SOFT DUSK

So I recently read this first book from Bella Mackie and it’s fucking great.

I’m a psychology student so I’m always wary of books that claim to tackle mental health disorders that are written by non health professionals. But after reading Jog On, I can’t give enough credit to Mackie for not only doing her research but also conveying a personal experience with mental health in a way that’s the perfect balance between serious, touching and spiked with humor.

My favorite thing about this book, and about Mackie’s writing, is how she rails against the perfect wellness warrior image. Yes she eats her vegetables and exercises to maintain her mental health, but she’s very open about her love for things we don’t associate with picture perfect instagram accounts.

She talks about how running (along with therapy and medication) helps her deal with her anxiety, and I think it’s a great reminder of how linked our mental and physical health can often be.

A lot of people share their stories in this book and you won’t relate to all of them, but if you’ve ever struggled with anxiety or depression I guarantee you’ll relate to some. And it can make a world of difference to hear that there are solutions, and there is a process however long and tedious towards healing.

(Photo: shaniamua)

i tend to get lost in study and drinking and drama during term time, but every so often i remember that i literally need to read to stay sane haha. other than actually reading though my favorite part is that afterglow of a great book where i try and get all my friends to read it so i can talk about it with them. 

for the first time in a long time i feel like there’s genuinely no one i can talk to about how i feel recently. i feel out of control and anxious and sad and alone and the people who usually care don’t seem to care right now. writing used to help me so here i am putting my feelings down for whoever happens to stumble upon them to see.