Book
In Silence I Speak
my journey through madness
When people ask about my recovery it seems they often want a quick-fix answer, like a little blue pill, but seldom do they have time for the real answer: It was a journey.
In Silence I Speak takes the reader on a journey of transformation. First into the depth of psychiatric illness that is often misunderstood, then through systems that intend to give good care but fall short, and finally to health restored and a life of recovery found beyond the identity and label of a psychiatric disability.
Madness is a dangerous journey. Many become homeless or die by suicide, others survive but get stuck and never grow beyond a diagnosis of anorexia, severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, paranoia, borderline personality—the labels are endless.This story is written in the genre of creative nonfiction—an artfully crafted true story. The names and physical descriptions of some people have been changed. Internet addresses given in this book were accurate at the time of publication.
Mary Van Pelt
I self-identify as a Psychiatric Survivor and am part of the movement for social change. I believe in the power of peer-run services—the principle that individuals who have shared similar experiences can help themselves and each other through mutual support.
Testimonial
Mary Van Pelt’s sensitive portrayal of the meaning of surviving-psychiatric disability and the integration of her experience into-a-world filled with stigma provides a foundation for mental health systems, providers, families, educators and other survivors to move forward with innovations that celebrate strengths and share power across all stakeholder groups. She articulates through her own story the strengths and limitations of the mental health culture and the impact on recovery of psychiatric survivors. She provides an authentic rendition of her journey across the complexities of two different cultures – the traditional therapists/providers and consumer/survivors. As a social work professor whose work is focused on ethics and empowerment in the mental health system, collaborations in writing and research, as well as friendship with Van Pelt, have enriched my understanding of the complexities and multiple roles embedded in-the process of recovery.
–Susan S. Manning, Ph.D.
Professor of Social Work, University of Denver
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