In his mental health memoir ‘Unfiltered: Grappling with mental illness”, Dr KJ invites people to his inner world of anxiety and depression, detailing how it has influenced various aspects of his life, including his emotions, thoughts, work, finances, relationships, and physical health.
He covers multiple topics such as suicidality, psychiatric ward visits, substance abuse, fatigue, loss of interest and motivation, lack of pleasure in things, changes in weight and appetite, anxiety, guilt, low self-esteem, indecision, uncertainty, being on edge, loneliness, and what he thinks of stigma and stereotypes. He also shares some important messages for people living with mental illness, as well as their spouses, friends, colleagues, employers, mental health authorities, and the ignorant.
Furthermore, he shares what he has learned, what has worked for him in the past, and the amazing things he would have missed if his suicide attempts were successful.
It’s real, it’s raw, it’s honest, and he hopes that it can make a difference.
In the wake of #mentalhealthawarenessmonth, we share an excerpt from the book “Unfiltered: Grappling with mental illness” written by Dr KJ Redelinghuys, detailing his journey with #anxiety and #depression.
“The existence of depression and other mental health conditions should not be nullified because of mental illness denialists, naysayers, and trolls. I may not walk around battered, bruised, and broken with my arm in a cast, with my neck in a brace, or my leg all wrapped up; but that does not indicate the absence of hurt or suffering.
It may be invisible, incomprehensible, or even imaginary to some, but depression is just as real as cancer, diabetes, and any other illness. I have been diagnosed with it, so have millions of other people around the globe, and I’m not ashamed of it. What I’m ashamed of is ignorant people; people who obnoxiously belittle or invalidate other people’s experiences”.
The kindle version of the book is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BFTD2ZP
A paperback copy can be ordered from Takealot: https://www.takealot.com/unfiltered-grappling-with-mental-illness/PLID71122781 or the author.
Paperback courier door-to-door delivery: R100 + Courier Fee (Can range from R65 to R115 depending on location via Courier Guy).
Paperback collected from Dr Kleinjan (situated in Vereeniging): R100
For further inquiries – kjredelinghuys@gmail.com
Some helpful places to reach out to in moments of need:
South African Depression & Anxiety Group tel: 0800-12-13-14
Lifeline South Africa tel: 0861 322 322
Suicide Prevention App https://www.suicidepreventionapp.com/
Find a Helpline https://findahelpline.com/
Free Telephone Counseling Hotlines in SA https://www.opencounseling.com/hotlines-za