Introduction
Some people may wonder what it is like to have mental illness. They see the outward appearance of a person with Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, or another diagnosed disorder; but they do not understand what is going on beneath the surface.
This book details some of the things I experienced during my first mental breakdown, as well as what it was like being hospitalized. Throughout this book are ideas, tips, and pointers of things that worked for me in my quest to be freed from the medication I dreaded.
You may want to use a highlighter as you read, and highlight portions that stand out to you, or underline them. That would make it easier for you to remember the parts you would like to reread.
Chapter 17, entitled Growing Up, will help give the reader insight into some of the things that led up to my diagnoses, first as having Schizophrenia, and then later as Manic-Depression. Other things which also led up to the breakdowns requiring hospitalization are sprinkled throughout the book.
Everyone’s story is different, yet there should be enough similarities in my story for the person diagnosed with any mental disorder with which to relate. I have found that this is basically what most people are searching for -- someone to relate to -- someone who understands what they are going through.
Mental health professionals will benefit by what is written here, as it will give them more understanding of the disease and how to better help their patients. Ministers of the Gospel will come to better understand the people in their congregations.
Those who have a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or relative with mental illness will also benefit by reading this, as it will give them the needed insight into things related to the illness, and how better to understand the sick person.
Most, if not all, people who have been diagnosed with any form of mental illness have deep wounds within them, needing to be healed. Healing takes time, and much patience is needed as well as genuine care and concern for the person with a mental disorder.
Finally, this book is for anyone with any illness. Since God healed me from Bipolar Disorder, which is medically incurable, I know that He can also heal anyone from anything!
(This book is available by sending $13 to Ann Doupont, P.O. Box 44903, Boise, ID 83711. This includes shipping to any USA address. God bless you and thank you for your order.)