Am I Going To Be Okay?

by Debra Whittam

Am I Going To Be Okay? is a thought provoking true life story of growing up in a family riddled with mental illness and addiction and the effect it had on the children during their formative years. It touches profoundly on the relationship between family fears and frustrations and how they affect a person's level of self-esteem. The author, Debra Whittam, a licensed,practicing mental health therapist casts an unashamed light on her shame-based childhood and subsequent decent into her own sea of addiction, loneliness and denial as well as the steps she took for recovery and wellness. This is a story that will be helpful to all who might need to throw off fear and frustration and gain the courage and self-confidence to produce positive changes in their lives.

Genres: Nonfiction

252 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2016

Reviews

[Teresa Kander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised by how much of this book resonated with me. Much of what she shares about verbal abuse and how we hide it, and eventually have to deal with the scars it left on our psyche, truly hits home.

Much of the rest of her trials are not relevant to my life, but I was fascinated by how she was able to find her way through it, to forgive and to create a life to be proud of--that's something we all strive for, in the end.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

[Frances Tartal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is difficult. We find that out gradually throughout our lives, but without a real support system, it happens like a hurricane. "Am I Going To Be Ok?" is the brutally honest account of one woman's walk through the storm. If you've ever asked yourself the title's question, this book will show you that there is HOPE. It's a journey of self-discovery and self-confidence. Family dysfunction needn't define your future. Excellent book!

[Rebecca Hink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading Debbie's story in her book "Am I Going to Be Okay?" We all learn through others stories - and all have moments in life when we wonder "Am I Going to Be Okay?" - sometimes we just need to hear the answer "yes" through others experiences.

[Perkimom · Rating 2 out of 5]

Likely very cathartic for the writer and certainly had tips and memories with share, but definitely not a writer I would read again.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I took a particular interest in this book due to the subject matter and I have read many over the years which have proclaimed to be inspirational or a must read for anyone suffering from mental illness/anxiety/abuse/addiction etc etc.

This one is written as a memoir, and hit home on quite a few levels. The author displays how difficult family dynamics can be and how as a child we take on board a lot of the guilt when it isn’t necessarily directed at us.

I found her take on it fairly enlightening and she herself is a strong lady. I think there is a difference between the US/UK approach to dealing with things. The British tend to hold their opinions in .. but I did get an overwhelming sense of YES “I will be ok” if I allow myself to be. It also portrays quite strongly that we have a responsibility for our own destiny and can find the strength to mould our own path if we get support.

Of course circumstances don’t always work to our advantage but as a book it’s fairly comforting to read and know others are going through similar situations. It also showed me how cathartic it can be to write things down and share.

Many thanks to the author and PUYB for the opportunity to read in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Susan Garver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an honest look at ones past and how you can choose your own ending to your life no matter what challenges you face along the way. It is a witty self examination of the writers life and how she overcame many obstacles.It provided me insight into my own life and gave me hope that I have the power to choose my own destiny without putting blame on my past and those that shaped it.

It is written in such a descriptive way, that you can build these images in your own mind. Just as our own experiences in life are so vivid. It made me laugh and cry as Itbrought up my own memories of my past. Some I wished I could forget and others so dear. No matter what they made me who I am today and I thank this writer and this book for reminding me where I came from and that I am going to be OKay.

Fantastic book, a must read!!!!!

[Jena Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is reminiscent of The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls. The author candidly shares her life, from her birth to the present and focuses on the mental trauma that can swirl through families from one generation to the next. Ms. Whittam describes her journey from misery to meaning in a clear and supportive voice. It was interesting to me that she asked, “Am I going to be ok?” and not “What’s wrong with me?”. The author provides information from professional sources to enrich the personal information she provides. She also presents solid information on the 12 Step Program and on how to deal with the dying and death of a parent. I personally am blessed to have never had to deal with serious mental health issues with myself or my family, but I am glad I read this engaging memoir. Highly recommend. I received a copy of the book from the author, and this is my unbiased review.

[Julie Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is changing my life. This book taught me to put a face to living with the childhood wounds from dysfunctional family origins. I am not a self-help book person, but this book has a unique teaching quality. Ms. Whittam not only lets us enter her world of shame, guilt and resolve, she coaxes us enter our own world of shame-based wounds and quite possibly our own resolve. She is allowing us to put words to the thinking that runs through the psyche of childhood shame and anxiety, which often masks itself through destructive behaviors, eating disorders, compulsions, addictions, abuse, control or co-dependence issues. I highly recommend this book.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful and an easy read that flows. I re-read this book and I was able to finish it in one day because I couldn't put it down. This book makes its point without alienating the reader. Debra does not talk down to her audience. She has a conversation with every reader and each new owner of this book will find something in themselves similar to ms Whittam. I encourage everyone to give this book a chance. Such a great read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story

This is a beautiful story that anyone can relate too. I guarantee that every character represents someone you know and help explains why they are who they are. This story tells a story of love and a story of wanting to be loved. It helps explain how to cope with the bad things that happen in your life and how important it is to find a small group that you can share your life with. The author exposes her heart to help others. Simply beautiful.

[Tami Froelich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal and powerful

Using simple but straight forward prose Debra guides us through her struggles in an unvarnished manner. Anger, addiction, mental illness, and death happen in most homes whether we admit it or not. While her struggles are likely more than most, her themes are universal. Reading this encourages the reader to reflect on their own issues

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

An old friend has written this book about her struggles with alcohol addiction. Spoiler alert-she won! But it wasn't easy and family relationships made it more difficult. A great read that will help anyone going through similar issues personally or with friends or family.