RAISING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS: WRITING "JACKSON"
When is the last time each of us openly discussed mental illness with friends or family members? As a parent, can we speak honestly about our fears and desperation when one of our own children is living with this debilitating disease? Can we comfortably talk about it ourselves if we are the ones in crisis?
When is the last time each of us openly discussed mental illness with friends or family members? As a parent, can we speak honestly about our fears and desperation when one of our own children is living with this debilitating disease? Can we comfortably talk about it ourselves if we are the ones in crisis?
The goals for my most recent book Jackson are very clear, as a mother and son find themselves wandering through the constantly evolving landscape of acute and chronic mental health. This novel is meant to help increase understanding and raise awareness so we can recognize the signs of those around us who are struggling, including caregivers. I hope it generates honest, open, and real conversations where we can each become comfortable talking about this subject which has been “taboo” for far too long.
The most rewarding aspect of being an author comes from the reader and book club invitations. It’s the validation that we have indeed met our goals. In the past month, after the release of Jackson, time and time again the feedback from readers (and audiobook listeners) has been heartwarming.
Thank you to Mary-Anne and her fellow book club members in LaSalle, Ontario. It was a pleasure to hear feedback from you and discover how “Jackson” touched each of you in very different ways.
Jackson is increasing awareness as affirmed by those who are facing their own mental illness.
“His experiences are raw and uncut, as confused and desperate as one can feel when all you know is heightened awareness of all that’s around you. Everyday tasks can seem like mountains to climb, and giving up looks more and more appealing.” (Savera, Goodreads)
“While this book is fictional, the situations that are dealt with are very real. I know through first hand experience of having dealt with my own mental health challenges and how people treated me, with misunderstanding, with curiosity, with insensitivity but with a single parent mother who loved me, stood by each and every moment.” (Ian, Goodreads)
This novel is also an accurate portrayal of the unique and personal battle fought by every family who is faced with the unthinkable. How do we cope as caregivers?
“Kudos to Lynn on capturing the feelings of Jackson as he struggles with his mental illness and her portrayal of every parents’ heartache in recognizing and coping with the reality of having such a child. Very insightful and definitely worth reading!” (Mare, Amazon)
“Jackson is a stark but clear guide as to how one family finds a way to first acknowledge and then to ultimately accept the realities of mental health and through it all maintain a deep and abiding love for one another…. In its entirety, Jackson provides a sense of safety and security in the knowledge that there are pathways through the convoluted and terrifying world of mental health. There are ways that can and do nurture compassion and love.” (Introduction of Jackson by A Goyette, MSW/RSW)
“I thought of Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar as I read this. I felt a need to help Jackson but found myself wanting. Whatever. Any book on a par with The Bell Jar is worth reading, at any time, any place. Read it.” (C. Maddox, Goodreads)
One in five of us in Canada and the United States will experience a mental illness in our lifetime. If it doesn’t happen to us directly, it likely will for someone we care for. With unwavering empathy, Jackson is a bold and unforgettable story of a family navigating through the terrifying waters of mental illness. While there is no simple fix with a kiss to the forehead, will Jackson learn to hear the chatter in his head and know what to do about it? Will love and hope prevail?
Why not pick up the phone or visit someone you haven’t checked in with for a while? Start the conversation that may be so desperately needed. You may be the spark that helps someone take the first step towards their future.
Addendum: If you are a member of a book club, I’d be honoured to join you and your group either in person or virtually. Let’s talk!
JACKSON
Jackson battles to take control of his own mind and life but is haunted by demons. His mother faces her own turmoil and anguish, struggling to accept and understand the unthinkable, as she desperately tries to save her son.
With unwavering empathy, “Jackson” is a bold and unforgettable story of a family navigating through the terrifying waters of mental illness. While there is no simple fix with a kiss to the forehead, will Jackson learn to hear the chatter in his head and know what to do about it? Will love and hope prevail?
THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE HELM TO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN!
Are you one of the millions of people in the world who do not like reading, but love listening? Someone who seeks information, but doesn’t enjoy getting it from a book? Maybe you are one of the growing numbers of people who listen to books anywhere at any time…while driving, cooking, walking, or exercising. One in five of us are now listening to recordings of books.
As of January 2021, there are over 1,750,000 podcasts in this world. 36% of Canadians and 50% of Americans are podcast fans. Why and how would someone like me, a brain tumour survivor, venture into the world of podcast hosting?
“Taking the Helm” came to fruition after I was challenged by internationally recognized speaker, Michael Angelo Carusso. About to graduate from Michael’s “Present Like a Pro” course, he asked me to host an interview with him. Imagine how I felt at the time! With great trepidation, I accepted Michael’s challenge and thank him today for pushing me in this direction.
In the beginning, I became increasingly worried about remembering the next question and could not be engaged in the conversations. With valid concerns about my memory, I always had notes for reference, and still do. Now, no interview happens without a “get to know you” call and a great deal of advance research on my guest. Those notes no longer drive the interview. I now allow myself to refer to them without apology, bumble over some words, and sometimes repeat myself. It is what it is. I am who I am.
This podcast has impacted many people’s lives in a positive way. By giving guests a platform to share their own stories, they in turn empower us to take action in our own lives.
One year later, “Taking the Helm” now launches a new interview every Wednesday. Our courageous guests have each endured a crisis, tragedy, or challenge in their personal or business lives. Yet, they have opened new doors and are sharing their journeys to help others make conscious and positive choices. Entrepreneurs as well have disclosed their strategies of collaboration, marketing, and promotion. There’s something for everyone!
In celebration of these remarkable people, we’ve captured many of their quotes in two Youtube short videos. I thank each one of our guests for so passionately sharing their experiences and making a difference in the lives of others.
Most podcasts today are only provided in audio. Taking the Helm is published every week in audio and video, as you can see above. Look for a new podcast episode every Wednesday on my Youtube channel and on most podcast apps. You can also search the archives of all interviews on my website. Perhaps one of our previous guests can help you make the change in your life you’ve been looking for.
Thank you to you, our listeners and viewers as well as our sponsors who continue to make this podcast possible.
Interview by AllAuthor
A life-long educator, Lynn McLaughlin grew up on the outskirts of McGregor, a small town in Southern Ontario. In her book, Steering Through It, the author explains how it feels to find out she had a brain tumour as well as how she healed not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. She shares her challenges and joys as a mother, a wife, a sister, a friend, a leader, and a survivor.
Where did you grow up as a child? What was your favourite holiday as a child and why?
I grew up on the outskirts of McGregor, a small town in Southern Ontario. When I was in grade 4, we moved two times and I attended three different schools that year. For a few months that year, we lived with our cousins in Wheatly, Ontario. There were 9 of us between the ages of 4 and 11. I will never forget that Christmas morning. Imagine nine children excitedly sneaking around before dawn, thinking we were fooling our parents. The gifts under the tree came right to the door of the room. Christmas was my mom's favourite time of year and I follow in her footsteps because it brings are families together.
What did being an author mean to you as a child? What does it mean to you now?
I was always an avid reader. I loved writing and entered contests in my elementary school with, "Our Little House" from the perspective of the oldest of four children in a single parent household. It was a winner when I was in grade 7 and I think what ignited my love of writing. I cherish the journals I wrote through high school until today.
What was the first memoir you ever read and how did it change you?
Not Without My Daughter by Betty Mahmoody. It opened up a world of which I had limited understanding of. The horrors of what was happening on the other side of the world became real because of the author’s talent in telling the story.
What is "Steering Through It' about? How did you come up with this name?
The book was written and had been formally edited. There were at least three titles but I was not happy with any of them. "Steering Through It' came as a result of a conversation between my husband and I while commuting one day. The title then lead to renaming chapter headings and linking the theme of sailing throughout the book. The design of the cover then began, with a talented artist (Sari Richter). The cover says it all!
Since how long have you been a member of 100 Women Who Care Windsor/Essex?
I joined 100 Women Who Care in 2018 after hearing about it from a friend. We make an immediate postiive impact in our neighbourhoods.
Why did you decide to retire from being the Superintendent of Education with the Greater Essex County District School Board in September of 2018?
That is not an easy question. I loved my position and was inspired by the difference my team was making for our students, staff and families. It was becoming more and more challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle after I returned to work following my illness. I promised myself and my family that my health would be a priority. Although I don't dwell on it, I know there is a chance of a brain tumour recurence, which keeps me grounded. My career was very important to me but it does not identify me as a person. I am very active, have begun my own business, hosting a podcast called, "Taking the Helm", public speaking and loving every minute.
How was your experience of completing your first Detroit International 1/2 Marathon in November 2019?
Incredibly emotional! I was very committed to training for six months prior to the event but was still uncertain about whether or not I would be able to meet my goal. Rounding the bend for the last 1/2 mile was overwhelmingly triumpant and emotional. I joined my team members, all of whom crossed the finish line despite challenges.
What challenges do your face while teaching future Educational Assistants at St. Clair College?
I love teaching and was excited to be back with a group of students again. It's a very big part of who I am. My only challenge was learning the policies and procedures of the college.
What sparked the idea for "Steering Through It: Navigating Life-Threatening Illness...Acceptance, Survival and Healing?"
I began journalling when I was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Those journals kept me sane throughout the repeated triumphs and failures. A year after my surgery, it was very clear to me that my family and I could help others going through a life changing event.
How difficult it was to share your most personal thoughts, fears and triumphs over the most challenging year of your life with your readers?
My personal "story" is not difficult to share at all. There are countless life lessons that I speak about now, hoping to guide others to make decisions today, rather than waiting for that moment when life stops. It was the experiences of my family that were first difficult to share. Until they wrote about it, I really had no idea what had been happening behind the scenes. It was truly moving.
What kind of takeaway do you want your readers to get from readings your books based on issues that impact the search for justice and equal opportunity in the modern world?
Advocacy! We have to advocate for ourselves and if we are caring for someone who is not in the position to do so, then we must act on their behalf. We should first, understand the diagnosis and treatment options. Only do research on reputable medical based sites. There are many "words of advice" throughout the book.
How did you keep up your mental and emotional strength while dealing with and surviving a brain tumour?
I wouldn't let myself attack it in any other way. I kept negativity away and welcomed anything that anyone wanted to offer. Even if I was not feeling up to it, when someone wanted to visit, I opened the door. I set daily goals which were very small. After each week, the growth/change was incredibly celebratory. One small step at a time.
How do you think concepts such as Kindle, and e-books have changed the present or future of reading?
Books are more accessible. We can order them from the comfort of our own home. They are less expensive than paperbacks or hardcovers.
What book ideas are you currently working on?
My second book is about to go into the cover design stage and the release date will be early this summer. It's very different thank Steering Through It and I know is going to change lives! It's a very exciting time when something you have been working on for so long is coming to fruition! I will begin planning the launch in April.
Finally. what intrigued you most about the AllAuthor website? As a premium member now, have your thoughts about it changed?
A fellow writer recommended it. I had never heard of it before. There are many options, some of which I am not taking full advantage of. I love the mockups that I recieve monthy, with the option of flagging the ones I like out of the multitude of options. The seasonal and magic tool are very unique as well. I have been asked to "pilot" or "research" things before they are launched and provide feedback, which is fun to do as an author. The Magic Tool was one example. The GIFs, Tweets, video banners - many options available to us. Also, our facebook group is interactive and within a very short period of time, when someone asks a question, it is answered. That is greatly appreciated!
"The Ms. Camay Show" Interview
Sitting down with host Ms. Camay to share how I moved into the role of advocate after my life took an extreme detour was fun! My memoir, "Steering Through It" shares powerful experiences after a life-threatening diagnosis. It includes the voices and perspective of many of my family members. I ask questions, intentionally, so readers reflect on our own lives. Ms. Camay is kind, dedicated and works tirelessly to empower women. We connected on many different topics. Enjoy the full interview. I hope you find connections!
Sitting down with host Ms. Camay to share how I moved into the role of advocate after my life took an extreme detour was fun! My memoir, "Steering Through It" shares powerful experiences after a life-threatening diagnosis. It includes the voices and perspectives of many of my family members. I ask questions, intentionally, so readers reflect on our own lives. Ms. Camay is kind, dedicated and works tirelessly to empower women. We connected on many different topics.
Enjoy the full interview. I hope you find connections!
Writer of the Week: Video Interview
A life-threatening illness crushes the world around you, and around those you love. How do we all cope with the diagnosis physically, emotionally, and spiritually? How do we move on? What are the most helpful ways to support others in crisis? In the end, what does it all mean?
The author shares her most personal thoughts, fears and triumphs over the most challenging year of her life. The voices of friends and family members ring true and move the reader to a powerfully emotional and honest reflection of one’s own beliefs and life’s purpose.
“I had no idea what the future held – whether I would be alive for one more day, or for even another hour. At that moment, the clock stopped…That was the day I began journaling. My boat had started to rock, and I could not see a clear course forward through the oncoming storm.”
A life-threatening illness crushes the world around you, and around those you love. How do we all cope with the diagnosis physically, emotionally, and spiritually? How do we move on? What are the most helpful ways to support others in crisis? In the end, what does it all mean?
The author shares her most personal thoughts, fears and triumphs over the most challenging year of her life. The voices of friends and family members ring true and move the reader to a powerfully emotional and honest reflection of one’s own beliefs and life’s purpose.
Lynn McLaughlin is a Canadian educator who has spent her life devoted to ensuring each of us meets our full potential. Mother of three wonderful children, she currently lives with her husband in southern Ontario.
Lynn began journaling the day she received a life-threatening diagnosis. Grateful for an amazing support network, she is now passionate about sharing her journey of fear and survival. It is Lynn’s hope that be travelling with her through experiences and reflections, you will be empowered to advocate for yourself and others regardless of the challenges.
Source: https://www.universalbydesign.com/writer-of-the-week-lynn-mclaughlin-video-interview/