Life Inside My Mind

February 15, 2018
Thirty-one authors write about the impact of living with mental illness--their own or a loved one's.Depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, eating disorders, addiction, PTSD, and bipolar disorder are among the challenges addressed in essays ranging from gorgeous (particularly some stellar pieces on suicidal ideation) to mundane. Most discuss the author's constantly evolving treatment program, including such mainstays as medication, therapy, exercise, sleeping well, mindfulness, and pragmatic acceptance of what is possible. The contributors vary in their approaches: Francisco X. Stork is adamant that his bipolar disorder doesn't make him more creative, while other authors see a silver lining to their struggles. All, however, are anti-stigma and pro-self-care and speak to the benefits of seeking professional help. Given the different racial, cultural, and gender-based barriers around mental health, it's deeply unfortunate that the contributors are overwhelmingly white and female. Still, the exceptions stand out even more brightly for that, including Tom Pollock on his bulimia and Cindy L. Rodriguez on the Latinx community and depression. Readers will also learn about the impact of genetics and environmental factors, curing vs. managing mental illness, and the underdiagnosis of high-achieving girls.Teens may be unlikely to seek out this collection on their own, but it is a valuable read to put in the hands of those who need it. (Memoir/essay. 14-18)

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Starred review from February 26, 2018
Renowned writers of fiction and nonfiction candidly speak out about their experiences with often stigmatized mental illnesses, including agoraphobia, OCD, Alzheimer’s, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and depression and anxiety, which frequently go hand in hand. Some of the authors focus on what it is like to be in their shoes, such as editor-poet E.K. Anderson, who expresses her experience with bipolar disorder entirely in verse, and Megan Kelley Hall, who details her suffering in her essay “My Depression—A Rock and a Hard Place.” More often than not, however, the aims of the authors—who include Ellen Hopkins, Francisco X. Stork, Maureen Johnson, Sara Zarr, and many others—are to help readers, advising them on where to turn for help and advocating for a society that is more sensitive and informed about mental and emotional health. Author Tara Kelly provides a concrete list of tips ranging from medication to stargazing to help relieve symptoms of acute anxiety. These bold, brave essays will educate the uninformed and inspire hope in those who may feel alone in their suffering. Ages 14–up. Agent: Bethany Buck with Edward Maxwell, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.

Starred review from February 1, 2018
Grades 8-12 *Starred Review* Ellen Hopkins, Lauren Oliver, Francisco X. Stork, Sara Zarr, and the other 27 contributors to this anthology are all best-selling, award-winning authors. Yet many admit that their personal essay on mental illness was the hardest piece they've ever written. Although a few authors write about friends and family, most reveal their own struggles with anxiety, depression, addiction, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, body-image issues, and more, with cutting and suicidal thoughts often entering the picture. The contributors explain how the mental illness first manifested itself and eventually took over their lives. Their essays (and one poem) are raw, intense, and poignant. Individually, they show a wide range of experiences; collectively, they show commonalities among sufferers. There are feelings of isolation, shame, being stigmatized, and losing control as it or a monster seemingly guides their thoughts and actions. Nevertheless, hope and recovery also shine through as the authors reflect on their self-care and coping mechanisms, including therapy, medication, meditation, exercise, sleep, and diet. Just like mental illness itself, the paths to acceptance and recovery take many forms. Who better to raise teens' awareness of mental illness and health than the YA authors they admire? Their compelling stories will start important discussions and assure readers they're never alone.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2019
In this anthology, authors reflect on their challenges involving mental health--usually their own, sometimes that of people close to them. This candid look at a range of mental health issues also offers some discussion of individuals' management. The inclusion of multiple authors with similar conditions (particularly anxiety) underscores their varying effects. Websites.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Starred review from February 1, 2018

Gr 9 Up-In this much-needed, enlightening book, 31 young adult authors write candidly about mental health crises, either their own or that of someone very close to them. Ranging from humorous to heartbreaking to hopeful, each story has a uniquely individual approach to the set of circumstances that the writer is dealing with. Many authors address readers in the second person, inviting them to imagine what it's like to live a day inside their heads. The symptoms of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and addiction are frequently discussed. Readers will learn of the many different ways these conditions can be present and in which they often work together. Despite the intense emotional content, teens will warm to the authenticity apparent in every voice. Many, if not most of the essays offer a list of the techniques and treatments that have been successful in handling symptoms, including medication, therapy, exercise, and yoga. The difficulty in recognizing mental health issues, as well as the unfortunate stigma associated with asking for help, is frequently acknowledged and may help teen and adult readers work toward achieving a more open dialogue. Perhaps most importantly, the collection's overarching sentiment points toward acceptance and the idea that treatment is a journey. As contributor Tara Kelly writes: "If anxiety gets the better of me again, that's okay. I give myself permission to fall down and get back up." VERDICT A first purchase for all young adult collections.-Kristy Pasquariello, Wellesley Free Library, MA

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