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Bring Me to Light: Embracing My Bipolar and Social Anxiety
Eleanor Segall's life was beginning. An aspiring actress and a family girl, she never though her future would be derailed by mental illness. After a spate of depressive and manic episodes, panic attacks and social anxiety, Eleanor found herself in The Priory at age 16. The diagnosis? Bipolar I disorder.
But Eleanor didn't let it stop her for long. Now a successful blogger, journalist, and pillar of the mental health and Jewish communities, she writes about finding recovery and hope after being unwell.
Her story of picking herself back up again and surviving against the odds will resonate with many – and it can help you find that light in the darkness too.
But Eleanor didn't let it stop her for long. Now a successful blogger, journalist, and pillar of the mental health and Jewish communities, she writes about finding recovery and hope after being unwell.
Her story of picking herself back up again and surviving against the odds will resonate with many – and it can help you find that light in the darkness too.
- GenresNonfictionMental Health
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2020
2 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 15, 2019
This was a really interesting insight into what it is like to live with bipolar and social anxiety.
I particularly liked how it discussed religion and mental health. As someone who is not religious, it is eye opening to see how mental health is approached and understood according to different religion.
I also liked how it included family perspectives on the situation at hand. Often it is easy to forget how mental illness affects not just the individual but the people around them including friends and family.
Eleanor's journey is definitely inspiring. I learnt a lot from this book especially about medication for bipolar and the problems that can occur.
If you have bipolar or social anxiety, I think you may find comfort in this book. If you don't it is still a very important book to read to find out about these illnesses and read real peoples journeys.
This is definitely a triggering book. It took me a while to get through, regardless of the fact it is quite short.
Overall, highly recommend if you are looking for a fantastic book about bipolar and social anxiety
TW: suicide, self harm, rape, sexual assault, depression, bipolar, psychosis, social anxiety and mental illness in general
I particularly liked how it discussed religion and mental health. As someone who is not religious, it is eye opening to see how mental health is approached and understood according to different religion.
I also liked how it included family perspectives on the situation at hand. Often it is easy to forget how mental illness affects not just the individual but the people around them including friends and family.
Eleanor's journey is definitely inspiring. I learnt a lot from this book especially about medication for bipolar and the problems that can occur.
If you have bipolar or social anxiety, I think you may find comfort in this book. If you don't it is still a very important book to read to find out about these illnesses and read real peoples journeys.
This is definitely a triggering book. It took me a while to get through, regardless of the fact it is quite short.
Overall, highly recommend if you are looking for a fantastic book about bipolar and social anxiety
TW: suicide, self harm, rape, sexual assault, depression, bipolar, psychosis, social anxiety and mental illness in general
December 1, 2019
What struck me most about reading the book were, expectedly, the similarities between our journeys and our symptoms and, reassuringly, the differences. We both had parents that also struggled with mental health conditions, we’ve both suffered from anxieties and stress points that are in no way helped by the demands of our chosen professions. But both our tragedies and our successes have been stridently individual.
And that’s possibly the most inspirational element that works like Eleanor’s book offer. Not simply a tale of surviving, but a reminder of the personhood of those who survive – so often the first thing stripped away by stereotyping, prejudgement and ignorance.
It’s a beautiful book and it should be read. I felt less alone for reading it, which is the highest compliment I can pay to any work of art.
And that’s possibly the most inspirational element that works like Eleanor’s book offer. Not simply a tale of surviving, but a reminder of the personhood of those who survive – so often the first thing stripped away by stereotyping, prejudgement and ignorance.
It’s a beautiful book and it should be read. I felt less alone for reading it, which is the highest compliment I can pay to any work of art.
December 3, 2019
Inspirational, thought-provoking, honest., Highly recommend!
Absolutely loved this book! The author is a true inspiration! Actually felt her pain and struggles while reading it! This book gives a true, honest and heart wrenching account of what it’s like living with a mental illness! Everyone needs to read this book! Highly recommend!!
Absolutely loved this book! The author is a true inspiration! Actually felt her pain and struggles while reading it! This book gives a true, honest and heart wrenching account of what it’s like living with a mental illness! Everyone needs to read this book! Highly recommend!!
January 18, 2021
Bring Me To Light: Embracing my Bipolar and Social Anxiety by Eleanor Segall describes her journey with mental illness, from pre-diagnosis through her work on recovery.
It's written in clear, simple language, making it easy to understand for readers with no background knowledge of mental illness.
She begins by talking about her Jewish heritage and how she comes from a long line of survivors. Her faith is a theme that's woven throughout the book as a source of comfort for her.
Eleanor was not the first in her family to develop mental illness. Her father first became ill when she was quite young, although it was only years later that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Narratives from her dad appear throughout the book, which gives an interesting alternative perspective to her subjective descriptions.
She describes how her illness began in high school with depression, and then on a trip to Israel she became hypomanic and disinhibited. She was not properly diagnosed and treated, and her hypomania progressed to psychosis and the need for hospitalization. This whole process impacted her self-esteem, making her feel "like a freak", and this progressed into social anxiety, which appears throughout the book along with the bipolar disorder.
After she graduated from university, her parents divorced, which triggered a relapse of her illness, including depression and suicidal thoughts. She described feeling like a failure for claiming Jobseekers Allowance, which is a great example of the guilt people with mental illness can experience when accessing something they're genuinely entitled to.
A death in the family prompted a switch to mania with psychotic features, and she describes the various difficult events that occurred with the calm wisdom of someone who has really come to terms with her illness.
She ended up hospitalized. At a tribunal to challenge her assessment hold, she burst into song, and she admits that while she can see the humour in it now, the situation was very distressing at the time. This is a good example of how behaviours that may appear comical to observers are anything but for the mentally ill person.
When she left hospital, "I had no confidence and was a shell of a person." She ended up in a day hospital program, where her slow recovery began. A number of her journal entries from that time are included in the book, and even though she was unwell at the time it was still recognizable as the same voice.
She began writing after that, first on her blog, and then for a number of mental health charities and some high profile publications. She explains that "Writing was a form of therapy for me, and I found it truly healing."
One thing that struck me about this book was that it's not just a story of illness, it's a story of a rich life. There's a lot of kindness and positivity in the way she talks about other people, and hope is present even in the descriptions of the darkest times. Eleanor's big heart clearly shines through the pages.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It's written in clear, simple language, making it easy to understand for readers with no background knowledge of mental illness.
She begins by talking about her Jewish heritage and how she comes from a long line of survivors. Her faith is a theme that's woven throughout the book as a source of comfort for her.
Eleanor was not the first in her family to develop mental illness. Her father first became ill when she was quite young, although it was only years later that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Narratives from her dad appear throughout the book, which gives an interesting alternative perspective to her subjective descriptions.
She describes how her illness began in high school with depression, and then on a trip to Israel she became hypomanic and disinhibited. She was not properly diagnosed and treated, and her hypomania progressed to psychosis and the need for hospitalization. This whole process impacted her self-esteem, making her feel "like a freak", and this progressed into social anxiety, which appears throughout the book along with the bipolar disorder.
After she graduated from university, her parents divorced, which triggered a relapse of her illness, including depression and suicidal thoughts. She described feeling like a failure for claiming Jobseekers Allowance, which is a great example of the guilt people with mental illness can experience when accessing something they're genuinely entitled to.
A death in the family prompted a switch to mania with psychotic features, and she describes the various difficult events that occurred with the calm wisdom of someone who has really come to terms with her illness.
She ended up hospitalized. At a tribunal to challenge her assessment hold, she burst into song, and she admits that while she can see the humour in it now, the situation was very distressing at the time. This is a good example of how behaviours that may appear comical to observers are anything but for the mentally ill person.
When she left hospital, "I had no confidence and was a shell of a person." She ended up in a day hospital program, where her slow recovery began. A number of her journal entries from that time are included in the book, and even though she was unwell at the time it was still recognizable as the same voice.
She began writing after that, first on her blog, and then for a number of mental health charities and some high profile publications. She explains that "Writing was a form of therapy for me, and I found it truly healing."
One thing that struck me about this book was that it's not just a story of illness, it's a story of a rich life. There's a lot of kindness and positivity in the way she talks about other people, and hope is present even in the descriptions of the darkest times. Eleanor's big heart clearly shines through the pages.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2019
Eleanor's story is incredibly powerful. I can't believe how much she's gone through in such a short space of time, and how strong she is to have overcome it! The writing is so touching; you genuinely feel as though you're chatting to a friend. Five stars for Eleanor!
October 14, 2019
Eleanor is extremely honest as she tells her very personal story of being diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder and her journey from adolescence to adulthood.
In this book we are taken through Eleanor's struggles with her mental health and what a profound impact it has had on her life.
She really opens up about her struggles with her mental health and the inner turmoil she was facing.
Eleanor clearly has a great support network of family and friends who have been such a support for her which she acknowledges.
I found her honest account of struggling with medication, institutionalisation following hospital stays and feeling lost in her own life extremely difficult to read but so educational and inspirational.
Eleanor hasn't let her mental health stop her from being successful, finding a career she loves, she's got such a strong faith, a great network of family and friends and now a loving husband.
A lot of what she talks about within this book really deeply personally resonated with me. My biological mother has bipolar and I really feel like I now have a much better understanding of some of her behaviour over the years when she has been ill with her mental health after reading Eleanor's story. It's been quite eye opening for me. I really enjoyed Eleanor's story and her outlook on life. She's extremely brave for speaking out about her mental health struggles and I think she's a great advocate for mental health especially in the Jewish community.
In this book we are taken through Eleanor's struggles with her mental health and what a profound impact it has had on her life.
She really opens up about her struggles with her mental health and the inner turmoil she was facing.
Eleanor clearly has a great support network of family and friends who have been such a support for her which she acknowledges.
I found her honest account of struggling with medication, institutionalisation following hospital stays and feeling lost in her own life extremely difficult to read but so educational and inspirational.
Eleanor hasn't let her mental health stop her from being successful, finding a career she loves, she's got such a strong faith, a great network of family and friends and now a loving husband.
A lot of what she talks about within this book really deeply personally resonated with me. My biological mother has bipolar and I really feel like I now have a much better understanding of some of her behaviour over the years when she has been ill with her mental health after reading Eleanor's story. It's been quite eye opening for me. I really enjoyed Eleanor's story and her outlook on life. She's extremely brave for speaking out about her mental health struggles and I think she's a great advocate for mental health especially in the Jewish community.
July 9, 2020
Eleanor's story is one which is hard to read at times due to the subject content. However, it must be heard by all.
Reading this book put my mental wellbeing into perspective as Eleanor shows tremendous bravery in discussing her story in an attempt to break down the stigma attached to mental illness.
This memoir is a real eye-opener to anyone unsure of how serious mental illness can impact daily life or how to offer help to someone.
The book educates readers as well as providing hope and optimism despite having to go through dark times before the light finds its way through.
We must embrace the voices of Eleanor so that we all may learn something and develop more knowledge and awareness of how we can offer support to one another.
Thank you, Eleanor, for sharing your light through this poignant book. May you continue to shine in your advocacy and determination to make the world a better place
Reading this book put my mental wellbeing into perspective as Eleanor shows tremendous bravery in discussing her story in an attempt to break down the stigma attached to mental illness.
This memoir is a real eye-opener to anyone unsure of how serious mental illness can impact daily life or how to offer help to someone.
The book educates readers as well as providing hope and optimism despite having to go through dark times before the light finds its way through.
We must embrace the voices of Eleanor so that we all may learn something and develop more knowledge and awareness of how we can offer support to one another.
Thank you, Eleanor, for sharing your light through this poignant book. May you continue to shine in your advocacy and determination to make the world a better place
June 11, 2020
Compelling, accessible, honest and insightful
Eleanor Segall's account of her bipolar disorder and social anxiety is compelling reading. Her writing is accessible, down to earth and emotive. Her self-understanding, honesty and the clarity with which she frames and reflects on her experiences is inspirational. I was touched by her gratitude to those who have supported her during her journey and her ability to see the best qualities in those around her. The book was so insightful that it got me thinking about some of my own experiences with depression in new ways. Thank you for sharing your story with the world.
Eleanor Segall's account of her bipolar disorder and social anxiety is compelling reading. Her writing is accessible, down to earth and emotive. Her self-understanding, honesty and the clarity with which she frames and reflects on her experiences is inspirational. I was touched by her gratitude to those who have supported her during her journey and her ability to see the best qualities in those around her. The book was so insightful that it got me thinking about some of my own experiences with depression in new ways. Thank you for sharing your story with the world.
December 6, 2019
An incredibly honest account of life with bipolar. Eleanor shares the darkest times in her life during psychosis, diagnosis, and most importantly, recovery.
An incredible insight.
An incredible insight.
May 15, 2022
Eleanor's story is one which is hard to read at times due to the subject content. However, it must be heard by all.
Reading this book put my mental wellbeing into perspective as Eleanor shows tremendous bravery in discussing her story in an attempt to break down the stigma attached to mental illness.
This memoir is a real eye-opener to anyone unsure of how serious mental illness can impact daily life or how to offer help to someone.
The book educates readers and provides hope and optimism despite having to go through dark times before the light finds its way through.
We must embrace the voices of Eleanor so that we all may learn something and develop more knowledge and awareness of how we can offer support to one another.
Thank you, Eleanor, for sharing your light through this poignant book. May you continue to shine in your advocacy and determination to make the world a better place.
Reading this book put my mental wellbeing into perspective as Eleanor shows tremendous bravery in discussing her story in an attempt to break down the stigma attached to mental illness.
This memoir is a real eye-opener to anyone unsure of how serious mental illness can impact daily life or how to offer help to someone.
The book educates readers and provides hope and optimism despite having to go through dark times before the light finds its way through.
We must embrace the voices of Eleanor so that we all may learn something and develop more knowledge and awareness of how we can offer support to one another.
Thank you, Eleanor, for sharing your light through this poignant book. May you continue to shine in your advocacy and determination to make the world a better place.
January 18, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It is honest and touching and resonated a lot with me as I also have bipolar disorder. I like its message of hope and now want to read more of Eleanor's work. There were just a few flaws in my opinion: the book begins with a long family history which I found a bit dry; it explains unnecessarily what 'improvisation', 'mime' and 'podiatrist' mean; and it is not well proof-checked with a fair few problems of syntax, grammar and punctuation.
May 3, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
“There is hope, a candle of light, despite the darkness that mental illness can bring.”
This was an excellent memoir divining into the reality of living with a mental illness (Bipolar Disorder, suicidal ideation, & social anxiety) the stigma surrounding it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews