A MIND OF YOUR OWN THE TRUTH A

This book is... scary.It has a lot of really good information, and I believe her sincerity and think her reasoning is mostly sound. I read it because I have suffered from on and off depression and anxiety over the years. I also have a low thyroid and struggle with my weight. I have recently weaned off of Zoloft, but I don't always feel emotionally in charge, and I am looking for some lifestyle interventions to help. This book DID provide some good suggestions that I am working on putting into practice, and so I give it 3 stars for that. However, the author's delivery of this information leaves a lot to be desired.The first section of the book left me feeling hopeless, as she detailed all the ways we're totally screwed in today's world -- nutrient deficient food, agricultural chemicals, environmental toxins, the permanent brain changes associated with all sorts of things we're likely to have already done if we're reading this book... it was, well, depressing.The second part of the book felt more proactive, and yet the farther I got into it, the less I liked it.The reasonable stuff:-Eliminating toxic household products makes sense to me, and is actually something I've gradually done over the past few years. We really don't need all that chemical junk that we're told we can't live without.-The yoga and other exercise I can totally get on board with. It's interesting doing yoga with a 4 year old and 2 year old, but the laughs are an added bonus.-The basic dietary guidelines seem mostly doable. Hard, but worth it if it works. Eliminate wheat, sugar, dairy, processed foods... it's basically Paleo but with more carbs, which I appreciate because low carb diets make me feel like utter crap.The less reasonable stuff:-The supplements she suggests get overwhelming. I can only imagine it would cost $100 a month or more just in the supplements she recommends, and you'd be popping pills 5x a day.-The coffee enema... SERIOUSLY? I'm not supposed to drink it, but I'm supposed to pour it up my... say what? I guess I'm not desperate enough for that.-The dietary nitty gritty... I don't know about you, but I don't have it in my budget to feed my family of 4 nothing but grass fed, organic, 100% whole food meals. I'd love to, don't get me wrong. I pick these options when I can. I grow as much of our own organic produce as I can. However, it's not feasible for us or most people I know to eliminate everything else. Her advice leaves no wiggle room for this issue, though. She doesn't express understanding that this can be a challenge for many people, and offer suggestions based on that. She also does not address families, and how to work with picky kids when implementing her diet. Yes, I am working on their eating choices, but I'm not sure it would be fair to my husband and kids to sweep through the kitchen and throw away everything not on her plan.-She advises against all pharmaceutical and OTC medications. While I understand the reasoning behind it, it's not quite reasonable to assume someone shouldn't take a pain killer for a broken bone. She doesn't address what to do if you DO have to take medication for something. I'd like to hear her advice for recovering from pain killers and antibiotics after having to have a c-section, for example.-Towards the end she says that even after doing all of this, you might not be able to ever get off of psychiatric medications. It's kind of a throw away line, but a significant one. I'd hate to see what would happen if someone spent the $$$ involved in doing all of her suggestions, put their whole being into it, and were still dependent on these drugs to function. THAT would be depressing.It's also noteworthy that she does not mention traumas in life as another possible cause of depression, anxiety, or any other psychiatric condition. This is a big, glaring hole.So... I would suggest you read this book with caution. Like I said, it has some useful information. I appreciate the science behind her suggestions, and like I said, I think her reasoning is sound. I think if we could all live like she suggests, we'd be a WHOLE lot better off. Modern diseases would probably cease to exist. But it's not quite practical to do in the modern world, at least not for someone with mild complaints such as myself. Perhaps for someone in a more desperate situation, it's all worth it, even the coffee enema.

I'm blown away! While I'm not completely finished with the book, I'm back on Amazon ordering copies for others. I'm in awe of her knowledge and ability to connect so much factual information together in a relatable, graceful, and non-judgmental way. I can barely put this book down as there is so much useful and implementable information. As a mother of two (under 3 yrs old) everything applies to my age/stage/gender; however, it is all incredibly useful regardless of these details. I've texted my mom so many tips, it is time she receives her own copy. Where have you been all my life, Dr. Kelly Brogan?!? Undeniably grateful for your passion, dedication and perseverance. For those on the fence about this book - do yourself a favor and order at least two copies - one for your nightstand at all times, and one to lend out to those you care about most. You will not regret it!Adding to my review - I stumbled upon the author via Food Babe, a source I find reliable while navigating the food industry. I have always been the type who wants to fully understand why/how things work, which like Food Babe, this author does an incredible job addressing in an educated yet simplified manner for those of us not in medical fields. I gave Dr. Kelly Brogan five stars because regardless of whether it is new or old information overall, I had yet to find one cohesive source for an all encompassing approach to mental, physical and emotional wellness. Do I agree with every detail? No. Some negative reviews of this book harp upon everything they disagree with (vaccine debate, mainly). We are all entitled to our own opinions, and with any information, we have to right to pick and choose what we agree with (thankful for that Liberty). Bashing the author for her thoughts on Amazon seems counterproductive. I find a handful of such reviews comical as they bully the author who is openly discussing depression.Also wanted to address reviews warning those who are depressed not to take her advice ... As Dr. Kelly Brogan states, everyone's situation is different and unique. If you are currently on anti-depressants, I think it would be wise to read the book thoroughly and then take ideas to your doctor to see what could be altered in your current treatment. I don't think Dr. Kelly Brogan is telling readers to follow her guidelines to a T, instead, she is empowering individuals to question, get involved and become passionate about their health. You could even argue that she is setting the stage for readers to engage in graceful rhetoric and further push medical research to explore connections, new or old, for a more hopeful and healthier tomorrow. She deserves credit for stepping out in a sea full of right fighters. Anytime we open ourselves up to vulnerability like Dr. Kelly Brogan, there is bound to be those tearing away our dignity, especially on the Internet. While I appreciate the honesty of the 1 star reviews, shame on those specifically who clearly prejudged the author and didn't take her words for what they are worth: a conversation starting point for positive lifestyle changes. And to those reviewers who already know everything there is to know about the subject, move on and write your own book instead of negative/hateful Amazon reviews. Just be sure to send a copy to Dr. Brogan so she can leave you an Anazon review. It would likely have the tact and compassion she so generously shares throughout her book.

This book has literally changed my life! Was going through a difficult time with chronic illness that resulted in depression and anxiety symptoms. Unlike other books this does not label you as a mentally ill person but looks at the root causes of mental and physical health issues, that can be addressed and reversed with a holistic treatment approach. I feel better than ever, off the antidepressants (that I shouldn't have taken in the first place) and much more in tune with my body and mind. Would recommend this book to everyone - 'ill or healthy'.

I'm sure this is an extremely well researched book, and there must be a link between the gut and the brain. I persevered through 'the science bit' (which seemed too repetitive) but gave up at the suggestion of a do-it-yourself coffee enema. Too extreme for me I'm afraid. But the style and content might be just right for some people, so I don't want to be too critical. Just my opinion.

This book is not only for women. Men, I encourage you to buy this book too. It teaches about neuro pathways and how we work, how we meant to work. What is "normal" and how we are conditioned to see "normality". How we can view medicine and medication (you don't need to become a conspiracy theory anarchist - medicine has after all helped us discover the inner works of the body) and not be afraid of coming off meds safely.

This book is packed with amazing information that will change your life. Finally someone speaking out in the mental health community. It isn't 'all in your head' it is in your diet and lifestyle. Eat well and be peaceful and your health will be restored.

Brilliant book, helped me enormously when I was coming off anti ds and has insured that I stay off too. Can't thank Kelly brogan enough for that!