Martha’s Musings

This website has been reborn! Here is my first blog post. Come along and explore!

Why?

As I celebrate the release of the 2nd Edition of my memoir, I’m reflecting on why I wrote it and what has happened since then.

When my older sister Kathy was diagnosed with schizophrenia in the early 1970s, mental illness was not something people talked about. There were no NAMI chapters or support groups available. As far as I knew, no one else at school was experiencing the same thing. I felt very alone, and there was a cloud of depression hanging over my head. But over time, I came to realize that there were thousands of families like mine.

I wrote this memoir as a way of coming to terms with my past and to share my story. The writing process was healing and cathartic, even though it was painful. I also wanted to share my story in hopes that it would help others, especially young people and families navigating the rough waters when mental health issues first surface.

My hope is that the book will resonate with others who have struggled with mental health issues in their families, and help them to reclaim their own memories, both joyful and sad, and to realize that they are not alone. I hope my book is healing and helpful for you.

If you live in the Santa Cruz area, come to my book reading on Saturday, August 15, at the Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Rd, Scotts Valley, CA.