Everything I Learned about Mental Health Began at Twenty-Two: My Personal Journey

Mental health is an epidemic in our modern society. In this book, I explore this issue and its many complex facets by discussing my many years of experience as a social worker and psychotherapist, along with my personal journey dealing with my own mental health issues with the help of three different therapists over a span of almost fifty years.I use real life narratives to illuminate personal struggles of various individuals dealing with life's challenges and accomplishments. I interweave stories and lessons learned from some of my clients, close friends and family. I also delve into my own mental health issues, including anger management, my need for attention and recognition, as well as my learning to appreciate and savor the good things in life.In this book, there are suggestions on finding the right therapist and about the therapeutic process. I explore the importance of deep analysis and exploration of feelings and thoughts, along with the steps to take to address one's problems. Change is difficult and it does take time, commitment and effort. I discuss how one can grow and develop, but also how emotional triggers can set one back.I outline the multitude of issues in our society and their contributions to our mental health ailments, such as bullying, mass killings, terrorism, racial inequities, women's rights, immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, the 1/6/2021 insurrection, climate change, Covid, suicide, and the political currents that led us to a national mental health crisis.I stress the importance of learning from others, especially those who have and continue to face enormous challenges, the value of giving back to the less fortunate, and how to live life fully with humor and much more!