Category: Schizophrenia

‘Halyn Has Schizophrenia And That’s OK’: New Book by Matthew Johnstone And Lauren Kennedy West

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

(Image: Matthew Johnstone/ Robinson)

The latest book from authors Matthew Johnstone and Lauren Kennedy West has hit the shelves today and it has such an important message to share. Described as an ‘illustrated journey through understanding, acceptance and living well.’ the book tells Halyn’s story of understanding and accepting her schizophrenia diagnosis.

The publisher says, ‘ Schizophrenia is complex disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves, with symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. It affects 1 in 300 people, and more than 24 million globally. It is a serious condition but can be managed effectively with early intervention, ongoing treatment and compassionate support.

This book is for anyone seeking to understand their diagnosis, or for friends and family hoping to support their loved one with schizophrenia. Through humorous and moving illustrations, it shows that it is possible to live a happy and fulfilling life with this condition, and promotes clarity, honesty and caring for those living with mental illness.‘

The book is beautifully illustrated with special added extras like the change in colour on Halyn’s T shirt when she is having symptoms (red) and when she feels well, her shirt is blue and there is little bird of hope present. This encourages the reader to see Halyn as a full person with hope and remission and not just a person with a mental illness. Halyn is 26 and she lives with her partner Johann and Chalky Boy, the world’s laziest cat.

The book describes how schizophrenia impacts Halyn on a day to day basis but also says, ‘I have to be a little more vigilant and work a little bit harder at my state of wellbeing than most…but I manage quite well.’. Halyn says, ‘I accept that I may have to live my life a little differently but thats OK’.

(Image: Matthew Johnstone/ Robinson)

This book will go a long way to helping people living with schizophrenia and their loved ones be seen and heard. As someone living with bipolar disorder, I also found the book very inspiring and uplifting, with a hopeful take on what can often be so difficult. It doesn’t shy away from the realities of schizophrenia but explains them through the illustrations and language, in an accessible, clear and powerful way.

‘Halyn Has Schizophrenia And That’s OK‘ is out now, published by Robinson (Hachette) in good bookshops. With thanks to Little Brown and Robinson for the gifted book.

(Image: Matthew Johnstone/ Robinson)

About the authors


Matthew Johnstone has written and illustrated several bestselling mental health and wellbeing titles such as I Had a Black Dog. Matthew’s company Drawn from Experience develops creative/educational programmes, illustrations and videos on understanding mental health and resilience for schools, communities, eHealth and the workplace.


Lauren Kennedy West lives with a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, and brings a unique perspective to mental health advocacy. With experience both as a social worker within the mental health care system and as a patient navigating its challenges, Lauren reaches millions through her YouTube channel, Living Well After Schizophrenia.

7 Ways To Care For Yourself And Your Mental Health This Autumn/ Fall.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 1 Comment

(image: Ella Ivanescu, Unsplash)

Autumn (or if you’re in the USA, Fall) is one of my favourite seasons. Beautiful autumn leaves, the weather getting gently cooler, cosy hot chocolates and pumpkin spice, the autumn harvest of pumpkins, snuggling in blankets with a good book or TV show and for some- walks in nature with the orange and yellow trees and landscapes. However, did you know that the clocks going back and the change in light and dark, with nights drawing in, can affect your mental health? Studies have shown that when its darker, people are more prone to depression and anxiety and some (like myself at times) struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

There are many ways to take care of yourself if you feel your mood dipping or you are becoming more anxious. If you feel it is affecting your daily functioning, please reach out for support from your doctor (and if you have one, a therapist or psychologist). Here I talk about a few tips to help support your mental health this Autumn.

  1. Make sure you rest as well as play and work

Work can become all consuming, but if you prioritise rest this season too, your body will thank you. Autumn is all about slowing down, recovering, resting (and for animals (and some humans) hibernating). Yes you can work and play hard if you prefer, but make sure you find that balance to support your wellbeing. In our busy lives and for those who are parents or just struggling with their mental health, self care can slip. Practising good self care- eating well, resting, gentle exercise, can really help our minds.

2. Release Control- Give Stress Over

Gabby Bernstein, my favourite spiritual teacher, often says ‘Release control to find peace, surrender it to the Universe’. Surrendering means not obsessing about what we can’t control, but giving it over to a higher power or the universe. This can really help when we feel overwhelmed and stressed, to pray and meditate or simply write down how you are feeling and then ask the universe to take it from you. Journalling thoughts and feelings can help too.

3. Nature walks

Despite the cold, this Autumn, walking in nature can help get the blood pumping and our minds to reset. Sometimes going with a friend, spouse or family member can cheer you up- there is something about the colours of nature, the soft greens that is truly calming.

(image: Erika Mendes, Unsplash)

4. Make your home cosy

Whether its getting some new cushions or blankets, fairy lights or lamps, investing in cosy and light interiors for the darker seasons is a must! I like to use lamps when the nights draw in.

5. Get enough sleep (but not too much!)

During the Autumn/ Winter period, most of us naturally want to hibernate in the evenings. Sometimes this period can make depression and anxiety worse. I know with my bipolar that sometimes I feel lower or more anxious. Getting enough daylight and if you struggle with seasonal affective disorder, use an SAD lamp, which can help you to wake up gently in the mornings. Similarly, make sure you get enough sleep for you to keep your mental and physical health at its best. Depression can cause us to sleep longer hours and hide away- I find daytime distractions can help me not to sleep too much.

6. Take your medication as prescribed

If you struggle with mental health in winter and are prescribed antidepressants or other meds, do not suddenly stop them as this can cause a relapse in your mental health. Make sure you speak to your doctor first!

7. Treat yourself

Treat yourself to a hot chocolate (or pumpkin space drink) and a good book or TV show, wrapped in a cosy hoodie or blanket. You deserve it!

Wishing you all a wonderful and well Autumn/Fall season.

Eleanor

The Inherited Mind: A Story Of Family, Hope And the Genetics Of Mental Illness by Award-Winning Journalist James Longman (featuring our story!)

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

(image: James Longman/ Hyperion Avenue)

A couple of years ago, an intriguing email landed in my inbox. It was from the award- winning journalist James Longman (of ABC News). He told me he was writing a book investigating his own father’s illness and how much of mental illness is inherited. His father died by suicide when he was just a child and had a diagnosis of schizophrenia and depression, but James did not know a huge amount about this mental health history at the time.

James wanted to delve deeper into the family and genetic side of mental illness. As he got older, James’s own bouts of depression spurred him to examine how his father’s mental health might have affected his own. He engaged with experts to uncover the science behind what is inherited, how much environmental factors can impact genetic traits, and how one can overcome a familial history of mental illness and trauma.

James had seen my own story of family illness with bipolar disorder, as my Dad and other relatives also have the same condition and so he reached out to interview me. With permission from my Dad, I had a wonderful chat over Zoom with James, talking about the links with certain types of mental illness in families and how these types of illness can cause suicidal thoughts and sadly in James’s fathers case, suicide. We also discussed the hopeful journey that can occur if you have access to the right support networks, medications and therapy. Medication in particular has helped to keep us well over the years as bipolar has a definite biological link too.

In The Inherited Mind, James invites readers to reflect on their own stories as he shares his quest to better understand himself and his family. Through speaking to mental health experts, to those who have had similar familial experiences, and about his own life stories, James shows us, with heart and humour, how much our bodies can empower and inform us about our own personal mental health histories.

We are honoured to have our story featured in James’s informative and essential book. Thanks again to him for featuring us as a case study. It will be out in January and you can pre order your copy here