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Advice I Ignored: Stories and Wisdom from a Formerly Depressed Teenager
Advice I Ignored is the only book about teenage depression that was actually written by a teenager!
When Ruby Walker was fifteen, she went from a numb, silent, miserable high school dropout to a joyous loudmouth in one year flat. Advice I Ignored answers the question everyone's been asking her since: What happened? In ten illustrated chapters, you'll learn how to:
get out from under self-hatred
gain a sense of free will
deal with failure without falling apart
create your way through an existential crisis
use exercise to beg your brain for endorphins
have an identity beyond "sad"
and more!
Full of embarrassing stories, honest advice, and fierce hope, Advice I Ignored is a self-help book for people who hate help. And themselves.
When Ruby Walker was fifteen, she went from a numb, silent, miserable high school dropout to a joyous loudmouth in one year flat. Advice I Ignored answers the question everyone's been asking her since: What happened? In ten illustrated chapters, you'll learn how to:
get out from under self-hatred
gain a sense of free will
deal with failure without falling apart
create your way through an existential crisis
use exercise to beg your brain for endorphins
have an identity beyond "sad"
and more!
Full of embarrassing stories, honest advice, and fierce hope, Advice I Ignored is a self-help book for people who hate help. And themselves.
- GenresNonfictionMental Health
170 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2019
About the author
Ruby Walker
3 books20 followersRuby Walker is an 18-year-old artist and writer. Ruby grew up in Austin, Texas, moved down to Buda, dropped out of high school, did a few other things, and is currently studying art at Trinity University in San Antonio. Her first book, Advice I Ignored, is the only book on teenage mental health that was actually written by a teenager. In other news, Ruby's current life dream is to get on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 26, 2019
Hey! This is my book.
October 14, 2019
I get approached all the time by indie and self-published authors and often times I have to turn them down. I have considerable obligations to read vast numbers of books, and some, well, some really aren’t that good. The formatting is off, editing poor and the book cover title is in Comic Sans (instant dismissal in my book!). But, when Ruby Walker contacted me, I had to stop and read what she had to say.
Ruby Walker is a smart, creative, articulate young woman, she also suffered from depression as a teen and has had to deal with some personal trauma. Her prose, positivity, confidence, without being cocky ultimately won me over, and her illustrations are fantastic. Advice I Ignored is a fresh look, and an autobiographical reflection on 14-year-old Ruby Walker told in a diarised, conversational style, but with practical tips and oh so relatable moments of social anxiety and worry.
If you are a teen struggling with depression and anxiety, an adult working with teens, or an adult who is yet to shake off those traumatic teenage situations, Advice I Ignored Is for you. Be prepared to read about some sensitive situations, but also be prepared to read a book which demonstrates that there is always hope, whether it be through therapy, medications, fitness or a creative outlet.
An important self-care read which gives a fresh approach to reducing the symptoms of depression in teens and erasing stigma relating to mental health issues in teens and young adults.
Ruby Walker is a smart, creative, articulate young woman, she also suffered from depression as a teen and has had to deal with some personal trauma. Her prose, positivity, confidence, without being cocky ultimately won me over, and her illustrations are fantastic. Advice I Ignored is a fresh look, and an autobiographical reflection on 14-year-old Ruby Walker told in a diarised, conversational style, but with practical tips and oh so relatable moments of social anxiety and worry.
If you are a teen struggling with depression and anxiety, an adult working with teens, or an adult who is yet to shake off those traumatic teenage situations, Advice I Ignored Is for you. Be prepared to read about some sensitive situations, but also be prepared to read a book which demonstrates that there is always hope, whether it be through therapy, medications, fitness or a creative outlet.
An important self-care read which gives a fresh approach to reducing the symptoms of depression in teens and erasing stigma relating to mental health issues in teens and young adults.
September 27, 2019
Ruby started writing this book when she was sixteen after she recovered from a severe depression. The book is illustrated and each chapter has an essay, a personal story and specific advice. This is one of very few books written by a teenager giving an accurate picture and understanding of what depression is and how to get out of it. It is very hopeful and inspiring.
May 4, 2020
Advice I Ignored is a book that I think could benefit and help so many people of any age. Ruby's story is raw and honest, and she knows that by being vulnerable she might be able to reach out and help someone else.
This is an extremely easy read, which helps because it deals with intense topics. It's conversational, broken up into easy to follow sections, and contains beautiful illustrations by the author that help paint emotions and feelings in a visual manner that words might not be able to capture.
There are some sensitive topics and stories within, but those that might cause more severe triggers have been formatted in a way that is easy to skip over while still getting the important information within the pages.
At the end of each chapter, she lists off numerous tips and tricks to help combat and ease depression. Like she reminds us numerous times, we do not have to initially believe the positive things that we are trying to tell ourselves. But telling ourselves these things, just simply saying them instead of negativity, can help push us on the path to better days.
This book is wonderful and I love her advice. But I do think that everyone is different, and suffers in various ways. I think this book could help so many people, and is certainly worth reading to see how it might help you, it might not be great for everyone. Regardless, still give this a read.
This is an extremely easy read, which helps because it deals with intense topics. It's conversational, broken up into easy to follow sections, and contains beautiful illustrations by the author that help paint emotions and feelings in a visual manner that words might not be able to capture.
There are some sensitive topics and stories within, but those that might cause more severe triggers have been formatted in a way that is easy to skip over while still getting the important information within the pages.
At the end of each chapter, she lists off numerous tips and tricks to help combat and ease depression. Like she reminds us numerous times, we do not have to initially believe the positive things that we are trying to tell ourselves. But telling ourselves these things, just simply saying them instead of negativity, can help push us on the path to better days.
This book is wonderful and I love her advice. But I do think that everyone is different, and suffers in various ways. I think this book could help so many people, and is certainly worth reading to see how it might help you, it might not be great for everyone. Regardless, still give this a read.
November 28, 2023
Reading this helped put me in the shoes of my own depressed teen. The author, still a teenager herself, offers concrete advice on steps to take to climb out of the suckhole. She’s a good writer too! No filler, just short chapters of solid advice and stories broken up with artwork.
November 6, 2023
I admit I went into this book with hesitation. I've never been the "self-help" reading type, but truthfully, this book conveyed exactly as the title suggests. We've all been in a place where we're offered good advice but we very seldom follow it.
What I appreciated the most out of this book is that Walker doesn't just give good advice in the form of "you should/could do this," but follows up with tips that teach you how to do it. So often what's frustrating about advice is that those doling it out don't provide a roadmap of where to begin. Walker addresses this with the structure of each chapter as follows: good advice, personal anecdote, tips to start following the advice.
It's written so simply and that's what makes it brilliant. It's relatable. It's funny at times and heartbreaking at others. But it's always honest.
Full review coming soon for the Lesbrary blog!
UPDATE 11/4/23 Full Lesbrary review -- https://lesbrary.com/meagan-kimberly-... pressed-teenager-by-ruby-walker/
What I appreciated the most out of this book is that Walker doesn't just give good advice in the form of "you should/could do this," but follows up with tips that teach you how to do it. So often what's frustrating about advice is that those doling it out don't provide a roadmap of where to begin. Walker addresses this with the structure of each chapter as follows: good advice, personal anecdote, tips to start following the advice.
It's written so simply and that's what makes it brilliant. It's relatable. It's funny at times and heartbreaking at others. But it's always honest.
Full review coming soon for the Lesbrary blog!
UPDATE 11/4/23 Full Lesbrary review -- https://lesbrary.com/meagan-kimberly-... pressed-teenager-by-ruby-walker/
May 4, 2020
Advice I Ignored is a Unique Blend of Memoir & Self Help. Rather than finding a book of the advice that adults often give teens facing challenges, depression, and self-doubt--this book shares the full picture for teens and those who seek to help them. The author takes a piece of standard advice--like "don't be so hard on yourself"--and she shares her thoughts about the advice. Then, the author shares a personal, real story about a time that "advice" came into play during her bouts with depression--and she shares some tips that she used (and you or your teen can use) to apply that advice--in more realistic/modified form to her own life. The author offers an authentic look at some very painful times, events in her life. She shares honest emotions and feelings--and the genuine struggles that she had with advice and with trying to improve her well-being.
Advice I Ignored is a Unique Type of Self Help Book for Depressed Teens. The author doesn't sugarcoat the realities. She talks about how various pieces of ordinary adult advice made her feel. She shares her immediate responses to advice--and her actual thought processes as she worked through ways to implement small changes related to pieces of advice as she moved toward recovery from depression. Teens (and parents) will benefit from the honesty. The story will resonate with those suffering from depression--and they will enlighten those trying to help teens in need.
Would I Recommend Advice I Ignored by Ruby Walker? There is always some comfort in knowing that you are not alone--in knowing that someone understands what you are feeling and enduring. While life situations surrounding depressed teens may be different--and some of the skills used in responses may be different than Ruby's--many of the thoughts, emotions, and challenges faced by depressed teens are very similar. As the author shares her problems and feelings--she also shares the tips she used to make small strides toward wellness. The book certainly isn't a substitute for professional resources--but it is definitely a valuable resource for families facing depression and mental health concerns with teens.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher. All opinions are my own.
Advice I Ignored is a Unique Type of Self Help Book for Depressed Teens. The author doesn't sugarcoat the realities. She talks about how various pieces of ordinary adult advice made her feel. She shares her immediate responses to advice--and her actual thought processes as she worked through ways to implement small changes related to pieces of advice as she moved toward recovery from depression. Teens (and parents) will benefit from the honesty. The story will resonate with those suffering from depression--and they will enlighten those trying to help teens in need.
Would I Recommend Advice I Ignored by Ruby Walker? There is always some comfort in knowing that you are not alone--in knowing that someone understands what you are feeling and enduring. While life situations surrounding depressed teens may be different--and some of the skills used in responses may be different than Ruby's--many of the thoughts, emotions, and challenges faced by depressed teens are very similar. As the author shares her problems and feelings--she also shares the tips she used to make small strides toward wellness. The book certainly isn't a substitute for professional resources--but it is definitely a valuable resource for families facing depression and mental health concerns with teens.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher. All opinions are my own.
May 4, 2020
Honesty and openness hit every page as the author describes her own struggles with depression as a teen and gives advice on how others might be able to pull out of the same state.
The first chapter hits with a ray of hope before the theme of depression really slides in with chapter two. I found it refreshing to start off such a book with a bit of positive encouragement. After all, anyone who picks this up and starts reading it with the hope of maybe benefiting from the advice needs to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. They wouldn't start reading if they weren't hoping for it. So, this already got a thumbs up from me just for that.
The rest of the book is also well done. The author goes through her own depression step by step, offering honest thoughts and experiences as she goes. The writing style is very relaxed and doesn't preach, but rather allows the author's own experiences to take center stage. These are ones that many readers will be able to relate to and easily understand the messages the author is trying to get across. There are more than a few illustrations throughout the book, which add a nice break to the more serious explanations and create an easier going read.
As to the advice itself... I always find these books difficult to judge. The author does give very solid tips and presents her thoughts clearly in a way, which readers can use in their own lives. But this book can't be seen as one which necessarily fits every depressed teen, but caretakers, guardians or anyone wanting to share this book with an individual should skim through it themselves first. For the right person, I see this as being a valuable read.
I received a complimentary copy and found this to be a lovely read with honesty and hope.
The first chapter hits with a ray of hope before the theme of depression really slides in with chapter two. I found it refreshing to start off such a book with a bit of positive encouragement. After all, anyone who picks this up and starts reading it with the hope of maybe benefiting from the advice needs to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. They wouldn't start reading if they weren't hoping for it. So, this already got a thumbs up from me just for that.
The rest of the book is also well done. The author goes through her own depression step by step, offering honest thoughts and experiences as she goes. The writing style is very relaxed and doesn't preach, but rather allows the author's own experiences to take center stage. These are ones that many readers will be able to relate to and easily understand the messages the author is trying to get across. There are more than a few illustrations throughout the book, which add a nice break to the more serious explanations and create an easier going read.
As to the advice itself... I always find these books difficult to judge. The author does give very solid tips and presents her thoughts clearly in a way, which readers can use in their own lives. But this book can't be seen as one which necessarily fits every depressed teen, but caretakers, guardians or anyone wanting to share this book with an individual should skim through it themselves first. For the right person, I see this as being a valuable read.
I received a complimentary copy and found this to be a lovely read with honesty and hope.
May 3, 2020
While this is an interesting take on their depression and working through it, I don't know if this is a once size fits all kind of book. I do like that it has practical ways of applying these concepts to your life, but it is explained well that if, as a parent, you want to talk to your child(ren) about these topics, you could use this book as a springboard for that. I think that's important because often parents have no idea where to start and this book really helps. Secondly, I think some teens don't even know they ARE depressed because depression isn't always sad and suicidal, it manifests differently for people and that's OK too.
Full review on 5/3 on: Stranded in Chaos
Full review on 5/3 on: Stranded in Chaos
March 23, 2020
I was depressed as a teen, and anxious and apparently hypomanic but I didn’t know it at the time. I was diagnosed with clinical depression, then I was told I had symptoms of borderline personality disorder but not enough to be diagnosed with it. It took till 2009 I think it was to be diagnosed with Bipolar 2.
I wish I had this book when I was a teen. I did read about mental health but this book hadn’t yet been written. It was written by Ruby Walker who is 18 and so being a depressed teenager is not something she is recounting from years ago.
Her chapters are all laid out mostly the same. She gives background information on the idea, gives us a story time section that specifically gives details from when she was in her depression and then gives advice on how get through those thoughts/ideas/problems.
For example, the chapter titled Don’t be so hard on yourself explains how she used to always apologize for her behaviour. She talks about self esteem and about the three things she tried to do to push aside all the negative self talk. Storytime was about when she went to camp at the end of 7th grade. She goes over things that happened, how she felt and revelations she came to. Finally she shares advice on how to stop the hate, get smart and treat yourself right.
Also, the whole book is full of original hand-inked illustrations by the author. The drawings really help you see how she felt inside. She does a very good job of drawing what is going on in her head.
If you are a depressed teen or know a depressed teen, this is a great book.
I wish I had this book when I was a teen. I did read about mental health but this book hadn’t yet been written. It was written by Ruby Walker who is 18 and so being a depressed teenager is not something she is recounting from years ago.
Her chapters are all laid out mostly the same. She gives background information on the idea, gives us a story time section that specifically gives details from when she was in her depression and then gives advice on how get through those thoughts/ideas/problems.
For example, the chapter titled Don’t be so hard on yourself explains how she used to always apologize for her behaviour. She talks about self esteem and about the three things she tried to do to push aside all the negative self talk. Storytime was about when she went to camp at the end of 7th grade. She goes over things that happened, how she felt and revelations she came to. Finally she shares advice on how to stop the hate, get smart and treat yourself right.
Also, the whole book is full of original hand-inked illustrations by the author. The drawings really help you see how she felt inside. She does a very good job of drawing what is going on in her head.
If you are a depressed teen or know a depressed teen, this is a great book.
April 10, 2020
A great read for teens struggling with mental health issues and for their parents. It’s so nice to have a teen’s point of view.
December 20, 2020
Read this review and others at https://www.readingforsanity.com/2020...
May 17, 2020
Within the first few pages of the book, reading Ruby Walker’s words feels like talking to a friend. She’s been there, and now she wants to help others through it all.
This was a great book. The chapters are each broken neatly into three parts—an essay of good advice, a personal story, and simple instructions to implement the advice. Interspersed with these parts were illustrations that added to the emotion expressed in the mental health struggle.
The author’s voice is casual, friendly, and likable. She admits that a lot of the advice sounds overwhelming and possibly ridiculous to someone struggling, but the instructions really break it down as much as the reader needs. Is your first action step today sitting up in bed? That’s okay. She wants to start where the reader is, and hopefully show them the way she found back to the life they are meant to live.
While the book is targeted at teens with depression, it’s really a great manual about finding and acting on being your true self. Each of the chapter titles aren’t just advice for teens, but perhaps the secrets to living a contented life at any age. Overall, I’d give this book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it be read, consumed, and acted on slowly. Read each chapter, story, and suggestions thoughtfully, and let them speak to your heart.
This was a great book. The chapters are each broken neatly into three parts—an essay of good advice, a personal story, and simple instructions to implement the advice. Interspersed with these parts were illustrations that added to the emotion expressed in the mental health struggle.
The author’s voice is casual, friendly, and likable. She admits that a lot of the advice sounds overwhelming and possibly ridiculous to someone struggling, but the instructions really break it down as much as the reader needs. Is your first action step today sitting up in bed? That’s okay. She wants to start where the reader is, and hopefully show them the way she found back to the life they are meant to live.
While the book is targeted at teens with depression, it’s really a great manual about finding and acting on being your true self. Each of the chapter titles aren’t just advice for teens, but perhaps the secrets to living a contented life at any age. Overall, I’d give this book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it be read, consumed, and acted on slowly. Read each chapter, story, and suggestions thoughtfully, and let them speak to your heart.
November 26, 2019
This young woman’s journey was intense at times and her voice unique. I applaud her for sharing it and giving us the insight she learned along the way. The advice will be helpful for many, I suspect, including myself.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews