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The Insanity Machine - Life with Paranoid Schizophrenia
The Insanity Machine is an introspective look at life with paranoid schizophrenia. This book takes a clinical and observational look at the challenges presented by the condition. Kenna discusses the definition of paranoid schizophrenia, treatments, living with the disorder, and many other topics surrounding schizophrenia. The Insanity Machine is a nonfiction story about our journey with schizophrenia, which is also well researched and suitable for therapists or family practitioners as a reference book. The book includes the latest treatments and research, as well as personal vignettes and suggestions which a client or caregiver will find extremely helpful. The book focuses on hope and positive outcomes.
156 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
30 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Kenna McKinnon
45 books43 followersHoney lover, Kenna McKinnon, is the author of SpaceHive, a middle grade sci-fi/fantasy novel replete with giant alien bees; her mental health is revealed in The Insanity Machine, a memoir with co-author Austin Mardon, PhD, CM; and her life and times with DISCOVERY – A Collection of Poetry, all released in 2012. A children's chapter book, Benjamin & Rumblechum; A quirky mystery thriller starring a female schizophrenic private eye, Blood Sister (did SHE do it?); Short Circuit and Other Geek Stories in memory of her son. Recently published is a paranormal/fantasy trilogy of dark, dark novellas, Den of Dark Angels; and a fantasy dragon adventure, Engaging the Dragon. A superhero hair stylist tale of Timothie Hill and the Cloak of Power is her most recent book, based on a real character in Edmonton, Canada. Her books are crouching at Amazon KDP and in selected local bookstores and public libraries.
Her most memorable years were spent at the University of Alberta, where she graduated with Distinction with a degree in Anthropology (1975). She has lived successfully with schizophrenia for many years and is a member of the Writers' Guild of Alberta and the Canadian Authors Association. She has two children and three grandsons.
Her author's blog: http://KennaMcKinnonAuthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KennaMcKinno...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KennaMcKinnon
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kennamckinnon
Her most memorable years were spent at the University of Alberta, where she graduated with Distinction with a degree in Anthropology (1975). She has lived successfully with schizophrenia for many years and is a member of the Writers' Guild of Alberta and the Canadian Authors Association. She has two children and three grandsons.
Her author's blog: http://KennaMcKinnonAuthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KennaMcKinno...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KennaMcKinnon
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kennamckinnon
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 1, 2020
Illuminating and Informative
This well-written book composed by someone who’s been there and done that, delivered on its ambition to illuminate those who are unfamiliar with the mental illness of schizophrenia.
Comprehensive in scope, the author maintains a positive outlook throughout, and conveys hope for those afflicted with any form of mental illness.
From the gamut of clinically defining and explaining what schizophrenia is and isn’t, to the sobering statistics provided, the reader not only has a clearer understanding, but profound respect and admiration for those who fulfill and exceed their expectations to function on a daily basis.
In my opinion, many of the practical suggestions the author offers apply to anyone, as well as these wise words, “Do what you love. And do it with passion and hope. And never give up. Giving up is not an option.”
I highly recommend this illuminating book, a stepping stone to understanding schizophrenia.
This well-written book composed by someone who’s been there and done that, delivered on its ambition to illuminate those who are unfamiliar with the mental illness of schizophrenia.
Comprehensive in scope, the author maintains a positive outlook throughout, and conveys hope for those afflicted with any form of mental illness.
From the gamut of clinically defining and explaining what schizophrenia is and isn’t, to the sobering statistics provided, the reader not only has a clearer understanding, but profound respect and admiration for those who fulfill and exceed their expectations to function on a daily basis.
In my opinion, many of the practical suggestions the author offers apply to anyone, as well as these wise words, “Do what you love. And do it with passion and hope. And never give up. Giving up is not an option.”
I highly recommend this illuminating book, a stepping stone to understanding schizophrenia.
December 21, 2021
Content - The content focuses on schizophrenia, a mental illness of which I work with daily in my job. For someone like me, who works in this area it is good due to forming a better understanding of the importance of independence, and humour to people living with mental illness, this book works towards educating people and helping that these individuals receive the proper care in the future by trying to break stigmas and inform the reader of the reality of theses illnesses.
Overall - Was a good book, simple to follow along with and enjoyable. I loved this read, I purchased on my kindle a read over one day.
Recommendation -. Recommend to everyone giving an insight into schizophrenia and especially for caregivers/support workers. I recommend this to anyone interested in understanding schizophrenia and people living with mental illness.
Overall - Was a good book, simple to follow along with and enjoyable. I loved this read, I purchased on my kindle a read over one day.
Recommendation -. Recommend to everyone giving an insight into schizophrenia and especially for caregivers/support workers. I recommend this to anyone interested in understanding schizophrenia and people living with mental illness.
September 3, 2018
I noticed author Kenna McKinnon in more than one author group years ago. Unlike other authors in these groups, Kenna never echoed silly sentiments but presented new things, fresh ideas, and concepts that blew me away. Clever, smart, brilliant... Quite often her angle was a point of view most people had never even contemplated.
Don’t believe it?
(p. 66 of this book) “... Kenna notes that if Jesus Christ were alive today and on earth he would probably be locked up in a mental institution. Christians visit people in jails but they seldom visit psychiatric wards... “.
Hmm? Admit it – even if you are active in a church, you never thought about this. Neither did I even though my grandmother was very active in her church for 70+ years and also talked her church’s activities, all the time.
And, so it came as a surprise when I learned that Kenna McKinnon is schizophrenic. Since what I knew about schizophrenia differs completely from the only schizophrenic person I met I decided to read her book. In her book “The Insanity Machine: Living With Paranoid Schizophrenia” Kenna McKinnon and her co-author Austin Mardon, PhD. (both schizphrenics) debunk common myths. I guess my biggest error was that I thought that schizophrenic people can’t organize their thoughts.
Apparently, this was indeed a problem during McKinnon’s younger years, since then, better medications have been developed. But, McKinnon cautions that patients need to work with their doctor, in fact they need to find the right doctor first, not every doc fits every patient. This is an element of the book that I like very much – it’s not one of these wonder story books and it’s also not a “pain and suffering” book like so many these days.
McKinnon dissects her topic in an analytical way, as if describing how to fix a Thanksgiving dinner with eight courses.
In actuality, she and Austin Mardon, PhD. met in the old 5C forensic psychiatry ward at Alberta Hospital Edmonton. She calls themselves “inmates.” She also describes that people used to her her and Austin Mardon “bad” or “weak” and that Austin was advised to undergo sterilization within three months of his diagnosis.
All of this is heartbreaking and one must admire the strength, both, McKinnon and Mardon, display. Though this disease is not easy to cope with, religious delusions and trouble with the law are common, both, McKinnon and Mardon keep the upper handle, do not give into thoughts of suicide which is also common.
McKinnon also lays out that she feels lucky, living in Canada “...where medical treatment is provided at no charge to the consumer. We're thankful for those who understand. We're thankful for those with bipolar illness, anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, dementia, autism, and all the other forms taken by what mental health professionals label as mental illness...”
She manages to graduate with Distinction with a BA from the University of Alberta, Mardon manages to graduate with a PhD.
The book is also a passionate plea to accept people with illnesses, “... Is anyone really normal? And what about the millions with disabilities? Millions of people with physical disabilities have spokespersons like Rick Hansen, Christopher Reeve or Helen Keller. Who speaks for us? We must come out of the shadows...”
and
“...God made the world. God did not make trash. His people are guiding stars and prayer is a beacon. Find a star and God will steer...”
Having seen McKinnon argue certain ideas, I agree, am in awe, and I wonder why I myself never thought about these question.
This book is highly recommended whether you know somebody who suffers from a mental illness or not; in fact, none of us may know of people in our surroundings have such a disease. McKinnon explains that most people who try to hid e that fact.
Riveting, fascinating and deeply human, 5 stars,
Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger
Don’t believe it?
(p. 66 of this book) “... Kenna notes that if Jesus Christ were alive today and on earth he would probably be locked up in a mental institution. Christians visit people in jails but they seldom visit psychiatric wards... “.
Hmm? Admit it – even if you are active in a church, you never thought about this. Neither did I even though my grandmother was very active in her church for 70+ years and also talked her church’s activities, all the time.
And, so it came as a surprise when I learned that Kenna McKinnon is schizophrenic. Since what I knew about schizophrenia differs completely from the only schizophrenic person I met I decided to read her book. In her book “The Insanity Machine: Living With Paranoid Schizophrenia” Kenna McKinnon and her co-author Austin Mardon, PhD. (both schizphrenics) debunk common myths. I guess my biggest error was that I thought that schizophrenic people can’t organize their thoughts.
Apparently, this was indeed a problem during McKinnon’s younger years, since then, better medications have been developed. But, McKinnon cautions that patients need to work with their doctor, in fact they need to find the right doctor first, not every doc fits every patient. This is an element of the book that I like very much – it’s not one of these wonder story books and it’s also not a “pain and suffering” book like so many these days.
McKinnon dissects her topic in an analytical way, as if describing how to fix a Thanksgiving dinner with eight courses.
In actuality, she and Austin Mardon, PhD. met in the old 5C forensic psychiatry ward at Alberta Hospital Edmonton. She calls themselves “inmates.” She also describes that people used to her her and Austin Mardon “bad” or “weak” and that Austin was advised to undergo sterilization within three months of his diagnosis.
All of this is heartbreaking and one must admire the strength, both, McKinnon and Mardon, display. Though this disease is not easy to cope with, religious delusions and trouble with the law are common, both, McKinnon and Mardon keep the upper handle, do not give into thoughts of suicide which is also common.
McKinnon also lays out that she feels lucky, living in Canada “...where medical treatment is provided at no charge to the consumer. We're thankful for those who understand. We're thankful for those with bipolar illness, anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, dementia, autism, and all the other forms taken by what mental health professionals label as mental illness...”
She manages to graduate with Distinction with a BA from the University of Alberta, Mardon manages to graduate with a PhD.
The book is also a passionate plea to accept people with illnesses, “... Is anyone really normal? And what about the millions with disabilities? Millions of people with physical disabilities have spokespersons like Rick Hansen, Christopher Reeve or Helen Keller. Who speaks for us? We must come out of the shadows...”
and
“...God made the world. God did not make trash. His people are guiding stars and prayer is a beacon. Find a star and God will steer...”
Having seen McKinnon argue certain ideas, I agree, am in awe, and I wonder why I myself never thought about these question.
This book is highly recommended whether you know somebody who suffers from a mental illness or not; in fact, none of us may know of people in our surroundings have such a disease. McKinnon explains that most people who try to hid e that fact.
Riveting, fascinating and deeply human, 5 stars,
Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger
May 2, 2018
This book is filled with truly inspirational stories and practical advice for those diagnosed with schizophrenia. The two authors detail how they manage their diagnosis, while still leading healthy, happy and undeniably successful lives with full and fulfilling careers. The book emphasizes the importance of stability, and cautious planning and above all a positive attitude to maintain a successful career. "The Insanity Machine" also successfully takes steps towards the destigmatization of paranoid schizophrenia and by extension all mental illness.
Admittedly my knowledge of this area was lacking, and I rarely considered the topic beyond the obviously harmful stereotypes presented in the media. I learned a great deal about the illness and the issues facing those who have been diagnosed from this book.
This book is not only useful for the destigmatization of the mental illness, the authors present an abundance of examples demonstrating how they have overcome these issues and advice on how other individuals with a diagnosis may still lead complete lives by taking the right steps. This book is also useful to caregivers, as it not only presents these issues from the perspectives of those with schizophrenia but provides advice on how to be an excellent caregiver as well. By ensuring that caregivers understand the importance of independence, and humor to mentally ill individuals, this book can ensure that these individuals receive the proper care in the future.
The book further advises on many methods through which an individual can maintain stability and positivity, like support through a community network, and a supportive family. Especially interesting to me was the hesitancy with which the book recommended spirituality and religion as a support mechanism, as this could lead to a worsening of the symptoms.
Through the author’s recollection of the stigmas they faced earlier in their lives as well as the harassment they continue to face the book recognizes the amount of work which is still required in the destigmatization of this mental illness. The book also recognizes the great advances made in the last thirty years from the slow changing of attitudes, to the advancement of important legislation, as well as the medical advances which significantly improve the quality of life of individuals with schizophrenia.
Overall the book maintains a hopeful look at the situation of people diagnosed with mental illnesses in our society. While the book demonstrates the issues both social and economic which face these individuals, the book also provides solutions to these problems and demonstrates that with careful planning these obstacles to a fulfilling life can be overcome.
Admittedly my knowledge of this area was lacking, and I rarely considered the topic beyond the obviously harmful stereotypes presented in the media. I learned a great deal about the illness and the issues facing those who have been diagnosed from this book.
This book is not only useful for the destigmatization of the mental illness, the authors present an abundance of examples demonstrating how they have overcome these issues and advice on how other individuals with a diagnosis may still lead complete lives by taking the right steps. This book is also useful to caregivers, as it not only presents these issues from the perspectives of those with schizophrenia but provides advice on how to be an excellent caregiver as well. By ensuring that caregivers understand the importance of independence, and humor to mentally ill individuals, this book can ensure that these individuals receive the proper care in the future.
The book further advises on many methods through which an individual can maintain stability and positivity, like support through a community network, and a supportive family. Especially interesting to me was the hesitancy with which the book recommended spirituality and religion as a support mechanism, as this could lead to a worsening of the symptoms.
Through the author’s recollection of the stigmas they faced earlier in their lives as well as the harassment they continue to face the book recognizes the amount of work which is still required in the destigmatization of this mental illness. The book also recognizes the great advances made in the last thirty years from the slow changing of attitudes, to the advancement of important legislation, as well as the medical advances which significantly improve the quality of life of individuals with schizophrenia.
Overall the book maintains a hopeful look at the situation of people diagnosed with mental illnesses in our society. While the book demonstrates the issues both social and economic which face these individuals, the book also provides solutions to these problems and demonstrates that with careful planning these obstacles to a fulfilling life can be overcome.
April 3, 2021
If I could, I would have given this 3 1/2 as it's very close to being a 4 out of 5, but there are some editing issues and repetition which undermined this otherwise fine book for me.
The positives are that the personal stories of the brave and compassionate authors are blended well with statistics and psychiatric terminology, so you really get a strong insight into those who live with and daily manage schizophrenia.
It is ultimately a hopeful and sensitive telling of the progress that has been made with treating schizophrenia, but doesn't shy away from what still needs to be done.
I think this book serves very well in giving an insight into schizophrenia for caregivers. I recommend this to anyone interested in understanding paranoid schizophrenia.
The positives are that the personal stories of the brave and compassionate authors are blended well with statistics and psychiatric terminology, so you really get a strong insight into those who live with and daily manage schizophrenia.
It is ultimately a hopeful and sensitive telling of the progress that has been made with treating schizophrenia, but doesn't shy away from what still needs to be done.
I think this book serves very well in giving an insight into schizophrenia for caregivers. I recommend this to anyone interested in understanding paranoid schizophrenia.
August 28, 2022
Well-written, honest, thoughtful. Helpful to family members, clinicians, and those who struggle with any form of mental illness. Author(s) pin point and attack ostracism as a leading cause of worsening mental health throughout the nation.
While this text isn’t necessarily heavy on data points it depicts a clear picture of paranoid schizophrenia and moreover makes the case that like the rest of us those who find themselves afflicted with symptoms are entitled not only to protection but to decency.
I would only advise a word of caution in terms of broad generalizations and remaining objective so as to avoid confirmation bias.
While this text isn’t necessarily heavy on data points it depicts a clear picture of paranoid schizophrenia and moreover makes the case that like the rest of us those who find themselves afflicted with symptoms are entitled not only to protection but to decency.
I would only advise a word of caution in terms of broad generalizations and remaining objective so as to avoid confirmation bias.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews