Realabilities

The Mental Health Edition

Young Adult - Social Issues
78 Pages
Reviewed on 06/01/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Jennie More for Readers' Favorite

Realabilities: The Mental Health Edition by Nava R. Silton, Ph.D. is a comic book with five different stories that include various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, phobias, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. The stories unfold in a school setting within a group of high school friends who feature throughout the comic. Celia was diagnosed with depression and was already undergoing treatment, so when Kari shows signs of anxiety, Celia can support and assure her that she should not be ashamed of her disorder. As the story progresses, Celia and Kari’s bond grows more profound. They learn about other mental health issues, start identifying the symptoms in schoolmates, and help others by inviting them to their support group with Dr. Nav. In this group, they can speak openly about their disorders and even identify the superpowers that come with them.

Realabilities by Nava R. Silton, Ph.D. is a brilliant comic book digging deeply into the experiences of people living with mental health issues. I loved the bright and beautiful illustrations, and the narrative was absorbing and insightful. Mental health is becoming a topical issue amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, but it remains taboo among adults, and especially teenagers. This book will break down the stigma associated with mental health issues. It educates and debunks damaging myths about mental health in a way that is relatable for teenagers. The comic book format helps teenagers to see themselves in the fantastic and entertaining characters that Silton has developed. Silton has turned a complex topic into a concise, absorbing, creative and practical resource that will help children and adults for years. I was blown away by the pure brilliance.

Pikasho Deka

Realabilities: The Mental Health Edition is a comic book by Dr. Nava R. Silton meant to introduce young teenagers to mental health issues. With some captivating illustrations by Christopher Gomez, the book contains stories related to mental health issues that plague the "Realabilties" team, a bunch of school students trying to navigate the pressures of being teenagers. The book opens with a group of friends discussing their respective performances in the upcoming school talent show. Seymour realizes that his sister Kari has been behaving strangely. When their mutual friend, Uno, reveals that Kari must have been suffering from depression and anxiety, Kari starts seeing the school psychologist Dr. Nav, who offers her helpful advice and solutions to tackle her illness. Other students who suffer from their own mental health problems also find help through therapy.

Dr. Nava R. Silton finds an innovative way to reach out to preteens and young adults and teach them about mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and anorexia. Realabilities: The Mental Health Edition is an engaging comic book that sheds light on these vital issues in a light yet sensitive manner that is bound to strike a chord with young adults. The characters are likable and relatable. Their colorful personalities pop out of the pages and make a mark on the reader. Christopher Gomez's illustrations add another immersive quality to the narrative and make it all the more enjoyable to read. As pressure among young adolescents continues to rise, books like Realabilities become increasingly relevant. Highly recommended.