Broken Brain, Fortified Faith: Lessons of Hope Through a Child's Mental Illness

by Virginia Pillars

The terms "mental illness” and “mental health” are often used casually, but many don’t believe mental illness is relevant to their lives. However, studies show that more people live with mental illness than heart disease, lung disease, and cancer combined.   Broken Brain, Fortified Faith  is the story of one family’s journey through schizophrenia, navigating the uncharted waters of mental illness to find help for their daughter, Amber, and support for their family. This memoir is an honest look at the stress, anger, education, and finally, hope experienced through eyes of a mother. Along the way, she questions her trust in God as their family encounters setbacks, inadequate treatments, and additional family health crises, but with the help of trusted family, friends, education, and support groups, author Virginia Pillars learns to rely on her faith as she faces the challenges that often accompany mental illness.

Genres: Memoir

290 pages, Paperback

Published September 6, 2016

About the author

Virginia Pillars lives on a farm, along with her husband of forty-seven years. She is the mother of four, one of whom suffered from a mental illness, and a grandmother of four with a passion for reaching out to families who are also affected. She details her journey through mental illness with her child in her memoir, Broken Brain, Fortified Faith: Lessons of Hope Through a Child’s Mental Illness, winner of the 2017 Selah Award and the CWG Seal of Approval. She contributed to Grief Diaries Poetry, Prose & More. Virginia speaks on the effects of mental illness on families and her faith journey, plus she volunteers for the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) organization as an educator/support group leader.

She blogs at www.virginiapillars.com

Reviews

[Ellen Gable · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent read, well-written and compelling. Thankfully, we are moving away from the stigma of talking about mental illness. Back in the sixties, my father (now deceased) suffered from schizophrenia as well as manic depression. But it wasn’t something he could share with either employers or anyone outside of the family. In this book, the author takes us step by step through her journey of, at first, disbelief, then frustration to — finally — hope and recovery. Highly recommend!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Brain, Fortified Faith is the true story of how one woman deals with her adult daughter’s diagnosis of schizophrenia, several hospitalizations, legal issues, and other family crises, over a two-year period, including: infertility, the death of an infant grandson, and her daughter-in-law’s breast cancer. This memoir describes how the family struggles with these difficult issues and responds to the setbacks with the help of trusted friends and support groups.

Once I began reading Broken Brain, Fortified Faith, I found it difficult to put down. It is a compelling read, understandable, and well-written. The author writes in a captivating, candid style, sharing all her emotions – her anger, frustrations, and heartaches, as well as her blessings, hopes, and joys.

The central theme of this book — the miraculous power of love and prayer to bring healing and hope in the midst of pain and suffering – captured my heart. Reading this book was like having an intimate conversation with a good friend, the kind of friend who is honest, loyal, and supportive. The author is certainly someone I would want for a friend in a time of difficulty – a woman of fortitude, prayer, and patience who finds her strength in the Rock, the Fortress, and the Deliverer. By sharing her beautiful memoir, she is blessing many who feel alone in these challenging trials.

Broken Brain, Fortified Faith is the poignant, uplifting, and hopeful story of one woman and her family to conquer crises by drawing strength from one another and God to deal with the trials He sends them. It is a book that I especially recommend for all who have had to deal with the stigma of a mental health diagnosis, their family members and friends, and those who counsel and assist them.

[Mary Kenyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to read an advance copy of this amazing book. This family's journey through a diagnosis of mental illness should be a "must-read" on every health professional's list, as well as anyone who is facing a similar diagnosis. This author brings hope and inspiration to families who are struggling to navigate a path no one wants to talk about.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in the Reader's Coffeehouse group on Facebook. It is not a book I would have picked up on my own - I don't have a child with a mental illness and I don't often read nonfiction. Saying all that, I loved it. It is well written, engaging, and readable. Virginia Pilllars is helping to take mental illness out of the dark and showing that it is no different than a physical illness. It just happens to be an illness that hits the brain. She also shows that with faith and support from family and friends, someone with a mental illness can be helped and lead a productive life. This book has a positive message that would help anyone going through any kind of a crisis. Thank you Virginia for sharing your journey!

[Michelle Buckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this engaging read, far from being merely an account of handling mental illness, Virginia Pillars discloses the realities of dealing with her daughter's schizophrenia. We see every step of her journey, the failures and successes, and her steadfast love for her family. Virginia's honest account drew me in and carried me to the end with a overall message of faith and hope.

[Barbara White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an inspiring, courageous story of one family’s journey through the fear and isolation of mental illness. It sends the most powerful message of all: there is always hope.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virginia Pillars' memoir of a mother navigating the world of parenting a young adult with a brand-new diagnosis schizophrenia is at once heart-wrenching, informative and inspiring. Pillars honestly describes her day-by-day experience with her daughter's illness and recovery, with a view toward helping other families whose lives are touched by a frustrating disease.
(ARC provided by author)

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think I'd have the strength to finish this--it is very real and descriptive, heartbreaking. Like The Shack, I had to put it aside after the first few pages. But I made myself sit back down. Then I couldn't stop. I read it entirely in (almost) one sitting. What an amazing and inspirational story! While my relative had a different mental illness causing her psychosis, the pain it caused me and my family was identical to the Pillars'. It is so good to know that God never abandons us. Mrs. Pillar's verbiage is clear and direct. Her story leaves out nothing, exposing the raw and sometimes embarrassing aspects of living with someone whose brain is, well, "broken." Some of the things that happened in this story even remind me of situations dementia patients' families experience. I cannot imagine the strength it must have taken Mrs. Pillars to write this book, and I encourage everyone to read it.

[Eva Marie Everson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having lived through this nightmare myself, this book kept me riveted. Highly recommended!

[Mary Jedlicka Humston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a review copy of "Broken Brain, Fortified Faith" by Virginia Pillars. What an amazing book of hope and determination! When her college-educated daughter Amber began exhibiting unusual actions and symptoms, Pillars and her family were taken on a journey filled with pain and the eventual diagnosis of schizophrenia. Virginia Pillars doesn't hold back. She delivers a nitty-gritty story filled with her honest emotions, deep faith, and a strong love of family. This book will touch readers long after they've read the last page.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book, would make a great book discussion!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. Heart wrenching.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't remember when or how this book came to my attention, but it's been on my to-read list for a while, one because the author is a fellow Iowan, and two because she writes about a subject on which the general public is not well-informed. Mental illness is also a matter of concern in our state given the state's cuts in funding and services in recent years. Pillars does not touch on those issues. Rather she relates her family's experience with her daughter's mental illness.

Writing from her heart she tells of the pain and confusion of acknowledging her daughter's illness and the role her faith played in navigating the unfamiliar terrain of psychiatric wards and finding the right combination of medicines to enable her daughter to manage the symptoms of schizophrenia and live independently. Pillars' memoir is helpful and hopeful for other families and caregivers dealing with the mental illness of a loved one. In fact, her advice is applicable to any difficult life situation: learn all you can about the issue, seek out family and friends for support, and permit your faith, however fragile, to sustain you in the dark times.

I wanted to give this book at least 4 stars, but a number of grammatical errors distracted me and keep me from giving it a higher ranking.

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t read this book with the focus on mental illness, although that’s an incredibly important topic and near and dear to my heart. I read it for the fortified faith encouragement in the midst of watching your children and family struggle.

When things just don’t seem fair or right, when things seem too hard, and the “rough” season turns into “a rough year,” and before you know it, you find yourself living “a rough life.”

As we get older, I’m finding everyone around me has already or will so face and unbearable challenge, but for the author of “Broken Brain, Fortified Faith,” this hits just for harder and harder. Regardless of her lows and heavy blows, she illuminates life with her faith and testimony despite pain.

While all of the book is helpful, especially if you are the parent of a mentally ill child, the last portion is really fortifying of faith.

I highly recommend this book for its transparency and how the reader learns that it IS possible to have hope in the midst of tragedy.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Virginia Pillars won an award for this memoir that she writes with utmost honesty about the trials suffered by the members of her family as they face a diagnosis of schizophrenia in their adult child. I am not even halfway through the journey to find Amber where she has retreated inside herself, and I care so much about her and her parents and how they are going to survive. Yet their faith is strong as Mom and Dad pray together for God's help. Did I say this author is honest? Oh yes, she uses her words well and brings me with her as she visits her daughter in the hospital every day only to watch her daughter fall deeper and deeper into a world where Amber doesn't feel safe. I'm anxious to see what happens at the end of the book, but my admiration for Virginia as she shares her personal story is unwavering.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome book!!!! I loved the last line in the book, a quote by C.S. Lewis, "Don't shine so others can see you. Shine so that through you others see Him." Thank you Virginia, for being courageous enough to write your family's story. Oh how I long for another family to receive the same hope, help, and healing you found and shared with all of us! So happy for Amber and for all of you! Thank you for loving her enough to get her help!!!! I know how much mental illness can affect extended family and the first steps need to be taken by Dad and Mom if at all possible! You did the brave and right thing! God was your source of strength and He proved faithful as always!

[Lisa Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mental illness is so overlooked in many ways. Sometimes symptoms have to get to a breaking point for families agree to seek care. In many situations brain dysfunction sneaks in the back door. Broken Brain, Fortified Faith is a story of a mother's love and devotion. It is also a story of a daughter's struggle and beauty. The obstacles and difficulties Pillars writes in her memoir are portrayed with raw emotion. I admire Amber's courage and Virginia's bravery for telling her story. A must read!

[Annemarie Guertin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any families that have a loved one that struggles with mental illness this book is for you. This story outlines that struggles of schizophrenia and its impact on a family. I found this book not only informative but inspiring. Though the road to recovery may be long it’s attainable and this book highlighted just that.

[Debbie Chiulli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book and it’s not a book I would have selected. That being said, I couldn’t put it down. Knowing this was a real life event, I needed to know if the family stayed intact. What truly surprised me were the other life events the family endured. And the author strong faith was doubted. I definitely recommend Broken Brain, Fortified Faith.

[Suso · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband and I listened to this book while our daughter was struggling with mental health issues. It was very hard to listen to. But it was also very encouraging. This book helped me to keep my focus on God and all that He has done for us, rather than on all the ways we were struggling and being failed by the healthcare system in this country.

[Jocelyn Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging account of one family's heart-wrenching struggles, and the hope that saw them through. I appreciate having new insight into schizophrenia, an illness I knew next to nothing about. This well-written book is both brave and inspiring.

[Carla Manly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Offering hope for those who struggle with mental illness. What lessons there are to be embraced in learning to have faith while moving forward through a child's (or adult's) mental illness. Hopeful perspectives are SO needed!

[Pam Lobley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a riveting story written with honesty and strength. Terrific book!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be an excellent resource for families who care for mental illness sufferers. Pillars has written about her daughter who began exhibiting symptoms of schizophrenia in her late teens and early twenties. Through the Virginia's well told story, we learn that good outcomes rely on family, friends and mental health professionals working together and supporting each other.
Virginia's own research is also great and recommends some very good further reading resources and support groups and websites.
Her research helped her discover how the brain is affected by illness and the treatments for the illness and includes advice on what legal and financial protections families should seek to protect themselves and the person they care for.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for sharing your family’s story. The honest insight is invaluable in order for society to continue removing stigma and improving care and treatment for schizophrenia.

[Meggie Daly · Rating 5 out of 5]

BROKEN BRAIN, FORTIFIED FAITH is a wonderful book and very helpful for those who have families touched by mental illness, especially schizophrenia as was my family. I found this memoir encouraging and educational. The reader followed not only Amber's progress from the initial break with reality to independence and self-knowledge but the ensuing family dynamics. I highly recommend this well-written book.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virginia Pillars writes with utmost honesty in this award-winning memoir about the trials suffered by her family facing a diagnosis of schizophrenia in an adult child. Not only does Pillars have to face her daughter’s illness, she also has to fight to find medical and legal assistance necessary to save her. It is a story that resonates with any family facing the serious illness of a child. Pillars’ beautiful narration brings the reader with her as she witnesses her daughter fall deeper and deeper into a “broken brain” world where Amber doesn't feel safe, where she has retreated inside herself. The central conflict is the struggle to recognize and accept the situation of her daughter’s illness. Pillars must find the strength, through faith, hope, and love of God, to lead her child to a life she can live as a normal, independent adult. For anyone who struggles with mental illness in a loved one, this is a book of hope. It is a book with resources where families can find help. It is a book I recommend for all parents with suffering children as it reminds us that we are never alone.

[Elaine Lyons Bach, author · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Brain, Fortified Faith by Virginia Pillars is the most absorbing book I have read all year. It is a true account of the rough road to accurate diagnosis and medical treatment of an independent college student who develops schizophrenia, but it reads like an exciting investigative mystery novel. The student, “Amber”, a name given to protect the young lady’s privacy, is fortunate to have been born into a family of faith and friends, because it took all the family, friends and faith she could use to navigate the mental health system. Amazingly, Amber, with the monumental help of her advocate mother, eventually does manage to achieve a successful plane of independent living again, though it takes many years. Written in the mother’s POV, Pillars is delightfully revealing about her reactions and chaotic emotions to the repercussions of her daughter’s illness upon the extended family, and then the coldness of some of the professionals, and the horror of drug side effects encountered. When it becomes obvious how important it will be to document events for her daughter’s healthcare, Pillars’ husband suggests she keep a comprehensive journal. Details from this journal provide the descriptive information for the story and make this book a must read for anyone involved in the mental health care of self or a loved one.
In moments of peace, Pillars’ faith sustains her as she adopts an attitude of gratitude, thanking The Creator for the gift of all the great advice and concrete help from friends and family He sends her way. She knows the Lord intimately enough to lean on Him with petitions for increased knowledge and wisdom as she tackles the mountains of paperwork required to reduce Amber’s debts for medical, hospital, apartment, student loans, etc. Only a loving mother would attempt the overwhelming tour-de-force Pillars engages in for the sake of her suffering child. When all looks the bleakest, Pillars clutches to her heart the hints of recovery that peek through. Hope sustains and victory prevails in this vastly readable true account.