lots of great bookshops, or purchase online below!
Buy from Waterstones 📫 (with exclusive blue edges, fancy)
Also available in audiobook form on Audible 🗣