Are You Really OK?: Understanding Britain’s Mental Health Emergency

by Stacey Dooley

Brought to you by Penguin.

We are not okay....

I've been fortunate enough to meet many remarkable people over the last decade of making documentaries - sometimes in incredibly hostile environments, where they've been really up against it - and I've seen the devastating effect that poverty, trauma, violence, abuse, stigma, stress, prejudice and discrimination can have on people's mental health. It has always been the common thread.

Every week, one in 10 young people in the UK experiences symptoms of a common mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression, and one in five have considered taking their own life at some point. In this audiobook, Stacey Dooley opens up the conversation about mental health in young people, to challenge the stigma and stereotypes around it.

Working in collaboration with mental health experts and charities, Stacey talks to young people across the UK directly affected by mental health issues and helps tell their stories responsibly, in order to shine a light on life on the mental health frontline and give a voice to young people throughout the UK who are living with mental health conditions across the spectrum.

As well as hearing about their experiences directly, Stacey speaks to medical experts, counsellors, campaigners and health practitioners who can give detailed insights into the conditions profiled and explore the environmental factors that play a part - including poverty, addiction, identity, pressures of social media and the impact of COVID-19.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mental Health, Audiobook, Self Help, Psychology, British Literature

Audible Audio

First published February 3, 2022

Reviews

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you really OK? I don’t think there’d be too many people who could answer that question with a resounding yes after living through what the 2020’s have given us so far. Now, more than ever, we need to do whatever we can to look after our mental health.

An international team of researchers published a report in October 2021 showing that globally there were estimated to be an extra 76 million cases of anxiety in 2020 than would have been expected if the pandemic hadn’t happened, and 53 million more cases of major depressive disorder.

In this book, Stacey talks about depression, eating disorders, postnatal depression, postnatal psychosis, obsessive compulsive disorder, gambling addiction and psychosis. She also speaks to people who have experienced domestic abuse, as well as those in the LGBTQ+ community who have been discriminated against or abused because of who they are. Finally, Stacey explores how racism and poverty impact on mental health.

While there are statistics (and some confronting ones at that) and information about potential advances in the future for treating specific mental illnesses, where this book shines is the human element. Stacey interviewed young people living with diagnosed mental illnesses and gave them the opportunity to tell their stories. While she never claims to be an expert herself, Stacey spoke with professionals who treat mental illnesses, some of whom have lived experience.

The insights you are able to get when people feel safe enough to speak candidly about their lives are always going to resonate more than facts and statistics that remove individual people from the narrative. Although I know people with many of the diagnoses covered in this book and have lived experience of others, I learned a lot. I was invested in the stories of the people who shared their story and expect to continue to wonder how they’re doing, particularly Kyle, whose experience with depression was just heart wrenching.

None of us get through life unscathed. Sean, a psychiatrist Stacey spoke to, is helping to destigmatise mental illness. No one is immune to mental health issues, Sean says.

‘But if enough wrong things happen that exceed someone’s ability to cope, no matter how privileged they are, they will get ill’

While that knowledge is somewhat terrifying, it’s also comforting because it removes blame from the person with the illness.

But is there hope? Absolutely.

‘For everyone, no matter how awful the situation you are in, no matter how bad the mental illness or the mental disorder is, it can improve.’

Because Stacey’s approach is so down to earth and she’s so relatable, her documentaries and both of her books have a warmth to them, almost as though you’re seeing friends catching up and talking about some of their most difficult experiences. I’ll definitely be rereading this book.

Content warnings include addiction (alcohol, drug, gambling), bullying, child abuse, domestic abuse, eating disorders, homophobia, mental health, miscarriage, racism, self harm, sexual assault, suicidal ideation and attempts (including the method used) and transphobia.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, BBC Books and Penguin Random House UK, Ebury Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covering such a vast array of instances where people who Dooley has met through various documentaries just highlights how much of an important subject mental health needs to be spoken about more often.

Everything from depression, eating disorders, discrimination and poverty is mentioned. It feels like this book is only really scratching the surface.

It's a relatively short read but mentions so much, it's made me want to watch the episodes that are mentioned here.

[Aims x · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t recommend this book enough. It’s so incredibly insightful to all the different mental illnesses that someone can struggle with along with the many different people who struggle. It really shows that anyone can be affected whether that be by your genes, life circumstances etc. As someone who struggles with mental health myself, it also made me feel so much more understood, validated and less alone.
I’ve always loved Stacey’s documentaries and I enjoyed this book just as much. Thank you for shedding a light on mental health and the issues that arise in society everyday.

[Renae · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Okay you'll be put on the waiting list for CBT; it's currently 2-3 months-"
"Hi. Sorry I've spoken to my supervisor and we'd like to put you on the priority list since your mental illness is more advanced. The waiting list for that is 4-6 months."
We are really not okay. I've been wanting to read this for ages as a sufferer, as a filmmaker and writer and someone interested in psychology and sociology and it is 10/10 on all fronts. Stacey's intentions in the creation of the book are so admirable and commendable - as is all her work - and she tells people's stories with kudos, highlighting the many issues dealt with in the UK and the lack of help available for them. Do I feel I have the power to change anything having read this? No, unfortunately I don't. But do I feel like someone somewhere with some power in Government can? Yes. Or a GP can take a patient more seriously. Or someone might refer to their trans friend with the correct pronouns. Or someone might be saved from domestic abuse in a relationship. Or someone might ask a male friend if they're okay.
Thank you, Stacey for addressing the crucial.
To everyone suffering, I hope it's brief and help finds you.

[Tan Markovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great insight into first hand experiences of different mental health struggles

[Alice Golding · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book as a fan of Stacey’s. Admittedly as someone who works in mental health I might not be the intended audience, but I found it quite basic & simple and found some of the inaccuracies frustrating (e.g that chemical imbalances cause MH difficulties) which is a myth that has long been debunked (the neuroscience is far more complex than that). Would recommend to those who want an overall understanding of different mental health difficulties and the realities of accessing support

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I expected. Psychosis isn't just about addiction and drug use. Depression isn't just about money. I wish there was more about schzophrenia, I had a schzophrenic friend who abused me and I had a bad argument with mental health people about it, as I blamed her illness.
I found this a good book for people who know nothing about mental health. I felt really connected by her tone. I really felt for the people she spoke about.

[molly ⸆⸉ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
i loved this book its a really good take on mental health and a asd girl i found some bits relateable and learnt some new things too
really good audio book

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

*audiobook*
Really interesting, well-rounded and informative book
I loved hearing all the different stories and experiences from people in this book and I learned loads in the process

[Rhoda A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't rate this book enough.
Incredibly insightful regarding a number of mental illnesses and the experiences of people who have them and the treatment of them.
A must read to educate and reduce the stigma regarding mental illness.

[Alison Sharpe-Shreeve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Whilst reading it, I could picture Stacey talking all of the written words. The book is very eye opening to all the trigger points of mental health.
There are certain snippets of the book that I don’t agree with, but they are another persons opinions and I fully respect that.
This book will definitely make me think more about mental health.
Thank you Stacey for a true and honest book about mental health. Xx

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If like me you enjoy Stacey Dooley’s documentaries then you’ll enjoy the style of her writing and this book, I liked the focus on the mental health crisis, even though I was aware of a lot of the issues, it’s still an eye opening and quite upsetting read at points, using input from people with mental health issues and professionals, this book is a great insight and important read.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very approachable and accessible read into the struggle and complexity of mental health. I like how Stacey looks at so many issues and speaks to so many people with different issues and different backgrounds and some of the statistics are interesting and eye-opening. It’s very simple and optimistic and sometimes a bit naive, but her aim to open up the conversation about mental health is successful I think.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

preaching to the converted a bit in that i work in mental health, but the inclusion of statistics i really liked. one line in the end bothered me slightly about how social services arent helping with the homeless poulation but can understand completely why it was said

[Beth (biblio.beth) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Stacey Dooley and watch all of her shows on BBC, so I knew I would like this. It wasn't profound in any way, but it was interesting and the layout was great. Each chapter focuses on a different type of mental illness.

[Olivia Caple · Rating 3 out of 5]

We loveeee Ms Stacey Dooley…what a queennnnn🫶🏻. This book aims to open the conversation on mental health (which it does), but is very surface level in its understandings. If I’m honest, I think Stacey’s limited knowledge of mental health impacted the conversations throughout. Nonetheless, we need more books like this on the issue of mental health in the U.K, so I’m glad that it exists and would recommend it to others.

[Jennifer Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well researched book casting a much needed light on mental health in the UK, especially in the wake of a global pandemic. A must read!

[Heather Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant I love Stacey dooley

[harry · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*
only scratches the surface

[Jordan Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly insightful. I love anything Stacey Dooley. She’s brilliant.

[Katie Storr · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.

I did find this book an interesting read as it tells the stories of many people experiencing different mental health issues in the UK. It was good to have first hand accounts of disorders like Post Natal Psychosis and OCD.

Nothing revolutionary but an easy to understand book on mental health.

[Rebecca Storr · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book written in an accessible style. I'd like to see her documentary Back on the Psych Ward now.

[Eloise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really interesting interviews in this book and it was written nicely, luv u Stacey :)

[Becs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This stuff absolutely needs talking about. Written in the tone and voice you’ve come to recognise of Stacey Dooley, this book feels like it’s own documentary as it follows various individuals with mental health disorders. The book is divided into specific topics, which explore what some of the key drivers might be for those people developing mental health disorders, but for the most part it’s designed to really serve as an eye opener - you really don’t know what other people are going through, so be kind.

I really love Stacey’s documentaries. They’re get right to the core of the problem and don’t shy away from the real issues, be that economical or societal in origin. This book tries to do that, but it’s a much softer inspection of mental health that I expected - it didn’t really go into much depth about what some of the wider contributors to this problem are, and why, although it does mention them in passing.

It’s a great insight, it’s just not the detail or interrogation of important issues that I’ve come to expect from Stacey Dooley’s work.

[Tracey Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic non fiction book about mental health. This is probably the best one that I have read.
It was so informative. I listened on audio and it was narrated by the author.
A must read for everyone

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

After working on her two documentaries 'On the Psych Ward' and the follow-up 'Back on the Psych Ward", Stacey Dooley has written a book to open up the conversation about mental health in the UK by talking to people about their lived experiences with various mental health conditions.

I am a big fan of Stacey Dooley and have watched many of her documentaries on BBC3. I think she has a real talent at creating a comfortable environment for people to talk about themselves. She's a great active listener and isn't afraid to ask important questions.

The highlights of this book:
1) Stacey Dooley's voice was really strong throughout - she writes exactly the way she speaks! It was nice that her narrative voice is so strong and you can tell she has a real passion for the subject matter.
2) I liked the way the book was structured, chapters were separated by the type of mental health condition and was very easy to read
3) It didn't try to do too much, sometimes books like this attempt to cover everything but this book was realistic in what it could cover. For example, some mental health conditions only featured one person which meant Dooley was able to conduct real in-depth interviews. Furthermore, in chapters such as 'Racism and Mental Health' - Dooley only focused on Black men which I really appreciated as it meant she was able to do justice to the topic
4) There was a good amount of practical advice, as a healthcare student I often meet people with mental health issues and it often feels like you're throwing the same resources at them without really taking into consideration their individual needs. But this book had a good number of accessible resources that I think would be amazing to recommend to a patient. In particular, the National Gambling Helpline or PANDAS for post-natal depression were resources that I noted down.

Although I did really enjoy this book, I think where it fell down was the use of Stacey Dooley's asides and her insights into what her interviewees were saying. Most of the time they felt quite pointless and at other points they just felt slightly irritating. I understand that Dooley needed to add her thoughts because otherwise the book would read like a transcript but it just didn't really work for me and sometimes took away from the book. Most of the time she would agree with what the interviewee had said or would note how it is very different from her own experience and she couldn't imagine what they had gone through. Where her insight was helpful was when she reflected on her time on the psych wards and was able to marry up her interviewees experiences with what she had seen on the ward. I think the book would've been vastly improved with this and is a unique perspective only Stacey Dooley could've given.

Overall, a well-organised interesting book but would have benefited from Dooley reflecting on her interviews by relating it back to what she had seen whilst making her original documentary.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Stacey Dooley's documentaries so I naturally had to read this book. I do have her first book on my kindle which I haven't read yet. This one was excellent.

Although I was already aware of many of the cases featured in this book due to watching her documentaries "On the Psych ward" and "Back on the Psych Ward" there was more content in the book. This read very much like Stacey documents in her programmes, hearing sufferers real stories, and hearing from the nurses and other members of staff working in the hospital and caring for these people.

What I liked was that there was also included in this book, Stacey's catch ups with some of the people from the programmes, a year on, so during lockdown via zoom. Finding out how they were coping with the lockdown, whether they felt recovered or any better than when they last spoke. Stacey is very considerate to everyone's feelings and she is clear and points this out that throughout the book, she has given people rolling consent, in that if they chose to talk to her and tell their stories, they can indeed change their minds if they like, at any point. I think this is important because people who are not in the right frame of mind due to their difficulties, can decide to change their minds and I like the way Stacey is always considerate of that right from the start. A very interesting and humbling read, covering sensitive issues but also I just know that this book would help people struggling with mental health, as it gives advice on who to speak to for support and where to start if people are unsure or unwilling.

[weemarie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Library book 📚

2.5/5, rounded down to 2 ⭐

I thought I'd like this book a lot more than I did as I generally find her documentaries fantastic but this was a bit of a letdown for me.

It covers a lot of ground and factors involved in mental illness but it doesn't go into any real depth with any of them. Worse than this, in parts it undermines mental illness: one part that stuck out was when someone said 'I get PTSD when I see a rat even today' (in a chapter not about PTSD). For me, this is as undermining as saying 'I get OCD when things aren't perfectly clean' (something that, in the OCD chapter, is pointed out to be condescending, undermining and disrespectful). You don't *get* PTSD fleetingly, you *have* PTSD after a traumatic experience.

Another issue for me was the domestic violence chapter. Throughout, all statistics were about women and all people interviewed were women, and there was no mention of male victims even once. I understand that women are much, much more likely to experience domestic violence but men do too, albeit much less frequently. To erase them from the chapter completely could add to the stigma male victims already face.

Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me. I did learn quite a lot, and took a lot of notes, but there were just too many niggly bits for me to rate it any higher, or to recommend it.

[bryce · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of events led to me attending an 'In Conversations with Stacey Dooley' - who I will admit I know little about. This book was given out to all attendees, and while it wouldn't be something I would read normally, I actually enjoyed this. It was humbling and reassuring to hear Stacey talk so openly about what she has witnessed making her documentaries and how much good in the world she actually sees and I could feel her enthusiasm just for the good in people come through in the book. For me I was really struck by the way she just went 'This Trans lad' - like it was so normal to her and she was so kind and understanding with it and it felt genuine.

The book is laid out into different types of mental health issues and therefore I skipped some sections that I would have found triggering. I particularly found the chapters on Psychosis and Race & Mental Health enlightening.

[Jenna Fairs · Rating 4 out of 5]

love stacey as always

despite being a straight white cis women, she managed to cover such a wide range of individuals through this book and i think that is so important as mental health prevalence in minority groups should never be overlooked. the systemic basis that a lot of us benefit from even in times of struggle needs to be addressed, whether it’s race, gender, sexuality, poverty ect

personal stories and experiences can always be difficult to read however the care and compassion of the staff and individuals was oozing out of the pages. there was some harrowing statistics which i wish i was shocked at

this book highlighted how mental health is integrated into every area of life and it really does need to be discussed with urgency and attention otherwise (bluntly put) we are fucked xxxxx