This review was originally posted on my previous blog, Muses of a Mom in March 2019. It is being reposted here with updates and as a resource for Mental Health Awareness Month.
This book, “Fearless in 21 Days” has been on my “to read” list since it was released, so I was glad for the opportunity to review it through NetGalley. It was the title that intrigued me before ever learning the details of what the book was about.
It is so refreshing to see more articles and books written on anxiety and depression from a Christian point of view. In the church community, there is still a stigma to these mental illnesses, which becomes a secret and hidden shame, creating a protective barrier, separating even trusted friends and family.
Sarah is very transparent in this book about her battle with severe anxiety and the medical, physical, and spiritual ways in which she has overcome the worst of it. She doesn’t sugarcoat the unfolding of her anxiety issues and how they morphed into poor health, panic attacks, and the fear that she was literally going crazy.
The book is set up in 21 chapters. Each chapter approaches aspects of anxiety: what it is, why it happens, and how to face it. Sarah also includes hope for learning how to find rest, joy, and discipline in the journey toward health. She encourages the reader to seek medical help and professional counseling and not to go about it alone.
While reading this book, it’s evident that the author “gets you.” Sarah is all about helping the reader through the same exhausting journey she walked and how she gained victory. The reader has real hope of healing because each of the author’s successes is referenced back to what she learned in Scripture along the way.
Especially helpful is a chapter that is written directly to a friend or family member who is walking through a similar storm with a loved one suffering from anxiety or depression. A sufferer cannot explain what they are going through, and as with depression, may often not even realize that they are having an episode of this mental illness. This chapter tells what to look for, what steps to take and especially, what not to do or say.
While my issues don’t include such severe anxiety, this book is still beneficial to those who also may be struggling with depression or other areas of mental bondage.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free in digital form through NetGalley.com to read and offer my review. As an Amazon Affiliate, there may be links in this post, which if you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission that helps support this blog. You are in no way obligated to use these links.