"The author is equal parts vulnerability and optimism, showing us the power of storytelling to make sense of chaos and the strength it takes to write through pain." -Christine Wolf, author and former award-winning contributor to the Chicago Tribune

Discomfort in the Manic Mind is the compelling memoir of a woman with mental illness who experienced childhood trauma and grew into adulthood to weather the powerful storms of life, encompassing an over 40-year journey with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder/manic depression. With heartbreak, excitement, betrayal, friendship, grief, relief, sorrow, and joy, all the ups and downs of the roller-coaster of mental illness are detailed through a refreshingly raw and unfiltered lens.

In this gripping narrative, Deborah Francis describes the debilitating experience of life with mental illness while demonstrating her determination to persevere. You will discover her experiences with stigma, the challenges of medication side effects, and the strife she faced in struggling to maintain a professional career. Including excerpts of her journal entries that coincide with the timeline of her storytelling, this read is relatable and riveting.

As an award-winning speaker recognized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Deborah has expertly crafted her story of hope and transformation for over 22 years. With a warm and authentic writing style, Discomfort in the Manic Mind offers inspiration and encouragement by proving that hope is real and that recovery is always a journey worth taking.