Unstill

The Ordeal of Anxiety, Pills, and an Undiagnosed Disorder: A Memoir

By: Lenny Gallo

Narrated by: Marc Cashman

Treatment for anxiety all too often includes medication—but at what cost to the patient? After struggling with a lifetime of clinical anxiety, author and artist Lenny Gallo was confronted with the decision to try medication to help manage his symptoms. The medication did not work as expected and caused a misunderstood and often misdiagnosed movement disorder.

This book reflects his journey to find the answers that redirected the course of his life. Lenny’s artwork is intertwined throughout the story. His unique paintings chronicled his distress and provided insight into his world of suffering from a rare disorder with no answers available. This cautionary tale explores the author’s anxiety-ridden early life; the relationship between patients and doctors; mental health medications and their side effects; and examines the mental health profession from the perspective of both patient and practitioner.

Dramatically and beautifully told through witty and heartbreaking narrative, Unstill explores what it meant for the author to face his demons.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Lenny Gallo (P)2024 Lenny Gallo

Brave and Insightful Memoir with a Unique Voice

"Unstill: The Ordeal of Anxiety, Pills, and an Undiagnosed Disorder. A Memoir" by Gallo captivated me from the very beginning. As someone living with both a movement disorder and anxiety, I first read it in print and found it difficult to put down. I'm a person who likes to revisit good books, so I then listened to the audiobook, finishing it in two sittings over the span of 24 hours. Hearing it on the heels of having read it, I felt resuscitated by the listening experience. The narration is superlative in quality, enhancing and deepening the experience of the memoir. The narrator's emotive delivery and nuanced inflections bring the story to life, making the audio format an excellent choice.

Gallo's honest portrayal of his battle with clinical anxiety and the unforeseen side effects of medication that led to a misdiagnosed movement disorder mirrors the frustrations I've faced in my own healthcare journey. His openness shines through every moment, and the confident tone of the narration is both reassuring and inspiring. It is commendable that he shares something so raw and personal; I truly appreciate that about this audiobook.

One of the most compelling aspects of Unstill is how Gallo describes his artwork within the narrative. His vivid depictions of his paintings serve as expressions of his inner turmoil and resilience, adding a deeply personal and emotionally striking layer to his story. This combination of art and prose not only enhances the emotional impact but also provides a unique window into his experiences.

Listening to Unstill was both illuminating and revitalizing. Gallo's relentless pursuit of answers and his candid reflections on the patient-doctor relationship highlight the critical need for empathy and effective communication in healthcare. His exploration of the side effects of mental health medications and the intricate connection between mental and physical health is extremely informative yet presented with remarkable candor.

The level of quality and personal storytelling in this memoir is impressive. Gallo's unique style and flow really come through in the audio format, making complex medical issues accessible and engaging. In terms of medical facts and exploration, it stands on par with doctoral forensics books, demonstrating a depth and precision that is rarely found in personal narratives. It rivals the quality and depth of even my most cherished non-medical books, managing to balance and transition from thoughtful medical insight to memoir without a single blemish or seam. The exceptional narration adds depth to his words, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in his journey. It's evident that a great deal of effort went into crafting this narrative, and his ability to convey such profound experiences with honesty and grace is commendable.

What resonated most with me was the sense of community Unstill fosters. Gallo emphasizes that we are not alone in our struggles, offering a comforting sense of solidarity and understanding. This message of hope and connection has been particularly meaningful, providing reassurance and inspiring me to continue seeking support and understanding on my own journey.

Overall, Unstill stands out as one of the most fascinating and well-narrated audiobooks on medical issues I've encountered. It intricately weaves personal anecdotes with practical advice, creating a narrative that is both deeply moving and highly informative. For anyone dealing with neurological challenges, movement disorders, or anxiety, this memoir is an excellent choice. It offers empathy, understanding, and inspiration, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking connection and insight on their path to wellness. I highly recommend Unstill in its audiobook format.

An honest and vulnerable story highlighting mental health and awareness of medications

I was not sure what to expect from this memoir, but I have to say this was such a pleasant surprise. I was in tears hearing about his life. What a tragic story that was beautifully made into a book. The author‘s writing is very engaging and I couldn’t stop reading. I found myself captured by the author’s vulnerability and relatability. Although the story brings sadness, the author made it easy to digest with glimpses of humor. This book definitely sheds light onto issues within the medical and mental health community. It is a must read for anyone considering taking medication and I highly recommend this book.

courageous persistence

Regardless of your own struggles, movement disorder or otherwise, you can find new resolve in this book as Lenny Gallo shares his encouraging journey. Despite a roller coaster of complications and setbacks, there is a central theme of persistence, learning, transformation, and appreciation which carries us forward to emerge to new levels of understanding and acceptance. The careful cultivation of a support system and drive for solutions emerge as core strategies, as well as severing negative ties and putting things on hold when circumstances require. Highly recommended if you've been frustrated by challenges which blur the lines between your own emotions and mental health, and external influences affecting your ability to function. Bravo Lenny for finding the courage to share your journey, may it guide many towards the help they need.

A Vulnerable and Riveting Story!

A relatable story of self-discovery and the search for answers within the maze of our US behavioral healthcare system.

I was captivated by the author’s retelling of his early childhood experiences. It is undeniable that they inevitably shaped his character, his decision to get help, and the unintended consequences that would follow.

I was infuriated along with the author as he encountered dead ends while trying to seek help.
The initial medical system we all rely on was unequipped to recognize and treat, or even be sympathetic to, a niche disorder. These challenges were met with resilience and the author embarked down a solo journey. This story is ultimately one of hope.

A bingeable listen, highly recommend.

You can't handle the truth

A raw and uninhibited self exposure through shadow work so deep you will find yourself connected to the story from beginning to end. An extremely fast listen as Lenny takes you through his never give up, relentless journey exposing the many inconsistencies and negligence of our medical system. In this deeply personal journey Lenny brings great light and hope to others by making the darkness a conscious entity where one learns that thru support, love and persistence - hope does exist.