[Review] Hello Me, It's You by Anonymous, Hannah Todd

Hello Me, 
It's You

By Anonymous, Edited by 
Hannah Todd

Publisher: Hello Me, It's You

Published: October 10th 2016

“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

I would never thought that I actually picked up something that does not involve fictional creatures and romance, and I couldn't be more glad that I did. When I saw this book on Netgalley, I just know that I need to give it a chance. Having to suffer through a (not-so-mild) social anxiety when I was growing up, to the point that I wouldn't dare to talk to anyone that is not my parents, this book allows me to look back at the experience with a smile. The fact that I am doing a lot better now doesn't change the fact that it's always a comfort to know that what you went through before is bad yet completely normal. That you're actually not alone.

Written as a compilation of letters from anonymous subjects to their past selves who was struggling all kinds of mental health problems, Hello Me, It's You is a great uplifting read for those who just crave that support yet not brave enough to ask for it. Or even for those who just wanted to understand and help their loved ones.

I recieved a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

Rating

★★★★☆