Reflections From Another Side

Reflections From Another Side: Mental Illness Survivors and Advocates Unite to Write is an anthology of collected works written by 15 mental illness survivors and 10 mental health advocates. Collaborated with, and directed by advocate, author, and speaker, Chris Nihmey, this collection of short stories, poems, letters, journals, and autobiographies takes a large bite out of the stigma of mental health.

Reflections From Another Side, written for all, 14 and up, proves that with loving support, compassion, and acceptance, talents can flourish and healing does happen. This anthology demonstrates what one is capable of achieving when help is provided. Help builds hope, and with hope comes healing. It is then that anything is possible.

Chris Nihmey is a mental health advocate, illness survivor, author, presenter, and teacher in Ottawa. He was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in 2001. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with Obsessive—Compulsive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. For over a decade, he battled three life—debilitating illnesses. In combination, they nearly destroyed him.
Knowing the extreme dangers of stigma in society, he made a decision to hide his illnesses, living only one side of his life in front of others. He hid behind an unexpected ally, writing, and found hope through words. In 2007, he began the writing of his memoir, Two Sides To The Story: Living A Lie, describing his battle with mental illness. Writing saved his life, giving him purpose and meaning in his suffering, a reason to continue on. It was released in 2013, and gives hope to sufferers and those who support them. Alongside faith, therapy, an incredible family and much support, medications, and much hard work, the writing of his story became one of the driving forces in his healing, in his quest to gain a stable life.
In 2016, he released an illustrated picture book, Sally, a story which humanizes the homeless by giving them a voice. All his books sell online globally on Indigo, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble, as well as other sites worldwide, including his website at www.chrisnihmey.com. Two new books are now being prepared for publishing.
Chris now joins in the fight against the stigma that affects all sufferers and their supporters. Through writing and speaking, he aims to further educate society on mental illness, and the dangerous effects that stigma has on both sufferers and their families. His message is one of reaching out to find hope. When we talk and speak up, we find hope. With hope, we will start to heal. Healing will ultimately bring forth happiness. It is essential that we realize that healing does happen.
(2017-06-07)