As a teenager, J. Alyson Hastings began to hear voices. Some were “good.” Others were “bad.” They all were insistent they be heard. The “bad” voices led her to serious self-mutilation, suicide efforts, and depression. In this breakthrough book, she describes her life of hospitalizations, treatment, and ultimately building a career and life as a human service professional, mother, wife, homeowner, and respected advocate and presenter.

This autobiography tells the story of Alyson’s childhood of severe abuse, her retreat for safety into herself, and her experience of and recovery from mental illness.

Alyson’s compelling story illuminates the experience of mental illness. In doing so, it becomes an instrument of expression for all who have faced psychiatric disabilities in their lives…an instrument that will enrich all who hear it.