MODERN ATHENAS Episode 11: A Discussion of Mental Illness / The Story of Elyn Saks

MODERN ATHENAS

The Center Cannot Hold is a book about Elyn Saks’ journey living with schizophrenia. Elyn has survived decades of learning to accept, and living with, her illness. Her book takes the reader through her journey of diagnosis, treatment, and living day-to-day life. She struggles with whether she is defined by her illness, or whether her illness is a part of her. She struggles through the decision to take medication and whether to get ongoing treatment. Throughout the book, Elyn describes the impact of her illness on her personal and professional life, on the people around her, and on her family. We cannot recommend this book enough, as it provides a glimpse into this too often silent struggle, and promotes compassion for all who suffer with the many challenges of mental illness.
INDEX
00:00-02:08Intro and Background of the Book
02:09-07:44Overview of Elyn’s Professional Life
07:45-12:53Schizophrenia: The Illness
12:54-20:03Elyn’s Diagnosis
20:04-25:33Schizophrenia: The Center Cannot Hold
25:34-30:24The Fight with Medication and Her Illness
30:25-35:16Accepting Medication
35:17-42:43Medication: Side Effects
42:44-46:04Disclosing Her Mental Illness
46:05-51:57The Trauma of Mental Illness
51:58-56:54Research into the Human Brain
56:55-59:35Why Elyn Wrote the Book
59:36-1:00:24Outro and Next Episode
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