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Mind Estranged: My Journey from Schizophrenia and Homelessness to Recovery
MIND ESTRANGED tells the story of Bethany’s life, from her years as a promising university student through her gradual descent into schizophrenia, and unexpected, full recovery. While slowly losing her sanity, she traveled the world. She returned to the U.S. unable to work or study—and soon found herself homeless, delusional, and controlled by voices that talked to her and gave her orders in her mind.
Bethany’s memoir enables the reader to enter into the mind of a person with schizophrenia, homeless and roaming the streets. While living in the shadows of society, her illness drove her to refuse all contact with her family and friends, and eventually led to her arrest and hospitalization. Against all odds, she recovered from schizophrenia, returned to college, and graduated with honors.
Henry A. Nasrallah, MD, a professor of psychiatry who treated Bethany, writes, “Bethany is living proof that recovery from schizophrenia is possible with good medical care, solid family support and the courage to keep fighting the tormenting voices that ordered her every move and controlled her every thought. MIND ESTRANGED is also a powerful message of encouragement and support for any human being facing an overwhelming challenge at some point in life.”
Bethany’s memoir enables the reader to enter into the mind of a person with schizophrenia, homeless and roaming the streets. While living in the shadows of society, her illness drove her to refuse all contact with her family and friends, and eventually led to her arrest and hospitalization. Against all odds, she recovered from schizophrenia, returned to college, and graduated with honors.
Henry A. Nasrallah, MD, a professor of psychiatry who treated Bethany, writes, “Bethany is living proof that recovery from schizophrenia is possible with good medical care, solid family support and the courage to keep fighting the tormenting voices that ordered her every move and controlled her every thought. MIND ESTRANGED is also a powerful message of encouragement and support for any human being facing an overwhelming challenge at some point in life.”
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2014
187 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
Bethany Yeiser
1 book12 followersBefore her gradual descent into schizophrenia, Bethany Yeiser was a promising university honors student. By her third year at the university, she had published three articles in biochemistry, and was working as a violinist. In 2002, following her junior year of college, she spent three months as a volunteer in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya and Lagos, Nigeria, living in poverty. After her return from Africa, she had her first psychotic break. Because of undiagnosed and untreated mental illness, she was no longer able to focus on her studies. The insidious emergence of schizophrenia led her on a path away from the university and into a life of delusion and isolation. In 2003, Bethany left college, only to become homeless for four years. Eventually, a series of events led her to reclaim her life. In 2008, she made a full recovery. Bethany finished her bachelor’s degree in molecular biology with honor from the University of Cincinnati in 2011.
Today, Bethany is a sought–after motivational speaker with a passion to educate and inspire change in the way schizophrenia is perceived and treated, and in the stigma so negatively attached to this diagnosis. She has shared her story at numerous conferences and events for physicians and health care providers around the country. Her memoir Mind Estranged: My Journey from Schizophrenia and Homelessness to Recovery is her first book, published in the summer of 2014. Bethany’s other interests include performing classical and popular music on violin, and studying ancient Hebrew and Mandarin Chinese.
Today, Bethany is a sought–after motivational speaker with a passion to educate and inspire change in the way schizophrenia is perceived and treated, and in the stigma so negatively attached to this diagnosis. She has shared her story at numerous conferences and events for physicians and health care providers around the country. Her memoir Mind Estranged: My Journey from Schizophrenia and Homelessness to Recovery is her first book, published in the summer of 2014. Bethany’s other interests include performing classical and popular music on violin, and studying ancient Hebrew and Mandarin Chinese.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 10, 2021
This book offers a view into the deteriorating mind of a young college aged woman who spirals into the distorted perceptions and thoughts of one with schizophrenia. She somehow manages to journal the memories of what it is/was like in her mind. Often repetitive and hyperfocused-- it does allow you a window into the myopic thinking and endless loops. Also provides a window into the the need to be out of confines of a home and onto the street -- where she feels free and safer than in the "safety" of home or a contained space - which feels unsafe and suffocating for her. (and many of the homeless we see on our streets).
I was struck from her own narrative how seemingly easily she "passed" as a white woman hiding and blending in to a university campus for what seemed to be years, before being noticed or getting helped. It also was astounding as to how much credibility her ideas were given by strangers, church folks and do-gooders who were taken in a funding her desire to save the world and handing her wads of money for her strange endeavors and obsessions. In my experience that kind of trust is so hard to earn for most people and certainly BIPOC who have reams of qualifications and legitimacy behind them.
Perhaps that was her delusion in the writing? Did all those things actually occur?
Was her debt actually completely paid of by kind, caring people?
Despite it all -- and while feeling compassion for this young woman -- I couldn't help reflect on my experiences in the mental health and non-profit world where I support BIPOC folks and just don't see them receiving as much safety or kindness or breaks in society -- but instead are far more often criminalized or harmed by police.
Perhaps her invisibility though also caused her to suffer and be ignored for much longer than should have been. Her experience-- if taken at face value -- hilights the utter failure of the university system she was in -- how could none of her professors, friend, staff at the school not see that this child needed help? The law enforcement system -- for failing to get her medical care from the getgo, the church and social networks that she floated through -- coud they not see how much hep she needed? or perhaps everyone around her did try -- but those persepcties were not captured by her personal lens of this book.
I do plan to read her mom's perspective to see what happened on the other side of her deterioration to get a fuller perspective of her situation.
I was struck from her own narrative how seemingly easily she "passed" as a white woman hiding and blending in to a university campus for what seemed to be years, before being noticed or getting helped. It also was astounding as to how much credibility her ideas were given by strangers, church folks and do-gooders who were taken in a funding her desire to save the world and handing her wads of money for her strange endeavors and obsessions. In my experience that kind of trust is so hard to earn for most people and certainly BIPOC who have reams of qualifications and legitimacy behind them.
Perhaps that was her delusion in the writing? Did all those things actually occur?
Was her debt actually completely paid of by kind, caring people?
Despite it all -- and while feeling compassion for this young woman -- I couldn't help reflect on my experiences in the mental health and non-profit world where I support BIPOC folks and just don't see them receiving as much safety or kindness or breaks in society -- but instead are far more often criminalized or harmed by police.
Perhaps her invisibility though also caused her to suffer and be ignored for much longer than should have been. Her experience-- if taken at face value -- hilights the utter failure of the university system she was in -- how could none of her professors, friend, staff at the school not see that this child needed help? The law enforcement system -- for failing to get her medical care from the getgo, the church and social networks that she floated through -- coud they not see how much hep she needed? or perhaps everyone around her did try -- but those persepcties were not captured by her personal lens of this book.
I do plan to read her mom's perspective to see what happened on the other side of her deterioration to get a fuller perspective of her situation.
October 4, 2018
I recommend anyone who wants to learn how the mind works during the onset of schizophrenia to rush out and read this book. Bethany Yeiser captured her descent from a brilliant student with a promising career ahead to a homeless woman who couldn't see her illness. A hard read for this mom whose daughter battles the same illness - I could see my own child whose life could have gone down a similar path. I rejoiced as Bethany made it to recovery and moved forward with her life again. An inspiring story that I recommend to everyone. I'll never look at a homeless person in the same way again.
July 10, 2016
Quite a remarkable story of one young woman's descent into schizophrenia. The writing, however, plods along; it reads with what psychologists would call "flat affect." Almost all the sentences are simple declarative or compound. There is little variation. Still, the book is fascinating.
December 26, 2018
A well told and triumphant memoir!
This is an amazing story. This young woman was homeless and psychotic for four years and managed to come out of it alive! I also liked the simple and straightforward writing style, it seemed so personal and made the story that much more compelling. I highly recommend this book!
This is an amazing story. This young woman was homeless and psychotic for four years and managed to come out of it alive! I also liked the simple and straightforward writing style, it seemed so personal and made the story that much more compelling. I highly recommend this book!
June 6, 2014
A fascinating, heart-rending personal memoir, in which the author describes her journey from mental illness and homelessness to healing. Though I was aware that it is a devastating condition, I had no idea what people dealing with schizophrenia went through. This book is a real eye-opener.
September 24, 2015
This was such an insightful and interesting memoir. I now work with adolescents, but have worked with chronically mentally ill adults in the past (including schizophrenia). This was such a good reminder to treat all people with respect, regardless of their situation.
November 14, 2015
This was a great book to read as a psychiatrist. The raw first-person day by day account was very helpful and insightful. It also served as a reminder not to forget the often overlooked medication clozapine.
January 7, 2015
A courageous memoir speaking of realities we often sweep under the carpet.
September 28, 2022
Read as requirement for school. Not particularly well written. While interesting to read her experience with schizophrenia lack of insight is rife and not necessarily broadly applicable.
February 19, 2015
As a mother and caregiver for a daughter who shares the same diagnosis as Bethany, I HIGHLY recommend this book. Bethany's courageous and forthright memoir provides tremendous hope for recovery. I have read MANY memoirs by people living with schizophrenia in hopes of discovering common denominators toward recovery and this is one of the BEST books I've yet to read. I hold it in the same esteem as Dr. Elyn Saks' and Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison's memoirs. This book has also provided tremendous insight in terms of symptoms specific to this illness, especially auditory, tactile and visual hallucinations and delusions of grandeur. Bethany Yeiser's memoir is a MUST READ for anyone living with or caregiving for severe mental illness. My hope is that it finds its way into every high school and college library.
March 12, 2021
It's difficult to give this book a rating. I'd say five stars for the story itself and three for the writing (3 is high grading, for the writing). Thus, average of 4. The story is A-MAY-ZING. I longed for her to have a good editor to help her write it better, so more people might stay with it. My interest in the subject matter helped me read to the end, and I'm so glad I did. I would encourage you to as well. Schizophrenia is so misunderstood, and so difficult for people who experience it to explain to others, so we all benefit when someone like Bethany takes the courageous step of writing about that inner world. And her recovery from schizophrenia is MIRACULOUS. I'm glad I read it. I'm going to read her mother's book next.
May 3, 2020
This is maybe the best account of Schizophrenia and recovery that I have found. You can feel her strength, compassion and resilience throughout her story. Even in psychosis, she had a major drive to help others and kindness in her. As a mental health clinician, and person with a personal connection to mental health challenges reading her story helped me understand better and help clients I encounter experiencing psychosis and homelessness. I recommend her book frequently to families and individuals affected by mental illness and know that her story has sparked hope for many. She is a hero!
January 3, 2018
Well done!
Bethany's Story of Madness and Recovery is truly inspiring. It is amazing all the trials and tribulations she went through because of her illness, but at the end she emerged triumphant and a spokesperson for people who need a spokesperson. I wish her and everybody with this dreaded illness called schizophrenia a full and complete recovery someday with the help of modern medicine, because as of yet it is not possible.
Bethany's Story of Madness and Recovery is truly inspiring. It is amazing all the trials and tribulations she went through because of her illness, but at the end she emerged triumphant and a spokesperson for people who need a spokesperson. I wish her and everybody with this dreaded illness called schizophrenia a full and complete recovery someday with the help of modern medicine, because as of yet it is not possible.
December 28, 2019
Courageous, Brave Soul
I picked this book up on a recommendation from one of my clients (I'm a psychotherapist). I devoured every word because like many psychiatric illnesses and human behaviors, I have a great desire to understand the situations more deeply. I am thankful, Bethany, for your courageous and brave walk through your illness. I am rooting for you! This is a great read!
I picked this book up on a recommendation from one of my clients (I'm a psychotherapist). I devoured every word because like many psychiatric illnesses and human behaviors, I have a great desire to understand the situations more deeply. I am thankful, Bethany, for your courageous and brave walk through your illness. I am rooting for you! This is a great read!
August 11, 2017
Fascinating
I had a hard time putting this book down. I'm so grateful for the enormous courage it must have taken her to put this experience in writing and publish it for the world to see. My son struggles with this illness and I found it helpful in trying to comprehend what he must be going through. Bless you, Bethany. You're amazing.
I had a hard time putting this book down. I'm so grateful for the enormous courage it must have taken her to put this experience in writing and publish it for the world to see. My son struggles with this illness and I found it helpful in trying to comprehend what he must be going through. Bless you, Bethany. You're amazing.
May 8, 2017
Absolutely loved this memoir
Very insightful and well worth the read! An honest description on a first hand basis of the struggle a person faces having a mental illness in today's society!
Very insightful and well worth the read! An honest description on a first hand basis of the struggle a person faces having a mental illness in today's society!
October 29, 2020
An honest look at mental illness
Honest, valuable insight into schizophrenia and its real life symptoms. Helpful to sort out symptoms from reality for persons living in the untreated illness.
Honest, valuable insight into schizophrenia and its real life symptoms. Helpful to sort out symptoms from reality for persons living in the untreated illness.
November 19, 2020
Great book on mental illness
Bethany did a fantastic job chronicling her schizophrenic journey from college student to homelessness. A must read for anyone that has been affected in any way by mental illness.
Bethany did a fantastic job chronicling her schizophrenic journey from college student to homelessness. A must read for anyone that has been affected in any way by mental illness.
February 10, 2018
Boring
Very boring. No suspense. Nothing exciting. I wouldn't recommend this book. She repeated things multiple times. Kinda felt like a diary/pitty-party.
Very boring. No suspense. Nothing exciting. I wouldn't recommend this book. She repeated things multiple times. Kinda felt like a diary/pitty-party.
January 3, 2021
Good book though her white privledge shows through. If she was black she almost definitely wouldn't have had a guy propose to her while homeless and pay down her student debts.
December 1, 2020
Such a different account of schizophrenia. I've read a ton of these memoirs and Bethanys was unlike anything else. This book flowed, a very easy read on a very important topic.
September 1, 2024
Highly Recommend
My sympathy lies with Bethany. I am mentally ill myself. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 2, PTSD, GAD with panic attacks, OCD, and a mood disorder. Bethany went through way more being schizophrenic than I have ever been through with all my diagnoses. Her story is heartwrenching to read but it helps you understand how a schizophrenic’s mind works. Thankfully, the book ends happily. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand more about mental illness whether you are mentally ill yourself or know someone who is!
My sympathy lies with Bethany. I am mentally ill myself. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 2, PTSD, GAD with panic attacks, OCD, and a mood disorder. Bethany went through way more being schizophrenic than I have ever been through with all my diagnoses. Her story is heartwrenching to read but it helps you understand how a schizophrenic’s mind works. Thankfully, the book ends happily. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand more about mental illness whether you are mentally ill yourself or know someone who is!
January 18, 2026
Bethany is a wonderful friend first and foremost and a mentor second. Her CureSZ groups are an amazing resource for people with schizophrenia spectrum disorder. I relate so heavily to everything she wrote so far. I had to skip the middle because I was remembering so much of what I went through myself my sophomore year of high school. I 1000% believe every word because I trust her, know her, and have spoken in private over voice and video calls for hours. -GABBY GOJKO (it's pronounced goy-KOH: I'm a Serb).
June 2, 2025
Uma janela para esse mundo ainda incompreendido da esquizofrenia. A autora abre sua intimidade psíquica para entendermos um pouco do dia a dia e do que se passa com alguém nessa situação.
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A window into the still misunderstood world of schizophrenia. The author opens up her psychic intimacy to help us understand a little about the day-to-day life and what goes on with someone in this situation.
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A window into the still misunderstood world of schizophrenia. The author opens up her psychic intimacy to help us understand a little about the day-to-day life and what goes on with someone in this situation.
December 5, 2020
Just amazing
I loved this book. I too went through psychosis and was homeless for 7 days not knowing how to get home. I was later taken to a mental hospital and diagnosed with schizophrenia. I can really relate to this book. Even though I wasn’t homeless for 4 years. I can’t imagine what that would have been like.
I loved this book. I too went through psychosis and was homeless for 7 days not knowing how to get home. I was later taken to a mental hospital and diagnosed with schizophrenia. I can really relate to this book. Even though I wasn’t homeless for 4 years. I can’t imagine what that would have been like.
November 25, 2024
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Bethany, and her story of schizophrenia, homelessness, and recovery NEVER ceases to amaze me! This book creates such a powerful narrative about schizophrenia and the importance of early intervention, medication and access to care! Thank you to Bethany for being so brave to share her story!
September 24, 2020
Una historia autobiográfica notable
Excelente libro. Enseña que con esfuerzo y la medicación adecuada (y algo de suerte) es posible superar en ocasiones una de las patologías psiquiátricas más graves. Felicitaciones!! Berthany (Prof. José Rodrigo Pascual, desde Chile)
Excelente libro. Enseña que con esfuerzo y la medicación adecuada (y algo de suerte) es posible superar en ocasiones una de las patologías psiquiátricas más graves. Felicitaciones!! Berthany (Prof. José Rodrigo Pascual, desde Chile)
September 27, 2021
Great book
Amazing fight to come back from schizophrenia!!! So interesting how she knew something was wrong but she could control for so long in front of people (or thought she was). Good luck to Bethany. Good read
Amazing fight to come back from schizophrenia!!! So interesting how she knew something was wrong but she could control for so long in front of people (or thought she was). Good luck to Bethany. Good read
July 11, 2025
Beautifully heartbreaking oration of what Schizophrenia can do to a young person. Bethany is a wonderful author and a great person. Would 100% recommend to anyone seeking to understand more about the mental illness!
September 27, 2021
I have similar experiences as Bethany. I was touched by this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews