Thrilling, Stunning, Tell All

Who I am

My name is Stephanie Anne Allen and I am a recovered mental health patient.  I suffer from symptoms of schizophrenia as well as, but not limited to, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and schizoaffective disorder.

But I do not let my mental health define me.  I am so much more.  I am a kind, compassionate, empathetic, determined, brave, and courageous individual who just happens to be inflicted with mental illness.  I am not my illness.  What I have suffered has shaped and molded me into a much better version of myself.

What I do

I am a quickly emerging self-published author.  I have written 10 books on mental illness.  One of which is an intriguing memoir that is rising the charts.  The other 9 are self help books that offer insight inspiration, encouragement, and tips on how to cope.

Here is a list of all my works that have inspired readers worldwide:

·         My Mental Madness Memoir

·         How to Survive Depression

·         How to Survive Bipolar Disorder

·         How to Survive Schizophrenia

·         How to Survive Anxiety

·         How to Survive Borderline Personality Disorder

·         How to Survive PTSD

·         How to Survive Schizoaffective Disorder

·         How to Survive Eating Disorders

·         How to Survive Addiction

www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie

A Troubled Past

I suffered mental illness from a very early and tender age of 14.   It presented itself first as clinical depression.  I went in and out of hospitals (about one time each year) to receive additional diagnoses.  I have been hospitalized over 20 times in my life for mental health issues.

At the hospital, the doctors would quickly put me on medications and release me.  So, I would go home, and the symptoms would return, and they seemed to get worse than the previous times.

It was so bad that I ended up being incarcerated.  Upon being there, I had no idea where I was.  I was living in a world I was completely detached from.  I had no basis for any sort of reality.

If you want to know in more detail about my past, please read My Mental Madness Memoir.

How I recovered

My recovery was a long and painful one.  Long because it took so many years to find a point where I was stable and wouldn’t relapse.  And painful because of all the hurt I endured due to the illness itself and a few mental health professionals who just didn’t seem to really care about those who were mentally ill. 

I always maintained a sense of hope.  I always told myself that it would get better.  I kept the faith in God and in myself.  I would never allow myself to quit.  I acknowledged that things would get better.  It wasn’t the end for me.  I had to trust in myself and the mental health professionals that surrounded me.

I am worthy!  I have purpose!  I have a reason to be alive!   I am not ever giving up!

My Message of Hope

Recovery may be extremely difficult, but it’s worth it.  Don’t give up.  It’s easy for some to say, but for someone like me it’s not, and it should be taken to heart.   Life will get better.  You may have relapses.  But continue to seek treatment.  And people may taunt and make fun of you but let them.  They have absolutely no idea who you are or what you have been though.  You were given your individual life because God has an ultimate plan for you.  He is making you stronger for your next mission in life.  Trust and Believe.

www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie

EMOTION PROVOKING BOOK BLURB from MY MENTAL MADNESS MEMOIR!

The world was merciless to my well thought out conceptualizations of the many and varied delusions that I was affected by.  The hallucinations, I was also suffering from, only caused me to perceive more validity in my delusions.  Despite my persuasive efforts to convince everyone that what I thought was utterly true, they all had other beliefs about what was really going on in my complicated world.

I knew that I had to do something.  I had to make some sort of move to escape my personal pain.  I concluded that all I could do was embrace my true identity.  I couldn’t see any other options.  I knew that I didn’t want to die and go to Hell.  I had to accept the fact that God was in control, not me.   But it was very difficult to understand how and why God would make me the second-coming of Christ.  All I wanted to do was run and hide, but I couldn’t, because there is no place you can hide from God.

The delusion that I was Christ was just one of all the many myths that the voices told me were true.  God was speaking to me, and I had no doubt in my mind that what I was hearing was indeed, His voice.  I also had the ability to speak to live, and even dead, souls.  But mostly it was the live souls of the people around me that I communicated with.

MY MENTAL MADNESS MEMOIR is available in ebook, paperback, and audiobook!

www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie

GIVEAWAYS ON ALL 6 OF MY BOOKS!

Friends,
I would like to announce that I have posted 6 new giveaways!  One for each of the following books:

1. My Mental Madness Memoir
2. How to Survive Depression
3. How to Survive Bipolar Disorder
4. How to Survive Schizophrenia
5. How to Survive Anxiety
6. How to Survive Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

My Mental Madness Memoir GIVEAWAY

How to Survive Depression GIVEAWAY

How to Survive Bipolar Disorder GIVEAWAY

How to Survive Schizophrenia GIVEAWAY

How to Survive Anxiety GIVEAWAY!

How to Survive Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) GIVEAWAY!

You may enter one, two, three, or all 6 of them!  Good luck friends!  And please feel free to forward this link (www.stephanieanneallen.blogspot.com) to all your friends, so that they too may have a chance to win a free ebook or two or three or six, instantly!

Wishing for a paperback or audiobook copy?  Or didn't win the giveaways and want an ebook?  Please visit my author's page.  Stephanie Anne Allen's Author Page!

WINNER OF HOW TO SURVIVE DEPRESSION

Friends, I would like to announce the winner of How to Survive Depression!

CONGRATS to Beth K!

This book offers insight and inspiration into the mental illness of depression!  It offers hope & tips on how to cope effectively with the mental illness of depression.

How to Survive Depression was written by Stephanie Anne Allen, who has both professional and extensive personal experience when it comes to mental illness.  So you get both an intelligent and "real" point of view!!!

If you did not win, and you still wish to read this book, it is available in ebook, paperback, and audiobook versions!  Get yours today!

Also, please note that I have a total of 5 books available:

1. My Mental Madness Memoir
2. How to Survive Depression
3. How to Survive Bipolar Disorder
4. How to Survive Schizophrenia
5. How to Survive Anxiety

In addition, I would love to announce that there is a new giveaway on the book titled How to Survive Anxiety!  ENTER GIVEAWAY NOW!

Finally, my friends, I would love to encourage you to view and follow my author page now!

Link to Author's Page

Kind Regards,

Stephanie

BLOG

FREE MENTAL HEALTH AUDIOBOOKS!

FREE mental health audiobooks by Stephanie Anne Allen with a free trial audible.com membership!!

My Mental Madness Memoir
How to Survive Depression
How to Survive Bipolar Disorder
How to Survive Schizophrenia
How to Survive Anxiety (soon to be released)

https://www.audible.com/author/Stephanie-Anne-Allen/B074WC5HJF?ref=a_search_c3_lAuthor_1_1_1&pf_rd_p=e81b7c27-6880-467a-b5a7-13cef5d729fe&pf_rd_r=NXDK9NE4S11CBYJQ7CWG&

Books are also available as eBooks & paperbacks!

www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie

Blurb from My Mental Madness Memoir

"The world was merciless to my well thought out conceptualizations of the many and varied delusions that I was affected by. The hallucinations, I was also suffering from, only caused me to perceive more validity in my delusions. Despite my persuasive efforts to convince everyone that what I thought was utterly true, they all had other beliefs about what was really going on in my complicated world.

I knew that I had to do something. I had to make some sort of move to escape my personal pain. I concluded that all I could do was embrace my true identity. I couldn't see any other options. I knew that I didn't want to die and go to Hell. I had to accept the fact that God was in control, not me. But it was very difficult to understand how and why God would make me the second coming of Christ. All I wanted to do was run and hide, but I couldn't, because there is no place you can hide from God.

The delusion that I was Christ was just one of the many myths that the voices told me were true. God was speaking to me, and I had no doubt in my mind that what I was hearing was indeed, His voice. I also had the ability to speak to live, and even dead, souls. But mostly it was the live souls of the people around me that I communicated with."

Get yours now! Available in eBook, paperback, and audiobook!

https://www.amazon.com/Mental-Madness-Memoir-provocative-struggles/dp/1522081712/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Summary of My Mental Madness Memoir

Summary of MY MENTAL MADNESS MEMOIR by author Stephanie Anne Allen

            My Mental Madness Memoir is the very profound, provoking, and personal true story of my life.  My life has seen much heartache and pain due to suffering from several severe mental illnesses, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and borderline personality disorder.  I was plagued with darkness, mental agony, internal turmoil, mania, delusions, hallucinations, sadness, and loneliness to just name a few.  My insanity let me to committing a crime, at which time I was completely “out of it”.  And for the crime, I suffered even more heartache and pain.  I also have a history of self-mutilation and suicidal attempts.  I have been hospitalized psychiatrically more times than you can count on your fingers and toes.  I lost jobs, friends, relationships, cars, homes, etc.  I had completely hit so many points in my life, where most people would have simply given up.  But I was the exception!  I beat all the many odds and emerged from my mental madness.

            Despite wanting to give up so many times and wanting to just “end it”, I was able to find what I needed to turn my chaotic life around.  I found the courage, strength, faith, and hope to convert my “rock bottom” into a progressive upward direction of energy.  I was able to get the treatment that I very much needed to get well, but that came after I achieved self-awareness of my illnesses.  I achieved recovery and resilience, and now I am sharing my story with the world, in an effort to end stigma and ignorance, and to bring awareness to others on the topic of mental illness. 

            This book will surely stir your every emotion!  Get ready for this intense internal insanity, that will provoke you and want you to continue reading from the very first to the very last word.  It is surely a page-turner that you will not put down.  For readers of this book, I hope you will have an open mind and an open heart as you are reading this.  My Mental Madness Memoir is about total honesty and I hide absolutely nothing.  I want you to see and feel what it is really like to be mentally ill.  Also, your reading experience will open up doors for you to feel like you are the one in the story.  You will become a more empathetic and compassionate person just by reading/listening to this book!

(My Mental Madness Memoir is available in eBook, paperback, and audiobook!  www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie)

Best Friend's story of surviving "SCHIZOPHRENIA"

Mary B. was just a mere 15 years old when she was given the diagnosis of Paranoid Schizophrenia.  This label seemed to make the disease itself worse.  She felt like an outcast and a "socially unacceptable" misfit.  But today at 38 years old, she has evolved from the stigma and is giving back by helping others in similar situations.

It all began with a broken family and her grandparents taking on the responsibility of raising her. Her grandparents began having problems with getting Mary to go to bed at night.  She only wanted to stay awake and became obsessed with doing her homework all night and folding her clothes continuously in a meticulous matter.  Mary would be described at that time an insomniac, a perfectionist, and an obsessive compulsive person.

Upset with her grandpa's rules and suffering from severe sleep deprivation, Mary B. called the police who took her to a psychiatric hospital for admission.   She stayed there for 7 days.

At age 16, Mary, who was highly upset by having her grandparents raise her, ran away and went to a motel.  She began hearing voices through the walls.  They were haunting her and telling her to "go away".  Being mentally unstable and out of control, she "trashed" the motel room and threw her keys out into the parking lot.  The cops were called.  Mary went to the door half naked and the cops had assumed she was doing crack.  They instructed her to leave the hotel at once.

At age 17, she attempted to work as a dishwasher.  But it was a constant struggle for her to do this job or any job.    She reported to me that she threw her first paycheck off a bridge and that she never cashed any of her checks.  She recalls seeing a grim reaper and a devil with a machete under the bridge.   She tells me that it was a "dark, shadowy image".

At age 18, she dropped out of high school because she thought everybody was talking about her.  She recalls feeling like a "loner".

She mentions to me that at age 20 she was walking down the street.  And that at this time the voices were talking to her, saying that one side of the street was "godly" while the other was evil.  Mary remembers empting her wallet behind a bush.  Then she stripped off all her clothes and went running through the woods.  She thought she was Jesus Christ.  She returned to the road and the cops came and took her to a mental hospital.  There she was placed on anti-psychotic medication.

At age 21, she recalls an incident were she was extremely suicidal and rode her bike 8 miles to the hospital.   Then they admitted her and placed her on an anti-depressant as well.

Mary describes her struggle with mental illness as "very hard and scary"  She said she lost a lot of sleep and was having "nerve problems".  Even today, Mary states that the "meds don't help all the way".  She said "recovery was great!  I took my meds to stop the symptoms from coming back.  And I am going to continue to take my medications to keep me healthy!"

Thanks to Mary B. for sharing her story with us!

Please look out for the next book in the How to Survive Series.  It is called How to Survive Schizophrenia!
Best Wishes,
--Stephanie

Today's Topic: "INSIGHT & INSPIRATION into INSANITY!"

INSIGHT & INSPIRATION into INSANITY

By: Stephanie Anne Allen

            Mental illness and insanity are not the same.  While mental illness affects our moods and thoughts, insanity is a condition in which a person (who may or may not have mental illness) is not touch with reality.  They are not in control of their actions and their behaviors can become “socially unacceptable” or even “criminal” without the insane person’s awareness.   A person with mental illness may never experience “true insanity”.  Just as a person who is considered insane may have no history of mental illness.  But there are a handful of people who experience both insanity and mental illness. 

            A mentally ill person may experience symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations, but this is not “true” insanity.   True insanity is when a people loses “touch with reality” and has absolutely no awareness of what is happening around them, and no control over their behaviors.  These insane people may commit crimes, and they will not even be knowledgeable of what they had done and will certainly have no awareness while committing the crime.

            We have seen it all over the news lately with people blaming crimes on mental illness.  No, these crimes do not occur because someone has a mental illness.  Some of the crimes may occur as a result of actually insanity, but that is rare.  Most of these crimes are committed by people who have full use of their faculties.  They are committed by people who are truly criminal and no regard for society, decency, and morality. 

            There are only a few actual people who commit crimes due to insanity!  These are good people who lost touch with reality and had no idea what was going on around them.  These are decent, kind, and respectable people who have broken the law, because they were “insane” and had no understanding, whatsoever, of what they were doing.  People in this category often receive a Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity ruling during their criminal trials.  They are then committed to a state forensic hospital for a term of incarceration.

            Is there hope for those who suffer from insanity?  Can we “reform” them back into productive members of society?  Are they capable of fully recovering?  Yes, it is certainly possible, as I myself am an example.  I fought the hard battle with bravery and persistence.  I emerged from this insanity, and I feel that I have become a much better person due to all the adversity that I had endured.

            I was successfully treated for my severe mental illness and insanity.  I put into use my “survival skills” and I transformed what was a “bad situation” into one that is hopeful and offers inspiration to others in similar situations.  I went through hell, in order for me, to become the person I am today.  I was never a bad or evil person at all, but going through this hell helped change me into a much better person than I ever was.  I gained insight. I gained strength, courage, and faith.  I became a much more empathic and compassionate person.  I became grateful for things I had always taken for granted.   Using coping skills, I was able to emerge from my disturbing world and find the light once again.

            It is possible to recover from both insanity and mental illness.  It is doable.  And I promise you that it will be worth it in the end.  Each life was created for a purpose, and you will find yours.  Mine was to spread love and inspiration to all who suffer from mental illness and insanity.  I embrace this as my reason to exist in this very world.  And I hope that you shall pull through your problems and reach out and take control of your world, too!

Books by Stephanie Anne Allen:
My Mental Madness Memoir
How to Survive Depression
How to Survive Bipolar Disorder

Buy now!
www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie

Today's Topic "To Survive Depression" as an Audiobook

Hello to all of you,

As you know, "How to Survive Depression" in now available to all in ebook and paperback formats.  This book provides education, hope, inspiration, and tips on how to effectively cope with depression.  Yes, depression absolutely sucks.  And I feel for all those who suffer from it.  Remember that you are worth getting better for!  And with proper treatment, you can overcome your illness.  I have compassion and empathy for all of those who suffer with this mental illness.

"How to Survive Depression" will soon be out as an audiobook.  I hope you will get yourself or someone you love an ebook, paperback, or audiobook copy.  There you will find tips that I personally used on myself in my own recovery.  I know you will find this book very beneficial, as you did My Mental Madness Memoir.

Much love to you all in the this upcoming week!

-Stephanie Anne Allen

Today's Topic: "Anxiety and Appropriate Coping Skills"

Hello to all my blog readers!  The first post for Today's Topic will be "Anxiety and Appropriate Coping Skills", as requested by several of my fans.



What is anxiety?

According to Merriam-Webster, the general definition for anxiety is an "apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness over an impending or anticipated ill."

Most people experience this sort of anxiety, whether it is over a job, a relationship, an illness, etc.  They may worry unnecessarily.  But worry does no good, so they learn to turn that anxiety into positive action.


What is Anxiety Disorder?
Again, according to Merriam-Webster, the medical definition of anxiety is "an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physical signs (such as tension, sweating, and increased pulse rate), by doubt concerning the reality and nature about one's capacity to cope with it.
Signs:

• Worrying too much, including over "unnecessary" things  
• Sleeping too much or too little, trouble staying asleep, trouble falling asleep
• Feeling like you are going to throw up and/or actually throwing up
• Constantly tense muscles
• Flashbacks
• Panic Attacks
• May appear as social anxiety or stage fright

How do I cope with anxiety?

• Breathe, be mindful of your breaths, use deep breathing techniques
• Exercise regularly
• Eat healthly
• Have a regular sleep schedule
• Avoid illegal drugs, alcohol, caffeine
• Relax, take time for you, pamper yourself
• Maintain a good attitude
• Be grateful for everything in life, even the little things
• Try to avoid things that "trigger" you by being insightful about your illness
• Give back to others, get involved in a support group, network with others who have anxiety
• Seek professional guidance (therapy and medication)

This is on a more personal note!  

I experienced great anxiety while I was psychotic.  During this time, I feared that I was going to be raped and killed.  I thought everyone was against me.  Fearing for your life for 12 years straight definitely causes extreme anxiety.  I continually had the flight vs. fight response.  I was jumping out of my own skin.  I could never relax.  And I tried to run away and I tried to strike back.  But since this anxiety was unfounded, I was not able to change things.  I was worrying about unnecessary things.

With medication to control the psychosis, I emerged a stronger person.  I turned adversity into a positive thing, because it strengthened my character.

I am hoping that you too will overcome your anxiety and emerge as a changed person.  Seek professional help if needed.  There is nothing to be ashamed of.   Anxiety Disorder may be a mental illness but it does not make you a bad person.  Things will change and I want to offer you that hope.

Blurb on Anxiety from My Mental Madness Memoir:

"I believed that the medical researchers were going to give me a heart attack through their electrical shocks, and I felt actual chest pains.  The pain was probably just a hallucination.  Or it could have been caused by my increased blood pressure, which was extremely high because of my constant fear of being killed."

Check out My Mental Madness Memoir here!

Introducing "TODAY'S TOPIC"

Dear Blog Readers,

I will be posting weekly about different mental health topics.  Every Sunday I will post a blog on whatever mental health topics that my audience desires.  This could include any mental illness diagnosis, symptoms associated with your mental illness, treatment (therapy, meds, ECT) , recovery, skills for dealing with mental illness (exercise, stress reduction, diet, meditation), etc.  If you would like me to post about a certain topic, please comment here, or if you feel more comfortable you may send me a message through messenger (m.me/AuthorStephanieAllen1979).

I am dedicated to helping spread mental health awareness and ending all the stigma associated with it.  Please reach out to someone for help.  If you feel you can't trust anyone, I will be more than happy to lend a listening ear.

Hope everyone has a great weekend ahead!

Much Love to you all!

-Stephanie Anne Allen
Author of My Mental Madness Memoir
www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie
www.facebook.com/AuthorStephanieAllen1979

PERSEVERANCE

Hello to All My Blog Readers,

As you know I am the author of the amazing new book titled  MY MENTAL MADNESS MEMOIR! Which takes an intimate look into several mental illnesses, and describes what it's like to suffer from them.  But it is also a book that offers hope.  It proves that a person can persevere even in the very worst of times!  You may ask how is that possible.  So, here is an article I wrote on the topic of perseverance.  I'd like to share it with you here.

PERSERVERING DESPITE A MENTAL ILLNESS DIAGNOSIS
By: Stephanie Anne Allen

Do you or someone you know suffer from mental illness?  Do you feel “doomed” and hopeless?  Are you looking for a way to carry on and live a meaningful life?

The answer is perseverance.  You must persevere in all situations, even the worst ones!  Persevering is a sign of courage and inner strength.

You may ask yourself, “can I really persevere?”  And this is my answer to you, “Yes, you can!”

What exactly is perseverance?

According to Merriam-Webster the definition of perseverance is “continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.”  Another word for it, that you may be familiar with is “steadfastness".

What does that mean to me?

Well, it means that no matter what life throws at you, you can get through it.  And not just survive it, but thrive from it.

How do I use it?

Steps of persevering:

·         Believe- “You can do it.”  “It will work out.”
·         Faith- “I am going through this for a reason.”  “God does care about me.”
·         Hope- “I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”
·         Love- “I am worth it.”  “I am special.”
·         Will-power- “I will never give up!”  “I will do whatever it takes to succeed.”

What are the benefits?

Persevering has many benefits.  It leads to increased self-esteem and self-worth.  It also helps you live a very happy and successful life!

Conclusion

You are worth it!  You can do it!  You have purpose! Your life has meaning!  Never will you let yourself give up!


Please share this with everyone you know.  Let's spread the love to others! And, with sincerity, I hope that you do persevere always.

Much love,💓
Stephanie😊

Please Share Your Story With Us!

Hello to All My Fans,

For a chance to win a FREE audiobook copy of My Mental Madness Memoir on April 1, 2018, please share your story with me here, as a comment.  Tell me why you think you should be chosen to win a free audiobook copy of my memoir.  How do you think it will benefit you?  What are you looking to get from it? I believe in total honesty so please share from your heart!

I am hoping to spread awareness and stop the stigma associated with mental illness, so please share my blog address with everyone you think could benefit from it. 

Please pass this link forward to spread the love!  www.stephanieanneallen.blogspot.com

Also, if you haven't done so, please join my mailing list for a chance to win a free signed paperback copy on March 5, 2018!  Here is the link for that.  Join mailing list

If you are really anxious to read/listen to this amazing story and can afford it, please go to this website now!  www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie

Don't forget to leave your email, so I may contact you if you are chosen to win.

Thank you my friends.  Please do have a wonderful week ahead.  Receive and give much love!

Kind Regards,

Stephanie Anne Allen

Interview with ME, Stephanie Anne Allen

Hello to all my blog readers!  It's time to get real with me!!!  I would like to share an intimate interview I did that was previously posted on SeriousReading.com.  

Who is the author?
My pen name is Stephanie Anne Allen.  I was born, raised, and still reside in Michigan USA.  I am 38 years old.  I have a BA in clinical psychology from Siena Heights University.  I have extensive experience with mental illness on both professional and personal levels.

What is the title of your newest book?
It is called My Mental Madness Memoir.  However, that is the new title.  The original title was The Beggar They Hung to a Cross, but too many readers questioned the title and thought it to be a religious book.  So, in my opinion, I believed it would be best to retitle it to get the right reader audience.

What is My Mental Madness Memoir about?
The simple answer is that this book is the true story of my life.  To go more into depth, it focuses on my struggles with depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and borderline personality disorder.

Could you tell us more about your struggles with depression?
Sure.  My clinical depression was diagnosed at about age 16.  I suffered from all the classic symptoms, including suicide attempts.  It was a very dark and painful time.  I just didn't want to live.

What can you tell us about your battle with bipolar disorder?
I wasn't diagnosed with bipolar depression until about age 18, but the first symptoms appeared at about age 15.  No one was able to identify the symptoms at that time.  It was so sad.  I would battle with depression one day and the next I would be so high emotionally.  I had rapid-cycling bipolar.

Could you please tell us about your schizophrenia and what symptoms you experienced?
Well, I had extreme and multiple delusions and hallucinations.  I don't want to give  away the story, so that is all I will say.

Did you experience any psychosis?
Yes  absolutely.  It was a scary and fearful time.  I have never met or heard of anyone that had such severe psychosis as I did.

Will you tell us about your delusions?
Well, I had delusions about almost everything.  I believed my delusions to be real, and I had very distorted thinking.

Could you tell us about your hallucinations?
Again, I don/t want to give it away, but I will say that I had hallucinations of all five senses.

What percentage of your memoir is true?
100%.  I believe in total honesty, and I reflect that in my book.

Why did you write this book?
I wrote this book to help others with mental illness, their families and friends, and anyone looking to understand what a mentally ill person goes through.

What is your definition of success?
Success to me is helping someone each and every day by helping them obtain happiness and satisfaction within their own life.

What are your future goals and hopes?
I want to see this book make the best seller's list...  Also I am working on turning this book into a screenplay to be made into a movie.  Then I will complete my second book...

What is your definition of recovery, and do you honestly believe that recovery from mental illness is possible?
Recovery is when a mentally ill person achieves and maintains stability for a certain period of time.  And yes, I do believe that recovery is possible with the proper treatment.  I am a prime example and a role model!

What was the hardest part of writing this book?
The hardest part was having to revisit and re-experience all that pain from my past.  But it was also very therapeutic.

What are some positive things readers have told you about your book?
Readers have told me how helpful the book was to them, and how they didn't feel so alone anymore.  I have heard how I have lots of "strength and courage" to be able to share my story, and that I am "very well-spoken".

What are some things that readers have given you as criticism on your book?
Criticism?  Umm.  Well, a few readers commented on the title, and that is why I changed it.  Also, I received criticism for one reader about the psychosis part of my book being "hard to follow".  That might be true, but it is an exact conceptualization of what it is actually like to be psychotic, as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are thought disorders.  I will NOT edit or change this part or any part of my book based on one readers opinion.  I will accept the criticism and move forward.  I feel that editing the book would change the entire tone and meaning behind the book.

What was your most rewarding experience as a mental health professional?
When I worked as a case manager I made a difference in my client's lives.  I loved helping people and grew to a greater understanding of what it is truly like to suffer from mental illness.  It was just a very rewarding job.  I loved it!

What was the lowest, most devastating time of your life?
Well, I am not going to answer that, as my story will tell all.  But I've had so many low times...  Just read my memoir and you can judge for yourself what was my worst time in life was.

What was the best point in your life?
The best part of my life was when I was working as a case manager and was in a long-term relationship.  I was 24 and I felt like I had it all.

Tell us what you believe to be the purpose behind your life?
My purpose in life is to help, encourage, motivate, and inspire as many people as possible!

Do you believe that everyone in life has a purpose?
Yes, everyone has purpose.  I believe that God has a reason for putting each ad every person on this Earth.  You just have to accept God's will.

How important was faith in your recovery?
Faith in myself and God was a major part in my recovery.

What types of treatment did you receive as a result of having mental illness?
I have had therapy, been on multiple meds, been to support groups, had both inpatient and partial hospitalizations.  I have never had ECT though.

Would you say that mental health professionals act appropriately?
I have experienced much unprofessional experience from people who are unable to understand what a psychotic person is going through.  Due to their inability to understand, they make it much worse for the mentally ill patient.  I am hoping that many professionals read this story so they can gain a better understanding of what's really going on in a mentally ill patient's mind.

What is the biggest myth regarding mental illness?
The biggest  myth I have come across is that mentally ill people are "stupid".  This is by far not true.  Some studies have actually shown that mentally ill people have higher IQs than the general population.

What are you most grateful for in your life?
I am most grateful just to be alive each day and get to experience each new day filled with much opportunity.

What is your biggest regret?
My biggest regret?  Well... Read my book and see if you can pick one out!

What makes you happy?
Happiness is a beautiful thing.  I love helping others feel joy withing their lives.  That is so rewarding.  I always say, "Spread the love!"

Do you believe having a mental illness makes a person bad?
Absolutely not.  Having an illness of any kind, is not the person's fault!  And  a mentally ill person is no different.  There are bad mentally ill people but not in any greater degree than the others in society.

What is something you want readers to know?
I would just like to say that I hope you take the time to read My Mental Madness Memoir, as I know you will find it helpful to you and that you may be able to use it to help others in your life.  It will give you a knowledge base and a chance to really understand what a mentally ill person is experiencing within their minds.  Much love to everyone!

Check me and my books out here!

Cover of the amazing book My Mental Madness Memoir as an Audiobook

Attention all fans of My Mental Madness Memoir.  As you know My Mental Madness Memoir is available in eBook, paperback, and now audio book.  You can read the text sample and listen an audio sample on Amazon.  You will absolutely love this book in all three forms!  Check it out today!  Here is the AUDIO BOOK LINK  

RECOVERY & RESILIENCE

Hi.  Good day to everyone.  My name is Stephanie and I am a recovered mental illness survivor—

            I have endured severe mental illness for over half my life.  During that time, I suffered from clinical depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and borderline personality disorder.

            Due to the depression, my behaviors ranged from excessive crying to excessive sleeping to suicide attempts.  I felt feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness.  All I thought I wanted to do was die.   But in fact, what I really wanted was help with overcoming my severe sadness.

            During my manic states, I endured impulsive, spontaneous, and irresponsible behaviors.  I felt on top of world.  I felt excessive amounts of energy.  I had racing thoughts.  I had delusions of grandeur.  I’ll be honest.  It felt great to be so high, but it is also very dangerous.  Risky behaviors can lead to much endangerment of self and others.

            The psychotic episodes I incurred caused delusions and hallucinations.  I suffered from severe hallucinations of ALL five senses.  I also had irrational beliefs including that I was “the second-coming of Christ.”  My psychosis led me to committing a crime.  In which led to me spending over two months in jail and a total of 16 months of incarceration at a state forensics center.  

            I have been psychiatrically hospitalized 16 times in my life, from age 17 to age 37.  This doesn’t include the six years I spent in a residential treatment facility. 

            Due to my mental illness I lost jobs, cars, homes, relationships, and my   freedom.  I lost my dreams.  I lost my dignity.  And I lost all respect for myself.  I also put many people's lives at risk.

            But what I didn’t lose was my life.  I pulled through all the suicide attempts, all the inner pain, all the agony.  I found the strength to survive.  I believe that my life indeed has a purpose—a plan in this world.   And it may not be exactly what I had planned for my life which was to become an oncologist and find the cure for cancer.  It is the plan in which God had intended for me all along that I must accept.  I went through what I did because it had to occur in order to get me prepared for my intended purpose all along.  If I didn’t go through all the heartache, I would NOT be the person I am today.  I am now a strong independent woman who is on her way to a successful life.  A life in which has a purpose intended by God.    I am right where I need to be.   And maybe my future seems unknown and distant.  But it is this future that I must commit to. 

            I must forgive myself for all my mistakes in life and seek understanding from God.  It is He who will guide me on my continued path and purpose in this life.  I am grateful every day for my life.  Because if I didn’t have my life, I would indeed have absolutely nothing at all.

            I have been on nearly every medication available and went through intensive therapy.  I have been looked upon as a “nut-case” by others.  I have saw the dark side of life.  And when I lost all hope of ever accomplishing anything, I still had a little drive inside me that would not let me give up.  It would not let me give in.

            And this is what I wish for you.  I wish for you to never give up and for you to accept your given purpose in this life.  I wish for you to get on the correct meds and get the therapy that you need.  I also wish for the stigma against people with mental illness to end.  But that will only happen in God’s given time.

            I have just written and published a memoir about my amazing life journey through mental illness and how I beat the odds by finding the courage, strength, faith, and hope to overcome it all. It is called My Mental Madness Memoir.   It is available on Amazon in eBook, paperback, and audiobook editions.

www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie

            Much love to you all!

           

            

Introduction to Lorri Heneveld--Narrator of the Audio Book Edition of My Mental Madness Memoir

Hello to all my faithful blog followers!

This is just me, Stephanie, checking in with you.  I have interviewed Lorri Heneveld who is the narrator of the Audio Book Edition of My Mental Madness Memoir.  I thought you would like to get to know her as she has done an absolutely incredible job of bringing this book to life!

Hello Lorri.  Would you please tell my blog readers a little about who you are.
"I'm from interior Alaska, where we have long, cold, dark winters.  My husband and I are both avid readers, and listening to audiobooks keeps us from going stir-crazy when it's too cold to go outside.  We love to listen to audiobooks together, then we discuss them at the dinner table every evening."

What was your role in the making of this audiobook?
"I have several family members who suffer from mental illness, so I am always on the lookout for good books about this topic.  When My Mental Madness Memoir came up for audiobook auditions, I jumped at the chance to narrate it.  Stephanie Allen selected me to narrate and produce the audiobook, and I'm so glad she did!"

What do you think about My Mental Madness Memoir from a reader's point of view?
"I thought the story was fascinating, shocking, compelling, and brutally honest!!!"

Why do you think people should listen to the audiobook version of this story?
"Audiobooks are great for people who have reading disabilities or trouble concentrating on the written word.  If you're an auditory learner, audiobooks provide a richer, deeper, and more dramatic experience than traditional paper books.  If you're a multi-tasker, you can listen to audiobooks while you're doing others activities, like driving, washing dishes, sewing, working out, etc."

How do you think this book will be beneficial to those who read or listen to it?
"This book will provide education and awareness about mental illness.  It is a chance to get inside the author's head, feel her emotions, and understand the turmoil she went through."

What was it like working with Stephanie Anne Allen on this project?
"Stephanie was a pleasure to work with!  She is an excellent communicator and treated me like an equal partner throughout the entire project."

How would you describe Stephanie's attitude and personality?
"She has a great sense of humor, tells it 'like it is', and doesn't sugar-coat anything.  She is a kind person who wants to help others by sharing her experience.  She is a determined, driven, and inspirational author with the heart of a teacher and mentor."

Who would you recommend this book to?

• "Mature, open-minded adults
• People interested in psychology
• People who want to learn more about schizoaffective disorder
• People dealing with sexual identity issues
• People who suffer from mental illness themselves
• Caregivers, friends, or loved ones who want to provide emotional support for a person with mental illness"

What are your goals, desires, and hopes for the future?

"I hope that this book will inspire and educate readers, and help eliminate the stigma about mental illness.  I also hope it will be a best-seller!"

Did this book bring insight and awareness to you on the topic of mental illness?

"Yes, it is one of the best books I have ever read on the topic of mental illness.  I enjoyed learning about depression, schizoaffective disorder, and personality disorder from a first-person perspective."

And there you have it folks.  Please listen to My Mental Madness Memoir!  You can listen to a free 5 minute sample on Amazon now.   FREE five minute sample

Kind and Loving Regards to You All!

Stephanie

 

ATTENTION: Update on Audio Book Edition. NOW AVAILABLE!

To All Fans of My Mental Madness Memoir,

Just an update for everyone to let you know that My Mental Madness Memoir-The provocative TRUE journey through my struggles with mental illness is now available as an audio book on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes!

This amazing true story is magnificently narrated by actress Lorri Heneveld.  She does a wonderful job of drawing you into the story and keeping you intrigued as to what will happen next.  You can feel the emotion and strength behind her engaging voice. I have had the wonderful experience of working with this wonderfully talented and brilliant lady.

Please take a listen to 5 minutes of this book for free.  Just click here for a direct link to My Mental Madness Memoir as an audio book.

You will not be disappointed!

Wishing you all my love,

Stephanie Anne Allen

My Mental Madness Memoir as an AUDIOBOOK

Dear Fellow Blog Readers,

As you know My Mental Madness Memoir is already available as an eBook and as a paperback on Amazon.  It will soon be available as an audiobook on Amazon, audible.com, and iTunes!  This chilling memoir is perfectly narrated by actress Lorri Heneveld. 

Quote from the memoir: "Having a mental illness is like a roller coaster ride!  You don't jump off while it's still moving.  You continue to ride until it comes to a complete stop and you can get off safely."

Much love to you as 2018 quickly approaches!

💖💖💖Stephanie