Riding The Storm: A Memoir of Mental Illness

by Ryan Harland

Imagine you are wearing sunglasses. You are always wearing sunglasses. You never take them off...

This is how Ryan Harland brilliantly begins to describe to us what it feels like to have Emotional Intensity Disorder (EID) or Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD).

The sunglasses are not there to protect you like normal sunglasses, he writes in this searingly honest memoir.

They don’t shield you from the sun and make you look cool and feel groovy. These sunglasses harm you. Each pair makes you see the world, and yourself, in a different way, a sinister, confusing, threatening way.

Once called Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Ryan was diagnosed with the condition as an adult after a lifetime of struggles.

After facing many traumatic events – including the loss of his beloved brother, Kevin, and a sexual assault by his father – Ryan finally understood why he felt and behaved in the way that he did.

And then, with the support of his devoted mother, he started the fight back...

In this bold and brave memoir, Ryan takes us on a journey of rage and revelation, anger and acceptance, love and betrayal.

82 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 8, 2019

Reviews

[Joe McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful and Enlightening

Thank you Ryan for your bravery in sharing your, and Kevin's story. And especially your journey towards understanding and working to overcome your illness. I see myself in many of the same feelings and reactions you've had. I never realized there was a name or diagnosis. I just assumed I was alone and horribly flawed. I feel relieved and empowered to seek help. Your story has opened my eyes and given me hope.

[Dean Mardle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan is an old friend of mine. I have spoken to him on many occasions about his struggles. Very proud to know and have him as a friend. There are parts of this book that I didn’t know of course but was a great insight into a lesser know mental illness. Especially coming from a man.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book,Good insight

I have to admit I'm never one for reading this sort of stuff but it's made me realise what it's all about never judge people. Ryan you should be proud of what you've written.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful positives. Must read!

Powerful stuff. A story of a difficult and traumatic past, being able to gain positives from the negative. Such an acute account of mental illness that many will be able to resonate with. Wow.