Official Review: Where Is My Mind?

Stephanie Elizabeth · Post by **Stephanie Elizabeth** » 24 Feb 2020, 13:44

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Where Is My Mind?" by Wendy Campbell, MHS PA(ASCP).]

4 out of 4 stars

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In Where is My Mind? by Wendy Campbell, MHS PA(ASCP), the author shares her experience with mental illness. Comprised of her most recent journal entries, she offers readers an honest account of her day-to-day. This includes the trials, tribulations, and even the small triumphs that she endures. From a successful working professional to an unemployed shell of herself, Wendy is completely transparent about her downward spiral into a dark world full of stigma. Through her journal entries, she elaborates on the physical symptoms of her anxiety and depression, the use of medication, and navigating relationships.

I was hesitant to read this book at first, as I thought there was a good chance that it would be another self-help book. To be clear, I have nothing against self-help books; I felt that I had exhausted that avenue. I was looking for something authentic and emotional; I found it in Where is My Mind? Wendy approached topics with unbridled honesty, and her thoughts were reflective and infused with humor. The moment I began reading her journals, it was apparent that she was genuine and understood the plight of being mentally unstable.

Often, when we are sick, we look for a quick fix; we reach for something to make our pain dissipate. But what happens when it makes us feel worse, or a host of other ailments accommodates the slight relief? Wendy wrote about the awful side effects of the drugs that she was taking for anxiety and depression. She described experiencing insomnia, loss of appetite, dizziness, and general malaise. In one of her entries, she described the trial and error of experimenting with medication. She wrote, "This game of pharmacological Go Fish is nonsensical at best."

While I appreciated her candid thoughts regarding her symptoms and thought process, I applauded her for addressing how mental illness can affect relationships. This topic, in particular, often gets glazed over, but it is a real struggle for many couples. While Wendy expressed gratitude for her boyfriend's patience, she also voiced concerns about the fear of him giving up on her. She worried that he was having "Buyer's Remorse," or that he would grow tired of things always being about her. After a particularly rough conversation with her boyfriend, she wrote, "People don't realize what they're up against when they choose to enter a relationship with someone who has a mental illness."

The book was professionally edited, and I was impressed by the lack of errors. I chose to give the book a four out of four stars as the author seemed to accomplish what she set out to do: raise awareness about mental illness.

This is a book I would recommend to readers with interest in learning about illnesses of the mind. For readers who are struggling with their own mental or emotional well-being, I would recommend Where is My Mind? While it won't remedy your ailments, Wendy's authentic voice is relatable and will remind you that you are not alone.

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Where Is My Mind?
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That Reviewer · Post by **That Reviewer** » 25 Feb 2020, 03:10

The author must have been through a lot. It takes courage to share this kind of experience. Kudos to the author.

khaulah · Post by **khaulah** » 25 Feb 2020, 04:34

Sounds like this book would be helpful to understand and increase empathy for people with mental illness, Thanks for your review!

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 25 Feb 2020, 10:46

This book appeals to me as I reviewed and enjoyed another book by this author. Thanks for the recommendation.

Wacamato1961 · Post by **Wacamato1961** » 25 Feb 2020, 19:18

This sounds very interesting to me; I am familiar with mental illness and would probably relate to her story. I wonder if she had any suggestions about stopping the Pharmaceutical Go Fish game? Effective doctors in this field are sorely lacking.

LeDiplomatique · Post by **LeDiplomatique** » 26 Feb 2020, 12:06

It sounds like a book I would love to read, thanks to your amazing, insightful review. Thanks a lot.

Stephanie Elizabeth · Post by **Stephanie Elizabeth** » 26 Feb 2020, 16:40

Wacamato1961 wrote: ↑25 Feb 2020, 19:18 This sounds very interesting to me; I am familiar with mental illness and would probably relate to her story. I wonder if she had any suggestions about stopping the Pharmaceutical Go Fish game? Effective doctors in this field are sorely lacking.

I agree! Thank you for your thoughtful comment!

Stephanie Elizabeth · Post by **Stephanie Elizabeth** » 26 Feb 2020, 16:41

LeDiplomatique wrote: ↑26 Feb 2020, 12:06 It sounds like a book I would love to read, thanks to your amazing, insightful review. Thanks a lot.

Thank you!

Stephanie Elizabeth · Post by **Stephanie Elizabeth** » 26 Feb 2020, 16:42

Cecilia_L wrote: ↑25 Feb 2020, 10:46 This book appeals to me as I reviewed and enjoyed another book by this author. Thanks for the recommendation.

She is an eloquent writer! Thanks for your comment.

Stephanie Elizabeth · Post by **Stephanie Elizabeth** » 26 Feb 2020, 16:43

khaulah wrote: ↑25 Feb 2020, 04:34 Sounds like this book would be helpful to understand and increase empathy for people with mental illness, Thanks for your review!

Thanks!

Stephanie Elizabeth · Post by **Stephanie Elizabeth** » 26 Feb 2020, 16:43

That Reviewer wrote: ↑25 Feb 2020, 03:10 The author must have been through a lot. It takes courage to share this kind of experience. Kudos to the author.

Thanks for your comment!

That Reviewer · Post by **That Reviewer** » 26 Feb 2020, 23:52

Stephanie Elizabeth wrote: ↑26 Feb 2020, 16:43
That Reviewer wrote: ↑25 Feb 2020, 03:10 The author must have been through a lot. It takes courage to share this kind of experience. Kudos to the author.
Thanks for your comment!

You're welcome Stephanie

Rancy_Chepchirchir · Post by **Rancy_Chepchirchir** » 27 Feb 2020, 21:45

In this era where mental health is a thing, this couldn't come at a better time. Sounds really emotional. Thanks!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 01 Mar 2020, 18:17

Mental illness is a topic that needs more exposure as there is still a stigma related to it. I'm so glad the author was able to be authentic here. It's one to put on my list for sure. Thanks!