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She couldn't believe it. There she was with her medical qualifications sitting on the floor of a mental hospital. She'd offered her life to God, wanted to serve him anywhere, but no, surely not this...
Sharon Hastings is absolutely passionate about helping anyone who suffers from 'severe and enduring mental illness' (SEMI): schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder. She wants the church to know all about these illnesses: how they devastate ordinary people and how they need to be treated. By telling her story, warts and all, showing her own tortuous, painful journey, she equips us to come alongside loved ones, fellow church members, friends and neighbours, understanding the social and spiritual ramifications of their illnesses, including them in our activities (where appropriate) and encouraging their spiritual growth.
A natural storyteller, the author draws us in. We journey with her. With wisdom, kindness and the heart of a bruised survivor, she interweaves her exceptional story with vital teaching which simply cannot be ignored by anyone within the church today.
About the author
Dr Sharon Hastings is passionate about creating greater awareness of what it's like to live with severe mental illness: she has schizoaffective disorder, and she's always striving to increase understanding and hope while reducing misinformation and stigma. As an ambassador for MindWise and Rethink, she has met with MPs at Westminster to discuss the effects of welfare reform on individuals with mental health issues. When at medical school, she organized events to educate university staff about eating disorders and ran an email advice line for students. A lover of music, the sea and books, she lives with her husband, Rob, two dogs and a one-eyed cat in the beautiful seaside town of Newcastle, Northern Ireland.
Summary
Unique voice of a medical doctor who has experienced severe and enduring mental illness and is passionate about helping others.
