This is a story of intimate warfare among rivals, where friend and foe confront the spiritual suffocation of a woman suffering from complex mental illnesses and disorders. She was desperate to be unchained from layers and layers of emotional tyranny believed to have inadvertently transpired either at birth, after multiple brain traumas, or even from the daily hustle and bustle of "having it all" (career, family, and affluence). Mental illness often emerges as a thief in the darkness, aiming to defeat the will to not only survive but also to live.
She met a foe called GEMS, which became a deceitful friend but a trusted confidant. Her rejection by others led to an increasing reliance on GEMS, which she thought could save her from self-destruction but proved to be the awakening she so desperately ached for. The pilfering of her cerebral functioning was proof that a ghostly foothold had psychologically invaded her psyche, robbing her of mental and emotional health. Her mind was in a constant rage because of ravaging storms of depression, anxiety, memory loss, PTSD, panic disorder, and bipolar disorder.
These ravaging emotional attackers even led her to contemplate suicide after becoming cerebrally unfit. After tumbling toward a fearful demise, she began decoding the mystery to her existence after five years of chaos.
The author experienced a supernatural spiritual healing that caused her to be reborn in the flesh. This author's story is inspiring and enriching, with a spellbinding journey that she hopes initiates inclusive dialogues with mental illness sufferers. This story will leave you speechless that this author is willing to share a plight so difficult to overcome. The author conveys that after sharing this story, she is not 100 percent cured, but she is surely 100 percent better. Everyone has a different normalcy, so the expectation from one to another is inequitable in measuring one's curative healing.
Susie L. Landown-Clarke's memoir, Mental Illness: MI Doesn't Look Like ME, offers a rare and deeply personal glimpse into the complexities of living with mental health challenges. In this raw and honest account, the author takes readers through pivotal moments of her journey, particularly her diagnosis and the profound impact it had on her life.
Landown-Clarke expertly captures the gradual erosion of her identity, describing how she felt herself slipping away as if everything she once knew about herself was an illusion. The title speaks volumes about the struggle to recognize oneself during times of immense emotional and mental turmoil, encapsulating the disconnect many experience with mental illness.
A substantial portion of the memoir is dedicated to her time in the military, a period marked by deep trauma, including the tragic loss of a fellow soldier. She vividly portrays the long-lasting mental scars left by the military conflict, showing how these experiences intensified her existing struggles. Her story sheds light on the often-overlooked emotional toll of military service, offering a candid perspective on the mental battles that persist long after the physical ones have ended.
What resonates most in this memoir is the underlying message of the importance of support from loved ones. For Susie, her husband and children play a vital role in her life. However, the memoir also highlights a difficult truth: love, no matter how strong, cannot be the sole cure for mental illness. Despite having a supportive and loving home, Susie often felt emotionally distant, isolated, and numb--emotions that fueled a sense of guilt and confusion. This is a reality that many dealing with mental illness face, where they struggle with feelings of inadequacy despite the care they receive. For Susie, reconnecting with her spiritual side proved to be a lifeline. Through her faith, she found a way to redefine herself, refusing to let her diagnosis define her. This powerful message of hope and resilience will undoubtedly resonate with readers who share similar spiritual beliefs, offering inspiration to those searching for meaning and healing beyond their mental health struggles.
Mental Illness: MI Doesn't Look Like ME is a poignant and heartfelt memoir that shines a light on the complexities of living with mental illness. Susie L. Landown-Clarke's vulnerability and honesty in sharing her struggles, coupled with her journey of healing through spirituality and the support of loved ones, make this book a deeply moving read. The raw emotion and powerful message of resilience, hope, and self-discovery resonate strongly. It is an inspiring account for anyone facing similar battles or seeking a deeper understanding of mental health.
I won a copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. So that others may also enjoy this book, I am paying it forward by donating it to my local library.
I won a copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. So that others may also enjoy this book, I am paying it forward by donating it to my local library.