WTMH? A Journey to Better Mental Health

There are many ways in which we can help ourselves on our journey to better mental health. However, doing it alone makes things that much harder. That’s one reason we started The Wonderment, and if you have a read through some of our other articles, you’ll find lots of self help ideas.

Today we are talking with Eloise Skinner, author of a brilliant book called But Are You Alive? We delve into why she wrote the book and how it might just help you! Don’t forget to enter our competition too. You could win a copy of Eloise’s book as part of our huge prize bundle.

Please can you introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, I’m Eloise Skinner. I’m an author and psychotherapist.

What brought you to writing ‘But Are You Alive’

It was really the result of my own personal journey to finding meaning and purpose!

What does writing the book mean to you?

It feels meaningful to share some of the tools and techniques that have helped me with other people.

How do you feel But Are You Alive? Is different to other mental health books out there?

I think it’s more reader-led: it allows the reader to choose and shape their own path, rather than having one set outcome or goal.

Feeling overwhelmed can be so detrimental to our mental health, and as you explain in your book ‘we live in an overwhelming world’.  What is the number one thing you would say to someone who is combating this feeling of being overwhelmed?

I’d say that it’s important to remember you’re not alone! Take your time, slow things down, connect with other people.

Can you briefly explain Aliveness and what it means?

It’s really a concept that is entirely personal and up to interpretation by each reader! The book dives into some different approaches.

The book is filled with straight forward explanations of various theories and modalities.  It is an enjoyably easy read, littered with references to psychiatrists and some of the giants in the field of therapy.  It is a book that can be picked up and read by anyone.  It has a direction that the reader is happy to go in.   Why should people start this journey?

I think people should start the journey if they’re curious about finding a deeper, more meaningful experience within their everyday life.

There are a number of exercises throughout But Are You Alive?  What prompted you to include exercises?  Do you feel practical applications of the message behind your book, help people to connect more with it, to see greater progress?  Are exercises more impactful on our mental health than simply reading?

Each person will probably have a preferred approach to self-development work, but practical exercises have always worked so well for me – they help me focus and keep me motivated!

Do you have a favourite exercise?

I love the Meaning Tracker: a practical, accessible way to find meaning in everyday life.

What has been the most vital part of your own mental health journey?

Discovering the field of existential therapy and Viktor Frankl’s work (in particular, ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’).

Having written a captivating and fascinating book that approaches connecting with your life in a more meaningful way, how important do you feel self-help is?

I think it depends on the individual! Every person has a different approach to living well – some people love books (including me), but others might prefer a different approach. It’s all up to individual interpretation.

What is the one thing readers will gain from reading your book, that they might not find elsewhere?

I hope they’ll be introduced to some brand new ideas from the fields of psychotherapy, existentialism and wellness.

The Wonder Collection

The Wonder Self-Care Journal! We believe self-care is vital to great mental health.  What is your go to self-care activity and why?

Probably some form of fitness or dance – I love to focus completely on moving and breathing!

The Wonder Mix Tape! What song/artist do you find uplifting and listening to it/them boosts your mood?

I’m a big fan of Taylor Swift (of course), and I also love anything by Raye.

The Wonder Bookshelf! Can you recommend a book to our readers.  Fiction, non-fiction, feel good or advice giving.  Why did you choose this book?

Viktor Frankl’s ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’ – a deeply important book about the power of hope and personal fulfillment

.The Wonder Sketchbook! Being mindful is a not just rewarding but can also be a lot of fun.

The Competition

It’s that time again and right now we are adding a copy of Eloise Skinner’s But Are You Alive? book to our humungous prize bundle. If you don’t win, fear not as you can pick up a copy of the book on Amazon.

All you need to do is follow the instructions below. Remember, to be in with a chance you need to enter each part of this incredible giveaway. You can find all of the articles by searching WTMH? Which prize do you want to win the most? Let us know over on TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Facebook and Twitter. Good luck!