When mental illness enters the national discussion, it typically comes in the wake of a violent tragedy, attracting temporary attention and further misunderstanding. Yet it remains a subject that is often misunderstood, rarely talked about, and frequently stigmatizing.

Factor in the family members profoundly affected by a loved one’s disorder and mental illness touches virtually all of us. Behind the Wall provides a shared voice for millions of people who advocate for a child or loved one who lives with mental illness, fosters a better understanding for society at-large, and delivers a compelling and ultimately hopeful read for anyone fascinated by the human condition.Īccording to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly twenty million Americans ages eighteen and older suffer from a serious mental illness. Sixty million - about one in four adults - suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. Told with remarkable candor, these stories offer more insight than any single story or academic analysis. These seven true stories told by nine parents were selected from interviews conducted by sisters, Mary and Elin Widdifield, and interwoven with one sister’s own experiences. Mental illness profoundly impacts family and loved ones. In this unique perspective on mental illness, parents tell the dramatic true stories of grief, hope, and recovery.

Behind the Wall by Mary Widdifield