Key Takeaways
- The book "Don’t Call Me Crazy: 33 Voices Start The Conversation About Mental Health" features a collection of stories from different voices speaking about their experiences with mental health
- The book aims to start a conversation about mental health and break down stigmas surrounding mental illness
- The collection includes stories about various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, trichotillomania, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and body dysmorphic disorder
- The book is filled with honesty, humor, insight, hardship, and hope, and includes resources to help readers understand and feel understood
- The book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about mental health and start a conversation about their own experiences
Introduction to the Book
The book "Don’t Call Me Crazy: 33 Voices Start The Conversation About Mental Health" edited by Kelly Jenson is a thought-provoking collection of stories that aims to start a conversation about mental health. The book features a diverse range of voices, each sharing their unique experiences with mental illness. The term "crazy" is often used to describe someone who is struggling with their mental health, but as Kelly Jensen writes, "crazy" is not a singular or definitive experience. Instead, it is a complex and multifaceted concept that can mean different things to different people. Throughout the collection, readers are introduced to various definitions of "crazy" and what it means to each individual.
The Power of Storytelling
The collection features stories from a range of authors, including Shaun David Hutchinson, Victoria Schwab, and Kristen Bell, each sharing their personal experiences with mental health. These stories are filled with honesty, humor, insight, hardship, and hope, and offer a unique perspective on what it means to live with a mental illness. One of the most powerful aspects of the book is the way it highlights the importance of community and connection in managing mental health. As Adam Silvera’s favorite person told him, "[Return to being] Adam Silvera, human who writes, not writer who humans." This quote emphasizes the importance of remembering that individuals are more than their mental health conditions, and that they are deserving of love, care, and compassion.
Diverse Experiences and Illustrations
The collection also features soothing purple illustrations by Gemma Correll, Yumi Sakugawa, and S. Zainab Williams, which add a touch of warmth and comfort to the book. The stories themselves are diverse and cover a range of mental health conditions, including trichotillomania, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and body dysmorphic disorder. For example, Ashley Holstrom shares her experience with trichotillomania, while S. Jae-Jones uses the manic-pixie dream girl trope to speak about bipolar disorder. Jessica Tremaine shares her experience having an eating disorder, and Reid Ewing talks about the various cosmetic surgeries he underwent while navigating body dysmorphic disorder. These stories are a testament to the complexity and diversity of mental health experiences, and highlight the importance of listening to and amplifying the voices of those who are often marginalized or stigmatized.
The Importance of Resources and Community
The book is filled with resources that will help readers understand and feel understood, but it also reminds us that this conversation is only a starting point. The collection includes a range of resources, from hotlines and support groups to online communities and therapy options. These resources are invaluable for readers who may be struggling with their mental health, and provide a sense of hope and connection. The book also emphasizes the importance of community and connection in managing mental health. Whether it’s a friend, a parent, a writer who speaks about your condition, or a movie, community can provide a sense of belonging and support that is essential for healing and recovery.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Overall, "Don’t Call Me Crazy: 33 Voices Start The Conversation About Mental Health" is a powerful and thought-provoking collection of stories that is essential reading for anyone looking to learn more about mental health. The book is refreshing, relevant, and comforting, and is a valuable resource for anyone who has experienced mental illness or knows someone who has. Even if you think you may not gain too much from it, I still recommend you pick it up. Mental illness exists on a continuum, and it’s likely we will all feel seen in parts of another’s journey. If you enjoyed reading this, also check out "8 of The Best Mental Health Nonfiction For Teen Readers" and "8 Books About Doing Nothing To Help Break Free From Hustle Culture" for more resources and stories about mental health.
