DISPENSING PILLS POPPING PILLS: MY LIFE AS A NURSE & PSYCHIATRIC PATIENT

by Brooke Forsythe

Dispensing Pills and Popping Pills takes you on an empowering adventure through the mind of a nurse who suffered from anxiety and depression. She didn't know the signs of mental health diagnoses until life events were unfolding and she wasn't able to manage ordinary life without a prescription. From life as a nurse and psychiatric patient, this book captivates you from the beginning, and throws you into a personal life story filled with grief, humor, darkness, hope, and self-love. This memoir was written to tell you, you are not alone on your journey to find inner peace, and ultimately, you must face the darkness to find the light.

125 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2024

About the author

Born and raised in Montana, Brooke is a first-time published author who also works as a nurse and a mindset coach. Her passion is to change the mental health crisis by sharing her personal story, so other souls can resonate, and not be afraid to communicate their battles. She wants people to be inspired to seek help and know that their journey matters.

Reviews

[Ashley Lachapelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brooke, from the first bed meeting I had ever been in with you, I've looked up to you. I remember thinking "man this nurse is a bad ass, she stands up for her floor and her patients and speaks her mind when no one else wants to." After reading your story, the respect I have for you as a nurse and a person has infinitely increased. Throughout my entire life, I have struggled with anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and in my nursing career, imposter syndrome, and guilt over outcomes I really had no control over. Being able to relate to your story and see that this badass nurse I look up to has also had these feelings is a breath of fresh air. Thank you for sharing and inspiring - and for always being the dry sense of humor relief needed.

[Alisa Hunninghem · Rating 5 out of 5]

A raw and poignant memoir

This story delves into the complexities of nursing, mental health, and the human experience. With a candid voice and a sharp wit, the author took me on a journey through the highs and lows of her career, offering a glimpse into the emotional toll of caring for others while battling her own inner demons.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is Forsythe's ability to capture the heart-wrenching moments of saying goodbye to terminal patients, highlighting the fragility of life and the profound impact of death. Her reflections on these experiences are both poignant and thought-provoking, which invited me to contemplate my own mortality and the importance of cherishing every moment.

"Dispensing Pills Popping Pills" is a powerful and moving memoir that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with mental health issues or grappled with the complexities of life and death.

[Charlie Dogo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nurse’s personal journey while living with bipolar disorder

This story was very personal for myself, as I worked as an RN for twenty years, and the author captured some very poignant moments, “The entire nursing program”, which made me laugh 😆! The dreary moments, “Of losing your first patient or calling the family”.
All of these are difficult to face, but even more so for Brooke! Why? “Because she has severe anxiety and depression, and takes a lot of medication”. Then she gets a breakthrough! As an oncology nurse, Brooke has seen her share of loss, and gained insight from her patients.
Brooke takes this insight, and turns it into a positive feedback for future nurses and patients going through a rough time!

[Jill Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love what author Brooke Forsythe has done, sharing her vulnerabilities while drawing readers into the hardships, pain, and heartbreak of the nursing profession. Having grown up with a mother in a nearly identical career field to Brooke, I remember the death, the funerals, and the emotionally hard days she brought home with her. Balancing patients with her own experiences in nursing school, Brooke lays out the pill regimen she herself underwent, as well as her cancer patients and intensive care charges. “Dispensing Pills Popping Pills” takes readers on an emotional journey, exposing the raw and honest truth, Forsythe shows readers the underbelly of the selfless career path that is nursing.

“Dispensing Pills Popping Pills” takes readers through the complex emotions, the mental health battle, and stress that goes hand in hand with being present and caring for another human. Especially as that care corresponds with some of the individuals’ hardest and final moments. Brooke’s reality is unfathomable to many. And yet as she recounts her own story, the unforgettable patients, and her moments of weakness, Brooke invites us in to glimpse her harsh daily realities.

Exposing herself, Brooke doesn’t shy away from the difficulties, the challenges, and the strength required to carry out her duties. Being present for many at the end of their life, during pivotal moments in their own diagnoses, isn’t easy. Opening her own drawers full of pills, Brooke shares all in “Dispensing Pills Popping Pills,” from medicating to sleep, medicating to get through her day, and medicating to survive her own medical encounter, this is certainly an eye-opening read.

Giving readers an inside track into some of the hardest realities of the nursing profession, Brooke’s memoir shares all. Instantly engaging, this read reminds us of the heroes in healthcare that surround us, and the silent battles they themselves may be battling as well.

[Monica Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our mind is the most powerful asset we have.

I wish it would let me give 4 1/2 stars. It’s a good book that offers hope to those struggling with anxiety or other mental illnesses. It is possible to have peace and joy in your. Our minds have to be trained to get rid of automatic negative thoughts (ANTS). Those pesky thoughts can bring us to our knees, or we can choose to get better. Having Jesus in your life helps with this. The book didn’t have anything to do with faith in God, but I believe the power of the Holy Spirit can transform our mind as well. Good job Brooke for shining a positive light on overcoming our emotional problems!

[Rozsa Gaston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down

I read this book straight through in one sitting. This author is authentic and tellys her story in a real, non-sentimwntal way that captured my attention. Her observations, as a nurse, on the COVID vaccines and booster shots are well worth reading. Highly recommend this book.

[diane obrien · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book is a farce

Didn’t finish this book….had to stop when she started to endorse anti vaccine and and anti mask conspiracy theories. Ashamed to know that she is a fellow nurse. This whole book was a self serving vindication of her own weird philosophy about life and caring for patients

[Molly Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke bravely shares her mental health struggles while caring for some of the most vulnerable, her oncology patients. Her writing is honest, raw, and deeply human. As a nurse, I felt seen and encouraged by her story. I hope other nurses read this and feel empowered to seek the support they deserve.

[Velislava Dyulgerova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raw and honest book

The book is a well written memoir from someone who tells their story of seeing throgh mental health struggles as a medical profesional. It is a strong reminder of the meaning of resilience.

A little tricky to read on Kindle app, I found the text too small.

[MQ De guzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story are engaging

I picked up this book out of curiosity. I like some of the stories they are engaging however I think I miss to understand the takeaway. I think there must be takeaway and lesson at the end of each chapters.

[Elise · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring. I found this book to be poorly written and obtuse. The language used is that of a 12 year old. As a nurse, I was surprised by how this book lacked any real substance with regard to mental illness or its treatment.

[Rashelle Steiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short read but definitely worth your time

I was not real sure what this book would entail, but it was truly an inspiring read. Definitely recommend for all not just those with mental health issues.

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure what I thought this book was going to be but I didn’t enjoy it much

[Amberlie McGrady · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! I’m truly inspired!!

This story truly truly inspired me!!!! We are so similar in Our Diagnosis that I felt so much in your story and life!!!

[Jodi Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you for sharing your story !

Brooke, thank you for sharing your story. We all have “stuff” we carry with us that others do not see. It’s good to realize we are not the only ones and that we all need to have grace for ourselves and others ! Thank you for continuing to care for others as an RN !

[Kev Chilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author deserves praise for her sincere and honest delivery in this heartfelt book. Writing about certain subjects must have been challenging for her, as they are illuminating for those of us who are not part of the nursing field. I would have preferred to give a higher rating, however, the book contains grammatical errors which detract from its overall quality. With improved formatting, however, it has the potential to receive a top rating.