Walk a Mile: Tales of a Wandering Loon

by Chris Young

As a kind, chatty, and good-humoured man with a zest for life and a passion for helping people, Chris Young adored his job as a social worker. But things fell apart when, in 2008, he was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. His illness brought about the end of his calling and he found himself in need of a new project and purpose. And so it came to be that in 2011 Chris began a campaign called Walk a Mile In my Shoes.

He walks around the edge of the UK - the edge of society being where many people with mental health problems feel they are - without spending any money and relying on the kindness of strangers. In 2015 he joined forces with See Me Scotland to distil the success of the coastal walk into a series of events, inviting other people to join him and discuss mental health. He encouraged them to literally walk a mile in each other's shoes. Walk a Mile: Tales of a Wandering Loon is the story of how a normal, nurturing childhood turned into one of neglect and abuse and how this, combined with a little faulty brain wiring, lead to a severe and enduring mental illness.

It is also the story of one man's journey towards tackling mental health stigma, one step at a time.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mental Health, Psychology

328 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2017

Reviews

[Tom Horvei · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read many (maybe too many) books of the type “do long walk/bike ride/other demanding journey to explore myself/find The Truth About It All or something”. I therefore greeted this book with some mild scepticism. To my surprise, most of the book happens without much walking being done. Chris Young builds background, lets the reader get to know him intimately. And then gives insight into having Borderline Personality Disorder. Or being a f***ing loon with no hope of a cure. One can’t help but like this loon, and the fact that he has a clear talent for comedy writing certainly doesn’t make things worse.

The last part of the book, where the walking happens, is a bit more episodic, diary style, but a few red threads in the form of great people he meets along the way (and this man really chats with everyone he meets), and the goodness of human beings.

I knew practically nothing about BPD, or for that matter other mental illnesses before reading this book. I now know much more. And enjoyed being informed about it through Chris Young’s story. I recommend this book, go read it. And Chris, thank you for the insights. Keep writing.

[Lucy Nichol · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really brave book about borderline personality disorder - and we need more BPD heroes because it is so stigmatised. Chris Young gets the balance right between showing the real struggles and the significant impact it can have on your life, whilst letting his true personality shine through. Worth a read!

[lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I absolutely loved this book. It was sweet, and really sad/difficult to read at the same time. However, Chris’s humour had me grinning all the way through. I found this book so inspiring and as I could relate to so much, I began to feel hope again for my own future. It’s devastating to read what the author has been through but he carries himself with resilience and determination, with the self awareness that most people lack. I love how he has used his own experiences to help others and spread awareness. As I previously stated, I related to so much of this book, and that is powerful for people when they feel lost and alone. I bet this book helps many. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in mental health and I hope there will be more books from Chris in the future.

[Madeleine Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an honest, raw and often very funny account of Chris's journey being diagnosed and living with borderline personality disorder. This book and his achievements are helping to raise the lid of mental health, which are so necessary to remove the stigma in our society, because as we discover along his walk most people that he connected with have had issues with some form of mental health.

"I wanted to show that this bastard condition is treatable and that theres a whole world out there - where I, and other folk with this illness, can love and be loved"

Thank you Chris for writing this book, it is a gift

[Sean Macleod · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb book about bpd

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Chris states in his memoir, the diagnosis of BPD often causes the sufferer to think that they’re doomed. As such, it’s high time the stigma around the disease is broken. Programs like ‘Crazy Ex Girlfriend’ are bringing it to the forefront, but Chris’ memoir delves into the stark reality of what it really means to live with BPD.

His voice is unforgettable, and the tales of genuine human connection are heartwarming and hope-inspiring. Well done Chris!