October 11: Mental Illness Awareness Week
Fictional characters can give us a window into mental illness. Barbara Claypole White writes novels whose main characters deal with a brain disorder. Barbara’s latest release, The Promise Between Us helped me understand the mental torment that accompanies OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).
The story pulled me in from page one with Katie’s internal torment over her feelings about her baby. It moved quickly into years later and I witnessed the situation resurface. I learned more about the struggles that people who battle OCD may face and must learn to overcome. This book left me filled with hope and a better understanding of this illness we rarely discuss. I recommend it to everyone.
Never again will I refer to wanting something neat and tidy as OCD. I prefer to say “I like it when things are in their place.” It doesn’t frighten me or cause me painful anxiety if the rug on the floor is catawampus.
I promise myself to continue to reach out and walk beside those who struggle with mental illness and their families. Most of the time, the most helpful thing to do is listen. I have two ears and one mouth. I must remember the ratio.
Thanks for stopping by.
More reviews to follow.
Virginia Pillars, Author 