The subject discussed in ANOTHER KIND OF MADNESS is one many people can relate to: One of every four individuals, in any given year, will experience a type of mental disorder. Whether a family member, friend, colleague or loved one, it appears that everyone is acquainted with at least one person who has faced the symptoms of mental illness. But it is not just the symptoms people must battle. Author and renowned psychologist Stephen P. Hinshaw dedicates his book to the serious stigma that surrounds the issue.

Hinshaw writes from experience, as his father Virgil was a person with bipolar disorder. Stigma and silence put a major strain on his family as he grew up in the 1950s, as psychiatrists told his parents not to disclose his father’s illness to anyone, not even their children, who were told that Dad was away for extended periods of time “resting” in California. The reality was that Virgil faced involuntary hospitalizations when his symptoms became too severe.

"The highest distinction of ANOTHER KIND OF MADNESS is the realistic, empathetic portrayal of the author’s father --- a respected professor --- and the struggle through the mental illness he lived with."

Society was less open and understanding, which left Hinshaw with so many questions surrounding his father’s disappearances from his life. Unfortunately, stigma still exists today. One reason Hinshaw wrote the book was to explore how stigma made his family’s struggle worse than it had to be. The not talking, and the not knowing, compounded by the already uneasy feeling a child experiences being put in a situation he does not fully understand, made the young Hinshaw’s life apprehensive.

One day, Hinshaw’s father thoughtfully took him aside in the house during his freshman year at Harvard University. He explained how he is a person with a severe mental illness, and was told not to tell anyone besides his wife or risk (at that time) his career, reputation or ability to be with his children. Once the silence was broken, a great weight was lifted off of Hinshaw’s shoulders, and he ended up studying psychology --- working as a distinguished psychologist to combat the stigma that hurt his family, his father and himself.

The highest distinction of ANOTHER KIND OF MADNESS is the realistic, empathetic portrayal of the author’s father --- a respected professor --- and the struggle through the mental illness he lived with. Much of the time, Virgil G. Hinshaw Jr. was able to successfully teach philosophy, host social events at the house, and be an emotional and intellectual guide to his children. It was the stigma --- the mysterious time away --- that caused unease within the family the most. Significantly, his compassionate wife Alene Hinshaw remained strong during the times when he was facing the symptoms of his illness. Though she was unable to express those struggles during that time, she successfully sustained her family through it all.

ANOTHER KIND OF MADNESS describes the dreadful stigma associated with mental illness, written by a clinical and developmental psychologist with family experience. Hinshaw writes, “Yet it takes over a decade for most people experiencing symptoms to seek help, linked to the shame and denial surrounding the entire topic.” Today, he continues his work as a writer, psychologist and lecturer. I know I am listening.