Reviews Elsewhere – Show Me All Your Scars: True Stories of Living with Mental Illness

Spotted another book review over on PsychCentral that I thought you might be interested in:

What comes to mind when you think of the term mental illness?

Do you think of individuals who are thriving, successful, independent, and happy? Or do you picture individuals who are locked away from society because of dangerous hallucinations and delusions? Either perception is skewed not only by preconceived notions of mental illness, but also by a lack of knowledge, education, and sensitivity. Mental health challenges can occur in any culture, age group, and socioeconomic class. Struggling with mental illness does not mean an individual will never “measure up.” We’re all susceptible in some way. Sadly, a lack of sensitivity and knowledge about topics involving mental health can lead to months, years, and even decades of isolation, pain, discrimination, and suffering. It is a painful reality.

That’s why Lee Gutkind compiled a great book of examples of the lives of those suffering from mental health challenges. His compiled work, Show Me All Your Scars: True Stories of Living with Mental Illness, awakens readers to the depths of the abyss for so many sufferers who are not only afraid to reach out for help, but who also struggle with the reality that their lives may never be free of pain and suffering. Each story outlines the barriers, fears, confusion, tribulation, and even danger of mental health challenges.

Have you read this book? What did you think of it?