Things I Got Wrong So You Don't Have To

This book is a gift for anybody struggling with their mental health or self-esteem. It’s full of lessons in learning and growing, and most importantly in forgiving ourselves for living imperfect lives. Pooky shares so much wisdom, and the exercises at the end of each chapter help to personalise the learning we can take from Pooky’s wealth of experience, both personal and professional. A truly wonderful resource for anyone hoping to overcome their imposter syndrome and be kinder to themselves. – Cara Lisette, mental health campaigner and writer, registered mental health nurse and children cognitive behavioural therapistSuch a valuable and practical guide to taking care of your most precious asset - your mental health. Filled with immediately relevant advice, based on a disarming and always honest reflection on life, this book will help huge numbers of people. – Pete Wharmby, autistic author and advocate

This is a very accessible and practical book that anyone who has an interest in self-improvement and seeing what they may be able to do differently with their lives, would benefit from reading.Looking at the following key topics: learning, self-care, self-acceptance, life online, death and dying, love and friendship, living with anxiety, Pooky draws from personal experiences to support the reader through a reflective process, whilst also providing practical things to try for each topic area covered.The book oozes humility, honesty and authenticity; and in doing so allows the reader to reflect on the topics in relation to themselves throughout. This provides a powerful and accessible approach that I wholeheartedly recommend.I don’t think you could read this book, without being better after having done so….why not give it a try?

This makes for essential reading, especially for those of us with a curiosity about the lives and experiences of others… I recommend this candid and courageous book to any adult, as Knightsmith helps to normalise emotional turmoil and distress, while encouraging communication, self-help and reaching out for support. I firmly believethere are many valuable life lessons contained within it, which could help young people navigate adolescenceand emerge more mentally healthy as a result.

Pooky Knightsmith has a PhD in child mental health from the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London. She is the author of several books, and is a former chair of the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition and a managing director at Creative Education. Pooky is autistic; a late diagnosis has helped her to thrive following many years of anorexia, depression and anxiety. She has a YouTube channel which is a source of Continuing Professional Development for many educators in the UK and beyond.