Beyond Crazy by: Nunes, Julia & Simmie, Scott
Beyond Crazy: Journeys Through Mental Illness
Hardcover | 294 pages | ISBN:0-7710-8068-9
Year Published:2002 – McClelland & Stewart | Tidewater Price:$34.99
Once again Julia Nunes and Scott Simmie have taken on the awesome task of dispelling the myriad myths surrounding mental illness. In their previous best-selling book, The Last Taboo, the authors not only brought awareness to the realities of mental disorders, but they provided an invaluable and much-needed resource guide to navigating the mental health care system in Canada. Beyond Crazy takes over where The Last Taboo left off. Through a series of poignant and frank personal accounts, the authors have put a face, and perhaps more importantly, given voice to the experience of mental disorders.
The portraits by a diverse group of individuals including athletes, politicians, writers, teachers, students, and housewives illustrate that mental disorders do not discriminate. They cut across social, cultural, and economic barriers. The stories provide an intimate look at the profound, and sometimes tragic, impact that illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anorexia, and alcoholism can have on an individual and his or her family and friends. Ultimately, however, the stories are about survival and recovery and, above all, hope.
Beyond Crazy is, in the authors’ words, “a call to arms”. It is a call for understanding, compassion, and acceptance. Mental disorders come about as a result of a complex blend of genetic, environmental, social, and cultural factors. The authors challenge the notion of mental illness as a character weakness or as an individual being flawed or defective. They urge the reader to acknowledge the stereotypes and stigmas attached to mental disorder and to look beyond the labels. Beyond Crazy is a remarkable and necessary book for mental health care consumers, caregivers, family and friends.