Esje du Toit is an award-winning author and her personal experience allows a deep insight into the struggles with mental illness. After the success of her first book Swing Hi Swing Lo, Esje set about a new book to enable each reader to “relate to his or her own personal struggle with the consequences of mental illness”. There’s a balance between the personal and often heart-wrenching stories in this book that allows readers to gain insight into mental illness. One person shares how he made six major suicide attempts in the 70s, and writes the following, “I have been many things in my life – a schizophrenic, a drug-addict, a bank robber and diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I have been a successful architectural student and artist, a book and textile designer, a book production manager, a writer, a husband, a father, and a friend. It’s a life I don’t regret having lived.”
Struggles with Sanity is a book of hope and Du Toit has managed to incorporate a lot of valuable information in this very easy to read book. Everyday coping skills – all tried and tested – as well as advice on how to deal with the difficult realities such as suicide, hospitalisation and certification. Other topics include recognising symptoms, coping mechanisms, diet guidelines, treatments options and support groups for the path back to mental wellness.