Treatment for anxiety all too often includes medication-but at what cost to the patient? After struggling with a lifetime of clinical anxiety, author and artist Lenny Gallo was confronted with the decision to try medication to help manage his symptoms. The medication did not work as expected and caused a misunderstood and often misdiagnosed movement disorder. This book reflects his journey to find the answers that redirected the course of his life.
Lenny's artwork is intertwined throughout the story. His unique paintings chronicled his distress and provided insight into his world of suffering from a rare disorder with no answers available. This cautionary tale explores the author's anxiety-ridden early life; the relationship between patients and doctors; mental health medications and their side effects; and examines the mental health profession from the perspective of both patient and practitioner.
Dramatically and beautifully told through witty and heartbreaking narrative, Unstill explores what it meant for the author to face his demons.
"Highly recommended-this is an important memoir to anyone currently questioning their mental health." -Akathisia Alliance
"This memoir is destined to become an inspiration for sufferers and adventurers alike. It is a testament to human resiliency and the possibilities that truly lie within anyone's reach." - Cary Harrison, KPFK Los Angeles Public Radio Host
"...an entertaining, witty, and honest account that uses humor and art to shed light on mental health. Unstill is both a creative outlet and an exquisite extension of storytelling. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has ever questioned their own mental health, considered taking medication, and who needs to see they are not alone." - Gregory G. Allen, award-winning writer, filmmaker, advocate
"...a powerful, honest, and vulnerable account of his experiences and the unfortunate consequences he endured." - Patrick Hughes, LCSW