Where to Start is a practical, accessible, and comprehensive introduction to mental health issues and the many ways that they can manifest. I've dealt with mental health issues for as long as I can remember (helloooo, neurodivergent and anxious), but even I learned something from this book. I like how this book tackles not only the mental health issues that everyone knows about like anxiety and depression, but also less-talked about ones such as bipolar disorder. By going in-depth about a wide range of issues, Where to Start enables the reader to understand the signs of various mental health problems, develop a blueprint to talk about them, and learn what treatment options are.
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I really like how frankly and openly this book talks about therapy, medication, and hospitalization. I've been in and out of therapy since I was a preteen, and remember being told not to let on to others that I went as though it was some dirty little secret, so I really appreciate how the narrative has been changing. The more controversial issues such as medication are handled with nuance but also neutrality, with emphasis placed on the fact that some people need or benefit from these interventions, but not all. The book is also interactive and includes several worksheets to help the reader work out their thoughts, and I'd be remiss not to highlight how illustrator Gemma Correll adds some much-needed levity to a heavy topic.
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I can certainly see this one being popular and useful!) in middle and high school libraries, and in public library teen rooms.

Where To Start is a helpful, thought-provoking and informative non-fiction book that delves into the intricate and often misunderstood realm of mental health. Teens need this in the sameway they need "WTF Does the consitution actually say?" This compelling work offers a comprehensive but short exploration of the subject, providing readers of all ages with a valuable resource to better understand and navigate the complexities of the state of mental health in the US.

I've been on a journey to learn how to live with my anxiety and I am found Where to Start to be a wonderful edition to anyone who struggles toolkit.

Where to Start is a straightforward, informative guide to mental health in accessible language and simple action items. As someone who is deeply passionate about mental health and is intimately familiar with the ways stigma and lack of reliable resources can hinder our understandings of mental illness and discourage any desire to help ourselves and others, I'm grateful this book exists. Also really appreciated the simple illustrations.

As someone who does struggle with many of these mental health issues that were listed in the book I didn’t find this book to be useful. It felt very superficial to be honest.

A good book for anyone who struggles with anxiety. Or anybody that knows someone that struggles. It makes great points, is super knowledgeable, and shows great steps to help lessen the burden

It's National Semi-Colon Day!

I found out from my lovely booksta friend Britt that it's National semi-colon day! It's the perfect time to talk about mental health (one of my favorite topics).
This book was gifted to me by Penguin and Mental Health America, and is available April 18th.
This boom is an excellent resource for any young person (and even adults) who are unsure if they could be dealing with mental health issues or who know they are but don't know what to do. The book covers different types of disorders, how to get help, what happens when your parents don't believe you, and other things. I love that it gives phone numbers for national and international lines with organizations who will talk to you about your struggle. There are text numbers for these places as well. It recommends different apps you can use for different issues, like the app Calm for anxiety.
It was simple and easy to read. I liked that it made everything feel ok if you were dealing with these issues. I didn't feel like it made the reader feel uncomfortable at all, but rather normalized some of the issues mentioned in the book.
I hope this book becomes widely available and easily accessible for teens who are dealing with mental health problems. We need to normalize talking about and learning how to deal with mental health.
Remember what that semi-colon stands for, too. Your story could have ended, but you're still here. Your story continues. You are loved.

#nationalsemicolonday #mentalhealth #mentalhealthamerica #wheretostart #survivalguide #penguinteen #youngadult #teenmentalhealth #suicideprevention #askforhelp #normalizementalhealth #booksleeve #charmingchapters #rescuedandloved #isupportmentalhealth #mentalhealthadvocate

This is such an important read, especially for high schoolers. i loved the breakdown and thorough descriptions of each disorder and this did a wonderful job highlighting everything.

Where to Start is an informative nonfiction book. I liked that it didn't shy away from what others might consider to be a taboo subject. People are quick to judge those with mental health issues and I liked that this book talks about advocating for mental health.

This book kind of lost me after a little bit so rather than give a seemingly not enjoyable reading opinion I chose to DNF and move on to another book. Thank you for the opportunity I hope this finds someone it deserves,