Broken - Jenny Lawson

Book Summary

"Broken" is a memoir written by Jenny Lawson, also known as The Bloggess. The book chronicles her experiences growing up with mental illness, her struggles with anxiety and depression, and her journey towards self-acceptance and recovery.
Lawson's writing is candid and humorous, and she shares her story with honesty and vulnerability. She talks about her childhood, which was marked by anxiety, depression, and self-harm. She also discusses her adult life, including her marriage, her experiences with therapy and medication, and her journey towards acceptance of her mental health struggles.
Throughout the book, Lawson emphasizes the importance of destigmatizing mental illness and seeking help. She also shares stories of her interactions with healthcare professionals and the challenges she faced in finding the right treatment.
Overall, "Broken" is a powerful and moving memoir that offers a glimpse into the realities of living with mental illness. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles.

Key Takeaways

Mental illness can affect anyone: Lawson emphasizes that mental illness is not a sign of weakness or a personal failing, and that it can affect anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The importance of seeking help: Lawson stresses the importance of seeking help for mental illness, whether that means therapy, medication, or other forms of treatment. She shares her own experiences with different types of treatment and encourages readers to find what works best for them.
The impact of stigma: Lawson discusses the impact of the stigma surrounding mental illness and how it can prevent people from seeking help or getting the support they need. She advocates for a more open and understanding approach to mental health.
The role of humor in healing: Despite the serious subject matter, Lawson's writing is often humorous and irreverent. She uses humor as a coping mechanism and as a way to connect with others who are also struggling with mental illness.
The importance of self-acceptance: Throughout the book, Lawson emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and learning to love oneself, flaws and all. She talks about her own journey towards self-acceptance and encourages readers to embrace their own unique quirks and imperfections.
The need for better mental health care: Lawson discusses the challenges she faced in finding effective mental health care and the importance of improving access to quality treatment for all individuals who need it.