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tumbling: poetic thoughts from an anxious mind
Elizabeth Joyce struggled with tumbling thoughts for decades, but only after a year of psychotherapy did she realize her inability to rein in her mind was a result of multiple anxiety disorders and bouts of Major Depressive Disorder. In tumbling: poetic thoughts from an anxious mind, Elizabeth invites us to explore the intimate thoughts tumbling around in her anxious mind through a collection of poetry and prose written throughout her life. She packs a powerful arc into the short, chapbook-size collection, touching on her darkest moments and culminating in her ultimate hope. Anyone struggling with their mental health will appreciate this impactful read as an affirmation they are not alone, and those with loved ones who struggle with mental illnesses will get a glimpse into their world. In sharing her story as a child, friend, spouse, and parent who struggles with anxiety, Elizabeth's true hope is to chip away at the long-standing stigmas surrounding mental health by raising awareness and understanding.
58 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2019
1 person is currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Joyce
3 books3 followersElizabeth Joyce is an essayist, poet, and author.
Find out more at about.me/WriterElizabethJoyce.
Find out more at about.me/WriterElizabethJoyce.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 19, 2020
Elizabeth Joyce has crafted a genuine, soul-searching poetry collection that is highly relatable and honest. I appreciate the insertion of prose explanations that add further insight into the author.
Tumbling is a compelling work that makes me eager for another poetry book from Joyce, or perhaps a memoir…?
Books that delve into the uncertainty of mental health really give me hope that one day we will move beyond all stigma and be able to share truth about the human experience with confidence. Elizabeth Joyce does just that in Tumbling. I admire her courage, and highly recommend this book for poetry lovers and mental health advocates.
Tumbling is a compelling work that makes me eager for another poetry book from Joyce, or perhaps a memoir…?
Books that delve into the uncertainty of mental health really give me hope that one day we will move beyond all stigma and be able to share truth about the human experience with confidence. Elizabeth Joyce does just that in Tumbling. I admire her courage, and highly recommend this book for poetry lovers and mental health advocates.
April 14, 2020
I honestly loved this short collection so much. I wish I had stumbled upon this when I was a teenager. I think it would have helped me to reach out and seek help much much sooner than I did. This is an important read for everyone. Like she says, it’s important for those with anxiety and those who love someone with anxiety. I would like to add that it’s important because it gives a name to the monster that so many struggle with who don’t realize that they are under attack to begin with.
What I liked
The change of tone is so brilliant. Going from such an extremely bleak place of loss and sharing the journey to therapy and healing was such a transformative experience. This has given me such a sense of comradery.
What I thought the author did well
This particular paragraph from How Many Hours Have I wasted spoke so deeply to me:
“How many hours have I wasted
Questioning reality,
Unsure what I could believe,
Deranged by heightened anxiety”
It instantly took me back to my basement apartment in my early 20s feeling debilitated sobbing on the couch. If only I could reach back through time and toss this at me, I think it could have helped so much to read something that told me that someone UNDERSTANDS.
Honestly, Bravo to this author for being so vulnerable and sharing so much of her soul. This book will make such a positive impact on the world.
What I didn’t like
Honestly, I think the only thing I wasn’t a fan of was the cover art.
Thoughts I had while reading this book
“I could have written these poems because I relate to them so much.”
“I feel so seen.”
“I feel so validated.”
“I didn’t realize other people have the exact same thoughts.”
“The visual of anxiety shining a light on the bad, while the good hides in the shadows, is SO POTENT.”
Who is this a good book for?
EVERYONE
Read full review here: https://lostexplorersclub.com/tumbling/
What I liked
The change of tone is so brilliant. Going from such an extremely bleak place of loss and sharing the journey to therapy and healing was such a transformative experience. This has given me such a sense of comradery.
What I thought the author did well
This particular paragraph from How Many Hours Have I wasted spoke so deeply to me:
“How many hours have I wasted
Questioning reality,
Unsure what I could believe,
Deranged by heightened anxiety”
It instantly took me back to my basement apartment in my early 20s feeling debilitated sobbing on the couch. If only I could reach back through time and toss this at me, I think it could have helped so much to read something that told me that someone UNDERSTANDS.
Honestly, Bravo to this author for being so vulnerable and sharing so much of her soul. This book will make such a positive impact on the world.
What I didn’t like
Honestly, I think the only thing I wasn’t a fan of was the cover art.
Thoughts I had while reading this book
“I could have written these poems because I relate to them so much.”
“I feel so seen.”
“I feel so validated.”
“I didn’t realize other people have the exact same thoughts.”
“The visual of anxiety shining a light on the bad, while the good hides in the shadows, is SO POTENT.”
Who is this a good book for?
EVERYONE
Read full review here: https://lostexplorersclub.com/tumbling/
November 30, 2019
tumbling: poetic thoughts from an anxious mind by Elizabeth Joyce is a wonderful short read in poetry and prose about what one person with anxiety struggles with every day and every night. As person who probably has a normal amount of anxiety this was an eye opening book for me.
I have some friends who struggle with some form of major anxiety disorders and I never really got it. I was always that person that said “Look on the bright side”; “Things will be better”; “Be positive!” But I am also that person that wants to be considerate, supportive, and sensitive to other people’s needs. I have read Joyce’s blog and pieces that have been published on social media platforms and realized my comments were not helpful and were ignoring the problem or putting a band aid over a major issue. So now that I know better, I try to do better.
But this book is different from her social media essays. This is like walking in an anxiety sufferer’s shoes and it’s so eye opening. And while anxiety sufferers go through dark and negative times; Joyce also walks the reader through healing and positive changes that come from working through anxiety disorders and therapy.
My favorite poems are Please Forgive Me and You Dream.
I hope you take the time to read this book and enjoy it as much I do.
*** Disclaimer *** I was a beta reader for Joyce on this book and I have been her friend for the past 9 years. But this did not effect my review or post.
I have some friends who struggle with some form of major anxiety disorders and I never really got it. I was always that person that said “Look on the bright side”; “Things will be better”; “Be positive!” But I am also that person that wants to be considerate, supportive, and sensitive to other people’s needs. I have read Joyce’s blog and pieces that have been published on social media platforms and realized my comments were not helpful and were ignoring the problem or putting a band aid over a major issue. So now that I know better, I try to do better.
But this book is different from her social media essays. This is like walking in an anxiety sufferer’s shoes and it’s so eye opening. And while anxiety sufferers go through dark and negative times; Joyce also walks the reader through healing and positive changes that come from working through anxiety disorders and therapy.
My favorite poems are Please Forgive Me and You Dream.
I hope you take the time to read this book and enjoy it as much I do.
*** Disclaimer *** I was a beta reader for Joyce on this book and I have been her friend for the past 9 years. But this did not effect my review or post.
December 8, 2019
Tumbling takes an interesting perspective on anxiety. Elizabeth's poems have uniquely and articulately described what an anxious mind feels like. Her poems cover the nervousness, the struggles of an anxious mind and also how ignorant other people can be sometimes towards mental health.
I have read plenty of books on mental health but this book is one a kind because it takes a poetic approach towards mental health.
The book isnt too long and contains a very limited set of poems but sends out such strong emotions. It was such an interesting read for me. My favorite excerpt from the book is this:
"Even books with happy endings have chapters full of heartache"
I have read plenty of books on mental health but this book is one a kind because it takes a poetic approach towards mental health.
The book isnt too long and contains a very limited set of poems but sends out such strong emotions. It was such an interesting read for me. My favorite excerpt from the book is this:
"Even books with happy endings have chapters full of heartache"
January 2, 2020
Poetry that sticks with you!
I really enjoyed how the poetry expresses so much with so few words, and how the thoughts stick with you long after you read it.
I really enjoyed how the poetry expresses so much with so few words, and how the thoughts stick with you long after you read it.
January 10, 2021
It get it
Excellent portrait of living with anxiety and depression, it’s a life long battle. I absolutely get it. Just keep going
Excellent portrait of living with anxiety and depression, it’s a life long battle. I absolutely get it. Just keep going
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews