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Not Okay? Okay: A Roadmap Back from the Brink
Happiness is an instant, not a steady state of being.
From combat veteran and suicide survivor Sheridan Taylor, Not Okay? Okay challenges our perception of pain, grief, despair, empathy, compassion, and so much more.
While chronicling the anguish and rage Taylor experienced when he was at his lowest and darkest, Not Okay? Okay also breaks down what drives basic human instinct and reaction, such as attachment style, dissociation, our window of tolerance for stress, generational trauma, and displacement. Understanding our own mind allows us to have greater choice over our actions.
Taylor permits us a rare glimpse of someone who knows true suffering and what their path to healing can look like. Direct, raw, and vulnerable, Not Okay? Okay throws a life preserver to the drowning, while acknowledging and relating to the unbearable weight of trauma, PTSD, and depression.
In between easily digestible and educational chapters on the psychological underpinnings of our mental health, whatever state it might be in, and stories about his own process, Taylor also writes poignant letters to his two sons, encouraging them to eschew toxic masculinity and shame.
After a lifetime enduring pain and discovering love, Taylor shares his unique perspective on the power of hope and how to heal the mental health crisis plaguing our world.
This is a book about how an insecure, overcompensating, professional tough guy stopped hating the world—and stopped hating himself in the process. It will challenge you to do some of the hardest things out there: be brutally vulnerable with yourself and offer yourself the same kindness you offer others. Taylor will be with you every step of the way.
“Pain shared is pain divided. Joy shared is joy multiplied.” – Lt. Col. Dave Grossman PhD
If you or someone you love struggles with mental health, it is the book for you.
From combat veteran and suicide survivor Sheridan Taylor, Not Okay? Okay challenges our perception of pain, grief, despair, empathy, compassion, and so much more.
While chronicling the anguish and rage Taylor experienced when he was at his lowest and darkest, Not Okay? Okay also breaks down what drives basic human instinct and reaction, such as attachment style, dissociation, our window of tolerance for stress, generational trauma, and displacement. Understanding our own mind allows us to have greater choice over our actions.
Taylor permits us a rare glimpse of someone who knows true suffering and what their path to healing can look like. Direct, raw, and vulnerable, Not Okay? Okay throws a life preserver to the drowning, while acknowledging and relating to the unbearable weight of trauma, PTSD, and depression.
In between easily digestible and educational chapters on the psychological underpinnings of our mental health, whatever state it might be in, and stories about his own process, Taylor also writes poignant letters to his two sons, encouraging them to eschew toxic masculinity and shame.
After a lifetime enduring pain and discovering love, Taylor shares his unique perspective on the power of hope and how to heal the mental health crisis plaguing our world.
This is a book about how an insecure, overcompensating, professional tough guy stopped hating the world—and stopped hating himself in the process. It will challenge you to do some of the hardest things out there: be brutally vulnerable with yourself and offer yourself the same kindness you offer others. Taylor will be with you every step of the way.
“Pain shared is pain divided. Joy shared is joy multiplied.” – Lt. Col. Dave Grossman PhD
If you or someone you love struggles with mental health, it is the book for you.
- GenresSelf HelpNonfiction
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2022
25 people are currently reading
1437 people want to read
About the author
Sheridan Taylor
1 book10 followersSheridan Taylor is a Canadian army veteran, former corrections officer, and suicide survivor. He writes about mental health, addiction, the stigma of mental illness, and how to reduce the harm these things do to us as individuals and as a society.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 21, 2023
I was really impressed by the book Not Okay? Okay: A Roadmap Back from the Brink by Sheridan Taylor. This book contains the life lessons and personal philosophy of a combat veteran and suicide survivor. Written as a father's guidance to his son, this is a manual that could help anyone struggling with trauma, anxiety, and depression. Taylor demonstrates the full potential of Post-Traumatic Growth.
I first met Taylor when he was recording an interview for the improved version of the Before Operational Stress Program (The BOS Program is a Stoic-based resiliency program designed for emergency workers and military members). While I paced in the back of a darkened studio, I listen to Taylor recall how he had fallen into such a depression that he believed the last act of love that he could do for his children was to kill himself. He recalls this in his book remembering the sharp sensation of the front sight of the pistol held to the roof of this mouth. Taylor's story was beyond painful to listen to, not because I have some over-formed sense of empathy, but because Taylor was recalling a portion of my own story and the story of countless other veterans. Thankfully Taylor decided to reach out for help that day. Now he continues to reach out to others that have found themselves in this tragic situation.
I could not help but think of poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the Day is Done, when reading this book:
"Read from some humbler poet,
Whose songs gushed from his heart,
As showers from the clouds of summer,
Or tears from the eyelids start;
Who, through long days of labor,
And nights devoid of ease,
Still heard in his soul the music
Of wonderful melodies."
Taylor certainly could play the role of the humble poet. There are truths in this book that are real and earnest. While some great scholar could have perhaps framed them more elegantly, Taylor's work would certainly be more honest. If you are prudish enough to be offended by curse words, this book is not for you. While you will not run into as much foul language as David Goggin might use, it is certainly there. But in Taylor's defense, I am not sure if any language could be used to replace the emotional meaning the occasional use provides. Again, this book is honest.
The book is structured as a collection of short lessons. This format makes it an exceptional read for those that only can invest a few minutes a day. While this not a book to "deep-dive" into psychological theories, it certainly describes the "wave-top" level discussion on important theories and how to apply them. This would be a great work to put in the hands of someone trying to re-forge their life as Taylor serves a remarkable example of Post-Traumatic Growth. This book is ultimately one of hope and optimism. One that can reignite your warrior spirit.
"To my sons: the gods don't reserve their hardest battles for the strongest warriors. They create the strongest warriors through the hardest battles. Never quit. Swear. Weep. Rage. But never quit." p. 23
I was surprised to find such a remarkable reading list included in this book. Taylor's recommendations run the gambit of Western literature and beyond with recommendations ranging from economic theory to theology. A person could not go wrong by studying any of the books that Taylor recommends. The only change that I would have immediately made to this list is to also include the works of Xenophon (but this is more out of personal preference than due to the list's incompleteness).
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone traveling on the road back to mental health. This book could do a lot of good for Long War veterans and their families. Taylor has definitely invested his time and himself into this book and his work with the BOS program to help alleviate the suffering of this fellow man. I wish him nothing but the best for Taylor's family and continue work to improve himself and his community.
I first met Taylor when he was recording an interview for the improved version of the Before Operational Stress Program (The BOS Program is a Stoic-based resiliency program designed for emergency workers and military members). While I paced in the back of a darkened studio, I listen to Taylor recall how he had fallen into such a depression that he believed the last act of love that he could do for his children was to kill himself. He recalls this in his book remembering the sharp sensation of the front sight of the pistol held to the roof of this mouth. Taylor's story was beyond painful to listen to, not because I have some over-formed sense of empathy, but because Taylor was recalling a portion of my own story and the story of countless other veterans. Thankfully Taylor decided to reach out for help that day. Now he continues to reach out to others that have found themselves in this tragic situation.
I could not help but think of poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the Day is Done, when reading this book:
"Read from some humbler poet,
Whose songs gushed from his heart,
As showers from the clouds of summer,
Or tears from the eyelids start;
Who, through long days of labor,
And nights devoid of ease,
Still heard in his soul the music
Of wonderful melodies."
Taylor certainly could play the role of the humble poet. There are truths in this book that are real and earnest. While some great scholar could have perhaps framed them more elegantly, Taylor's work would certainly be more honest. If you are prudish enough to be offended by curse words, this book is not for you. While you will not run into as much foul language as David Goggin might use, it is certainly there. But in Taylor's defense, I am not sure if any language could be used to replace the emotional meaning the occasional use provides. Again, this book is honest.
The book is structured as a collection of short lessons. This format makes it an exceptional read for those that only can invest a few minutes a day. While this not a book to "deep-dive" into psychological theories, it certainly describes the "wave-top" level discussion on important theories and how to apply them. This would be a great work to put in the hands of someone trying to re-forge their life as Taylor serves a remarkable example of Post-Traumatic Growth. This book is ultimately one of hope and optimism. One that can reignite your warrior spirit.
"To my sons: the gods don't reserve their hardest battles for the strongest warriors. They create the strongest warriors through the hardest battles. Never quit. Swear. Weep. Rage. But never quit." p. 23
I was surprised to find such a remarkable reading list included in this book. Taylor's recommendations run the gambit of Western literature and beyond with recommendations ranging from economic theory to theology. A person could not go wrong by studying any of the books that Taylor recommends. The only change that I would have immediately made to this list is to also include the works of Xenophon (but this is more out of personal preference than due to the list's incompleteness).
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone traveling on the road back to mental health. This book could do a lot of good for Long War veterans and their families. Taylor has definitely invested his time and himself into this book and his work with the BOS program to help alleviate the suffering of this fellow man. I wish him nothing but the best for Taylor's family and continue work to improve himself and his community.
May 10, 2023
Summary
"Not Okay? Okay.: A Roadmap Back from the Brink" is a self-help book by Sheridan Taylor. Sheridan is a Canadian army combat veteran, former corrections officer, and a suicide survivor. He has been diagnosed with treatment-resistant complex PTSD, clinical depression, mood disorder, and general anxiety disorder. He is also an alcoholic and his wife of over twenty years died after a two-year losing battle with her own mental illness. In this book, he shares his lifetime struggle with mental illness after having explored everything that affects his brain: genetics, history, social-political-religious systems, grief, trauma, etc.
Review
I have mixed feelings about this book. While I think it will be very beneficial to a lot of people, I think there were a few offensive statements that were better left unsaid. But then that’s just my opinion. That part when he said that television and movies sell garbage and will make you dumber just plainly disrespects people behind the entertainment industry. He was all about humanity. Well, I think it’s just inhumane to disregard certain types of careers and hobbies just because you don’t enjoy them. I love writing, reading books, spending quality time with family and friends, just as much as I also love watching television and movies. I am an ambivert. And yes, social media also gives me happiness because it gives me an update about the people and things I love. Whether streaming platforms and social media platforms can ruin your life or make it more enjoyable is all up to the consumer and not up to anyone else.
Nevertheless, despite taking offense in some stuff that the author said in this book, I’m still giving this book 5 out of 5 stars because that’s the rating it deserves. It’s the most comprehensive and simplified book out of all the self-help and other guidebooks I’ve read so far about mental health. I also like how he self admittedly told readers that there are things he does or tell people to do which don’t coincide with his own belief and I think that’s just how complex a human’s mind is. Like at one point, I want to hug the author for all the struggles he had to go through and for sharing this wonderful book, but I also want to pinch his shoulder and glare at him for saying something negative about something that gives me joy. Well, that’s just how the world works, we are all different in one way or another and we should just accept those differences instead of hating one another. I highly recommend this book to readers who are into self-help books.
"Not Okay? Okay.: A Roadmap Back from the Brink" is a self-help book by Sheridan Taylor. Sheridan is a Canadian army combat veteran, former corrections officer, and a suicide survivor. He has been diagnosed with treatment-resistant complex PTSD, clinical depression, mood disorder, and general anxiety disorder. He is also an alcoholic and his wife of over twenty years died after a two-year losing battle with her own mental illness. In this book, he shares his lifetime struggle with mental illness after having explored everything that affects his brain: genetics, history, social-political-religious systems, grief, trauma, etc.
Review
I have mixed feelings about this book. While I think it will be very beneficial to a lot of people, I think there were a few offensive statements that were better left unsaid. But then that’s just my opinion. That part when he said that television and movies sell garbage and will make you dumber just plainly disrespects people behind the entertainment industry. He was all about humanity. Well, I think it’s just inhumane to disregard certain types of careers and hobbies just because you don’t enjoy them. I love writing, reading books, spending quality time with family and friends, just as much as I also love watching television and movies. I am an ambivert. And yes, social media also gives me happiness because it gives me an update about the people and things I love. Whether streaming platforms and social media platforms can ruin your life or make it more enjoyable is all up to the consumer and not up to anyone else.
Nevertheless, despite taking offense in some stuff that the author said in this book, I’m still giving this book 5 out of 5 stars because that’s the rating it deserves. It’s the most comprehensive and simplified book out of all the self-help and other guidebooks I’ve read so far about mental health. I also like how he self admittedly told readers that there are things he does or tell people to do which don’t coincide with his own belief and I think that’s just how complex a human’s mind is. Like at one point, I want to hug the author for all the struggles he had to go through and for sharing this wonderful book, but I also want to pinch his shoulder and glare at him for saying something negative about something that gives me joy. Well, that’s just how the world works, we are all different in one way or another and we should just accept those differences instead of hating one another. I highly recommend this book to readers who are into self-help books.
September 25, 2024
Firstly, a huge thanks to the author, Sheridan Taylor, Houndstooth Press, and Goodreads for the privilege of being able to read a digital copy of Not Okay? Okay: A Roadmap Back from the Brink, which I was lucky to win in a giveaway. This is a deeply personal, intimate account of a real person's existence in the world we live in. Taylor, having survived combat and many mental health issues because of his experiences, shares his insight in a really honest and conversational way that feels like you're listening to a friend. Taylor is very vulnerable here, and that takes enormous strength in a world that would tell men to shut up and suffer quietly. I think many people (not just men) who struggle with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD can get a lot out of this book. It helps so much to be honest with yourself and others about what bothers you and what brings you into those dark places.
Taylor's letters to his sons were especially beautiful and touching, and could be a message to all boys who need guidance about the world. Despite the difficulties Taylor shares, there is an overall underlying message of healing and growth that is so important. Sometimes, in focusing on helping others, we can heal ourselves. This is a huge strength of the book, and I would reccomend to anyone who is struggling with mental health or knows someone who is.
Taylor's letters to his sons were especially beautiful and touching, and could be a message to all boys who need guidance about the world. Despite the difficulties Taylor shares, there is an overall underlying message of healing and growth that is so important. Sometimes, in focusing on helping others, we can heal ourselves. This is a huge strength of the book, and I would reccomend to anyone who is struggling with mental health or knows someone who is.
January 20, 2025
This book is about the author's struggle with mental illness, specifically anxiety and PTSD.
First, a couple of points to be aware of. The author is very blunt (quite a bit of profanity) and the style is very stream of consciousness. Additionally, the author gets a bit political for a chapter or two (he lives in Canada, so his criticism is directed that way). And while I understand that his frustration with some things is something he believes ties into the mental health of the world overall, I felt like those pieces could have been left out and didn't add to the book. Finally, the book can feel a bit repetitive. The author shares at the beginning that he is basically writing things as they come to him, and it might be repetitive.
Having said all that, there are definitely great pieces of insight for anyone who is also struggling with mental illness or someone who is close to a person struggling with it. There are also great and practical pieces of advice to support someone with a mental illness or who is experiencing grief.
This book is not meant to be a medical journal on mental illness. It is a man sharing his experience. Take it as that and nothing more. For me, this book was worth reading to get his perspective and how he handled his situation.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
First, a couple of points to be aware of. The author is very blunt (quite a bit of profanity) and the style is very stream of consciousness. Additionally, the author gets a bit political for a chapter or two (he lives in Canada, so his criticism is directed that way). And while I understand that his frustration with some things is something he believes ties into the mental health of the world overall, I felt like those pieces could have been left out and didn't add to the book. Finally, the book can feel a bit repetitive. The author shares at the beginning that he is basically writing things as they come to him, and it might be repetitive.
Having said all that, there are definitely great pieces of insight for anyone who is also struggling with mental illness or someone who is close to a person struggling with it. There are also great and practical pieces of advice to support someone with a mental illness or who is experiencing grief.
This book is not meant to be a medical journal on mental illness. It is a man sharing his experience. Take it as that and nothing more. For me, this book was worth reading to get his perspective and how he handled his situation.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 24, 2024
Repetitive, Journal
This book was such a challenging read for me. It started pretty decent, but then it got very repetitive. How many ways can you say healing is hard? There are so many sorries. So many political statements. There is so little backed research. I only have it a two star review because I received this in a giveaway. I wouldn't pay for this. There is definitely an audience for it, but that audience isn't me
This book was such a challenging read for me. It started pretty decent, but then it got very repetitive. How many ways can you say healing is hard? There are so many sorries. So many political statements. There is so little backed research. I only have it a two star review because I received this in a giveaway. I wouldn't pay for this. There is definitely an audience for it, but that audience isn't me
December 6, 2024
DNF at 34%.
This is a good book if you're struggling but if you're in an okay space this book is long, repetitive, slightly annoying, and can drag you down at points. I know what it's like to struggle with mental health issues and not give yourself to others so this is a very important message of a book it's just too much.
This is a good book if you're struggling but if you're in an okay space this book is long, repetitive, slightly annoying, and can drag you down at points. I know what it's like to struggle with mental health issues and not give yourself to others so this is a very important message of a book it's just too much.
January 8, 2026
Contains understanding and truth, but also a lot of foul language. A few of the teachings are not biblical. Parts of it are good.
August 7, 2024
Excellent read!!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews