The Stigma - Why is it SO Hard to Talk About Mental Illness - The Book of Joann

MENTAL ILLNESS….

a condition that alters a person’s behavior or thinking, especially in a way that has an undesirable impact on some aspect of their life:

Why is it still so difficult to discuss mental health? This is nothing new, as mental health conditions have been around for centuries, BUT, it is still such a taboo topic.

When I wrote my first book, The Unspoken Truth A Memoir it was well received. This is the story of my childhood abuse, and I take people on a profound and powerful journey throughout my life. I wrote about some seriously deep and disturbing situations that I went through, as I left my story in its rawest fashion giving the readers a first-hand view of what child abuse and sexual abuse feels like for a young child.

People embraced “little Lisa”, and accepted a story that was very hard to read at times. Through out my story I talk in great detail about my mother, as she was one of my abuser due to extreme mental illness. I have had great success in sharing my story, advocating for child safety and mental health. My story has traveled the world, and I have spoken to people who have connected with me from countless countries. This has been an amazing journey.

Now, my second book, “The Book of Joann”, is my mother’s story about her life long battle with extreme mental illness and our complex journey as mother & daughter. This is a complete novel from birth to death and everything in between. This story really goes deep as well, and packs a punch. The REALITY of mental illness, and how she was treated due to her struggles. The readers get to walk in her footsteps, and get a clear understanding of how this tricky illness works.

I thought when this book came out, that people would want to read it for curiosity, awareness, education and purpose. I am surprised that so many people continue to shy away from reading her story. The BIG message here is that the STIGMA is still at an all time high, and our society is more accepting of reading and learning about child abuse than mental health.

How do we change this thought process? I advocate every single day for mental health, and there are still so many barriers blocking the view. People do need to read Joann’s story, it is important. I am not saying that just because I wrote the book. I am saying this because mental health matters, and if we do not educate ourselves about it, then NOTHING changes.

My mother asked me to write her story, and I promised her that I would, and give her a voice. She was always misunderstood due to the complexity of her illness, but the REAL Joann was an amazing woman who got swallowed up by a disease that was bigger than all of us. She was robbed of so much in her life, and I was robbed of a mom. Her voice is worthy of being validated! She should be defined by her true heart, not the illness.

When I learned how to separate the two, I found my mother. Also, by writing her story, I gained a better understanding of who she was, and how deeply she struggled.

The Book of Joann is a very IMPORTANT read, and I hope that you the reader will decide to take a chance on her, and travel the long hard road with her. You may be quite surprised on what you will find along the way.

Mental Health Matters!

Embrace the Journey,

Lisa Zarcone

Author - Child & Mental Health Advocate - Public Speaker - Blogger - Social Media Influencer

CASA ADVOCATE - MA National Ambassador for Naasca (National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse)

The Unspoken Truth A Memoir

The Book of Joann