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Endorsements
"I am impressed by
your strength in the struggle. Your creativity is also very evident. One
of our psychiatric residency classes has an assignment of reading a first
person account of mental illness; and your book shall be an interesting
addition to the collection."
"This book is a must
for students of contemporary psychotherapy. Much more than a profile of
a desperate woman's longitudinal struggle with mental illness, this book
is an opportunity for beginning clinicians to understand the difficulties
inevitably encountered in the attempt to treat a patient's internal world.
Sue provides a comprehensive recollection of her precarious, vulnerable
self and the mental health system's failure to acknowledge difficulties
that compounded impasses in her treatment. Providing a glimpse into the
human spirit's ability to arise and recede through the complex and thorough-going
alteration of one's state of mind, this book raises searching questions
about the degree to which clinicians truly effect treatment.
"Sue's drawings show
her creative movement from isolation to connectedness and from psychic
suffering to self understanding and acceptance. Her courageous execution
of this work is a hallmark example of the natural human tendency to strive
toward wholeness. What we are born with is not as significant as the use
we make of our talents and resources."
"Susan Heisler's
unflinching account of her descent into mental illness and her recovery
from it should help to reduce the stigma that still surrounds one of our
most pernicious health problems. A wife, mother, and nurse, Susan was the
image of competence when manic depression began to tear apart the carefully
constructed life she had created. Her book -- a composite of narrative,
drawings made during her illness and recovery, and accounts of family and
friends -- explores the childhood roots of her illness, documents its devastating
effect on her family, and chronicles her struggle to find caring psychiatrists
and proper medication. But, more importantly, it is a record of her recovery
through creativity and faith. Both instructional and inspiring, this book
is highly recommended for clinicians, patients, and their families."
"[I] felt encouraged
by your ability to write of your journey thru mental illness. I am an art
therapist, director of a master's art therapy program so I am always on
the alert for books that will help my students learn about mental illness
and the art therapy process. I will add your book to the recommended reading
list. for me, your book fits better with expressive arts therapies, not
so much art therapy. My goal is to help clients become aware of their life
style patterns thru the process and product of artmaking. Again I congratulate
you for putting your life to paper. It's a risk not many of us would be
able to take."
"Susan Heisler has
written an absorbing volume reflecting her multiple talents. The supporting
prose, poetry, and drawings almost constitute a work in themselves. This
is a fine example of the role drawing and journaling can play in the healing
process.
"In my years of teaching
creative writing, there are two things I have always tried to impart to
my students. First, do not be afraid to open the faucet and let loose whatever
flows. Second, try to get through the layers of shell and protection to
the germ of your emotions. In Anthology of a Crazy Lady, Sue has done both
of these things. Her illustrations are poignant and punctuate the text
with perfect balance. She has peeled to the core, fearlessly and beautifully."
"This book offers
a chance for you, the reader, to become empowered to take control of your
life. Sue eloquently and vividly points out that if only one side of a
person is treated then the treatment is not complete. Sue shares how she
learned each person is a triad -- body, soul, and spirit. To treat one
and not the other two is like having only one leg on a three-legged stool;
it will soon tip over."
"Sue is a brave pioneer
and she asks us to come with her and witness mania and depression and their
devastating effects. She takes us with no apology into the unknown, a place
of fears and frustrations. For those who identify with Sue's fight, she
shines a beam of light, offering much hope and encouragement to keep running
the race."
"I read your book
and the AATA journal would like to review it for our readers. I am the
editor for that publication and I am sure our readers would love to hear
more about it."
"Susan has drawn
her spirit. Drawings with feelings always touch the soul."
"I have just finished
your book and wanted to let you know how I felt about it. The thing that
most struck me about the book was your ability to articulate the feeling
and depth of your own suffering in such a readable style. The experiences
you write about are more universal than people realize. It is amazing to
me that you could continue to search in the midst of so many negative influences.
It also makes me realize how very important a supportive partner is in
the mental health of the other partner; especially, its importance in the
parent-child relationship. Although I didnít know you during most of this
time, I feel that now, having read your words, I can recognize the new
person I do know as one who is stronger and more complete for the work
she has done. As I have told you on several occasions, your art is extremely
moving and now I can see the background on which your drawings are created."
"Oh my, what a fantastic
accomplishment! I am so proud of you. My sister, an editor by profession,
said, 'Oh, what a cover!' Please, we must get together because I would
love to ask you many questions about the evolution of the disease and your
decision to attack it head on and your creativity in doing so."
"I am highly impressed
by your book writing adventure. Congratulations on your accomplishment
and recovery. I remember us sitting on the front porch; you had come home
from Charter Pines (psychiatric facility). I enjoyed our talk, but felt
helpless. I wanted to hug and kiss you and make all the pain go away, but
I didnít know what to do."
"I just finished
reading your book last night. I loved it. It was beautiful. I donít think
Iíve ever read anything so open and honest before. It is very inspiring
and encouraging to experience your pain and struggles with you and to be
brought into healing. Your story brings hope to us all. Your side columns
are incredible. Even though most were written in prose, itís some of the
best poetry Iíve ever read. Very haunting. I love your art work ? with
one glance one can grasp the emotions in your pictures."
"I read your book
with great interest. I think it is excellent and the illustrations are
totally unique. I applaud the direction that your life is taking right
now and hope you will continue to write and draw. Keep me up to date on
what you do."
Articles & Reviews
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