Fighting Mad

Danny Miranda was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder at the age of 18. His mother Ana chronicles his long journey toward recovery, as well as her own journey toward acceptance and hope. She describes the impact of Danny's illness on his own life and on his family, as well as the detours, frustrations, heartaches, and occasional miracles they experienced while seeking help for Danny in the public mental health system. Ana writes with feeling and humor even about the most difficult situations. Between chapters, brief "timeout" sections discuss current scientific research on the brain, requirements for involuntary hospitalization, the cozy relationship between doctors and drug companies, and other current issues in the mental health care debate. Fighting Mad has two purposes. The first is to help individuals suffering from a mental illness and those who love them navigate the practical and emotional rapids they experience in seeking effective help. The second goal is to provide physicians and other health-care providers with up-to-date information about the impact of mental illness on individuals and families, and the effect of a broken mental health system on those who depend on it for healing and hope. "In tracing the steps of Danny's journey," says Ana, "I try to be completely honest in describing his experiences and their impact on all of us. I believe at some point every parent of a mentally ill child will face struggles like ours, and I want them to know that they are not alone."