You Will Get Through This Night: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Humor with Dan Howell
I dove into Dan Howell’s You Will Get Through This Night with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. As someone who’s followed Dan’s journey since 2017, I’ve seen the evolution of a YouTuber into a voice for mental health awareness. Still, the idea of a mental health book from a YouTuber felt, at least initially, a bit daunting. Would it be filled with platitudes and superficial wisdom? Or could it offer genuine insight into the complexities of mental health? Spoiler alert: it’s a bit of both, but there’s much to unpack.
At its core, the book is a candid exploration of mental health, packaged with Dan’s trademark wit and humor. It’s clear he aims to reach his core demographic, offering actionable advice while making it accessible through relatable anecdotes. I found myself chuckling over some of his charmingly immature stories—like an accidental boob touch at 13—while also rolling my eyes at some of his attempts at relatability, particularly when he jokes about expensive internet costs, given his substantial success.
One of the turning points for me was Part 2, “TOMORROW.” The introduction of concepts like “mood congruence” (page 113) struck a chord. I realized how intertwined my day-to-day tasks are with my mental well-being. Implementing this awareness into my routine has been refreshing; it feels like I’m taking the reins back from my impulsive tendencies.
That said, there were aspects I personally found troubling. The opening suggestion to seek refuge in a police station during a mental health crisis felt tone-deaf in light of ongoing societal issues surrounding law enforcement. It’s a delicate balance between providing support and inadvertently offering harmful advice, and this moment stood out as particularly jarring. Moreover, contradictions in the guidance around food were a bit confusing; while one section encouraged a healthy relationship with food, another suggested treating it as a reward. It’s a reminder that such issues can be nuanced and complex.
Despite my criticisms, I must say that Dan’s voice shines through beautifully in sections like “Changing Your Mind” (page 221) and “Attitude of Gratitude” (page 310), which deeply resonate with the struggles many face. I often felt a refreshing sense of acknowledgment from him, especially when he remarked, “In mental health, there are no miracle cures that work for everyone” (page 26). It’s a reminder that feelings of inadequacy in managing one’s mental health are commonplace, and that it’s okay to stumble through the process.
Overall, You Will Get Through This Night is a heartfelt endeavor filled with humor and practical advice. While it may not break new ground in the mental health landscape, it succeeds in prompted self-reflection and driving home an important message: you’re not alone in this fight.
This book may be especially appealing to younger readers—those seeking guidance who might otherwise shy away from more clinical texts. By blending humor with sincere dialogue, Dan invites you to explore your mental landscape, no matter how messy it might be. My own journey toward self-awareness feels a little lighter after reading this, and for that, I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try.
It’s not perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction—both for Dan and for many of us navigating the often turbulent waters of mental health. So why not grab a copy and see for yourself? You just might discover that you, too, will get through this night.
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