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Hello Me, it's You: A Collection of Letters by Young Adults about their Experiences with Mental Health
“Keep smiling and being you. Don’t let the world change you”
Hello Me, it’s You is a collection of letters by young adults aged 17-24 about their experiences with mental health issues. The letters are written to their 16-year-old selves, giving beautifully honest advice, insight and encouragement for all that lays ahead of them.
This book was produced by the Hello Me, it’s You charity, set up by the editor, Hannah. Hannah was diagnosed with depression and anxiety whilst at university and found comfort in talking to friends about their experiences, realising she was not alone in her situation. This inspired the idea for the charity and book. Through the creation of materials such as this, the charity aims to provide reassurance for young adults (and their families) who are experiencing mental health issues and give a voice to young adults on such an important topic. The result of that will hopefully be a reduction in the negative stigma surrounding mental health and an increase in awareness of young people’s experiences. All profits go the Hello Me, it’s You charity, for the production of future supportive books.
Trigger warning: Due to it’s nature, the content of this book may be triggering. Contains personal experiences of depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, trichotillomania and other mental health issues, as well as issues such as assault.
“…both beautiful and necessary” Sarah Franklin
100 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 125 reviews
January 10, 2017
I feel bad for giving this book 3 stars because it's such a wonderful idea for a book and we 100% need more books like this that let young people know that they're not alone, that they can overcome every obstacle, etc. We need more real accounts by real people who have dealt with & are still dealing with mental health issues. That said, I just couldn't fully connect to the letters in the book. I think it was a mix of some letters being much too vague and other letters being much too short. I could definitely sympathise with a lot of the teens, they had it so tough and I really felt for them but I felt detached from all of them.
The three star rating is mainly because of the wonderful idea and also because some of the writers did say things that I could relate to and things that I liked. I would recommend this book to everyone. If you have some mental illnesses, like myself, you may find comfort in some of the letters and if you haven't had a mental illness, these letters might give you a bit of an insight. I would read something else by Hannah Todd. I admire her for doing this and maybe if she does something similar in the future, I will like it more. This book also made me think about writing a letter to 16 year old me and I think if I do it, it would be very therapeutic. Hopefully others will think the same and write to their 16 year old self too.
*I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"As I sit here and write you this letter, my dear 16 year old self, I find much sadness at how much you will have endure in these coming years."
"As much as you say that you cannot and will not -I promise you, you can and you will."
"Depression will exhaust you of everything that you have, and Anxiety is going to strip you bare of everything that you are."
"Firstly, let me start by saying that just because you feel the way you do, that does not make you different, strange, or inadequate in any way."
"It’s not your fault your brain isn’t allowing you to be happy and don’t let anyone make you think it is."
"You can always count on books. A book will never betray you."
"The only person who can ever get you down is you."
"I know you think you are coping fine and it doesn’t affect you and that you’re not bothered. But you are. You are bothered."
"You sabotage relationships so you can be unhappy on your own terms. I guess it’s because you’re afraid of people not being there for you so you don’t give them the chance."
The three star rating is mainly because of the wonderful idea and also because some of the writers did say things that I could relate to and things that I liked. I would recommend this book to everyone. If you have some mental illnesses, like myself, you may find comfort in some of the letters and if you haven't had a mental illness, these letters might give you a bit of an insight. I would read something else by Hannah Todd. I admire her for doing this and maybe if she does something similar in the future, I will like it more. This book also made me think about writing a letter to 16 year old me and I think if I do it, it would be very therapeutic. Hopefully others will think the same and write to their 16 year old self too.
*I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"As I sit here and write you this letter, my dear 16 year old self, I find much sadness at how much you will have endure in these coming years."
"As much as you say that you cannot and will not -I promise you, you can and you will."
"Depression will exhaust you of everything that you have, and Anxiety is going to strip you bare of everything that you are."
"Firstly, let me start by saying that just because you feel the way you do, that does not make you different, strange, or inadequate in any way."
"It’s not your fault your brain isn’t allowing you to be happy and don’t let anyone make you think it is."
"You can always count on books. A book will never betray you."
"The only person who can ever get you down is you."
"I know you think you are coping fine and it doesn’t affect you and that you’re not bothered. But you are. You are bothered."
"You sabotage relationships so you can be unhappy on your own terms. I guess it’s because you’re afraid of people not being there for you so you don’t give them the chance."
August 13, 2017
Readathon 11/26: Ένα nonfiction βιβλίο (εκτός από βιογραφία-απομνημονεύματα)
This book was sooo different....
This book was letters to their 16 years old selves and was like confession and acceptance about their mental problem that they had since that time... It was as if they had their selves across them and shared their experiences from the age of 16 to the age that they have now, writing this letter.
As a human person I can't really criticize their letters because it's like I changing the plot of their story...
Yeah ... I hope I could but I can't....
For this young people that suffer from mental health and they dared to write those letters and their struggle everyday to stay in this condition I tell them Bravo and Keep going this way.
For the writer and inspirer of this book I tell her that she's made a real good job and she has to keep trying to help as many young people as she can, with every mean she have.
As a reader the only thing that I didn't enjoy so much is the fact that I was reading about the same condition with other person. Anxiety and depression was almost in every letter. The wrong thing about this, is that she chooses to put it in her book repeatedly and the repeat it's not good in any form.
Next time that the writer decide to do something like that, I suggest to wait and find and other incidents.
P.S. This book is better not to be readen by someone with mental problem ... If he haven't be helped by some doctor or counsaller it's possible not helping him at all.... But I believe that must be read from all others.
4 Stars !!!!
This book was sooo different....
This book was letters to their 16 years old selves and was like confession and acceptance about their mental problem that they had since that time... It was as if they had their selves across them and shared their experiences from the age of 16 to the age that they have now, writing this letter.
As a human person I can't really criticize their letters because it's like I changing the plot of their story...
Yeah ... I hope I could but I can't....
For this young people that suffer from mental health and they dared to write those letters and their struggle everyday to stay in this condition I tell them Bravo and Keep going this way.
For the writer and inspirer of this book I tell her that she's made a real good job and she has to keep trying to help as many young people as she can, with every mean she have.
As a reader the only thing that I didn't enjoy so much is the fact that I was reading about the same condition with other person. Anxiety and depression was almost in every letter. The wrong thing about this, is that she chooses to put it in her book repeatedly and the repeat it's not good in any form.
Next time that the writer decide to do something like that, I suggest to wait and find and other incidents.
P.S. This book is better not to be readen by someone with mental problem ... If he haven't be helped by some doctor or counsaller it's possible not helping him at all.... But I believe that must be read from all others.
4 Stars !!!!
September 28, 2016
You will cry during reading. You will. But read it anyway. This book fills you with hope and strength and everybody should read it, even if he/she is not suffering from mental health issues.
The concept of letters to younger self is brilliant and I am sorry for everybody who’s dealing with it.
***
I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The concept of letters to younger self is brilliant and I am sorry for everybody who’s dealing with it.
***
I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2020
Disappointing!
2.5 stars
I had such expectations for this book!!!
2.5 stars
I had such expectations for this book!!!
I expected it to be feel very personal, but these letters felt distant and cold, like business letters. They all read the same, like someone had used a template and just change the events or situations.
I would have not related to any of these letters when I was sixteen. Too bad because it was such a good idea for a mental health boo
September 21, 2016
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Warning: don't read this in public. You will cry. It will be awkward. You will need tissues.
This is one of the most poignant and important books I’ve ever read. A book made up entirely of letters written by young adults to their 16 year old selves, you’ll laugh, cry and reflect on your own journey as you read about these individuals dealing with anxiety and mental health issues.
Warning: don't read this in public. You will cry. It will be awkward. You will need tissues.
This is one of the most poignant and important books I’ve ever read. A book made up entirely of letters written by young adults to their 16 year old selves, you’ll laugh, cry and reflect on your own journey as you read about these individuals dealing with anxiety and mental health issues.
May 7, 2017
This book is detrimental.
1. A boyfriend is not going to make it all better.
2. Never stopping believing in "Prince Charming and happily everafter" really isn't what should be getting you through the bad times.
3. Striving to be completely happy? There is no such thing. Is that a healthy thing to tell someone struggling with depression? Just keep on trying and someday you might be completely happy. No it is not.
4. If you need someone to listen to you, listen to yourself? NO! Not a good idea. You need to talk to someone, preferably a counselor.
5. Telling your younger self all of the ways you thought about commitng suicide. That shouldn't be in a book like this!
6. Thinking about being dead to comfort yourself is okay. Really?
7. If someone treats you badly and brings you down, learn to love them. What?!
There were more, but I will be putting them in my blog post.
The rest of the letters were just cheesy keep smiling and you will make it to happiness, cheerleading.
It seemed funny to me that most of the letters had the same voice. Hmm...
It was also suspect that so many of the letter writers had every single symptom of their particular illness even the rare ones.
Personally, I would warn people struggling with mental illness not to read this because it isn't going to help you, and it might end up making things worse.
Lastly, buying this book is supposed to support a "charity", but the charity is funding her book writing. Um, that's not a charity just because you write about diverse subjects.
I was approved for an eARC, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
1. A boyfriend is not going to make it all better.
2. Never stopping believing in "Prince Charming and happily everafter" really isn't what should be getting you through the bad times.
3. Striving to be completely happy? There is no such thing. Is that a healthy thing to tell someone struggling with depression? Just keep on trying and someday you might be completely happy. No it is not.
4. If you need someone to listen to you, listen to yourself? NO! Not a good idea. You need to talk to someone, preferably a counselor.
5. Telling your younger self all of the ways you thought about commitng suicide. That shouldn't be in a book like this!
6. Thinking about being dead to comfort yourself is okay. Really?
7. If someone treats you badly and brings you down, learn to love them. What?!
There were more, but I will be putting them in my blog post.
The rest of the letters were just cheesy keep smiling and you will make it to happiness, cheerleading.
It seemed funny to me that most of the letters had the same voice. Hmm...
It was also suspect that so many of the letter writers had every single symptom of their particular illness even the rare ones.
Personally, I would warn people struggling with mental illness not to read this because it isn't going to help you, and it might end up making things worse.
Lastly, buying this book is supposed to support a "charity", but the charity is funding her book writing. Um, that's not a charity just because you write about diverse subjects.
I was approved for an eARC, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2016
.............." Life is nothing but a Reckless Adventure!"...............
Hello me, it's you.
You have finished reading one of the best books ever. It is not a novel, but trust me when I say this, it is a piece of writing that this world desperately needed. I know that you have read a lot of great books, some that didn't shy away from serious topics like Mental Illness . But this ? This is a book that your soul is going to devoir instantly .It is a safe haven to seek, a strong message of ( YOU ARE NOT ALONE ).
This book will make you cry, nod in agreement , and connect with people who explain how you've felt when you were dancing on the line that separates light and dark. You are going to feel the urge to highlight every single page in that book; just do it.
Don't feel ashamed of writing a book review that could show why you loved this book so much. Never be ashamed of whatever illness you have; never be ashamed of telling people about it. I am still figuring out who to always practice that last sentence, but I will figure it out. We will figure it out . Share this on your Facebook , send it to any organization that care about this subject. You never know, perhaps your darkest confession, is someone else's salvation.
Please go back and reread what you have highlighted , and keep the anonymous authors and Hannah Todd in your prayers . They are amazing brave knights, trying to walk through the darkness that exist even in the light.
Never Stop Loving yourself,
your 22 years old self.
April 2, 2017
2017 Reading Challenge #3: A book of letters.
El primer libro que leo en inglés. Sencillo y honesto. Se trata de una colección de cartas escritas por jóvenes de entre 17-24 años relatando sus experiencias personales con desórdenes mentales (depresión, ansiedad, esquizofrenia, tricotilomanía, bulimia), cómo los enfrentaron y cómo continúan lidiando con ellos. Las cartas las escriben a sus 'Yo' de 16 años de edad, aconsejándoles y alentándoles a salir adelante. Muchas de ellas son desgarradoras historias de resiliencia que te quedan sonando en la cabeza.
Este es un libro que deja mucho en qué pensar. Debemos evolucionar como sociedad y poner fin a la estigmatización de las enfermedades mentales; no podemos permitirnos seguir perdiendo personas de ese modo, nuestros seres queridos merecen más que eso.
Si no le doy las cinco estrellas, es porque está escrito en un idioma con el que no estoy del todo familiarizada todavía y puede que no lo sintiera tan cercano como hubiese querido.
Lectura esencial, inspiradora y reconfortante.
A digital copy of this book was provided by NetGalley
I found a book, a couple of books actually, and once again they save you. You can always count on books. A book will never betray you.
El primer libro que leo en inglés. Sencillo y honesto. Se trata de una colección de cartas escritas por jóvenes de entre 17-24 años relatando sus experiencias personales con desórdenes mentales (depresión, ansiedad, esquizofrenia, tricotilomanía, bulimia), cómo los enfrentaron y cómo continúan lidiando con ellos. Las cartas las escriben a sus 'Yo' de 16 años de edad, aconsejándoles y alentándoles a salir adelante. Muchas de ellas son desgarradoras historias de resiliencia que te quedan sonando en la cabeza.
Este es un libro que deja mucho en qué pensar. Debemos evolucionar como sociedad y poner fin a la estigmatización de las enfermedades mentales; no podemos permitirnos seguir perdiendo personas de ese modo, nuestros seres queridos merecen más que eso.
Si no le doy las cinco estrellas, es porque está escrito en un idioma con el que no estoy del todo familiarizada todavía y puede que no lo sintiera tan cercano como hubiese querido.
Lectura esencial, inspiradora y reconfortante.
A digital copy of this book was provided by NetGalley
September 24, 2016
*I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hello Me, it’s You is a collection of letters by young adults aged 17-24 about their experiences with mental health issues. The letters are written to their 16-year-old selves, giving beautifully honest advice, insight and encouragement for all that lays ahead of them.
This is such a beautiful idea.
This book it's a collection of letters written by young adult with a mental illness, they wrote these letters to their 16 year old selves.
I wish I read this book when I was 16, it would have helped me so much.
I found myself in so many of these letters, it made me emotional and found myself crying many times.
I recommend this book to those people who are going through a bad moment, to those who feel alone and worthless and can't see the light at the end of the tunnel... Because there is a light and it's just around the corner.
I appreciated the design too, I loved how before every letter there was a typography of one of the quotes of the following story. They were really cute and I'll probably print some of them and use them as motivational posters.
( review: http://neitherheavenorhell.tumblr.com... )
Hello Me, it’s You is a collection of letters by young adults aged 17-24 about their experiences with mental health issues. The letters are written to their 16-year-old selves, giving beautifully honest advice, insight and encouragement for all that lays ahead of them.
This is such a beautiful idea.
This book it's a collection of letters written by young adult with a mental illness, they wrote these letters to their 16 year old selves.
I wish I read this book when I was 16, it would have helped me so much.
I found myself in so many of these letters, it made me emotional and found myself crying many times.
I recommend this book to those people who are going through a bad moment, to those who feel alone and worthless and can't see the light at the end of the tunnel... Because there is a light and it's just around the corner.
I appreciated the design too, I loved how before every letter there was a typography of one of the quotes of the following story. They were really cute and I'll probably print some of them and use them as motivational posters.
( review: http://neitherheavenorhell.tumblr.com... )
November 11, 2016
This book contains a short introduction by the author, saying she is suffering from depression and anxiety, and she got the idea of making a sort of recopilation of letters from people with mental issues wrotten to their younger selves, when they were sixteen.
There are a lots of different takes on life, how they dealt or are dealing with it, lots of reflexions and overall, a sense of keep moving forward, you are worth it, you can do it.
There are some letters that will touch you more than others, too.
The only thing is that maybe you would like to read it by bits, as it can get a bit repetitive if you read it in a stride.
There are a lots of different takes on life, how they dealt or are dealing with it, lots of reflexions and overall, a sense of keep moving forward, you are worth it, you can do it.
There are some letters that will touch you more than others, too.
The only thing is that maybe you would like to read it by bits, as it can get a bit repetitive if you read it in a stride.
October 30, 2016
Important for people going through tough times. Hopeful, but as a piece of literature, repetitive. RTC.
arcs-to-review
November 24, 2016
October 14, 2016
Read the full review on my blog at Belle's Book Nook!
I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
If you could write a letter to your past self, what would it say? What words would you lend to your 16-year-old self who is struggling with mental illness? Would you tell them that it’s all right? That it’ll get better? Would you remind them of your inner strength, of how far you’ve come already? What would you tell your younger self to encourage them to keep going?
This book was honestly so beautiful and gives such an honest, personal look into the lives of those who have mental illness. I love the idea of writing a letter to your past self. Even though 16-year-old you won’t actually receive it, there’s still something therapeutic about writing that letter, looking back on who you once were, what situation you were in, and sitting where you are now, knowing you’ve made it out in the end. You have some perspective that you didn’t have before, a bit more knowledge and understanding, and some tough challenges that made you a stronger person. But what you didn’t realize at the time is that it was all worth it, because it got you to where you are today. If only you could just tell that younger you to keep going... I got this feeling so much while reading every letter. It was deeply inspiring to read each writer’s personal journey. But even more than that, I loved how the writers spoke to their younger selves as if they were speaking to a friend. With this, each writer’s own voice came through so strongly, whether it was light and uplifting or more serious and reflective, and made each letter that much more intimate.
I also loved the watercolor-esque affirmations throughout this book. They introduce the theme of each letter, but they also serve as positive affirmations for the reader as they flip through this book, perhaps reassuring for them things they may have needed to hear for a long time. In this way, Hello Me, It's You is a phenomenal book that both gives voice to the experiences of those with mental illness but also reaches out to readers who may suffer from mental illness as well. It highlights the struggles of mental illness, but also so deeply represents hope, recovery, and looking back on your most difficult times, knowing that you came out stronger in the end.
I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
If you could write a letter to your past self, what would it say? What words would you lend to your 16-year-old self who is struggling with mental illness? Would you tell them that it’s all right? That it’ll get better? Would you remind them of your inner strength, of how far you’ve come already? What would you tell your younger self to encourage them to keep going?
This book was honestly so beautiful and gives such an honest, personal look into the lives of those who have mental illness. I love the idea of writing a letter to your past self. Even though 16-year-old you won’t actually receive it, there’s still something therapeutic about writing that letter, looking back on who you once were, what situation you were in, and sitting where you are now, knowing you’ve made it out in the end. You have some perspective that you didn’t have before, a bit more knowledge and understanding, and some tough challenges that made you a stronger person. But what you didn’t realize at the time is that it was all worth it, because it got you to where you are today. If only you could just tell that younger you to keep going... I got this feeling so much while reading every letter. It was deeply inspiring to read each writer’s personal journey. But even more than that, I loved how the writers spoke to their younger selves as if they were speaking to a friend. With this, each writer’s own voice came through so strongly, whether it was light and uplifting or more serious and reflective, and made each letter that much more intimate.
I also loved the watercolor-esque affirmations throughout this book. They introduce the theme of each letter, but they also serve as positive affirmations for the reader as they flip through this book, perhaps reassuring for them things they may have needed to hear for a long time. In this way, Hello Me, It's You is a phenomenal book that both gives voice to the experiences of those with mental illness but also reaches out to readers who may suffer from mental illness as well. It highlights the struggles of mental illness, but also so deeply represents hope, recovery, and looking back on your most difficult times, knowing that you came out stronger in the end.
February 10, 2017
HERE you will find the complete review.
mah. I am not complete satisfied with this book I felt so much like a loser reading this; it's like that if you have mental health issues in your life they will come in your teen years and it will definitely get better between 21 and 24 and you will reach success. WELL NO.
I mean I am glad it worked up with all of them but NOPE, I am sorry but NO, NO and NO.
NOPE.
This will be personal, sure, but I developed my mental health problems especially during college and I daily have to deal with them. CONSTANTLY.
This is definitely a good idea, for sure, but it should reach a wider target and not just 18-24 year.
mah. I am not complete satisfied with this book I felt so much like a loser reading this; it's like that if you have mental health issues in your life they will come in your teen years and it will definitely get better between 21 and 24 and you will reach success. WELL NO.
I mean I am glad it worked up with all of them but NOPE, I am sorry but NO, NO and NO.
NOPE.
This will be personal, sure, but I developed my mental health problems especially during college and I daily have to deal with them. CONSTANTLY.
This is definitely a good idea, for sure, but it should reach a wider target and not just 18-24 year.
October 12, 2016
MOVING, A MUST-READ FOR ALL GENERATIONS
Hello Me, It’s You is a collection of letters written by 17-24 year olds to their 16-year-old selves.
MY GOD! I’m at loss for words. Rating five-stars for a book that is worth a million stars is unfair.
Let me start by saying–
It was so courageous of YOU to write about the most difficult times of YOUR life and YOUR ongoing battles. Battle seems like a small word, maybe war is what it is. I’m so proud of each one of YOU who contributed, and those of YOU who will read this book and realize – YOU are not alone.
These are gut-wrenching letters written by people who are suffering from various mental disorders, some of which include body dysmorphic disorder, bulimia, trichotillomania, OCD, anxiety and depression, self-harm, epilepsy, amnesia, social anxiety, anorexia, anger issues, bipolar disorder, fear of abandonment, borderline personality disorder and schizophrenia, just to name a few.
Through a beautiful medium of Hello Me, It’s You, each one of YOU expressed what it feels like to be in YOUR shoes. I could feel it to my bones and even beyond.
There is nothing flowery about Hello Me, It’s You. The truth is bare, naked and vulnerable. It was like I was getting a glimpse of YOUR soul and what YOU are/were going through. It’s a constant war-zone if YOU’D ask me and YOU are so brave.
I can’t call Hello Me, It’s You a self-help book because it is not. And I recommend you don’t look at it or categorize it as one.
It’s a mirror for each one of those who are experiencing mental health issues, are struggling to cope up with one, and are scared to tell someone about your struggles and to be judged. This is one book which will give you the courage to open up. It is also a reflective book for those who are so quick to judge all the YOU’s in the world, who are in a constant warzone.
Again, YOU are so brave.
I highly recommend it to readers of all ages. A special thank-you to Hannah Todd for taking the first steps to bring such an excellent, real and much-needed book for all generations.
Hello Me, It’s You is a collection of letters written by 17-24 year olds to their 16-year-old selves.
MY GOD! I’m at loss for words. Rating five-stars for a book that is worth a million stars is unfair.
Let me start by saying–
It was so courageous of YOU to write about the most difficult times of YOUR life and YOUR ongoing battles. Battle seems like a small word, maybe war is what it is. I’m so proud of each one of YOU who contributed, and those of YOU who will read this book and realize – YOU are not alone.
These are gut-wrenching letters written by people who are suffering from various mental disorders, some of which include body dysmorphic disorder, bulimia, trichotillomania, OCD, anxiety and depression, self-harm, epilepsy, amnesia, social anxiety, anorexia, anger issues, bipolar disorder, fear of abandonment, borderline personality disorder and schizophrenia, just to name a few.
Through a beautiful medium of Hello Me, It’s You, each one of YOU expressed what it feels like to be in YOUR shoes. I could feel it to my bones and even beyond.
There is nothing flowery about Hello Me, It’s You. The truth is bare, naked and vulnerable. It was like I was getting a glimpse of YOUR soul and what YOU are/were going through. It’s a constant war-zone if YOU’D ask me and YOU are so brave.
I can’t call Hello Me, It’s You a self-help book because it is not. And I recommend you don’t look at it or categorize it as one.
It’s a mirror for each one of those who are experiencing mental health issues, are struggling to cope up with one, and are scared to tell someone about your struggles and to be judged. This is one book which will give you the courage to open up. It is also a reflective book for those who are so quick to judge all the YOU’s in the world, who are in a constant warzone.
Again, YOU are so brave.
I highly recommend it to readers of all ages. A special thank-you to Hannah Todd for taking the first steps to bring such an excellent, real and much-needed book for all generations.
October 10, 2016
These collection of letters are so power, beautiful, inspiring and touch your soul. This book is meant to be 'felt'. So brave for all the contributors to open themselves up and create a space for others to explore and possibly relate to and understand. Thank you to Hannah Todd, for creating a platform for YA and mental health. I believe it will help so many people of a young age, that are struggling and need that hope of it's going to be okay; to know they are not alone. I also, definitely, think this is a necessary read for all ages. It's insightful and hopefully help those who don't suffer from mental health issues to better understand. This book has affected me in an extremely positive way. And like the other reviewers, will be making everyone in my life read this. Because it is such a necessary read.
I can't wait for my paperback copy to arrive (I was going to wait to read it when it did, but here I am at 3:30am writing my review). It's safe to say I rate this book highly. The importance of this book means it carries no flaws.
I'm excited for what's next with Hello Me, It's You!
I can't wait for my paperback copy to arrive (I was going to wait to read it when it did, but here I am at 3:30am writing my review). It's safe to say I rate this book highly. The importance of this book means it carries no flaws.
I'm excited for what's next with Hello Me, It's You!
February 3, 2017
I would LOVE to give this book as a gift to so many people: my sister who thinks she's alone in all that she is feeling, my friend who thinks her panic attacks will never go away.
As well as writing a letter to your younger self, reading those of others is really cathartic - you realise you're not alone, and you become sympathetic: you don't know what anybody is going through when they leave school/work and go home.
If you need something a bit different that you've never read before, and want to feel humbled, this is the one for you.
*Thank you to NetGalley & the Publisher who provided a copy of this in exchange for an honest review*
As well as writing a letter to your younger self, reading those of others is really cathartic - you realise you're not alone, and you become sympathetic: you don't know what anybody is going through when they leave school/work and go home.
If you need something a bit different that you've never read before, and want to feel humbled, this is the one for you.
*Thank you to NetGalley & the Publisher who provided a copy of this in exchange for an honest review*
April 27, 2017
I absolutely love the concept of this book and wonder why we do not have more books like this. It's a quick read but it brings the attention to mental health issues and the effects they have on teens and young adults.
I wanted to give this book 5 stars but I'm going to have to go with a 3.5. As much as I loved the advice and some of the letters truly hit me hard since I deal with anxiety, I feel like other letters should have not been included. The reason I believe some letters should have been excluded is because they were they were so short they really did not explain much which made it hard to relate to.
I wanted to give this book 5 stars but I'm going to have to go with a 3.5. As much as I loved the advice and some of the letters truly hit me hard since I deal with anxiety, I feel like other letters should have not been included. The reason I believe some letters should have been excluded is because they were they were so short they really did not explain much which made it hard to relate to.
September 22, 2016
Such a wonderful idea.
A truly moving collection of letters by mental health sufferers to their 16 year old self.
As an MH sufferer myself, this was so affirming and relatable. I've now got the urge to go write a letter of my own.
Definitely recommend to anyone, especially those who are struggling, and those who want to better understand what it's like to live with mental health issues.
Full review at Something Like Lydia
A truly moving collection of letters by mental health sufferers to their 16 year old self.
As an MH sufferer myself, this was so affirming and relatable. I've now got the urge to go write a letter of my own.
Definitely recommend to anyone, especially those who are struggling, and those who want to better understand what it's like to live with mental health issues.
Full review at Something Like Lydia
October 12, 2016
If you have ever dealt with, or are dealing with a mental health issue, this book is for you. If you haven't, most of us at least know and love someone who is/has. So again, this book is for you.
As of this posting the year is 2016 and although there have been improvements, mental health is still misunderstood by society in general.
The negative stigma still attached is appalling, and these very personal letters show the guilt people have of dealing with a mental issue.
Touching. Honest. Raw.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
All of my reviews may be found at Januarygray.net
As of this posting the year is 2016 and although there have been improvements, mental health is still misunderstood by society in general.
The negative stigma still attached is appalling, and these very personal letters show the guilt people have of dealing with a mental issue.
Touching. Honest. Raw.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
All of my reviews may be found at Januarygray.net
October 2, 2016
First off, I have to say that this book hits close to home. It's a wonderful idea that inspired me to change the way I look at my condition, to accept it even more.
The letters are emotional, it wasn't easy to read because of how much they brought tears to my eyes. I identified with what my peers had to say.
I highly recommend this book, especially to people who live with mental illness. They will connect to this collection the moment they read the first sentence.
The letters are emotional, it wasn't easy to read because of how much they brought tears to my eyes. I identified with what my peers had to say.
I highly recommend this book, especially to people who live with mental illness. They will connect to this collection the moment they read the first sentence.
September 28, 2016
This is the mental health book that every teen and adult needs. It's straightforward and doesn't promise all kittens and rainbows at the end. These are real young adults sharing how far they've come in a relatively short amount of time, when their brain has formed a bit more and perhaps they've developed their identity has an "adult".
November 3, 2016
"You need to remember that doesn't make you weak when you need to ask for help in return. It also doesn't make the thing which pushes you over the edge silly, if it doesn't measure up in your head to other things you've faced and been fine with."
April 10, 2017
You can always count on a book. A book will never betray you
This book is a collection of letters, written by young adults aged 17-25 addressed to their younger selves. Hannah, the author, has gone through some mental health issues while doing her degree, and she felt like there's not enough self help book around the subject of mental illness for young people out there. And so she simply compiled one.
I have never experienced any mental issues myself (although I suspect everyone has their own pinch of madness, me included. Scratch that, I'm pretty sure I have). But I know someone who does, and I know some of their issues that I sobbed so hard on some of the letters.
These letters just sounds so honest and painful, yet you could see the beauty in it. Some letters contain today's smile, some don't.
This book have this hand lettering design that looks so cute and every chapter has some quote in water brush hand letters. With dye wash effects. Asdfghjkl. I like the color scheme and the layout so much I keep staring every time I read a new chapter. The design is so simple yet so beautiful.
In this age of modern society and many expectations, I believe this book would help many young people who feel lost or any unhappiness.
Thank you for netgalley and publisher for making this book available on netgalley. I really appreciate it.
This book is a collection of letters, written by young adults aged 17-25 addressed to their younger selves. Hannah, the author, has gone through some mental health issues while doing her degree, and she felt like there's not enough self help book around the subject of mental illness for young people out there. And so she simply compiled one.
I have never experienced any mental issues myself (although I suspect everyone has their own pinch of madness, me included. Scratch that, I'm pretty sure I have). But I know someone who does, and I know some of their issues that I sobbed so hard on some of the letters.
These letters just sounds so honest and painful, yet you could see the beauty in it. Some letters contain today's smile, some don't.
This book have this hand lettering design that looks so cute and every chapter has some quote in water brush hand letters. With dye wash effects. Asdfghjkl. I like the color scheme and the layout so much I keep staring every time I read a new chapter. The design is so simple yet so beautiful.
In this age of modern society and many expectations, I believe this book would help many young people who feel lost or any unhappiness.
Thank you for netgalley and publisher for making this book available on netgalley. I really appreciate it.
September 3, 2018
Review also posted on Samodivas
I received a free advanced copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hello Me, It’s You is a compilation of 27 letters, written by people aged 17-24 and for their 16-year-old selves. These touching letters are compiled by Hannah Todd as part of the Hello Me, It’s You charity that aims to help young adults cope with their mental health issues, raise awareness and reduce the negative stigma surrounding mental illnesses. Each letter is accompanied by its own beautiful typography that offers kind words and reassuring messages to anyone reading.
When I saw this compilation on NetGalley, I was immediately hit with a swirl of emotions. On the one hand, I was eager to read this because I knew I would benefit from what these people have written. On the other hand, I was afraid because I knew these letters will hit too close to home. That fear was also the reason why it took me so long to read this. In the end, however, I’m so glad I that I did.
Each letter is unique on its own, but all of them have something in common – their authors’ unwavering positivity and unearthly strength. The way each letter is written is so personal and profound, and it resonates with you as if the words on the page are specifically meant for you. As I read each one, I felt for the authors and for their younger selves, and I identified with so many of them.
Hello Me, It’s You is a hard book to read, but it’s also extremely relieving to know that there are other people struggling with the same things you are, and that most of them have found their light at the end of the tunnel, while others are working hard towards it.
I teared up on the very first page and I knew this had to be read in the middle of the night when nobody would hear me sniffling under the covers. I cried genuine tears at every page and then I smiled at the end of each letter. They all filled me with such hope and made me more determined to be more accepting of myself and work harder on getting better. This book really does make your weaknesses seem less of a burden and more like something you’re able to conquer with just a little push.
Overall, Hello Me, It’s You is something that just needs to be read. Whether you’ve struggled with your mental health, you’re struggling now, or know someone who is, this compilation of letters will help shed some light on both the ugly sides of mental illness, and the possibility of a happy ending. The amount of positivity is truly infectious in this. I’m so grateful to the people who wrote these letters, and to Hannah Todd for compiling them. Reading this book been a real eye-opening experience, one that I will be coming back to whenever I hit a low.
May 19, 2017
This book is very important. I want to buy 100 copies and give it to every single person I know and force them to read it!
I do warn you; try not to read this in public as you will cry.
This book is a collection of letters that young adult with a mental illness wrote to their 16 year old selves.. I found myself in many letters. I cried a lot but there were also very funny parts that will make you laugh out loud. It will make you think about yourself Most of all and you’ll want to write a letter to your 16 year old self as well.
I found this book very therapeutic. I think everyone should read this book, for sure if you struggle with a mental illness, it will absolutely cheer you up
I do warn you; try not to read this in public as you will cry.
This book is a collection of letters that young adult with a mental illness wrote to their 16 year old selves.. I found myself in many letters. I cried a lot but there were also very funny parts that will make you laugh out loud. It will make you think about yourself Most of all and you’ll want to write a letter to your 16 year old self as well.
I found this book very therapeutic. I think everyone should read this book, for sure if you struggle with a mental illness, it will absolutely cheer you up
October 9, 2016
Hello Me, it’s You is a collection of letters by young adults aged 17-24 to their 16-year-old selves. The letters are about each person’s experience with mental health, giving their 16-year-old selves honest and beautiful advice, encouragement and an insight for all that lies ahead of them. The result hopefully from this book being a reduction in the negative stigma surrounding mental health and an increase in awareness of young people’s experience.
This book is beautiful. It fills you with hope and strength. Everyone should read it, whether or not you are suffering from mental health issues.
This book covers so many mental health issues, including, body dysmorphic disorder, trichotillomania, OCD, anxiety, depression and many many more.
To any 16-year-old out there, go and pick this book up. I would have loved a book like this at the age of 16. Having struggled with oth social anxiety and anxiety. Even at the age of 19, this book made me realise some of my own issues and has given me advice on how to deal with them. I just wish there were more letters to read, the book is just that good.
This book shows the bare, naked and vulnerable truth of mental health. To all the people who wrote the letters for this book you are so brave and courageous and I look up to you. It has made me want to write my own letter to my 16-year-old self.
This is one book that will give you the courage to open up and tell someone if you are facing problems. It is also a reflective book for all those who are so quick to judge all the people facing mental health issues.
I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages. Especially those going through struggles with mental health issues themselves.
A special thank you to Hello Me, it’s You and Netgalley for giving me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is beautiful. It fills you with hope and strength. Everyone should read it, whether or not you are suffering from mental health issues.
This book covers so many mental health issues, including, body dysmorphic disorder, trichotillomania, OCD, anxiety, depression and many many more.
To any 16-year-old out there, go and pick this book up. I would have loved a book like this at the age of 16. Having struggled with oth social anxiety and anxiety. Even at the age of 19, this book made me realise some of my own issues and has given me advice on how to deal with them. I just wish there were more letters to read, the book is just that good.
This book shows the bare, naked and vulnerable truth of mental health. To all the people who wrote the letters for this book you are so brave and courageous and I look up to you. It has made me want to write my own letter to my 16-year-old self.
This is one book that will give you the courage to open up and tell someone if you are facing problems. It is also a reflective book for all those who are so quick to judge all the people facing mental health issues.
I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages. Especially those going through struggles with mental health issues themselves.
A special thank you to Hello Me, it’s You and Netgalley for giving me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2017
I receive this book in exchange for honest review from netgalley. This does not affect my review or whatsoever.
I really loved this book. It's such a beautiful idea to have young adult to write about mental health problems they experience, to know that it will be okay in the end, that everything will work out and things will get better. I think it's soo beautiful and positive how everyone in this book, even though they're not "there" yet, they are at least on the way to be okay and trying their best, and telling their younger selves (and us, readers) and there will be people who you will meet at some point in your life that will help you. It really gives me hope that things will get better.
But at the same time, it also kinda trigerring for me. Well it's already stated in the summary but still. It makes me feel more lonelier and trapped and scared of the future more than ever, filled me with that "what if I never get there" thoughts, that I have to stop reading for a while. Everyone in this book seems to find someone that understands them and support them, yet I still haven't find them and it makes me think what if I never found them. It's a really crippling thought that all I want to do is sleep.
Triggering aside, I think this book is an amazing idea in general. It gives hope to young adult that things will get better, and that they're not alone in this journey.
I really loved this book. It's such a beautiful idea to have young adult to write about mental health problems they experience, to know that it will be okay in the end, that everything will work out and things will get better. I think it's soo beautiful and positive how everyone in this book, even though they're not "there" yet, they are at least on the way to be okay and trying their best, and telling their younger selves (and us, readers) and there will be people who you will meet at some point in your life that will help you. It really gives me hope that things will get better.
But at the same time, it also kinda trigerring for me. Well it's already stated in the summary but still. It makes me feel more lonelier and trapped and scared of the future more than ever, filled me with that "what if I never get there" thoughts, that I have to stop reading for a while. Everyone in this book seems to find someone that understands them and support them, yet I still haven't find them and it makes me think what if I never found them. It's a really crippling thought that all I want to do is sleep.
Triggering aside, I think this book is an amazing idea in general. It gives hope to young adult that things will get better, and that they're not alone in this journey.
December 5, 2016
I received digital copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book contains personal letter from someone to their (younger/future) self about lesson that they have learned from their mental illness experience, ex: Depression, bulimia, anxiety disorder, etc.
I am interested to read this book because of the title and the synopsis but I did not expect much.
So I am surprised to find myself fall in love immediately with the letters in this book.
The letters feel personal, honest, caring, true and it touched me.
It made me remember my own experience. I had intention to kill my self back then when I was undergraduate student but something happened then I changed my mind. I decided to write letter to my self (my letter written in bahasa Indonesia and entitled Happy Birthday Hana! I want you to remember.. ) to remind my self that suicide is not an option, that I should not kill myself.
Reading these letters bring me hope that I can be better and I am not alone. :')
I really like these letters. Thank you Hannah Todd for compiling these letters. It really beautiful :)
This book contains personal letter from someone to their (younger/future) self about lesson that they have learned from their mental illness experience, ex: Depression, bulimia, anxiety disorder, etc.
I am interested to read this book because of the title and the synopsis but I did not expect much.
So I am surprised to find myself fall in love immediately with the letters in this book.
The letters feel personal, honest, caring, true and it touched me.
It made me remember my own experience. I had intention to kill my self back then when I was undergraduate student but something happened then I changed my mind. I decided to write letter to my self (my letter written in bahasa Indonesia and entitled Happy Birthday Hana! I want you to remember.. ) to remind my self that suicide is not an option, that I should not kill myself.
Reading these letters bring me hope that I can be better and I am not alone. :')
I really like these letters. Thank you Hannah Todd for compiling these letters. It really beautiful :)
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