In this groundbreaking collection, well-known and cutting-edge authors bring to light life with mental illness. These evocative essays, by writers who either suffer from or have close family members diagnosed with mental illness or a developmental disorder, aim to break down the stigma that surrounds one of the most devastating of human tribulations. The writers recount their experiences with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, clinical depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and dissociative identity disorder. What does it feel like to be psychotic? What sorts of thoughts go through your mind while you are killing yourself? How does a mother go on after her schizophrenic son throws himself into an unfinished construction site? The anthology drills to the core of compassion and disappointment—transcending hope and sometimes finding beauty in insanity.

With a foreword by physician and bestselling author Gabor Maté, MD, Hidden Lives gives readers a place to turn and communicates not despair but courage.

Shows the immense courage of the writers to speak out . . . A useful book for sufferers & carers. —Royal College of Psychiatrists

Richly packed with stories...Editors Lenore Rowntree and Andrew Boden have brought together a compelling collection of essays, mostly from people who are dealing with various psychotic illnesses. —The Huffington Post

I was keenly aware of the privilege I was being afforded, each page allowing me to regard the details, the emotional pain that mental illness brings to otherwise everyday lives. The tribulations are sorrowful. The courage shines through... Each reader will understand in their own way, and will learn from this book. —The Coastal Spectator

We’d all benefit from reading this book and gaining some insight and understanding into the lives of those who are experiencing it firsthand. —The Vancouver Sun