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Me and My Mate Jeffrey: A story of big dreams, tough realities and facing my demons head on
When my legs went from underneath me and my breath stopped coming, just minutes before we were due to go live on The Voice, I knew this was panic at its worst. Yet in the midst of the madness, something became clear. If I got through this, the secret I had guarded for years with all my life could not remain secret for much longer ...'
In his book, Niall Breslin speaks openly about living with depression and anxiety, and his crippling journey to finally acknowledging 'Jeffrey' - the name he chose for it - years after he took the decision to conceal his growing mental health issues from the world, at age 15.
Told with raw honesty, it is a story of the demons that lay beneath outward success, and how they impacted on his career in sports and later music, as he coped with a condition that at times seemed hell bent on wrecking everything in its wake. It is also the story of a road to reconciliation with brokenness - beginning after a massive panic attack before a live TV appearance in 2012 - leading to brighter horizons.
Me and My Mate Jeffrey is an essential book for anyone who knows what it is to feel alone, and who doesn't know how to ask for help - or anyone who wants to better understand that journey.
In his book, Niall Breslin speaks openly about living with depression and anxiety, and his crippling journey to finally acknowledging 'Jeffrey' - the name he chose for it - years after he took the decision to conceal his growing mental health issues from the world, at age 15.
Told with raw honesty, it is a story of the demons that lay beneath outward success, and how they impacted on his career in sports and later music, as he coped with a condition that at times seemed hell bent on wrecking everything in its wake. It is also the story of a road to reconciliation with brokenness - beginning after a massive panic attack before a live TV appearance in 2012 - leading to brighter horizons.
Me and My Mate Jeffrey is an essential book for anyone who knows what it is to feel alone, and who doesn't know how to ask for help - or anyone who wants to better understand that journey.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2015
34 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Niall Breslin
18 books22 followersNiall Breslin (born 22 October 1980), known as Bressie, is an Irish musician and former Westmeath Gaelic footballer and Leinster Rugby player. Breslin found success as the lead singer, guitarist and songwriter with pop band The Blizzards, as a co-writer and producer with XIX Entertainment and as a solo artist. He was the winning coach on the first and third seasons of The Voice of Ireland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 4, 2018
"It's not like you are feeling sorry for yourself and want attention, the last thing you want is attention. You want the world and everything in it to disappear, you want to remain in the darkness so no one can find you."
Me and My Mate Jeffrey by Niall Breslin is an account of his journey with mental health, his highs and lows, both personally and professionally. He shares what he has learned from his experiences with general anxiety, conveying a message of hope to the reader.
First of all, this was an incredibly brave book to write. Bressie remained in silence about his struggles with mental health for much of his life until he found the courage to confide in others. What makes this opening up even more difficult is that he is well known in Ireland, and afraid of what not only what the public’s reaction would be, but also that of his close friends and family.
Bressie is completely open and honest in this book. He leaves nothing out, not attempting to shield the reader from the difficulties he experiences with anxiety. I appreciated how in writing this book he encouraged so many others in Ireland to open up the discussion about mental health, a topic that is all too often shied away from.
This is a book filled with hope. It takes the reader on a journey through the highs and lows of his life, but importantly details what he learned from each of these experiences. He talks about common patterns that he noticed in his mental health, for example he was always struck harder with anxiety and depression when he was run down physically, and realising this he took steps to reduce this.
He talks about how important having long term goals was for him, and reading of his journey both mentally and physically to complete a 70.3 ironman was awe-inspiring. As well as this, I greatly admired him dedicating so much time to various mental health charities and reaching out to young people through the speeches he gave.
"Mental illness doesn't have a limp, we can't see it, so we therefore do not know who is dealing with it, or how much they are hurting".
This is a book I believe that everyone should read, and it gets a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars.
Me and My Mate Jeffrey by Niall Breslin is an account of his journey with mental health, his highs and lows, both personally and professionally. He shares what he has learned from his experiences with general anxiety, conveying a message of hope to the reader.
First of all, this was an incredibly brave book to write. Bressie remained in silence about his struggles with mental health for much of his life until he found the courage to confide in others. What makes this opening up even more difficult is that he is well known in Ireland, and afraid of what not only what the public’s reaction would be, but also that of his close friends and family.
Bressie is completely open and honest in this book. He leaves nothing out, not attempting to shield the reader from the difficulties he experiences with anxiety. I appreciated how in writing this book he encouraged so many others in Ireland to open up the discussion about mental health, a topic that is all too often shied away from.
This is a book filled with hope. It takes the reader on a journey through the highs and lows of his life, but importantly details what he learned from each of these experiences. He talks about common patterns that he noticed in his mental health, for example he was always struck harder with anxiety and depression when he was run down physically, and realising this he took steps to reduce this.
He talks about how important having long term goals was for him, and reading of his journey both mentally and physically to complete a 70.3 ironman was awe-inspiring. As well as this, I greatly admired him dedicating so much time to various mental health charities and reaching out to young people through the speeches he gave.
"Mental illness doesn't have a limp, we can't see it, so we therefore do not know who is dealing with it, or how much they are hurting".
This is a book I believe that everyone should read, and it gets a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars.
April 1, 2016
Irish musician and TV personality Niall Breslin (Bressie) speaks openly and frankly about his struggle with Generalised Anxiety Disorder.
He's incredibly open and honest from his early days as a UCD student on a rugby scholarship, depressed and anxious but not knowing how to deal with it, right up to his days as one of the four judges on Ireland's version of singing show 'The Voice' and his panic attacks.
By naming his anxiety (Jeffrey, a name he has always hated), he has found a way to make it work for him. He describes how he has used therapy and different techniques to make Jeffrey behave - including one we learned years ago from a lovely schoolteacher, Body Scanning (focusing intently on one part of the body until it's completely relaxed, then moving on to the next, starting at the tip of your toes).
He gives fantastic advice about building a relationship with a GP you trust, and not putting your health in the hands of a Googe search. He explains where he went wrong and admits when he made bad decisions.
"It's not like you are feeling sorry for yoursef and want attention, the last thing you want is attention. You want the world and everything in it to disappear, you want to remain in the darkness so no one can find you."
I highy recommend this book for parents of teenage boys - buy it and pass it on. The rate of depression and suicide in Ireland is shocking among teen boys - there needs to be more discussion about mental health among the male population and for someone 'cool' like Bressie to write such an open, hopeful, identifiable account really helps in getting the message out there - it's okay to not be okay - but there is hope.
He's incredibly open and honest from his early days as a UCD student on a rugby scholarship, depressed and anxious but not knowing how to deal with it, right up to his days as one of the four judges on Ireland's version of singing show 'The Voice' and his panic attacks.
By naming his anxiety (Jeffrey, a name he has always hated), he has found a way to make it work for him. He describes how he has used therapy and different techniques to make Jeffrey behave - including one we learned years ago from a lovely schoolteacher, Body Scanning (focusing intently on one part of the body until it's completely relaxed, then moving on to the next, starting at the tip of your toes).
He gives fantastic advice about building a relationship with a GP you trust, and not putting your health in the hands of a Googe search. He explains where he went wrong and admits when he made bad decisions.
"It's not like you are feeling sorry for yoursef and want attention, the last thing you want is attention. You want the world and everything in it to disappear, you want to remain in the darkness so no one can find you."
I highy recommend this book for parents of teenage boys - buy it and pass it on. The rate of depression and suicide in Ireland is shocking among teen boys - there needs to be more discussion about mental health among the male population and for someone 'cool' like Bressie to write such an open, hopeful, identifiable account really helps in getting the message out there - it's okay to not be okay - but there is hope.
April 3, 2018
Read Bressie's book last weekend - would really recommend it to anyone who doesn't have first-hand experience with anxiety. I think the general public have finally wrapped their head around depression, but anxiety isn't as well understood. Bressie writes rather bluntly and authentically and it's wonderful to see a big muscly man in his mid-thirties known for success in sport & music talking about an issue like this. I would encourage everyone to pick it up on behalf of the people in your life who might struggle with anxiety and/or depression x
February 6, 2021
I admired bressies account of his struggle with anxiety and mental health. I read this book 2 years ago but I still remember his technique of personifying your inner voice or illness and treating it as if it were a person you're in conflict with rather than a condition thats just there. It was refreshing to hear someone discuss the pressures that exist on young athletes training and competing in a highly competitive environment so this made it all the more relateable to me as a read . A brave and honest account of a topic that I feel we truly need to discuss more of , particularly in times like these.
April 15, 2017
Mental illness is such a serious thing and really can only be understood by people like Niall explaining it first hand and educating everyone on the horrors of it.
April 28, 2025
It only took me ten years of owning this book to finally read it! Extremely readable, although the first 50% is stressful reading as you get to really feel the 15+ years of secret panic attacks and anxiety. Really nice reader voice.
January 23, 2024
Good read and the key life lessons are very applicable.........he makes very valid points on the need that schools should teach these lessons to school going pupils
My key take aways from the book are............
Bressie grew up in Mullingar...
Father was in the army, Bressie did not like when he went away
When he was 13 his father was posted to Isarel, whole family moved to there for 3 years
Growing up in Isarel was an experience, often had to go into air raid shelters, suffered from anxiety and
panic attacks which consisted of shortness of breath and sweating also depression afterwards and social
isolation. Major issue with sleep at night throughout his life.
When returned to Ireland found it hard to settle in to school etc. Changed school after witnessing much
bullying and unfairness but not done to him. Very good sports person in school played for the school in
rugby, galeic and athletics. Sport was a great distraction in school. Anxiety and panic attacks part of life
now also sleep issues.
Went to UCD on a sports rugby scholarship studying Economics, Socilology and Psychology. Very
anxious in crowded lecture theatres often hiding in toilets to avoid crowds. Did not use college
counselling service as he had the irrational paranoia that it would get back to his rugby coaches. He
realises now how devoid of logic this was as logic often goes away during depressive thinking.
Took drugs for sleep often during college. Rugby major part of life in college. Also alcohol was major part
but made anxiety much worse but was hard to avoid as the rugby and college scene was awash with it in
all social interactions and expected.
Learned music at a young age and found playing the guitar helpful when depressed or low. Spent long
hours playing guitar in his room.
When finshed college got a banking job but hated it so left after a year. During this year he got some part
time work playing music in pubs. This developed and he formed a band which eventually was successful
in the charts.
Lessons learned over his life living with major bouts of depression........
1. Alcohol makes depression and anxiety much worse especially after consumption, very careful
with alcohol consumption now
2. Body scanning mediation very helpful, he uses it before every gig/performance
3. Live in the NOW approach, his friend explained this simply by saying..... “people who are
depressed are always thinking of the PAST, people who have anxiety are always thinking of the
future and people who are happy are always thinking of NOW” pg 57
4. One way of dealing with anxiety/panic/depression was to say “this will pass” and go with it and
deal with on that basis, this realisation got him through each time (rather than fighting against it)
5. Sleep was precious and was the greatest gift to give himself. Sleep was an absolutely critical
“without it my head was a mess and very unstable” pg 110
6. Music and creativity was a great distraction
7. Yoga was helpful
8. Anxiety can fixate on a problem that does not in real life exist pg 87
9. Physical and mental are not in fact separate parts and are deeply connected.
10. Used UCD online councelling and person to person service and found it helpful but found that the
therapy does not get immediate results and only works over medium to long term. We believe it is
the therapist job to cure us but their job is to arm us with the mental capacities to deal with our
issues and be aware of them...a lot of my issues, guilt and regrets came from my inability to open
up and talk to people
11. CBT taught him to control perceptions, often sufferers of anxiety think of the worst case scenario,
all the time, CBT works to show you this is irrational, Bressie says that every teenager should be
taught CBT in school, CBT allows him to stand outside himself and monitor the situation. CBT
technique Bressie uses... visualise myself sitting at the side of the road, cars are passing are
thoughts, what was happening the cars (thoughts) were parking (staying in head) causing a traffic
jam.. slowly learned to let them pass so I can focus one at a time. Another CBT technique “The
magic moment technique” think of the best moment in your life, use all senses, squeeze tumb and
forefinger while doing this for several minutes ... practice often at least for 3 weeks... when sad or
depressed squeeze tumb and forefinger to quickly recall the feeling.
12. Called his anxiety “Jeffrey” (a name he hates) which he sees as a friend as it taught him many
things and shaped his life, new perspective on looking at the issue
13. Went to GP about sleep and anxiety but would prefer non medical solutions
14. After major success in rugby/sport and music often great depression followed
15. It is ok to be not be ok and it is absolutely ok to ask for help
16. Omega 3 important
17. Gut and mood interlinked
18. Mactha Green tea useful
19. Mental fitness as important as physical fitness, should be training in mental fitness/wellness
during good times for the bad times.. schools should do this also
20. Gerry Hussey most admired mentor... values very important, what you stand for gives you why
you want to do things and your motivation... “embrace the chaos” Bressie’s motivation ...try to
make a difference in other peoples lives
21. Never try to write music or book etc that doent reflect your own experience or emotions otherwise
the sentiment will be vague or vague
22. Bressie used exercise as a distraction from issues all his life, often ran at night if could not
sleep... also did Triathlons etc
23. Look up IRONMIND and My100hours and HEADSPACE apps/websites useful
24. Bressie always asks this question before any talk “ how many people have actually invested time
in their minds” .........usually only 5/10% reply they have
My key take aways from the book are............
Bressie grew up in Mullingar...
Father was in the army, Bressie did not like when he went away
When he was 13 his father was posted to Isarel, whole family moved to there for 3 years
Growing up in Isarel was an experience, often had to go into air raid shelters, suffered from anxiety and
panic attacks which consisted of shortness of breath and sweating also depression afterwards and social
isolation. Major issue with sleep at night throughout his life.
When returned to Ireland found it hard to settle in to school etc. Changed school after witnessing much
bullying and unfairness but not done to him. Very good sports person in school played for the school in
rugby, galeic and athletics. Sport was a great distraction in school. Anxiety and panic attacks part of life
now also sleep issues.
Went to UCD on a sports rugby scholarship studying Economics, Socilology and Psychology. Very
anxious in crowded lecture theatres often hiding in toilets to avoid crowds. Did not use college
counselling service as he had the irrational paranoia that it would get back to his rugby coaches. He
realises now how devoid of logic this was as logic often goes away during depressive thinking.
Took drugs for sleep often during college. Rugby major part of life in college. Also alcohol was major part
but made anxiety much worse but was hard to avoid as the rugby and college scene was awash with it in
all social interactions and expected.
Learned music at a young age and found playing the guitar helpful when depressed or low. Spent long
hours playing guitar in his room.
When finshed college got a banking job but hated it so left after a year. During this year he got some part
time work playing music in pubs. This developed and he formed a band which eventually was successful
in the charts.
Lessons learned over his life living with major bouts of depression........
1. Alcohol makes depression and anxiety much worse especially after consumption, very careful
with alcohol consumption now
2. Body scanning mediation very helpful, he uses it before every gig/performance
3. Live in the NOW approach, his friend explained this simply by saying..... “people who are
depressed are always thinking of the PAST, people who have anxiety are always thinking of the
future and people who are happy are always thinking of NOW” pg 57
4. One way of dealing with anxiety/panic/depression was to say “this will pass” and go with it and
deal with on that basis, this realisation got him through each time (rather than fighting against it)
5. Sleep was precious and was the greatest gift to give himself. Sleep was an absolutely critical
“without it my head was a mess and very unstable” pg 110
6. Music and creativity was a great distraction
7. Yoga was helpful
8. Anxiety can fixate on a problem that does not in real life exist pg 87
9. Physical and mental are not in fact separate parts and are deeply connected.
10. Used UCD online councelling and person to person service and found it helpful but found that the
therapy does not get immediate results and only works over medium to long term. We believe it is
the therapist job to cure us but their job is to arm us with the mental capacities to deal with our
issues and be aware of them...a lot of my issues, guilt and regrets came from my inability to open
up and talk to people
11. CBT taught him to control perceptions, often sufferers of anxiety think of the worst case scenario,
all the time, CBT works to show you this is irrational, Bressie says that every teenager should be
taught CBT in school, CBT allows him to stand outside himself and monitor the situation. CBT
technique Bressie uses... visualise myself sitting at the side of the road, cars are passing are
thoughts, what was happening the cars (thoughts) were parking (staying in head) causing a traffic
jam.. slowly learned to let them pass so I can focus one at a time. Another CBT technique “The
magic moment technique” think of the best moment in your life, use all senses, squeeze tumb and
forefinger while doing this for several minutes ... practice often at least for 3 weeks... when sad or
depressed squeeze tumb and forefinger to quickly recall the feeling.
12. Called his anxiety “Jeffrey” (a name he hates) which he sees as a friend as it taught him many
things and shaped his life, new perspective on looking at the issue
13. Went to GP about sleep and anxiety but would prefer non medical solutions
14. After major success in rugby/sport and music often great depression followed
15. It is ok to be not be ok and it is absolutely ok to ask for help
16. Omega 3 important
17. Gut and mood interlinked
18. Mactha Green tea useful
19. Mental fitness as important as physical fitness, should be training in mental fitness/wellness
during good times for the bad times.. schools should do this also
20. Gerry Hussey most admired mentor... values very important, what you stand for gives you why
you want to do things and your motivation... “embrace the chaos” Bressie’s motivation ...try to
make a difference in other peoples lives
21. Never try to write music or book etc that doent reflect your own experience or emotions otherwise
the sentiment will be vague or vague
22. Bressie used exercise as a distraction from issues all his life, often ran at night if could not
sleep... also did Triathlons etc
23. Look up IRONMIND and My100hours and HEADSPACE apps/websites useful
24. Bressie always asks this question before any talk “ how many people have actually invested time
in their minds” .........usually only 5/10% reply they have
November 8, 2015
What a fantastic book. Wow. I read this in practically sitting I was so captivated. Bressie has encaptured mental illness with a rawness and a profundity that I have yet to come across. His ability to 'say it like it is' is refreshing and nearly had me in tears on many occasions throughout the book. This book is a fantastic read if you have struggled with mental illness, know someone who has or even if you just want to educate yourself on the topic (which I really advise you to do). A huge congratulations to Bressie on his achievement as this was definitely not an easy thing to do.
April 7, 2016
Really 2.5 stars, I'm all about mental health awareness and I am happy Bressie is sharing his story, BUT this book was so repetitive. I would've been more interested if it wasn't the same thing every other paragraph. By the end of the book I was glad to have finished it. The last 3 or so chapters were the best out of the whole book. I wish the best for Bressie and all that he's doing in Ireland for mental health.
January 17, 2016
This is a really important book - I would recommend it to anyone, particularly parents of teenagers.
The only negitive comment I have would have is to the editor, who should have done a much better job. There were far too much repetition of phrases and sometimes of aniocdotes.
Overall an interesting and enjoyable book.
The only negitive comment I have would have is to the editor, who should have done a much better job. There were far too much repetition of phrases and sometimes of aniocdotes.
Overall an interesting and enjoyable book.
November 24, 2016
I like this book as I could relate a lot to what Bressie was talking. The only part I don't agree with in this book is the use of mindfulness meditation.
October 20, 2017
A very honest, open and heart felt read. Niall Breslin gives a very true account of the struggle he encountered throughout his younger years with depression and anxiety and shares his present coping mechanisms. Niall gives us an insight on how he went through life dealing with these conditions and how well he depicted an outwardly illusion of calmness and contentment while struggling with an internal battle of self despair, angst and loneliness.
"It's not like you are feeling sorry for yourself and want attention, the last thing you want is attention. You want the world and everything in it to disappear, you want to remain in the darkness so no one can find you."
His description of his experience with oncoming panic attacks, his desperation and struggle for breath was so descriptive you almost felt like you are there with him. He gives a a great explanation of combating and living with mental health issues. Niall is a great ambassador of mindfulness meditation which he practices daily. An absolutely captivating read.
"It's not like you are feeling sorry for yourself and want attention, the last thing you want is attention. You want the world and everything in it to disappear, you want to remain in the darkness so no one can find you."
His description of his experience with oncoming panic attacks, his desperation and struggle for breath was so descriptive you almost felt like you are there with him. He gives a a great explanation of combating and living with mental health issues. Niall is a great ambassador of mindfulness meditation which he practices daily. An absolutely captivating read.
February 22, 2023
This book is an informative, affirmative and uplifting recollection of the journey of Niall Breslin (Bressie), an ex-rugby player and musician. I very much appreciate the fact Bressie utilised the book to take the time to reopen his old wounds. As an anxiety sufferer, I resonated a lot with certain aspects of Bressie’s mental struggles. What I went through was nowhere near as bad as that, but it is comforting to know that for all of times growing up that I felt weird or out of place, there was someone else feeling similar or worse. While reading this book, at times I felt as if I was going back through my own past, accompanied by Bressie. The book has also encouraged me to consider placing greater emphasis on exercise as a form of mental therapy in my life. It should be noted by potential readers that Bressie frequently references Mindfulness techniques. Due to it origins in Buddhism, as a Catholic, I cannot adopt Mindfulness practices, however Bressie has inspired me to be there for others and not be afraid to practice Christ-like vulnerability.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2021
Interesting and touching book by Niall Breslin known as Bressie, about his experience of anxiety (Jeffrey) and his journey to learning how to live with it and not against it, impact of his resistance to it and hiding it for many years, and ways he found that helped him to manage it - written by Irish musician, TV star, ex-rugby player and now ambassador for mental health and mindfulness.
It doesn't matter if you don't know Bressie. It's an This is an easy, insightful read in itself - whether you suffer from anxiety or know someone who probably does, or you just like a story of resilience in the face of adversity (even if its source is often internal) I believe this will resonate. I would recommend it.
By the way, his wake up/ wind down podcast on spotify is a gentle introduction to mindfulness/ meditation practices in just a few minutes.
It doesn't matter if you don't know Bressie. It's an This is an easy, insightful read in itself - whether you suffer from anxiety or know someone who probably does, or you just like a story of resilience in the face of adversity (even if its source is often internal) I believe this will resonate. I would recommend it.
By the way, his wake up/ wind down podcast on spotify is a gentle introduction to mindfulness/ meditation practices in just a few minutes.
December 18, 2017
This Book Should Never Go Out Of Print!
What Bressie has achieved in sport, entertainment and fitness while struggling with his inner demons is inspiring. Easy to read and an honest account of his struggles, how he has at times reached out for help but didn't find it. How the medical system at the time let him down and his conviction now to change the stigma associated with mental illness by throwing light on it.
What Bressie has achieved in sport, entertainment and fitness while struggling with his inner demons is inspiring. Easy to read and an honest account of his struggles, how he has at times reached out for help but didn't find it. How the medical system at the time let him down and his conviction now to change the stigma associated with mental illness by throwing light on it.
May 24, 2017
testimony on growing up with, living with and dealing with anxiety and managing mental health
at times the writing not the best, but made up for with raw honesty
interesting life for an interesting character, moves through youth, school, (Finian's study hall and Mrs. B's :)), bullying
sport, rugby career, eventual therapy through exercise, triathlons, mindfulness, CBT
at times the writing not the best, but made up for with raw honesty
interesting life for an interesting character, moves through youth, school, (Finian's study hall and Mrs. B's :)), bullying
sport, rugby career, eventual therapy through exercise, triathlons, mindfulness, CBT
May 3, 2018
Fantastic, absolutely loved reading this and i felt i could really relate to him. He's an amazing guy and he went through so much. He really has an understands of positivity of belief. He's truly inspiring.
May 6, 2020
Interesting account of Bressies battle with severe anxiety since childhood.
May 17, 2020
Incredibly honest story that will resonate with many Irish people today. Contains handy mindfulness tricks and has a positive reassuring conclusion too. Thank you Bressie 👍
July 2, 2022
I usually don't read these types of books but it was interesting to read and know what it's like (for him) to go through life while having mental health issues and how he coped with them.
April 1, 2023
Wouldn’t recommend this if you suffer from anxiety. I found it very triggering and had to stop reading it. Defeats the purpose.
July 25, 2024
Addictive Reading
Couldn't put this book down... Really inspiring story. Shows there is light at end of the tunnel of darkness... Essential reading. Thank you
Couldn't put this book down... Really inspiring story. Shows there is light at end of the tunnel of darkness... Essential reading. Thank you
August 15, 2024
Honest & an eye opening read
September 20, 2024
Terrible read. Just two covers with a giant piece of his Ego in the middle.
December 10, 2024
This was an easy to read, relatable memoir about Niall's life as an athlete, a musician, and someone who suffers from anxiety and depression. I loved it.
December 9, 2025
The way he has written what he’s been through has made me feel a lot less ‘mad’.
January 3, 2020
I picked up this book not knowing the content, I actually got it confused with another book and thought Jeffrey was a dog.
The book is actually an autobiography about Breslin's general anxiety disorder. The book carefully details Breslin's life as he finds he has anxiety, and eventually learns to overcome it.
The content is very carefully written. I spotted three errors grammatically but nonetheless I had a strong sense that the book had been carefully put together and checked before being released.
I found the book very insightful; I now understand how difficult living with anxiety can be, and I did think this book would be good for teenagers to read as I imagine they have a lot of anxiety generally and this book could help them at least know they are not alone.
I did find myself thinking of people I know with mental health issues and hoping the book would provide a guide on how to help them... By the end of the book I understood I cannot help my friends with mental health issues any more than I can help someone with a broken bone; I can only help a person get to a professional.
The book promotes normalising mental health issues and ridding society of the stigma associated with admitting you have an issue, and just talking about it.
It reminds me to talk to my children as much as possible, and if I ever feel they may have something like anxiety I will ask them to read this book.
Rating wise, the first half is well written; the second half went on a bit and I think will loose some teenage audiences, so I am going to rate it a low 4 out of 5.
For more of my book reviews check out mybibliographer.weebly.com
The book is actually an autobiography about Breslin's general anxiety disorder. The book carefully details Breslin's life as he finds he has anxiety, and eventually learns to overcome it.
The content is very carefully written. I spotted three errors grammatically but nonetheless I had a strong sense that the book had been carefully put together and checked before being released.
I found the book very insightful; I now understand how difficult living with anxiety can be, and I did think this book would be good for teenagers to read as I imagine they have a lot of anxiety generally and this book could help them at least know they are not alone.
I did find myself thinking of people I know with mental health issues and hoping the book would provide a guide on how to help them... By the end of the book I understood I cannot help my friends with mental health issues any more than I can help someone with a broken bone; I can only help a person get to a professional.
The book promotes normalising mental health issues and ridding society of the stigma associated with admitting you have an issue, and just talking about it.
It reminds me to talk to my children as much as possible, and if I ever feel they may have something like anxiety I will ask them to read this book.
Rating wise, the first half is well written; the second half went on a bit and I think will loose some teenage audiences, so I am going to rate it a low 4 out of 5.
For more of my book reviews check out mybibliographer.weebly.com
April 11, 2021
I have a peculiar relationship with this book. When I was 17, anxiety was starting to become more and more of a daily struggle for me. I remember attending a mental health awareness event with my school and Bressie spoke at said event. I related to what he said, more than I was ready to admit at that point in time. You see, it wasn’t that I was ashamed or embarrassed to be struggling with my mental health. However, for the majority of my life, I’ve dealt with health problems, physical health problems. I couldn’t for the life of me comprehend why now, when my life was seemingly finally on track, I felt so crap. I had been through so much ‘worse’, or so this was my mindset at the time. I was somewhat annoyed at myself, for my inability to just get over ‘it’ - it being anxiety. But I heard Bressie speak, and thought to myself, I know what will help - I’ll read his book and all will be solved. I asked for his book that Christmas, playing it off that I just really liked Bressie (lol), and not that I thought this book was going to magically ‘cure’ my anxiety. I attempted to read it at 17 and I am not sure I even got through the first chapter. Two rounds of therapy and almost 5 years later, I have a more compassionate understanding of this thing called anxiety. I read this book recently and it was such a worthwhile read. Although I definitely did not have the mental strength to read it when I was 17, it’s exactly the comfort read I needed in the midst of a global pandemic. Despite the hard subjects discussed in the book, it was a rather uplifting and empowering read. It reminded me of how far I’ve come in my own journey and that it’s okay and normal to have bad days.
5/5🌟
5/5🌟
September 17, 2015
Blisteringly honest and unbelievably heroic. As someone who suffers with panic attacks and anxiety , I could relate to so many of the dark moments Bressie recalled in this highly enjoyable and informative book. Anyone who suffers with any sort of mental illness should pick this up. Peppered amongst the accounts of his time in Israel and playing with The blizzards , I found a variety of tips and positive messages to help me on my own journey.
Its a must read for anyone that suffers and is written in arelatable , informative and compassionate way. I've discovered various mindfulness techniques and the Headpace app through this book.
I saw so much of myself in the various stories where Bressie was consumed by panic.
An important , timely read from someone who has done trojan work on highlighting awareness of mental health issues and the need to speak out and tear down the ridiculous stigma. Brave , honest , funny , resilient and at times quite moving. We all have our demons and we all have a Jeffrey.
Its a must read for anyone that suffers and is written in arelatable , informative and compassionate way. I've discovered various mindfulness techniques and the Headpace app through this book.
I saw so much of myself in the various stories where Bressie was consumed by panic.
An important , timely read from someone who has done trojan work on highlighting awareness of mental health issues and the need to speak out and tear down the ridiculous stigma. Brave , honest , funny , resilient and at times quite moving. We all have our demons and we all have a Jeffrey.
October 21, 2015
A brilliant insight in to the struggles of anxiety & depression. I really enjoyed Bressies witty sense of humour which kept the book uplifting at times too. I had to take a short break from it as it opened up some realities for me that I never really pieced together until now. I have always suffered with anxiety but this showed me that I wasn't crazy to think this way and it is normal to have these struggles. Similar to Bressie, I found my way through exercise and mindfulness such as yoga. Planning and having goals to reach keeps my mind at ease and it is how I deal with my overactive thinking. To see how far he has come and the inspiration he is, not only to myself but to others, is amazing.
It really makes you appreciate the importance of investing in your mental health on daily basis.
I loved it.
It really makes you appreciate the importance of investing in your mental health on daily basis.
I loved it.
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