About Diagnonsense

Diagnonsense is a memoir that takes a deep dive into one woman’s experience with schizophrenia, the failings of the mental health system, and her unorthodox recovery.

The memoir discusses the abuse of our most vulnerable populations. With frank discussions about childhood sexual assault and the way dissociation and trauma led to psychosis. We dive deep into the medical abuse of the clinically insane. The shortcomings of hospitals in urban environments are put on stark display as the author takes you deep into the most overcrowded and dangerous hospital wards

Medication was overprescribed, and ultimately ineffective. Over and over the author experiences the side-effects of severe over medication. Instead benefiting from alternative medications such as marijuana and psychedelics, despite their high risk in psychotic patients.

Sexual assault again rears it’s head as the author grows older. She finds that her medical vulnerabilities are exploited by those who are supposed to love her and care for her. The ultimate rejection of normal relationship roles and acceptance of her own sexuality leads her to fulfilling relationships later in life.

The most important arc of the story is her downward spiral over the course of twenty years. Psychosis and abuse lead to a complete breakdown of her body and mind, until she cannot hold conversations or leave her home for more than an hour. The severe isolation only compounds her pain. Every treatment is tried as they fail one by one, leading to hopelessness. Until a chance encounter with a radio program gives her one last Hail Mary.

The incredible turnaround from trips on psilocybin mushrooms allow her to rebuild her reality from the ground up. Within a year she is able to hold complex conversations and is excited for the first time in two decades at the life ahead of her.

The book concludes with the author in a loving long-term relationship. Medications have finally become effective after extensive psychedelic therapy. Though she may never be cured, her future is finally filled with hope for tomorrow.