David A. Robertson discusses new book, All the Little Monsters: How I Learned to Live with Anxiety, offers powerful advice on mental health at Playhouse Cinema
On Jan. 23, 2025, award-winning author David A. Robertson was invited for a discussion about his new book at Playhouse Cinema, organized by gritLIT.
In a world where mental health is often misunderstood or stigmatized, Robertson offers a candid and compassionate look at his own battle with anxiety and depression in his new book, All the Little Monsters: How I Learned to Live with Anxiety.
Robertson offers powerful insights on finding strength in struggle and the importance of embracing mental health challenges. Through his book and conversation, Robertson aims to connect with others who may feel isolated in their own mental health battles, providing hope and wisdom to navigate the difficult yet transformative journey of living with anxiety and depression.
"If someone's going to look at me in my career and just see me hear me talk or read my book they might think that I've got it all together. And I think it's important to hear it sometimes that I don't and if I can struggle and if I can live with those struggles and I can still do what I'm doing then I think anybody can," said Robertson.
If someone's going to look at me in my career and just see me hear me talk or read my book they might think that I've got it all together.
David A. Robertson, Author
All the Little Monsters: How I Learned to Live with Anxiety
Robertson highlights the power of community by sharing lived experiences, underscoring how deeply stabilizing this connection can be for one’s mental health journey. He emphasizes that feeling understood and supported by others can play a vital role in healing and growth.
"The more we share with each other and the more we listen to each other, I think the more we were able to build a community of support for each other. And I think that's probably what I hope I'm able to do with the platform I have is maybe be a part of that community-building process," said Robertson.
Robertson understands discussing personal struggles or mental health challenges can often feel difficult, as vulnerability is frequently associated with embarrassment or shame. Robertson used an analogy to explain how opening up becomes easier with practice, emphasizing that the more we share, the less intimidating it becomes.
"It's like going off a diving board. You know you go up to the 15-meter platform and it takes you an hour to jump and you finally jump and you realize, oh, this isn't so bad. Then you get up again and you go again and that this time it takes you a minute. And then you jump next time you just don't even hesitate you just jump off. But I feel like that the more I talked about what I was going through and the more I was really open and honest . . . it actually was something I began to embrace," said Robertson.
The more I talked about what I was going through and the more I was really open and honest . . . it actually was something I began to embrace.
David A. Robertson, Author
All the Little Monsters: How I Learned to Live with Anxiety
Robertson believes that anxiety isn’t something that can be cured. Instead, he advocates for adopting a mindset focused on learning to live with mental illness, rather than striving for a permanent solution.
"You can't burn off your mental health struggles. You can't have them surgically removed, right? And so what's the next best thing? You have to learn how to live better with it, cause it's there. And so you have to carry it with you in a better way," said Robertson.
Robertson explained that for those who struggle in silence or avoid seeking help for their mental health, their concerns will only intensify over time and eventually catch up with them.
"I think that eventually will lead to a spiral and it'll kind of present itself in a destructive way. Eventually, the more you push it down, the more you ignore it, the more you pretend that it's not there; it just bubbles and it grows," said Robertson.
Mental health is a deeply personal journey, one that looks different for everyone. However, you don’t have to face it alone. By seeking support, you can find a community that becomes your lifeline.
If you ever need support, there are many mental health services available to help you through difficult times. Accessible resources for McMaster students such as crisis hotlines, counseling services and student support services offer confidential support and guidance. Do not hesitate to reach out to a professional who can provide the care and understanding you deserve.
If you're interested in normalizing conversations around mental health and challenging the stigmas that surround it, you can purchase All the Little Monsters: How I Learned to Live with Anxiety, where Robertson shares his hard-earned wisdom in hopes of making others' mental health journeys feel a little less lonely.
By Nisha Gill, Staff Writer
In light of the unprecedented challenges and changes that have come with the past few weeks, it has become even more important to take care of yourself and invest in coping mechanisms that help maintain your connection to others, while still practicing social distancing. What better way to do this than to have your nose in a book?
The world of books is boundless. There is something out there for everyone to read; the perfect book is waiting for you and all you have to do is hop on a stepping stool and grab it (or put it in your virtual cart). If you’re willing to invest some energy into flipping those pages, you could connect with books to help better understand the current pandemic, books to escape it as and books encouraging hope and self-reflection.
Listed below are a selection of books curated by Sil staff! These great books to enjoy on your own or through a virtual book club with family and friends via video-calling platforms such as Skype, Google Hangouts, FaceTime or even Zoom. You can use Zoom to schedule regular calls with automatic reminders sent to your calendar, helping to keep your book club on track and add some routine to your weeks. Each book below has a link so you can order them directly to your home or to your e-reader to keep up with the practice of social distancing!
For those seeking an explanation for what’s going on in the world today:
The Coming Plague: Newly Emerging Diseases in a World Out of Balance by Laurie Garret
An older, but still very topical, book from 1995 that traces 50 years of the world’s battle with diseases such as HIV, Lassa and Ebola. Chapter 14, “Thirdworldization” has received praise and attention through reviews. Garret’s book could provide valuable insight into what people all around the world are experiencing today. This isn’t just a book about science and disease, it’s about the political, social and economic environments that contributed to and attempted to solve infectious diseases.
An Elegant Defense: The Extraordinary New Science Of The Immune System by Matt Richtel
Recently released, this book is an excellent exploration of “the fragile wonder weapon” that is our extraordinary immune system. Richtel’s book intertwines an investigation and explanation of scientific discoveries with four personal narratives from patients suffering from autoimmune diseases. He has received praise from reviewers for his skills as a storyteller capable of creating a humane narrative from complicated scientific information.
21 Lessons For The 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari
From the author of Sapiens and Homo Deus, this book has consistently received high reviews, particularly for its ability to provoke thoughtful reflection and discussion as well as Harari’s intelligent and empathetic portrayal of a variety of topics, including climate change, fake news and international terrorism. Though this book is not directly related to the current COVID-19 pandemic, it offers some much needed perspective as well as hope for the future.
For those eager for a break from the difficult-to-stomach headlines and the monotony of staying home:
Something for Everyone by Lisa Moore
Moore’s beautiful and unique collection of short stories explores “the timeless, the tragic and the miraculous [that is] hidden” in our everyday lives. While there is a focus on life in Newfoundland and Labrador, the raw detail and human touch that Moore’s writing brings out has led many readers to become engrossed in her fiction, regardless of whether they live in eastern Canada. This book was a part of the 2018 Scotiabank Giller Prize long list; out of 104 books submitted by publishers across Canada, Moore’s title made the top 12.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
Reading these with my brother right now and I would highly recommend them! A classic set of longer reads that is perfect for the next few weeks, these novels transport you to the mystical world of Tolkien’s Middle-Earth, filled with magic, darkness and the most unlikely adventurers. Enjoy this? Check out the prequel, The Hobbit!
This Is How You Lose The Time Wars by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
Newly released, this co-written novel has received incredibly high praise from early reviewers, and has been hailed as an “exquisitely crafted” blend of romance, science fiction and poetry. The novel details the dubious correspondence between two rival agents in a time war that spirals into something more, something that could change everything, both the past and future.
Binti Trilogy by Nnedi Okorafor
A ground-breaking science-fiction trilogy and winner of multiple awards, Okorafor’s trilogy follows Binti, a young Himba girl, who has been gifted with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As she embarks on her interstellar journey, Binti discovers that there is more going on than meets the eyes and must learn to navigate the legacy of war, difficult strangers and the power of knowledge.
For those in need of something in between an explanation and escape, something that can offer some hope and strength in these difficult times:
A Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Another long read for these long weeks and a favourite of mine for difficult times, Dickens reminds us that the worst of times can also be the best of times. The novel follows a recently released political prisoner Dr. Manette, his daughter Lucie and two men from dramatically different walks of life whose lives become unexpectedly intertwined with theirs.
A Gentleman In Moscow by Amor Towles
A fitting tale for the times about a Count who has been confined to his hotel and his search for understanding and purpose during the unrest within Moscow in the 1930s. Beautifully written with an incredible cast of characters, Towles book melds history, romance and espionage to create a narrative that may be exactly what we need during these trying times.
Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thein
Internationally acclaimed and a winner of the Scotiabank Giller Prize, Thein’s novel follows the characters of an extended family from Mao’s Cultural Revolution in China through to present-day Vancouver, where the fractured family’s story is slowly and lovingly pieced together by Marie, an endless curious mathematician. Powerful, emotional and daring in its scope, Thein’s novel has been lauded by critics as a “work of art”.
Faithful by Alice Hoffman
Detailing one girl’s journey to redefine herself after a tragic accident turns her life completely upside down, Hoffman’s novel has been praised for “spinning heartbreak into hope” through her excellent prose and cast of loveable and wonderfully flawed characters.
For those looking to learn more about individuals with some self-reflection:
A Work In Progress: A Memoir by Connor Franta
Venture through the life of YouTuber, Connor Franta as he details the many life lessons he has learned while growing up, intertwined with photography and poetry. A great, relatable read for anybody in their twenties.
The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company by Robert Iger
Join the previous CEO of the Walt Disney Company as he documents his rise to leadership of the happiest place on Earth. Iger details the important life lessons that he’s learned from aspects of leadership, business and family while adding anecdotes about Disney’s history over the last 15 years.
Trust: Twenty Ways to Build a Better Country by David Johnston
Written by the former Governor General of Canada, David Johnston speaks to the lessons he has learned during his time in one of Canada’s highest positions within the Federal government. Johnston explores 20 different ways that he believes can cause Canadians to become more engaged within government, sprinkling anecdotes throughout. To learn more about this book, check out our Sil Sit Down with David Johnston!
These are only a few among the many great books out there; many news outlets including CBC and the Guardian have released reading lists tailored to these trying times. Larger book chains, such as Indigo, are also offering free shipping until March 31, and many public libraries have increased access to their online catalogue, where books can be borrowed to be read on a device.
Libby is a great app developed in partnership with public libraries that allows you to browse, borrow and store e-books and audiobooks on compatible devices with ease. All you have to do is set up a library account and login to Libby with your library account. You can find out how to do that here.
If you’re more interested in physical books, Locke Street store Epic Books has been doing porch deliveries of books in order to minimize exposure and support social distancing.
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