“It Starts With Us” by Colleen Hoover is a thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of mental health, family, and personal growth. The story revolves around Lily, a young woman who is forced to confront her traumatic past and the impact it has had on her life. As she navigates through the complexities of her relationships with family, friends, and lovers, Lily learns to prioritize her mental health and set boundaries that allow her to grow and thrive. This novel offers valuable insights into the importance of seeking professional help, self-reflection, forgiveness, and communication in building healthy relationships and achieving personal growth. With its engaging plot, well-drawn characters, and thought-provoking themes, “It Starts With Us” is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human relationships and the power of self-discovery.

Here are seven mental health lessons that can be learned from the book:

  1. Childhood trauma can have a lasting impact. The protagonist, Lily, has experienced childhood trauma that affects her mental health and relationships. This shows that childhood experiences can have a significant impact on mental health later in life.
  2. Seeking professional help is important. Lily sees a therapist to work through her trauma and anxiety. This shows that seeking professional help can be an important part of healing and recovery.
  3. Self-reflection can lead to personal growth. Lily takes time to reflect on her past and her relationships, which helps her to understand herself better and make positive changes in her life.
  4. Forgiveness can be a powerful tool. Lily learns to forgive herself and others for past mistakes, which allows her to move forward and find peace.
  5. Setting boundaries is important for mental health. Lily learns to set boundaries with people in her life who are causing her stress or negative emotions. This shows that setting boundaries can be important for protecting mental health.
  6. Communication is key in relationships. Lily learns to communicate openly and honestly with the people in her life, which leads to stronger and healthier relationships.
  7. It’s important to prioritize self-care. Lily learns to take care of herself physically and emotionally by doing things she enjoys and taking breaks when she needs them. This shows that prioritizing self-care can be crucial for mental health and well-being.