Overview

Paul came home from the army broken, but still breathing. I thought love would be enough to bring him back. I was wrong-but I will never stop telling his story."" I welcomed my son back from military service, but knew he was a changed young man. What I didn't expect was the daily battle to prove-to doctors, to institutions, to the world-that his pain was real. After surviving a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Paul struggled with paranoia, erratic behavior, and despair. Though I fought tirelessly to get him help, I was often met with skepticism and cold dismissal. The system labeled him a malingerer. But I saw a wounded soldier, a son fighting an invisible war. This heart-wrenching memoir is my account of love and the quiet failures of a system meant to heal. I tell the story with raw honesty and unwavering tenderness, it captures the devastating realities of mental illness, the courage of caregiving, and the enduring power of love. If you've ever fought for someone you love, questioned the limits of your strength, or been let down by the institutions meant to protect us, this story will stay with you long after the last page. A tribute. A testimony. A truth too important to ignore.

Full Product Details

9781913822187

Table of Contents

Reviews

A beautifully written story of a mother's love for a son she struggled to hold on to, and the determination to find a way to win his heart and calm his mind only to lose him again. It is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking and carries with it an intimate humour found in the face of adversity. Ann shares the struggles of breaking down barriers of discrimination and stigma around Mental Health which is still sadly very much alive today! A heart-wrenching, true story of a mother's fight for her mentally-ill son. Compelling in her honesty, the author takes you through the highs and the lows as she struggles against the unforgiving system to help her son lead a normal life. I read more than half the book in one sitting. And I have already ordered another book by the same author.

Author Information

The pen name Ann J Graham is used by Joan Elliott who hails from Scotland, United Kingdom. Born in Glasgow, Joan has travelled the length and breadth of bonnie Scotland, finally settling in Aberdeen in the north. As a teacher, she tutored and coached secondary school pupils then moved to a lecturer's post at teacher training college.She finally took the plunge when she retired and decided to see what Spain held for her. Her idea was to try a life in the sun for 3 months, so she set out to find accommodation in the Costa Blanca. All that was over 10 years ago. Spain is her home now with an open door for her family and friends. After many years of studying for various degrees, all related to education, Joan continues to sign up for courses. At the moment, Spanish at the official school of languages is her passion but she can also be found surveying the land from a kayak or looking out to sea while enjoying Tai Chi on the beach. Her 'Creative Writing Diploma (Distinction)' from the College of Media and Publishing and a recent course on 'Child sexual abuse disclosure: how to support adult survivors' through The Tavistock ad Portman NHS Foundation Trust has served her well in dealing with said survivors who wish to tell their stories. As well as writing 3 memoirs, Ann J Graham (Joan) has found time to offer her services as a book coach and editor.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available