Beyond Crazy: Journeys Through Mental Illness [Paperback]

In any given year, one in five Canadians will experience symptoms of mental disorder. So why do we still have such a long way to go towards true understanding and acceptance? Because people are afraid to talk.

Beyond Crazy takes us beyond the barriers of fear and stigma to meet real Canadians from all walks of life who have encountered mental illness. They tell stories of what it is like to journey to the edge of the abyss and back again, of what it is like to suffer deep psychosis or depression, a misdiagnosis, a life-threatening eating disorder, the suicide of a loved one. And they tell stories of hope recovered, of finding the road back to wellness, of families made stronger than ever.

Using the most honest and compelling language – and often a good dose of humour – brave celebrities and unsung heroes tell it like it is. By doing so, they make it easier for those who follow, easier to get past the fear, to move beyond crazy.“Gripping.…This book deserves to have the effect on the mental health field that Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle had on the meat-packing industry.…The best thing about Beyond Crazy is that, speaking of mental health, it is compulsively readable.…It is rare to find a book that is so informative and moving.”
–Catherine Gildiner, Globe and Mail

“Beyond Crazy goes beyond therories and treatments into the world of human experience. These compelling and personal stories propel the reader into the phenomenon of mental disorder, show how it has transformed the lives of ordinary and celebrated Canadians, and teach us not to lose sight of the person who is suffering. It is a terrific book.”
–David S. Goldbloom, MD, FRCPC, Physician-in-Chief, Centre for Addiction and MentlÃ.