There's Coffee in the Fridge: One Man's Journey Through Anxiety and Depression

by James Francis

Does our past define us? Or does it merely serve to inform our future?

At its heart, this book is a story of overcoming anxiety and depression, as well as suicidal tendencies and attempts. With a remarkably candid approach, peppered with dry humor and keen observation, author James Francis takes us on a journey that is all at once deep, dark, twisting, and ultimately so very redemptive.

One part gripping memoir, and one part how-to guide, you will come away with tools such better understanding of anxiety and depression Ideas for a roadmap to personal mental healthExploration of personal and romantic relationship dynamics in regard to mental healthNotable authors to read on the journey to healingMusic suggestions to stir your soul and learn fromA reality check on the uniqueness of each person’s journeyThis is a book of triumph, a victory over mental health struggles earned through the hardest of trials. You can use your past to create a healthier future too - it starts here, it starts now.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Mental Health, Psychology

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2023

Reviews

[Paige Engebretson · Rating 5 out of 5]

found this author on tik tok. this book was so vulnerable, raw and honest. addresses heavy and important topics in a matter-of-fact way, with humor sprinkled in!

[Gabie Dufrene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok I’m really nervous to write this review. I gave the book 3 stars because the message is beautiful and I’m happy that a book like this breaking the stigma around men’s mental health exists.

However, it just wasn’t for me. I was enjoying it at the beginning but I found some of the content a little too graphic/crude. I unfortunately wasn’t able to finish it. I think this would be a great book for someone else!

The book did two things:
1. Autobiography of the author & his journey with mental health
2. Self help techniques for individuals struggling

I enjoyed reading the author’s story but I felt like the second half was a completely different book. It became all self help exercises & strategies(which is great!), but it was a bit too jumbled for me.

Overall I’m glad I read it but it just wasn’t for me. I’m sorry!!!

[Benjamin Rowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I get worried with stuff like these being a little too on the nose, especially since I saw it on tiktok. But there's genuinely good advice in here, and pretty emotional read.

[Shreshth Awadhiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was criticized earlier in my life for reading self-help books, because why do you need to read them to become a better person? It was an unexpected slap to the face and reshaped what I presented to people I wanted to impress. Unabashed now, I feel that every book, fiction or nonfiction, is a self-help book, with lessons sprinkled throughout that you attach to your consciousness and the way you behave. Why not cut the bullshit and get someone to speak directly to you?

I wouldn't go so far as to calling this a self-help book, but rather a memoir and journal. And it's important to note that in that regard, I did feel abetted. And not alone. A voice that also resonated with my own.

[Agnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love how raw it is

This was a very insightful memoir. I strongly recommend it. I will be getting the opportunity to interview him for Viamare Healing later this month and am very excited to do so.

[Cristian Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read anything more real in my life.

I strongly recommend this to anyone dealing with any type of depression or deep sadness. James’s first hand experience with suicide broke my heart into a million pieces and really puts a lot of things into perspective. I had a good friend move on as a result of this and it was painful to read these pages with a realization that at some point they must have felt the same way. And the worst part, it’s a silent killer. All this book makes me want to do is just hug all of my friends and ask them how they are doing :)

Some other notes that were just so raw included a lot of the details involving his father and the idea of forgiveness. It’s weird to think that you can instinctually love someone for who they are but not like them at the same time. That deep depravity that comes with being associated with someone as a result of happening rather than choice. The way you can look at your own blood in the eyes and realize you don’t actually know them as well as you would like to. And I’ve never seen anyone say that about their own father and put it into words like he did. The brutal honesty mixed with his relatable words kept my eyes glued to the pages. Sometimes it’s so hard to forgive. Sometimes is hard to forget. But sometimes it doesn’t have to be that way you know?

Overall, fantastic story, fantastic story telling, fantastic message, and (surprisingly) fantastic humor!

[Morgan Morizio · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost,
Jim this is a truly wonderful book that I would definitely recommend to anybody.
The strength and vulnerability of this book does not go unnoticed. James discusses his personal journey as well as added in advice on how he to got through/works on anxiety and depression. This is really beneficial and I have had many boys that are family and friends who I care about deeply that I have a wonderful connections with, I always want to be their biggest cheerleader as well as my own. I had to take my time with this book. Jim, I’m so happy you’re here❤️

[kellyn :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

saw the author on tiktok and thought i would give the book a read and im so glad i did <3
this book explained perfectly the effects of society’s view that being emotional is emasculating. being vulnerable is so hard, especially as a man. i cried a lot reading this book and it really opened my eyes to a lot of my negative thoughts and how to deal with them. i enjoyed the humor brought into this book as well, because sometimes all you can do is laugh.

[Amanda El Khatib · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first saw James’ book on TikTok and I’m so happy I took the time to read it. Given the subject matter, I really took my time with reading this one, so I have been nursing it for quite a while. James’ writing is raw, thoughtful, and so vulnerable. Due to the stigma surrounding mental health, specifically for men, this is definitely worth reading, and I commend James for taking the time to share his story with the world.

[Vince Nguyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn’t finish it because my ex gave me this book and left a note on the inside of the front cover and I gotta look at it every time I open the book so I stopped reading it prematurely. Overall though, it was a very touching book with many moments I could relate to though there are many parts that were hard to understand due to writing style

[Erika Semprun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up for someone in my life who struggles with depression and suicide ideation. I wanted to read it before gifting it to them and wow, i really loved it. It was so vulnerable and real! Thank you Jim for writing such a beautiful book!

[Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super raw book! Some graphic content but it did not have much affect on me personally! Great to see a man’s journey through his struggles with the stereotypes in society! Recommend to any man going through something!

[Jhillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just too raw and real and thus my longest read to date (it took me almost a month to finish)

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! As someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression her whole life, I think it gave a good look into his mind but also a lot of tips to help.