Saturday, December 29, 2018

WANTING BETTER MENTAL HEALTH IN 2019?


RESOLVING TO BETTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH THIS NEW YEAR!

As 2018 is about to end and 2019 is about to begin, we often begin to ponder life and ask ourselves some very important questions regarding our hopes, our dreams, and our goals for the new year.  We also may reflect on all the things we did not accomplish that we had hoped we would this past year.  We may feel a mix of joy and sadness.  Of hope and of fear.  Of anticipation and of anxiety.

This year what I would like to see everyone focus on is their own mental health.  There are so many out there who are suffering in silence because of ignorance, fear of rejection and judgement, stigma, and feeling that no one would understand them. 

And all of that is completely valid.  I will not downgrade or deny you of feeling those emotions.  But take hold of all of that and choose to help yourself.  Be your own best friend and seek help for your depression, mania, loneliness, emptiness, psychosis, despair, grief, anxiety, anger, whatever it may be.  Others will judge.  Others will stare.  Others will talk.  And it does hurt.   But let them, because those people are not worth your time.  You are worth far more than the pointed hatred of someone slandering you for having a mental illness.

Find the self-respect and the self-love deep within you.  Use that to propel yourself forward in a positive direction towards recovery.  A perfect place to start would be by reading or listening to one of my inspirational mental health recovery books:

·         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

I wish you all the best of luck in your journey of recovery from mental illness!
Much love,

-Stephanie Anne Allen








Thursday, December 6, 2018

Turning the Horror of Mental Illness into Positivity and Inspiration



OBJECTIVE
My pen name is Stephanie Anne Allen, and I am writing this post to bring hope and inspiration to all those with mental illness.  I want to be a
prime example of how you can not only survive the greatest of adversities, but you can also thrive.  You can turn the pain into something very positive and productive.

MY STORY
I’ve been diagnosed with many different mental illnesses over the years. They include depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorder, and an anxiety disorder.  The psychiatrists tried nearly every medication available out there on me.  Most medications didn’t work and the ones that did, had bad side effects.  I struggled for years and tried endlessly to make sense of my own existence.  I was in and out of psych hospitals all my life.  I tried to commit suicide several times and was addicted to self-mutilation.  All I wanted and longed for was death.  There just seemed to be no hope out there, and I felt like no one even cared about me.  I felt totally lonely and ashamed for having “mental problems”. 
When I was manic, I had racing thoughts, impulsive and risky behaviors, and I had delusions of grandeur.  I had major trouble sleeping and had an excess amount of energy.  My moods shifting rapidly from one extreme to the other—up and down, just like a roller coaster.
When I was psychotic, I suffered from delusions of all sorts and from hallucinations of all 5 senses.  I thought I was the “savior of medical science”.  I even believed at one point that I was the “second-coming of Christ”.  I saw, felt, tasted, heard, and smelled things that weren’t really there.  I believed I was going to be killed and raped by perpetrators, and this lasted from 2005 to 2016.  Can you even imagine living for the fear of your safety and your very life for 11 years?  Not easy.
Anyways, having mental illness caused me to lose everything accept my own life!  I lost friendships, relationships, jobs, cars, homes, and even my freedom at several points.  I committed a crime due to my insanity, and while being locked up I got my life back together.

HOW I TURNED MY LIFE AROUND
It was not easy, but I managed to go from rock bottom all the way to the top.  I found the courage, strength, faith, and hope I needed to overcome the greatest of odds.
I realized finally, while incarcerated, that I indeed was mentally ill and that it was nothing to be ashamed of.  The doctors stabilized me on meds and I was able to get the therapeutic treatment I needed.  I learned about what causes me to get to that point of psychosis.  Stress was a key!  So, I now know I cannot stress myself out.  I have to do things at my own pace.  I have learned coping skills for when I feel stressed.  I gained much insight into my mental illness and how I can “deal” effectively with the symptoms as they present themselves.
I realized that I am not alone.  I am a worthwhile person with purpose who deserves dignity and respect.  I am on this Earth for a reason.   The greatest love of all is self-love.  Never give up!  Everything happens for a reason.  Never lose faith and hope!

MY LIFE TODAY
Today, I am 39-years-old, but I have the wisdom of an 80 year old woman.  After being released from the state hospital, I have written seven books in under two years.  One memoir and six self-help books. 
My Mental Madness Memoir is a deep look into my mind.  You can learn my whole life story in depth and clarity.  It is a very emotion-provoking book.  The reader is taken on a journey through the insanity.  Readers can take full participation into the author’s thoughts and feelings.  It is quite unique, because I hide absolutely nothing.  This is an extremely real, one-of-a-kind, page-turning book.  You will see me at my very best and feel my joy, but you will also feel my pain and see how I persevered through it all.
I have also written the How to Survive Series.  Out currently are ones on depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and PTSD.  These powerful self-help books offer the reader insight and inspiration.  They provide hope and tips on how to effectively cope.
I have inspired hundreds of people through these books!  I love that I am now very happy and have found my calling and purpose in this life.   Without all the pain and adversity, I would have never accomplished that.  I would not be the person I am today.  I have gained a great deal more compassion, love, empathy, understanding, and wisdom. 
I did suffer, and I suffered terribly, but I turned it all around and now I am using the pain for the benefit of those who are going through all that I have.  I have made a great life from a very rocky foundation.  But I did it.  And you can too! You can become and do anything you want in your life.  The opportunities are endless.  Make your life one that will never be forgotten!

About the author
Stephanie Anne Allen is the quickly emerging author of 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 (BPD), and How to Survive PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder).  She holds a BA in clinical psychology and is a former case manager for the mentally ill.  She also has a lifetime of personal experience with mental illness. Ms. Allen is also a NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) peer support group facilitator.

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Monday, November 26, 2018

GIFTS FOR THOSE WANTING TO RECOVER FROM MENTAL ILLNESS!

Latest Review of MY MENTAL MADNESS MEMOIR

"Mental Madness Memoir: The Provocative True Journey Through My Struggles with Mental Illness
The author shares her experiences with severe mental illness in her life and the ways it affected her as she got into her teens and twenties going forward. A very moving story relating all of the frightening times she went through, not understanding what was happening to her or why her life kept falling apart. How she at last got things under control and made progress. A good read for memoir readers, those with an interest in or having family members with mental illnesses, especially multiple mental illnesses, a super honest, illuminating book on the topic. If you’ve never had or seen what real mental illness looks like, then you need to read this and get educated and help get rid of the stigma. This isn’t the Dark Ages anymore, folks. Stephanie was brave enough to share her story, honestly as possible and it’s not easy to listen to her painful hurting, and loneliness at times. She has some serious mental illnesses that messed up her life repeatedly until she got a handle on what the problem was, and that took many years. She wants her struggles to help others, and I really hope it does. A complimentary audio copy was provided by the author for my honest yet voluntary review."
Learn More about My Mental Madness Memoir

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

HOW TO GIVE A MEANINGFUL GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS


Are you unsure of what to give a loved one this coming Christmas?  Another toy?  Perhaps an outfit?  Maybe perfume?  Sure, the list goes on and on with ideas of what would be the perfect gift.  But really do they NEED another toy, another outfit, or another bottle of perfume??  Sure, those might seem to be nice, and even expensive, but are they truly meaningful and thoughtful?  Do they truly come from the heart??   I think not!

Why not give a gift that offers your support and encouragement?  Why not offer a gift that will benefit the recipient?  A gift that shows that you love and care for them… a gift that will help them… a gift that may even save their life!!

Ok.  You may be wondering what this gift could be…
????????????????

Have you ever given someone you love a self-help book?  Self-help books can motivate and encourage individuals to better themselves.  Self-help books often inspire a reader to make needed changes in their lives.  Self-help books are also defined as self-development books, and that is exactly what they do!!  They help the reader “develop” a better “self”!

There are many, many, self help books out there, so you may be wondering where to start.  How about reading books from an author who has not only been a mental health professional, but has also suffered from mental illness for over 25 years?  This author would surely be very well-rounded and extremely creditable.  She’s seen been sides of the “mental health” epidemic, and also she has even earned a degree in clinical psychology.

Sure, if an author like that exists, I would surely read mental health recovery books written by her!!  

Well, an author like that does exist.  Check out the following books:
·         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 (BPD)
·         How to Survive PTSD
(All books available in eBook, paperback, and audiobook)

Amazing titles? Yes, I think so.  And what is astonishingly amazing is that the author suffered with all those conditions and still defied the odds and emerged from the depths of Hell.  She overcame pain and suffering, and she achieved a happy existence with mental stability. And has been given another chance at life.

Who is this author?  Well, frankly, she is ME!  And I want you to know that I have written these books to reach out to those in need.  There are so many people that need help, and these books can be a great starting point or used for reference and inspiration by those who suffer silently.  I need you to help your loved ones.  And this is where to begin, as you can offer these books as aides in someone’s journey of recovery.

Much love to you all this holiday season!  Stay strong and keep marching forward!  You are loved!

WANT TO GIVE THE GIFT OF INSPIRATION, ENCOURAGEMENT, HOPE, AND SUPPORT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?

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Tuesday, November 13, 2018

A COMMENT ALL MUST SEE NOW!


BY: Virginia Wilkins
“What I love about your self help books is that the are truthful, informative, realistic, easy to read, gets to the point, and you share your experiences which give hope.  You do not exclude God, which is very important, because He is the real key to every part of one’s life.  Yet, you do not push Him on anyone… Even through a persons healing process, you give choice.  And I love the fact you are compassionate… the genuine concern for others to get help and heal… You express unconditional love and care in your books and it can be felt…  I have never read any books to be as warm, real, and full of compassion, that is really reaching out to the reader of your books… You pour your love into helping others.  I say you have truly found your passionate assignment from God, your purpose for being here, and all you went through… Your pleasing in the eyes of God… Continue to grow in Christ daily as you encourage others to accept life as it is and not give up on hope, faith, and very important themselves and others…  You encourage so many to hold on, and do more than survive but live…”

Learn more about my books now!

My Mental Madnesss 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

www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie


Thursday, November 8, 2018

Showing Gratitude During Thanksgiving...


By: STEPHANIE ANNE ALLEN (AUTHOR of 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, and How to Survive PTSD)

Thanksgiving is just one day a year that we should show how thankful we are for the things in our lives.  But truthfully, we should be grateful every day, even if it’s only for the little things.  Life itself is a gift to be thankful for.  God and your parents gave you life, and if this is all you think you have to be grateful for, then show your gratitude for that.

It’s the little things in life that many of us that for granted.  We are richer than you could ever imagine.  We have families and we have friends.  We have jobs, homes, and cars.  We have beds to sleep in and electricity to provide us light.  We often overlook the greatness of all that and simply conclude that we deserve it or are obligated to receive those things.  But friends we are not entitled to anything.  What we do have is a gift from God.  And we should be thankful for all of it. 

When you lose all the little things, it is at that time that you realize how blessed you truly were.  But then it may be too late… 

There are people in your life, that you say you love, that struggle every single day.  They struggle to keep food on the table or to pay for running water.  But I’d like to focus this on the loved ones in your life that suffer from mental illness.  Many struggle in silence, because of stigma and the fear of being judged.  I encourage you to reach out to those who need a helping hand.  Give them a hand, and you may be the one to save a life.

God put these people in your life, so that you would learn to love unconditionally.  We must trust in his purpose for us.  Our purpose is to spread love to one another.  Love those struggling with mental illness, by showing them how much you care.  Show them that they matter to you.  These are people who you loved before they got sick, so please love them now in their darkened times.  They are the same person they were before.  They are just sick with an illness that affects their brain.
You can help these people greatly by helping them help themselves.  Offer them the resources they need to restore and rebuild their lives. 

I have authored 7 inspirational books on mental health recovery.  These books empower the reader by offering hope, inspiration, encouragement, insight, and tips on how to cope.  I myself was one who dealt with a tremendous amount of internal pain.  But I survived.  Use my life as an example and a model on which you can help others. 

My Mental Madness Memoir is a powerful book that dives deep into the depressed, manic, borderline, delusional, and psychotic mind.  It is a painful story, but also one that shows how I beat all the given odds my finding the courage, strength, faith, hope, and love to overcome it all.
The How to Survive Series includes: How to Survive Depression, How to Survive Bipolar Disorder, How to Survive Schizophrenia, How to Survive Anxiety, How to Survive Borderline Personality Disorder, and How to Survive PTSD.

These are the perfect gifts to give to someone whom you are blessed to have part of your life.  Show your gratitude and appreciation for them by giving them the gift of hope and love.  Show them how much them mean to you and how much you support them during their struggle.

You can find all my books on Amazon in eBook, paperback, and audiobook.

Want more?  Sign up for my mailing list now... http://eepurl.com/dd5jYj


Sunday, November 4, 2018

HOLIDAY GIVEAWAYS #1 on Inspirational Mental Illness Recovery Books!

Friends and book fans, I am thrilled to be able to announce the first of several Amazon giveaways that will be happening in the weeks before the holiday begins!  To me the holiday begins the day following Halloween!

My Mental Madness Memoir is a powerful true story that takes the reader deep into the depressed/manic/borderline/delusional/psychotic mind!  Truly unique and one-of-a-kind!  A must read for all!


The How to Survive Series consists of empowering self help books that offer hope, inspiration, encouragement, insight, and tips on how to cope effectively.

How to Survive Depression

How to Survive Bipolar Disorder

How to Survive Schizophrenia

How to Survive Anxiety

How to Survive Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

How to Survive PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder)

Enter as many as you wish!  Didn't win?   Buy yourself or someone you love a copy!  Or give one as a gift to a loved one!

Stephanie Anne Allen's Amazon Author Page







Happy Reading to all!  Hope these books will benefit you as they have benefited hundreds of people so far!

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

MY MENTAL MADNESS MEMOIR (RECENT REVIEW)

Recent review of MY MENTAL MADNESS MEMOIR...
"Not just for professionals, carers & those whose suffer with Mental Health Issues!
ByAnnie Pon 9 October 2018
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I have just read this amazing true account of a most remarkable lady who has come out the other side after going through some horrendous experiences. The author describes exactly what it is like to suffer. I admire her bravery very much. Anyone who is interested in The Human Psyche will enjoy this book & learn much at the same time. It gives both professionals & carers insight & understanding...very much needed when a fellow being suffers so greatly. It is also helpful for people who experience M/H Issues themselves, however, could be very triggering for some. I would therefore recommend to read when you are stable. I feel humbled & still blown away by this woman's courage. One to be re-read many times over. I wont be giving this one away! Well worth your own copy!"

#mentalhealth
#psychology
#memoirs
#mentalillness
#MentalHealthawareness

Www.amzn.to/2CO9ECL

Saturday, October 13, 2018

RESPECT AND MENTAL ILLNESS


To me, respect is when one values, acknowledges, and appreciates another person simply for them being a human being, a life in this world.  Respect is a societal and moral standard in which a person is admired and esteemed for simply existing in on this Earth, rather than by the choices the person makes or the lifestyle they live.  It is a form of unconditional love in which everyone is entitled to receive.

But in my opinion the mentally ill population are not receiving the respect that they deserve and are entitled to.  They are often looked down upon by many people due to the severe and utterly ridiculous stigma that has been bestowed upon them unjustifiably.  The stigma originated due to ignorance, that was then spread through gossip, and ultimately resulted in the worldwide understanding that mentally ill people are “dangerous, stupid, lazy, and lacking” individuals who are choose not to work, because they want to “sponge off the government”.  Some even believe that the mentally ill actually choose not to be normal, and they choose not to help themselves.

In all reality, the victims of mental illness do not choose their mental illnesses.  They do not choose to be depressed, manic, psychotic, whatever…  They do not choose to hurt so much emotionally and feel so much inner turmoil, that they feel suicide is the only answer.  They do not choose to be ridiculed, judged, and misunderstood by the unapproving general public.  The question being, “would you choose that?”

We are individuals who want to be happy and want to be productive members of society.  We are people who wish they were never inflicted with illnesses that are so misinterpreted and unwelcomed in our community.

We have “invisible illnesses”, unlike those who use walkers, canes, or wheelchairs.  Our illnesses are just as real as others who suffer cancer and heart disease.  Our illnesses are illnesses in which our brains are misfiring due to chemical imbalances.  And yes, they can be terminal just like other illnesses.  The risk of suicide greatly increases when one suffers from a mental illness.  But no, we are not dangerous, evil, or possessed.  No, we are not worthless, we are not charity cases, we are not unhuman.

We need to hope for more research to be completed on mental illness, but in the meantime, we can all stop this horrible stigma by educating those around us.  We need to all have respect for each other’s differences, and respect for the victims of mental illness who suffer in silence because of fear of judgement.

We have disabilities too.  And they are just as real as other disabilities.  Show a little respect and reach out to those who are mentally ill.  Help them as you would help someone suffering from a terminal disease.  The stigma is causing mentally ill people not to seek treatment and to commit the ultimate act of suicide, because that is the only answer they feel is probable.  People often feel undignified, weak, and unworthy when and if they seek treatment.  We can change that.  We can make a huge difference in this world.  One step at a time.

And a message for those suffering from symptoms of mental illness:  Have enough self-respect to reach out and get help for yourself.   You are worth it!  You have value and purpose.  Not everybody will understand what you are going through, but that’s ok.  Love yourself enough to help yourself by seeking the treatment you feel in your heart that you need.  Do not be ashamed.  Life is worth it and you are worth it!

Written by Stephanie Anne Allen, author of:
  • 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
Click for Author's Page: www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie




Friday, October 12, 2018

AMAZON GIVEAWAYS AVAILABLE NOW!!!!

Hello to all my wonderful blog readers I have giveaways on all 7 of my mental health books!  Please enter as may as you wish for a chance to win a free copy.

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

Please follow my blog to get continued updates on new books, giveaways, promotions, reviews, and so much more.

Also, please subscribe to my mailing list now....  http://eepurl.com/dd5jYj

If you don't win a free copy, you may purchase an ebook, paperback, or audiobook now!
https://www.amazon.com/Stephanie-Anne-Allen/e/B074WC5HJF?&_encoding=UTF8tag=jennifer1979-20

Feel free to share this link with all your friends....
stephanieanneallen.blogspot.com

Monday, October 1, 2018

Yet Another Awesome Book Review!

Most recent review of My Mental Madness Memoir!5/5 stars


"I found this to be a challenging read, not because it is written badly or because I didn't like it, more because of the intense trauma Stephanie has been through. Having suffered most of my adult life with depression and anxiety I could relate to some aspects of this book and I agree that the stigma attached to mental illness needs to be addressed. The book is brutally honest provocative and heart breaking. To have been through all that Stephanie has been through and come out the other side positive and with renewed purpose is inspired. One thing I liked about the book is nothing is sugar coated she tells it like it is and how it was, and the truth is this could happen to anybody but with strength and acceptance this book only proves you can come out the other side. To write a book like this I think requires bravery and Stephanie definitely has plenty of it. Thank you for sharing your story with me I wish you nothing but happiness and peace in your life you deserve it!!"

Www.amzn.to/2CO9ECL





Sunday, September 16, 2018

FRESH (and HOT!) NEW GIVEAWAYS on Inspirational Mental Health Books!

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 (BPD)

How to Survive PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder)

Enter now and good luck!  May these books help you along your journey of recovery from mental illness!

If you wish to purchase an ebook, paperback, or audiobook copy you may be so now my clicking on this link to my author page.
Much Love to you all!
-Stephanie Anne Allen


Saturday, September 8, 2018

Narrator's Note of HOW TO SURVIVE PTSD audiobook

Narrator’s Note of How to Survive PTSD audiobook:
"Hello Wonderful Listeners!
I certainly don’t have the mental expertise of Stephanie, but I want to take a moment to encourage you to take advantage of all her infinite wisdom and experiences she has had in life. I don’t know anyone who wants to help people more than she and I’m truly honored to be narrating her inspirational and touching self-help books.
I like a lot of you had a lot of trauma growing up. My mother’s suicide and father’s incarceration for years left giant tolls on my life – making me feel helpless and utterly miserable. I felt so alone and judged for the actions of my parents and just gave in to the self-pity and depression. For years I let that negativity just rip a whole right through my heart – it never seemed it would mend.
But I found the strength within myself – just as Stephanie encourages, even when I didn’t think there was any strength there. But I slowly found peace and happiness. I’m not saying it was an easy road. To be honest, I struggle sometimes even today.
But I so passionately agree with Stephanie’s amazing attitude that WE CAN DO IT! We can overcome any illnesses, mental or otherwise! I didn’t deserve anything that happened to me, and my experiences have made me a beautiful person today and I know the power I truly have inside for what I have endured, and it is the same for you! Believe it!
Never give up – sometimes you have to fake it at first – but remember to step up and get the treatment you need and forget all the stigmas and never be ashamed.
It will be worth it I promise.
I hope and pray we can be more open and forget the stigma’s associated with mental illness for the good of mankind!
Love to you all!
Holly Holt"

How to Survive PTSD is currently available in ebook & paperback. Audiobook will be available soon!

NEW GIVEAWAYS!

Friends, it's giveaway time!  I would love for you to win a FREE copy of one or more of my books!

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 (BPD)


How to Survive PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder)



If you wish you can purchase an ebook, paperback, or audiobook copy now!
BUY NOW!

Good luck to you all on your journey through recovering from mental illness!

Monday, August 27, 2018

STORY OF HOPE!


STORY OF HOPE 
My name is Stephanie Anne Allen, and I am the new, quickly emerging author of My Mental Madness Memoir and the entire How to Survive Series.  I am also a NAMI Connections peer support group facilitator.  I am very content, and I feel successful and that my life has purpose and worth.  I am grateful for my life.  But it wasn’t always this way.  I came from a long journey of very difficult battles with mental illness.

I was first diagnosed with depression at age 14.  At that time, there was a horrible stigma attached to mental illness.  I didn’t want to be any part of it.  I was not “crazy”.   I remember growing up thinking I was bad and I felt ashamed for being depressed.  But it was obvious to everyone, whether “crazy” of not, I was definitely sick.  I suffered from helplessness, hopelessness, unworthiness, suicidal thoughts/attempts, and self-mutilation, among other symptoms.

A few years later, I was labeled as a manic depressive.  I would suffer racing thoughts, impulsive decisions, risky behaviors, and insomnia.  That diagnosis soon became a dual diagnosis, when I was defined as a borderline personality patient.  I had difficulties making and keeping friends.  I was cutting and burning myself.

A few years after that, I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and then schizophrenia. I was suffering from intense delusions and hallucinations of all five senses. 

Mental illness has impacted my life in many ways.  I lost friends, relationships, jobs, cars, homes, and even my own freedom.  But despite all the pain, all the heartache, all the adversity, I was able to beat all the given odds by finding the courage, strength, faith, and hope to overcome it all.

I have been in treatment since I was a teenager, but unfortunately treatment is not always effective with every patient.  There are so many different medications out there, and so many of them wouldn’t work on me or had horrible side effects.  Today, there are a lot of new psychotherapies available that simply did not exist when I was a child.  And then there’s that stigma again that causes people to feel guilt and shame for seeking treatment for an illness that is not their fault.

I have had several turning points and many downfalls in my life.  But the last turning point was definitely the most life-changing.  After committing a crime when I was insane, I took a look at myself and studied my thoughts and behaviors and attempted to adjust what needed to be changed.  After being incarcerated at a state hospital for 18 months, you better have gotten some insight and introspection into yourself.  But I believe the turning point for everyone can be different.  For some it may be almost losing your life to suicide or some other major incident that causes a person to reflect on his/her own thought processes.

My own personal treatment consisted of medications and psychotherapy.  Finding the right meds is surely a trial and error thing.  But at age 36, I was finally stabilized.  I would much rather take a pill or two a day, than suffer the pain and heartache and unrest I had when I was sick.  The meds keep me stable and help me to live a better life.

Currently, I am doing great!  I am working on correcting all my mistakes, and picking up all the pieces.  It’s not easy, but it’s what I feel needs to be done.  I have now found my purpose in life and that is to inspire as many people as possible.  If my story saves just one life (and it has) then my life truly has value, purpose, and worth.

If I had not suffered…If I had not been in mental pain and agony…If I had not learned how to endure…I would not be who I am today.  I have gained much compassion, empathy, understanding, and wisdom.  The pain shaped me into who I am today. 
I will continue taking my medications exactly as prescribed.  I will seek help immediately if I feel in crisis (hopefully never again).   The sooner you catch the problem, the sooner you can receive treatment, and the sooner you will feel better.
I am involved in mental health advocacy.  I am a NAMI Connections peer support group facilitator.  I am also the author of seven books on conquering mental illness…one memoir and six self-help books.
·        My Mental Madness Memoir—the provocative true journey through my struggles with mental illness
·        How to Survive Depression
·        How to Survive Bipolar Disorder
·        How to Survive Schizophrenia
·        How to Survive Anxiety
·        How to Survive Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
·        How to Survive PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder)

Also, I am all over social media with positive uplifting and inspirational posts on overcoming mental illness!  You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Goodreads, Amazon, Google +, Lyf, Pinterest, and I even post on NAMI.  I also have a mental health blog.  Feel free to check me out on any of those…
Mailing list:  http://eepurl.com/dd5jYj

MY MESSAGE TO THOSE WORKING ON THEIR RECOVERY FROM MENTAL ILLNESS
Life isn’t easy, and when you have mental illness that has a huge impact on your every day living.   You may feel lost.  You may feel alone.  You may feel that no one cares.  But I want you to know that YOU are worth fighting for.   YOU are worth getting well.  YOU have value and worth and your goal in life is to find your purpose, and work diligently towards fulfilling it.  You have a reason to be alive.  The hardest part is finding it.  But once you do, you will be so glad you did. First you need to recover so that you work towards finding that purpose.  Don’t listen to the stigma.  Listen to your heart.  Your heart definitely wants and needs to be well again.  Have enough self-love and faith in yourself to seek out the proper help you may need.   You don’t have to go it alone.  And once you get that treatment and recover, you will be so happy that you began your journey of recovery in the first place.  Never give up… as YOUR LIFE awaits you.




Friday, August 24, 2018

TURNING THE HORROR OF MENTAL ILLNESS INTO POSITIVITY & INSPIRATION


Turning the Horror of Mental Illness into Positivity and Inspiration

OBJECTIVE
My pen name is Stephanie Anne Allen, and I am writing this post to bring hope and inspiration to all those with mental illness.  I want to be a prime example of how you can not only survive the greatest of adversities, but you can also thrive.  You can turn the pain into something very positive and productive.

MY STORY
I’ve been diagnosed with many different mental illnesses over the years. They include depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorder, and an anxiety disorder.  The psychiatrists tried nearly every medication available out there on me.  Most medications didn’t work and the ones that did, had bad side effects.  I struggled for years and tried endlessly to make sense of my own existence.  I was in and out of psych hospitals all my life.  I tried to commit suicide several times and was addicted to self-mutilation.  All I wanted and longed for was death.  There just seemed to be no hope out there, and I felt like no one even cared about me.  I felt totally lonely and ashamed for having “mental problems”. 
When I was manic, I had racing thoughts, impulsive and risky behaviors, and I had delusions of grandeur.  I had major trouble sleeping and had an excess amount of energy.  My moods shifting rapidly from one extreme to the other—up and down, just like a roller coaster.
When I was psychotic, I suffered from delusions of all sorts and from hallucinations of all 5 senses.  I thought I was the “savior of medical science”.  I even believed at one point that I was the “second-coming of Christ”.  I saw, felt, tasted, heard, and smelled things that weren’t really there.  I believed I was going to be killed and raped by perpetrators, and this lasted from 2005 to 2016.  Can you even imagine living for the fear of your safety and your very life for 11 years?  Not easy.
Anyways, having mental illness caused me to lose everything accept my own life!  I lost friendships, relationships, jobs, cars, homes, and even my freedom at several points.  I committed a crime due to my insanity, and while being locked up I got my life back together.

HOW I TURNED MY LIFE AROUND
It was not easy, but I managed to go from rock bottom all the way to the top.  I found the courage, strength, faith, and hope I needed to overcome the greatest of odds.
I realized finally, while incarcerated, that I indeed was mentally ill and that it was nothing to be ashamed of.  The doctors stabilized me on meds and I was able to get the therapeutic treatment I needed.  I learned about what causes me to get to that point of psychosis.  Stress was a key!  So, I now know I cannot stress myself out.  I have to do things at my own pace.  I have learned coping skills for when I feel stressed.  I gained much insight into my mental illness and how I can “deal” effectively with the symptoms as they present themselves.
I realized that I am not alone.  I am a worthwhile person with purpose who deserves dignity and respect.  I am on this Earth for a reason.   The greatest love of all is self-love.  Never give up!  Everything happens for a reason.  Never lose faith and hope!

MY LIFE TODAY
Today, I am 39-years-old, but I have the wisdom of an 80 year old woman.  After being released from the state hospital, I have written seven books in under two years.  One memoir and six self-help books. 
My Mental Madness Memoir is a deep look into my mind.  You can learn my whole life story in depth and clarity.  It is a very emotion-provoking book.  The reader is taken on a journey through the insanity.  Readers can take full participation into the author’s thoughts and feelings.  It is quite unique, because I hide absolutely nothing.  This is an extremely real, one-of-a-kind, page-turning book.  You will see me at my very best and feel my joy, but you will also feel my pain and see how I persevered through it all.
I have also written the How to Survive Series.  Out currently are ones on depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and PTSD.  These powerful self-help books offer the reader insight and inspiration.  They provide hope and tips on how to effectively cope.
I have inspired hundreds of people through these books!  I love that I am now very happy and have found my calling and purpose in this life.   Without all the pain and adversity, I would have never accomplished that.  I would not be the person I am today.  I have gained a great deal more compassion, love, empathy, understanding, and wisdom. 
I did suffer, and I suffered terribly, but I turned it all around and now I am using the pain for the benefit of those who are going through all that I have.  I have made a great life from a very rocky foundation.  But I did it.  And you can too! You can become and do anything you want in your life.  The opportunities are endless.  Make your life one that will never be forgotten!

About the author
Stephanie Anne Allen is the quickly emerging author of 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 (BPD), and How to Survive PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder).  She holds a BA in clinical psychology and is a former case manager for the mentally ill.  She also has a lifetime of personal experience with mental illness. Ms. Allen is also a NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) peer support group facilitator.


Stephanie Anne Allen's Amazon Author Page:  www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie