It's Not OK to Feel Blue (and other lies) Summary, PDF, EPUD, Audio

Scarlett Curtis, bestselling author and curator of It’s Not Okay to Feel Blue & Other Lies, is a leading voice in modern feminism and mental health advocacy.

This anthology, blending personal essays and cultural commentary, brings together 74 contributors to dismantle stigma around mental health—a theme rooted in Curtis’s activism and writing for The Guardian, Vogue, and Sunday Times Style. Her debut work, Feminists Don’t Wear Pink & Other Lies, a Sunday Times bestseller and National Book Award winner, pioneered her approach to amplifying diverse voices, with royalties supporting the UN’s Girl Up initiative.

A co-founder of The Pink Protest, Curtis has driven campaigns to end period poverty and female genital mutilation, earning her the 2019 Changemaker Award from Gucci and Equality Now. Her writing merges sharp cultural analysis with grassroots activism, reflected in her role as a UN Women UK advocate. It’s Not Okay to Feel Blue has been praised by Stephen Fry as “the freshest, most urgent collection on mental health,” cementing Curtis’s reputation for sparking dialogue on societal taboos.

What is It’s Not OK to Feel Blue (and Other Lies) about?

It’s Not OK to Feel Blue is an anthology curated by Scarlett Curtis, featuring over 60 heartfelt essays, poems, and personal stories about mental health. Contributors—including activists, celebrities, and everyday individuals—share raw experiences to challenge stigma, normalize struggles, and foster empathy. The book emphasizes that mental health challenges are universal and encourages open dialogue, solidarity, and self-compassion.

Who should read It’s Not OK to Feel Blue (and Other Lies)?

This book is for anyone navigating mental health challenges, supporting loved ones, or advocating for mental health awareness. It’s particularly valuable for readers seeking diverse perspectives on topics like anxiety, depression, and resilience. Educators, therapists, and activists will also find it a compelling resource for fostering inclusive conversations.

Is It’s Not OK to Feel Blue worth reading?

Yes. Critics praise its honest, uplifting narratives and practical insights. Readers gain solace in shared experiences, while the anthology’s accessibility makes it a standout for reducing isolation. Proceeds support mental health charities, adding philanthropic value.

What are the key messages in It’s Not OK to Feel Blue?

Mental health struggles are valid and widespread.
Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
Community support and open dialogue are vital for healing.

The book dismantles myths like “happiness is a choice” and champions systemic change in mental health advocacy.

Who contributed to It’s Not OK to Feel Blue?

The anthology includes voices from activists, writers, and public figures, though specific names aren’t listed in sources. Essays blend personal anecdotes with calls to action, reflecting Curtis’s focus on inclusivity and intersectionality.

What quotes define It’s Not OK to Feel Blue?

While exact quotes aren’t provided, recurring themes include:

“It’s okay not to be okay.”
“Your pain is not a lie.”

These ideas reinforce the book’s mission to validate emotions and reject societal pressure to “stay positive”.

How does It’s Not OK to Feel Blue address mental health strategies?

The book prioritizes storytelling over clinical advice, offering relatability rather than prescriptive solutions. Contributors highlight coping mechanisms like creative expression, therapy, and community-building, underscoring that healing is nonlinear.

How does this book compare to Scarlett Curtis’s Feminists Don’t Wear Pink?

Both anthologies amplify marginalized voices, but It’s Not OK to Feel Blue shifts focus from feminism to mental health. While Feminists explores gender equality, this book tackles emotional well-being, reflecting Curtis’s expanded activism into holistic social justice.

What criticisms exist about It’s Not OK to Feel Blue?

Some reviewers note the lack of professional mental health commentary, as the book leans on personal narratives rather than expert analysis. However, this approach is intentional, prioritizing lived experience over clinical detachment.

Why is It’s Not OK to Feel Blue culturally relevant today?

As mental health awareness grows, the book addresses modern stressors like social media pressure and isolation. Its emphasis on collective healing resonates in an era prioritizing emotional well-being and systemic support.

What metaphors or symbolism does the book use?

The title’s “blue” symbolizes societal dismissal of mental health struggles. Essays often contrast “light” (hope) and “darkness” (despair), framing resilience as an ongoing journey rather than a fixed destination.

Are there discussion guides for It’s Not OK to Feel Blue?

While sources don’t mention official guides, the book’s structure—short, standalone essays—makes it ideal for book clubs or therapy groups. Topics naturally spark conversations about stigma, self-care, and advocacy.