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How to Breathe While Suffocating: A Story Of Overcoming Addiction, Recovering From Trauma, and Healing My Soul
Let go of negativity, rediscover your inherent worth, and unlock your true potential
How To Breathe While Suffocating is your antidote to the all-too-common tendency to surrender, giving up on your life’s ambitions. You don’t have to give up! For anyone who has gotten caught in the trap of “I can’t do it,” this book reminds you that you are enough, you possess value, and your unique ability to engage with the world can and will get you to where you want to be. Through simple positive affirmations, unflinching first-person stories, and insightful analysis, author Bruce W. Brackett helps you focus on the positive and keep moving forward.
Society today is experiencing a hidden pandemic of loneliness, disconnection, and resistance to recovery. After the life-altering shutdowns of COVID-19, many of us have simply remained in shutdown mode. This book uses universal concepts, expressed through engaging narrative, to help you grapple with issues like mental health, isolation, gender identity, disconnection, and the overwhelming sense of negativity for our collective future. By the end, you’ll learn to turn it around and get back to the business of living. The message of How to Breathe When Suffocating is simple—spread love, inhabit joy, and embrace the power of positivity.
Gain the inspiration you need to seize your potential, find confidence, and step into your authentic self Change your outlook on life with simple slogans and mantras for developing a healthier, more positive attitude Realize that you aren’t alone in your struggle, and see how others are finding the strength to move forward in difficult times Read the compelling story of one man who overcame insurmountable odds and found salvation from negativity and self-doubt
After a two-decade healing journey of intensive trauma therapy, psychiatric treatment, and rehab, Bruce W. Brackett has emerged a survivor. Anyone in the midst of their own healing journey will resonate with benefit from his lived experience, portrayed here with intimate vulnerability and universal appeal.
How To Breathe While Suffocating is your antidote to the all-too-common tendency to surrender, giving up on your life’s ambitions. You don’t have to give up! For anyone who has gotten caught in the trap of “I can’t do it,” this book reminds you that you are enough, you possess value, and your unique ability to engage with the world can and will get you to where you want to be. Through simple positive affirmations, unflinching first-person stories, and insightful analysis, author Bruce W. Brackett helps you focus on the positive and keep moving forward.
Society today is experiencing a hidden pandemic of loneliness, disconnection, and resistance to recovery. After the life-altering shutdowns of COVID-19, many of us have simply remained in shutdown mode. This book uses universal concepts, expressed through engaging narrative, to help you grapple with issues like mental health, isolation, gender identity, disconnection, and the overwhelming sense of negativity for our collective future. By the end, you’ll learn to turn it around and get back to the business of living. The message of How to Breathe When Suffocating is simple—spread love, inhabit joy, and embrace the power of positivity.
Gain the inspiration you need to seize your potential, find confidence, and step into your authentic self Change your outlook on life with simple slogans and mantras for developing a healthier, more positive attitude Realize that you aren’t alone in your struggle, and see how others are finding the strength to move forward in difficult times Read the compelling story of one man who overcame insurmountable odds and found salvation from negativity and self-doubt
After a two-decade healing journey of intensive trauma therapy, psychiatric treatment, and rehab, Bruce W. Brackett has emerged a survivor. Anyone in the midst of their own healing journey will resonate with benefit from his lived experience, portrayed here with intimate vulnerability and universal appeal.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2024
42 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 3, 2024
Bruce Brackett has overcome many obstacles and imparted a wealth of knowledge in this book. I'm happy he overcame everything and developed into the person he is now.
I started to think a lot about how our experiences shape us and even impede our personal development. I felt like I was reliving a lot of the things the author talked about experiencing since they were so real to me.
Although I liked the book, I didn't think the audiobook was that good. I occasionally found it difficult to interact with the book while I was listening.
I started to think a lot about how our experiences shape us and even impede our personal development. I felt like I was reliving a lot of the things the author talked about experiencing since they were so real to me.
Although I liked the book, I didn't think the audiobook was that good. I occasionally found it difficult to interact with the book while I was listening.
April 19, 2024
I read this book in 2 days, and for the past week I've been trying to figure out how to write a review without spoilers. It's impossible. I want to tell every detail about this book. So I think I'm just going to say READ IT! This is an emotional journey, and I felt my heart break a little with every chapter. I shed tears for Bruce, I rooted for him, I cursed everyone who took advantage of him. I wanted to travel to find Bruce wherever he was, just to be able to give him a hug and tell him he's an amazing person. His positivity in the face of extreme events is truly remarkable. He is resilient, and even when he felt like giving up, he didn't. I follow Bruce on social media, and his daily positive messages have definitely helped me on those days when I was struggling. Bruce, you are a beautiful person with a beautiful soul and a heart of gold! Don't ever let anyone tell you differently. Keep doing what you're doing, there are so many of us who appreciate you! Here is my cup of love for you, drink up and enjoy, it is all for you. Breathe, and keep moving forward.
August 8, 2024
5⭐️
TW: child abuse, sexual assault, violence, homophobia, homophobic slurs, forced outing, addiction, drug use, withdrawal, eating disorder, mental health, trauma, recovery
I stumbled across Bruce W. Brackett (goes by BWB) on Instagram quite by accident. However, I'm a firm believer in the idea that there is no such thing as coincidence. While this may sound bonkers, I truly feel as if I was meant to find BWB and this book.
BWB shares his story of trauma, addiction and subsequent recovery, and the path to the overall healing of his soul. His path is full of bumps, valleys, and steep hills to climb. What BWB recounts enduring in his life is harrowing indeed and is not for the faint of heart. That being said, absolutely everyone who has endured trauma of any kind, or is/was/knows someone who has fallen prey to addiction, should absolutely read this book.
Each chapter begins with "Breathe" mantras on how to cope with situations similar to what readers will soon see that BWB encounters in that section. Conversely, each chapter ends with the same mantras, only reworded to show how BWB puts them into practice for his own healing. The book is written in such a way that readers cannot help but come away with greater understanding of trauma and its long lasting effects, as well as addiction, the toll it takes, and the recovery that is possible. BWB lays this out very clearly and eloquently. BWB's mission is for people to know they are not alone in their struggles, to help them learn to step into their authentic self, and to assist readers in finding the strength to move forward. It is easy to see that he truly cares about his audience.
This book had me in tears before I even finished the preface. This is the sort of book that will have readers crying, laughing, and nodding in understanding. More importantly, BWB's words impart hope and love.
If you have been affected by trauma in your lifetime, or if you are in active addiction or recovery or love someone who is, please choose to read this book. Allow yourself to receive the love and hope that BWB is offering. Take his words to heart and act on them. You will not regret reading this book, I can promise you that.
TW: child abuse, sexual assault, violence, homophobia, homophobic slurs, forced outing, addiction, drug use, withdrawal, eating disorder, mental health, trauma, recovery
I stumbled across Bruce W. Brackett (goes by BWB) on Instagram quite by accident. However, I'm a firm believer in the idea that there is no such thing as coincidence. While this may sound bonkers, I truly feel as if I was meant to find BWB and this book.
BWB shares his story of trauma, addiction and subsequent recovery, and the path to the overall healing of his soul. His path is full of bumps, valleys, and steep hills to climb. What BWB recounts enduring in his life is harrowing indeed and is not for the faint of heart. That being said, absolutely everyone who has endured trauma of any kind, or is/was/knows someone who has fallen prey to addiction, should absolutely read this book.
Each chapter begins with "Breathe" mantras on how to cope with situations similar to what readers will soon see that BWB encounters in that section. Conversely, each chapter ends with the same mantras, only reworded to show how BWB puts them into practice for his own healing. The book is written in such a way that readers cannot help but come away with greater understanding of trauma and its long lasting effects, as well as addiction, the toll it takes, and the recovery that is possible. BWB lays this out very clearly and eloquently. BWB's mission is for people to know they are not alone in their struggles, to help them learn to step into their authentic self, and to assist readers in finding the strength to move forward. It is easy to see that he truly cares about his audience.
This book had me in tears before I even finished the preface. This is the sort of book that will have readers crying, laughing, and nodding in understanding. More importantly, BWB's words impart hope and love.
If you have been affected by trauma in your lifetime, or if you are in active addiction or recovery or love someone who is, please choose to read this book. Allow yourself to receive the love and hope that BWB is offering. Take his words to heart and act on them. You will not regret reading this book, I can promise you that.
April 21, 2024
For anyone who has struggled with addiction, mental health, trauma or you love someone who does…this book is for you. Bruce has overcome so much, and shared an abundance of wisdom within this book. It takes so much strength to revisit the darkest parts of our lives, to open up and be vulnerable all in an effort to help & heal others. This book deeply resonated with me and I found it to be very inspiring. I hardly ever dog ear pages, but this one is filled with them so I can easily revisit those tidbits of knowledge that will encourage me in my daily life. As someone who has struggled with many of the same issues Bruce faced, everything I learned from reading this will help me to live a better life. Thanks for taking the time to share your story Bruce!
June 22, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley for the ALC. All views are my own.
A book I didn't know I needed. Bruce was incredibly raw and vulnerable throughout this (and I would recommend listening to the audiobook version because it really drives the points he's making home). It made me really reflective on how our lives shape us and can, if we don't look after ourselves, stifle our growth. How to breathe looks at that idea of self care through suffering, and I really appreciated the gentle nudge that we need to care for ourselves. We matter!
A book I didn't know I needed. Bruce was incredibly raw and vulnerable throughout this (and I would recommend listening to the audiobook version because it really drives the points he's making home). It made me really reflective on how our lives shape us and can, if we don't look after ourselves, stifle our growth. How to breathe looks at that idea of self care through suffering, and I really appreciated the gentle nudge that we need to care for ourselves. We matter!
May 1, 2024
I just adore Bruce and his messages of positivity, and his is one of my very favorite Instagram accounts, so I knew I had to pick up this book. What an incredible journey. I find it truly inspiring how many times Bruce picked himself back up. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an incredibly inspiring story of recovery. Thank you for sharing your story with the world, Bruce.
April 21, 2024
I’ve followed him online for one year or so and got very used to his daily ‘Breathe’ videos. I always wondered what his life story was, so when I saw he wrote a book I ordered it immediately. While I knew he struggled with addiction and suspected there was more to it, I didn’t expect the extent of it. It’s a very new book so without spoiling it for anyone, I’ll just say it broke me and encouraged me at the same time. And go read it!
April 28, 2024
Well written and moving
This book was very honest, well written. I found it to very insightful. I now feel that I have just a small inkling of the battle that those with addictions are dealing with.
This book was very honest, well written. I found it to very insightful. I now feel that I have just a small inkling of the battle that those with addictions are dealing with.
August 4, 2025
All I can say is WOW! Bruce's story is heartbreaking, beautiful and inspiring!
April 23, 2024
Truly inspiring
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I lived so much of the same life as you and grateful every day to come through the other side of darkness. Every single day, remember to....Breathe.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I lived so much of the same life as you and grateful every day to come through the other side of darkness. Every single day, remember to....Breathe.
November 2, 2025
I fell in love with Bruce on Instagram. His joyful loving posts and beautiful soul just made me happy. His story is anything but beautiful or happy. It's sad, it's horrifying, and terrifying. It's really difficult to read about people's self destructive behavior. I was so glad a loving family adopted him, but life is not that easy and that did not save him. He ingested his own demons and horrors. Thankfully he found a path to a healthier place.
August 13, 2024
Thank you, NetGalley for an advanced ARC of this audiobook and ALC of this non-fiction biography
Before I listened to this biography I had never heard of Bruce. W. Brackett, but I did look him up and learned more information so I would understand the biography more because this goes into detail about his childhood to his becoming an adult.
⚠️ Trigger warnings ⚠️
This book deals with
* Child Abuse
* Neglect
* Mental Health
* Child sexual Abuse (him as a 16-year-old as a runaway being taken advantage of by strangers)
* Drug Abuse
* Running away
As well as much more
Reading this book I feel a lot of emotions because what Bruce has gone through is terrible but also shows the strength he has, due to his beginnings as a child and how he was treated by his birth mother, which set the belief system he would have for the rest of his life growing up... believing he was not worthy of love, kindness or anything of proper human contact etc and seeing himself as nothing but being used and only finding his worth in what he could offer and how others see him ( believing he deserves the neglect at times etc). Bruce ran most of his life from who he properly was by lying and creating stories which he thought were better than the truth but learning slowly that this made things worse.
At the beginning & end of each chapter, you hear Bruce saying affirmations and truths that sound more like him reminding himself but at the same time saying these to the ones Listening or reading these things as well to have them say some to themselves if they can relate in any way.
When Bruce gets older he is taken to a Child's detention centre where he spends nearly a year when he gets into his adulthood he is told he got HIV and we see how he deals, as well as going into old behaviours ( earlier in the book a little we are also told he has Bi-Polar).
This book goes through so much and I have a feeling that this will be a book that could help others with its hidden message within Bruce sharing his painful story to show others that you can be more than what you think and also change your own life
Before I listened to this biography I had never heard of Bruce. W. Brackett, but I did look him up and learned more information so I would understand the biography more because this goes into detail about his childhood to his becoming an adult.
⚠️ Trigger warnings ⚠️
This book deals with
* Child Abuse
* Neglect
* Mental Health
* Child sexual Abuse (him as a 16-year-old as a runaway being taken advantage of by strangers)
* Drug Abuse
* Running away
As well as much more
Reading this book I feel a lot of emotions because what Bruce has gone through is terrible but also shows the strength he has, due to his beginnings as a child and how he was treated by his birth mother, which set the belief system he would have for the rest of his life growing up... believing he was not worthy of love, kindness or anything of proper human contact etc and seeing himself as nothing but being used and only finding his worth in what he could offer and how others see him ( believing he deserves the neglect at times etc). Bruce ran most of his life from who he properly was by lying and creating stories which he thought were better than the truth but learning slowly that this made things worse.
At the beginning & end of each chapter, you hear Bruce saying affirmations and truths that sound more like him reminding himself but at the same time saying these to the ones Listening or reading these things as well to have them say some to themselves if they can relate in any way.
When Bruce gets older he is taken to a Child's detention centre where he spends nearly a year when he gets into his adulthood he is told he got HIV and we see how he deals, as well as going into old behaviours ( earlier in the book a little we are also told he has Bi-Polar).
This book goes through so much and I have a feeling that this will be a book that could help others with its hidden message within Bruce sharing his painful story to show others that you can be more than what you think and also change your own life
June 26, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley for the provision of an audiobook in exchange for an honest feedback.
I listend to the audiobook version of this book, narrated by the author, Bruce Brackett and right from the first page, I was bawling out loud. A lot of the things the author described going through hit so close to home that I was basically reliving it. I liked how eloquent the author was throughout the book and how in-depth his journey was for the listeners.
I'm glad he was able to push through all that and become the person he is now. But I have two issues with this book and one of them is the lack of content warnings. There's a lot of messed up shit that happened in here and it wouldn't have hurt to give the readers a heads up or something. As someone who's dealt with some of what the author described going through, it really messed me up listening to those things so I wouldn't have minded a couple trigger warnings.
The other is the incomplete storylines. There were mention of the author's sisters going through turbulent moments in their lives but we never find out what happened to them, especially the eldest April who was sent away to a different foster home. I would have liked to see a resolution to that but I understand why the author might not have honed in on that.
All that aside, this was a great listen and I'm glad the author narrated it himself because it made the experience much more impactful. I'll urge everyone to give this a go, you won't regret it.
Check out my other reviews on https://blaqueasace.art.blog
I listend to the audiobook version of this book, narrated by the author, Bruce Brackett and right from the first page, I was bawling out loud. A lot of the things the author described going through hit so close to home that I was basically reliving it. I liked how eloquent the author was throughout the book and how in-depth his journey was for the listeners.
I'm glad he was able to push through all that and become the person he is now. But I have two issues with this book and one of them is the lack of content warnings. There's a lot of messed up shit that happened in here and it wouldn't have hurt to give the readers a heads up or something. As someone who's dealt with some of what the author described going through, it really messed me up listening to those things so I wouldn't have minded a couple trigger warnings.
The other is the incomplete storylines. There were mention of the author's sisters going through turbulent moments in their lives but we never find out what happened to them, especially the eldest April who was sent away to a different foster home. I would have liked to see a resolution to that but I understand why the author might not have honed in on that.
All that aside, this was a great listen and I'm glad the author narrated it himself because it made the experience much more impactful. I'll urge everyone to give this a go, you won't regret it.
Check out my other reviews on https://blaqueasace.art.blog
May 2, 2024
Wow! What a life Bruce has had. This book is incredibly inspirational. The challenges the author faces are daunting yet relatable, not in specifics, but definitely in the way he provides the insights learned at each junction of his story. He faces a whirlwind of obstacles in his path to positivity. You ache as he recounts the early injustices he suffered as a child at the hands of the adults who should has been his protectors, and then you ache more for the self-inflicted trauma he survives as he tries to cope in the world as an outsider dealing with a myriad of inherited and fast-compounding situational struggles. But that is balanced by the hope and encouragement he provides to us, the readers, for our own struggles, in the "breathe" sections that open and close each chapter. His final encouraging message in the epilogue is incredibly moving. I flew through this book and wish there was a way to express how highly I recommend it!
February 18, 2025
It's hard to write a review on someone's life. And I'm definitely not a person who reads a lot of autobiographies so I have no basis on which to compare this.
While I very much appreciated the sharing of this journey, the writing felt very sporadic and tended to rush over the points that I would have assumed were going to be emphasized. I am very accustomed to fictional writing which is beginning middle and end of each chapter, this one felt like there were lots of beginnings, middles, and ends to each chapter...
I guess probably more formatting issues than actual story content.
I'm very glad I read it, although I am fairly certain I will not read it again.
But I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is dealing with the similar journey.
Thank you to Bruce for sharing both your weaknesses and your strengths.
While I very much appreciated the sharing of this journey, the writing felt very sporadic and tended to rush over the points that I would have assumed were going to be emphasized. I am very accustomed to fictional writing which is beginning middle and end of each chapter, this one felt like there were lots of beginnings, middles, and ends to each chapter...
I guess probably more formatting issues than actual story content.
I'm very glad I read it, although I am fairly certain I will not read it again.
But I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is dealing with the similar journey.
Thank you to Bruce for sharing both your weaknesses and your strengths.
May 27, 2024
Bruce is a friend. I know him through his uncle. I was impressed with him from the moment I met him. He is a strong personality and a lovely person all wrapped up in one energized body! I was delighted to meet him and his fiancee from our first encounter. Going to Vegas to see him win the Cheers Award in his category was amazing! I bought his book at a book signing in San Francisco. After reading about his life, I am so proud of what he has overcome through positive thinking and actions. He is a bundle of energy and I predict even more good things for him in the future. Keep breathing, Bruce, keep breathing! Love you!
July 2, 2024
Bruce has overcome so much, and shared an abundance of wisdom within this book. It takes so much strength to revisit the darkest parts of our lives, to open up and be vulnerable all in an effort to help & heal others. It made me really reflective on how our lives shape us and can, if we don't look after ourselves, stifle our growth. There are many unfinished story lines that leave the reader hanging without resolution. I would have liked to see a resolution to these but I understand why the author might not have honed in on some but it still felt unfinished in some areas; Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity.
Read
July 4, 2025This book takes the reader on an emotional journey through childhood neglect, abandonment, addiction, and ultimately, recovery. Bruce offers an unflinchingly honest and transparent view of his life, allowing us to witness not only his pain but also his strength.
As a mental health professional, my heart broke more with each chapter. Yet through that heartbreak, I gained deeper insight into the complex realities and personal narratives that shape addiction.
Bruce, thank you for your courage and vulnerability in sharing your story. I want to encourage you to keep putting one foot in front of the other, take each second as it comes—and remember to BREATHE.
As a mental health professional, my heart broke more with each chapter. Yet through that heartbreak, I gained deeper insight into the complex realities and personal narratives that shape addiction.
Bruce, thank you for your courage and vulnerability in sharing your story. I want to encourage you to keep putting one foot in front of the other, take each second as it comes—and remember to BREATHE.
July 27, 2024
I follow Bruce on Instagram. He is the sunshine in my feed, so when I learned that he was publishing a book, of course I had to buy it. It took me a long time to read because I am an empath and every chapter was just a downward spiral for me emotionally; I would have to take a little break and then go back to it and I finally finished it. He has come a long way and he still struggles every day, but he, like others that are not afraid to talk about their addictions and mental health, shows up for us every day because we show up for him.
September 23, 2025
Real Talk
If you want to know what it's like to fail over and over again and learn how to succeed, read Bruce's story. I've followed him on Instagram for years and fell in love with his positivity. I turned to him daily to drink from a cup of love and breathe. With his love, breathing and holding hands, I found the courage to stop abusing fentanyl. Reading his story just helps me stay stronger to know I will continue to move forward without fentanyl and I'll keep breathing and living. Thank you for sharing your pain.
If you want to know what it's like to fail over and over again and learn how to succeed, read Bruce's story. I've followed him on Instagram for years and fell in love with his positivity. I turned to him daily to drink from a cup of love and breathe. With his love, breathing and holding hands, I found the courage to stop abusing fentanyl. Reading his story just helps me stay stronger to know I will continue to move forward without fentanyl and I'll keep breathing and living. Thank you for sharing your pain.
April 29, 2024
Bruce started life as a crack baby. His biological mother, an addict herself, neglected him and his sisters. Fortunately, they were sent to live in a healthy environment. This is Bruce’s story as he struggled with addiction, bipolar disorder, all of which were complicated by the raging hormones of puberty. His talents could have been lost, and yet his inner light pulled him toward hope.
May 27, 2024
I honestly purchased this book to support a creator that I adore. Bruce’s messages of positivity on social media have helped me through some tough days. Once I started truly reading it, I had a hard time putting it down! The honesty and vulnerability that Bruce shares cut right to my soul. I learned so many lessons that I can’t wait to share with others.
June 2, 2024
I stumbled onto Bruce’s TikTok page one day about a year ago and instantly loved him. Listening to his positive messages and telling us to breathe was so powerful to me. When he announced that his book was getting published, I knew I had to order it. I knew his life was full of trials and tribulations but I never imagined how bad it was from the start. He is truly an inspiration!
June 4, 2024
Read it fast! Good memoir of one of my favorite social media mental health guides. Helped me get to know him and opened my heart and mind to one exceptional man’s story. Thank you Bruce for sharing your vulnerability in your story without shame. What an excellent role model you are for struggling young people.
June 15, 2024
Bruce Brackett is fearless. This brutal, brave account of his story pulls you in and lets you feel the moments he is describing. All of our lives share the quality of ricocheting from moments of sublime beauty to complete despair. The sharing about his teenage years is vivid and so real. I love this book for its honesty and courage.
June 28, 2024
Bruce's brutally honest account of his life struggles hits you in the gut & compels you to keep reading. Thank you Bruce for sharing your story. As a mother to two bipolar young men who struggle with addictions, this helped me understand them on a different level. Thanks for letting me into your head for a little while.
July 10, 2024
This book was amazing!!! Bruce had a hard start in life and continued having a hard life because of teenage choices. He eventually makes it to a successful school place. The last few pages brought me to tears and crying because sure his words are so true!! It’s easy to relate to what he writes. I hope to someday be an inspiration in people everywhere like him!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2024
That was a very honest and heartbreaking book! You can feel their emotions all through the books. Fighting their addictions was a struggle all their life! Very VERY well written! Loved this one! Great job, Bruce!
May 25, 2024
It's a journey
I feel like I have been on a wild ride in someone else's life. Wild it is. But, I am oh so blessed to be in my home and safe. Thank you for the inspiration Bruce, to continue the path to learn to love myself and others.
I feel like I have been on a wild ride in someone else's life. Wild it is. But, I am oh so blessed to be in my home and safe. Thank you for the inspiration Bruce, to continue the path to learn to love myself and others.
July 3, 2024
I have followed Bruce on social media for quite a while. I knew he had been through a lot … but I really had no idea of the extent of it. This book is heartbreaking, yet full of hope and optimism. Just like Bruce. Can’t wait for more of the story! Bruce - Thank you for sharing so much of yourself!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews