May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the often overlooked and stigmatized topic of mental health. I invite you to join me as I look at a handful of struggles related to mental illness through the lens of my upcoming novel, Hope and Madness, a story deeply rooted in my personal experiences.
Sierra Mason, the protagonist of the story, has a sibling named Hope who is affected by bipolar I disorder. This condition affects an estimated 14 million Americans, accounting for 4.4% of the population. Chronic symptoms are a harsh reality for many, making bipolar disorder a leading cause of disability in the United States.
Sierra’s journey is a stark reflection of the trials faced by countless families. Adults grappling with mental illness often find themselves lost in a system that fails to meet their needs, leaving their families to pick up the pieces for as long as they are willing and able.
The financial and emotional toll can be similar to dealing with those fighting with addiction. In fact, an estimated 56% of people who suffer from severe and chronic mental illness also have problems with drug and alcohol abuse. This combination creates a complicated and unyielding problem for both the sufferers and those around them: their families, friends, and society as a whole. This is a battle I’ve seen fought time and time again, with victory remaining elusive.
My book delves into the helplessness and frustration experienced by family members who want to help but are often legally powerless to intervene. In most cases, conservatorship is the only solution—an undesirable situation for most sufferers and their family members. The lack of options for family members to intervene and provide support is a glaring gap in our mental health care system. Hope and Madness brings this issue to the forefront, highlighting the need for more options that empower families to provide the type and level of support their loved ones need.
Furthermore, families and their members must also face the harsh stigma, judgment, and backlash of their actions. While I received encouragement during my many years of helping my relative through their struggles, I also faced criticism from both family members and acquaintances. One writing critique partner even began her feedback on my first draft with the disclaimer, “I’m not judging how you chose to handle things…”
Unfortunately, I am well aware that by sharing my experience, any possible judgment towards my decisions will be amplified by the limitations of my storytelling.
Accessing mental health services is another significant hurdle highlighted in the book. Hope’s journey mirrors the real-life struggles of countless individuals who can’t access the medical help they need. In many parts of the country, mental health services are woefully inadequate, underfunded, and understaffed. The story illuminates the difficulties of family advocacy and the challenges of accessing these services, especially for those suffering from the most severe forms of the illness.
The novel also underscores the limitations of medication in treating mental health disorders. While medication can be a lifeline for many, it is not a cure-all. Hope and Madness paints a vivid picture of Hope’s struggle with medication side effects, the trial-and-error process of finding the right medication, and the need for continual monitoring and adjustments. It also emphasizes the crucial roles of therapy, support systems, and societal understanding.
One of the most heart-wrenching aspects Hope and Madness explores is the dangers faced by people with mental illnesses. They are often targeted by predators who exploit their vulnerability and manipulate them. Receiving justice can be challenging for people like Hope due to their symptoms and social biases.
The harsh reality is that our law enforcement and legal system often pose more risks than assistance. Many sufferers end up in jail for minor offenses and account for a quarter of all individuals killed by police. This is a sobering reminder of the urgent need for society to reevaluate how we handle mental health crises.
Calls to police to check on the well-being of individuals were 74 percent more likely to be associated with fatal injury than police responses to an incident where shots had already been fired. This includes wellness checks that did not explicitly involve threats or harm before an encounter with police.
American Journal of Public Health
My journey as a novelist began with a deep conviction—the events that inspired Hope and Madness needed to be told. The experience challenged my beliefs about mental illness, beliefs that are all too common in our society.
Hope and Madness is more than just a book about one family’s struggle; it is a mirror held up to society, reflecting our attitudes towards mental health. As we come to a close of Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s reflect on the countless individuals facing similar battles and difficult choices.
The book poses a poignant question: “Can Sierra rebuild her sister’s life without losing her own?” Let’s strive to ensure that no one has to make such a choice. It’s time to shatter the stigma surrounding mental illness. Time to replace judgment with support. And time to create a world where hope triumphs over madness.
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