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MY self: An autobiography of survival
'MY self', an autobiography of survival by Kelley Kitley, LCSW. "By 2015, approximately 1 in 25 adults in the U.S.—10 million—experienced a serious mental illness in a given year that substantially interfered with or limited one or more major life activities," Chicago Psychotherapist Kelley Kitley will tell you; adding, "I should know, I was one of them."
Indeed, approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S.—43.8 million—experiences mental illness in a given year. Additionally, mood disorders, including major depression, dysthymic disorder and bipolar disorder, are the third most common cause of hospitalization in the U.S. for both youth and adults aged 18–44. Left untreated, the resulting symptoms range from alcoholism and drug addiction to incarcerations, homelessness and suicide.
Despite these statistics, nearly 60% of adults with a mental illness didn’t receive mental health services in the previous year. Why be alarmed? The majority of those living without treatment are women, despite the fact that along a spectrum that includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias, posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder, women are twice as more likely to be affected than men.
In 'MY self', debut author, columnist, speaker, and social worker Kelley Kitley shares a near mythical Phoenix rising tale of triumph against easily considered insurmountable odds, such as an eating disorder, sexual assault and alcohol abuse that plunged her deeper into the abyss. Far from another crash and burn autobiography of grief, 'MY self' lays bare the vulnerability and isolation unique to Kitley, and to women in general, while revealing the transformation of loss into a surplus of riches beyond even the very author's wildest imagination.
Indeed, approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S.—43.8 million—experiences mental illness in a given year. Additionally, mood disorders, including major depression, dysthymic disorder and bipolar disorder, are the third most common cause of hospitalization in the U.S. for both youth and adults aged 18–44. Left untreated, the resulting symptoms range from alcoholism and drug addiction to incarcerations, homelessness and suicide.
Despite these statistics, nearly 60% of adults with a mental illness didn’t receive mental health services in the previous year. Why be alarmed? The majority of those living without treatment are women, despite the fact that along a spectrum that includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias, posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder, women are twice as more likely to be affected than men.
In 'MY self', debut author, columnist, speaker, and social worker Kelley Kitley shares a near mythical Phoenix rising tale of triumph against easily considered insurmountable odds, such as an eating disorder, sexual assault and alcohol abuse that plunged her deeper into the abyss. Far from another crash and burn autobiography of grief, 'MY self' lays bare the vulnerability and isolation unique to Kitley, and to women in general, while revealing the transformation of loss into a surplus of riches beyond even the very author's wildest imagination.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2017
2 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 30, 2024
Authentic, Hopeful and a Must Read
This book is a must read for anyone battling with substance use disorders. Kitley talks openly about her painful and traumatic experiences. She provides the reader with insight and understanding about the connection between trauma and addictions. Her story helps the reader look at their experiences with love and self-compassion, which is essential in the healing process. I will be recommending this book to many of my clients and colleagues. Once I started reading the book, I could not put it down! Shari Botwin, LCSW and author of "Stolen Childhoods," and "Thriving After Trauma."
This book is a must read for anyone battling with substance use disorders. Kitley talks openly about her painful and traumatic experiences. She provides the reader with insight and understanding about the connection between trauma and addictions. Her story helps the reader look at their experiences with love and self-compassion, which is essential in the healing process. I will be recommending this book to many of my clients and colleagues. Once I started reading the book, I could not put it down! Shari Botwin, LCSW and author of "Stolen Childhoods," and "Thriving After Trauma."
April 22, 2017
Fierce and fearless story of hope
Kelley Kitley's memoir captures a place and time in Chicago. Her story of struggle and recovery is inspirational. A must read for women and especially women who have experienced trauma. This is a story and testimonial of hope.
Kelley Kitley's memoir captures a place and time in Chicago. Her story of struggle and recovery is inspirational. A must read for women and especially women who have experienced trauma. This is a story and testimonial of hope.
April 27, 2017
So much to love about this book. Kelley's story is raw and honest--sharing feelings and actions that are often dismissed, hidden, or ignored. And while there is a lot of pain in this book, the resonant feeling is joy and perseverance.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews