Pleading Insanity

De: Andrew James Archer

Narrado por: Brian Jost

Twenty-year-old Andrew James Archer seemed to have it all as a midwestern college student at the top of the dean's list and with a beautiful girlfriend at his side. Yet somehow the balance of perfectionist goals and the ability to temporarily turn off anxiety with the help of alcohol and friends allowed Andrew to hide what was lying just beneath the surface: bipolar disorder. In his poignant personal narrative, Andrew invites others inside a hellish prism that left him the victim of substance abuse, depression, suicidal thoughts, mania, and delusions - and in a psychiatric unit with a mind separated from reality and a body confined to a jail cell.

As Andrew reveals the details of his harrowing journey through mental illness and subsequent treatment, he helps to demystify common misperceptions, build awareness, and provide hope to others suffering from bipolar disorder. Drawing on Andrew's personal reflections, this memoir exposes the dirty insides of mental illness from an individual and family perspective. It navigates the intimate details of mania that few can recall and most cannot articulate.

Whether you have no knowledge of bipolar disorder or are an expert in the mental health field, the earnest nature of Pleading Insanity begs you to listen.

"This valuable journal includes...the stumbling mistakes of psychiatric treatment alongside moments of touching clarity and profound grace." (Flint Sparks, PhD, psychologist and Zen teacher)

©2013 Archway Publishing (P)2018 Andrew James Archer

Interesting and Insightful

This book is a good way for anyone to gain insight on what it’s like for an individual dealing with a mental illness. I think it should be read by everyone, not only because it is a very interesting and entertaining story, but also because it helps individuals who have not been exposed to or who do not realize they have been exposed to someone battling a mental illness gain a better understanding of how to help identify something that may be wrong and how to offer help in those situations. I also believe it can help individuals battling an illness themselves with perspective on how to best control and live with their disease and how to seek out help. I have learned a lot from this book and hope it will help me with the compassion I can show to everyone, no matter their situation or state of mind.

Thank you!

I work as a para-professional in the mental health system, and this book was enormously helpful. Andrew gives us a look from the inside of a person with bipolar disorder, both when the illness was not managed, and later when he is managing it. My understanding, knowledge and compassion are greatly increased because of his sharing. He brings practical information and hope to all who deal with mental illness. Narration was fast - I had to slow it down to .75 to listen. Loved this book!