Don’t Mind Me Book Reviews Part Two

Don’t Mind Me by Judith Haire

Book Reviews 2

Mental illness is so misunderstood and stigmatised thanks to a general level of ignorance, but Judith’s very personal and harrowing account of her battle with mental illness and the depths of despair encountered are eye opening, giving the reader a terrific understanding of what it is to live with mental illness, and how it affects others, and how the victim is perceived by others.

Well written, Judith’s book is a must-read for anyone looking for a good understanding of mental illess.

Neil R

‘Judith’s journey back to health is both thought provoking and insightful.  I recommend this book to all those who are caught in the dreary slog of trying to cope with mental health problems.  It catalogues this and the more dramatic entry and exit from psychosis.  An easy book to read and one that shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel.’

Sue Sterling, Chartered Clinical Psychologist

 This book tells a story of a woman named Judith Haire, a human being going through the heartache and tears of having dysfunctional relationships. Unlike many books that lack the information and process behind the recovery towards gaining oneself, Judith shares key details during and after the abuse. Don’t Mind Me is a book that should be in every house hold in America. When you read this book, you will agree and connect to similar abuse if you have ever been in an abusive relationship.

If you research the numbers, you will see that this is not an isolated problem in America. We are lucky that people like Judith Haire step up and write books like: “Don’t Mind Me” and open their souls to all of us. So we can connect to something further than the numbers and see how these issues can still be overcome through some of the steps she takes in this book. I applaud You for putting together something that can help change the dysfunctional patterns and prove that you can still have inner peace with out the mental scars. Also applaud your sister Jane and your husband Ken for sticking by your side. Wish you the best and continue to be the advocate you are. You are a true role model.

Back in the gays 

I can’t say enough good things about this book – if you haven’t read a book about psychosis or being in the mental health system, this is the book to read. Honest, touching and inspiring, it will blow you away.

Having experienced psychosis myself, I understand our mountains are higher to climb than most people, but once we reach the top, we see more and become better people for it. Judith wants you to share her climb, but only to see the amazing view once you get to the top

Dolly Sen.

Inspiring and informative – this is recommended for all nursing professionals

Heather Robinson RNA

If I saw that in a cinema or rather as a short TV series, I would say the screenwriters went definitely  far too far in their  creativity and that so many bad things could not happen to one person. Obviously life writes its own tragic plays that sometimes are beyond belief.

The first thing that made me think deeper was the behaviour of mother, it was a typical example of the behaviour forced by the society and rules of that. For ages I have been interested in this matter, how much society, culture and religion cause harm in our lives through decisions we take based on the rules forced on us.. The obvious tragedy of a woman who, due to different reasons and decisions, put herself in dysfunctional relationship. I have written about the mother as father’s behaviour, sick and dysfunctional as it was, in my mind was tolerated by the society, especially in the 1950s.

I was very happy to read the part of the book from the perspective of a patient, what one can feel and think while observing the outside world, what thoughts and fears can go through one’s mind. That, sadly, also showed me how bad or not good enough the so called specialists are; how little do they know or rather want to feel to help the patient. How important it is for them to feel empathy, not only prescript medications, how important it is to be just  humane when trying to cure a human.

To conclude – books like that and this one in particular are telling the story of people who went through hell, but managed to come back. Who were on their knees, but stood up. The book gives us hope that even in the darkest moments we may find the strength to get better and to change the life. The most important though it speaks openly about the problem that is somehow a taboo in any society, but touches countless lives all around the world. By reading the story of one woman, everybody can learn something about their own life too.

Brygida Biedron

Don’t Mind Me is an important account of a one woman’s survival of domestic abuse and mental illness. Judith’s ‘voice’ should be heard, as it offers hope and inspiration to those who have experienced mental illness and abuses. Hers is a welcome voice breaking the silent taboo round domestic abuse and mental health issues.”

Louise Brown BEd(Hons) MA
Senior Practitioner in domestic abuse sphere

Writing in vivid and candid detail Judith Haire shares her traumatic life experiences and her journey to wholeness.  Her work encourages a more compassionate approach towards understanding distressed individuals.

 Dr Dan L Edmunds Ed D 

International Center for Humane Psychiatry

USA

 

It is always heartening to read accounts of recovery.  Judith’s story is a valuable reminder that it is users themselves who have to shape their personal journey

 Terry Bamford Director SPN Social Perspectives Network 

Judith’s experiences of human rights abuses, ranging from close family members to those of the ‘caring’ professions, illustrates the insidious nature from which little if any recourse is found.  It was simply her tenacity and determination that eventually pulled her through’

Paul P Fletcher LLB (Hons) Executive Director, CCHR London

I found this a very moving, honest and realistic account of Judith’s life. I found the style of writing easy to read and the pace of the book was good, in fact, once I started, I had to contiue reading until I reached the end. It was un-put-downable…..:). Thank you for offering this to the world Judith and for your unquenchable spirit in life.

Donna Curtis

I think it would be a very good idea for mental health professionals to read Judith Haire’s book.  It would give an insight to what can happen to someone before their break down.  You would not fail to empathise with her situation and others’ situations.  I think it would make professionals look at people for who they are and what they have been through and not just patients.

Wendy Wilson IMHA

‘For all mental health professionals this patient insight can help us to provide a good practice for our patients and understand what they are going through aside the mental illness.  This insight can also help other people whether they be sufferers  of mental illness or a family or friend of a person who suffers’

Rikki Macdonald DipHE Mental Health Nurse

An amazing author delving into reasons for her descent into psychosis. This book makes compelling reading and is very inspirational

Andrea Moore