UNSHRUNK: A Story of Psychiatric Treatment Resistance
Introduction to Laura Delano’s Journey
Laura Delano’s memoir, UNSHRUNK, is a poignant exploration of her tumultuous journey through mental health struggles, treatment resistance, and the quest for identity amidst the chaos of psychiatric care. At just 13 years old, Delano’s life took a dramatic turn when she experienced a profound existential crisis, feeling as if her privileged upbringing in Greenwich, Connecticut, was nothing more than a hollow performance. This moment marked the beginning of her long battle with mental illness, leading to a series of diagnoses and treatments that would shape her life in unexpected ways.
The Early Years: Pressure and Diagnosis
Delano’s early life was characterized by high expectations and the pressure to excel. As a studious student and a budding squash champion, she was well on her way to fulfilling the dreams laid out for her. However, the weight of these expectations became unbearable, culminating in a desperate plea for help that led her to her first psychiatric evaluation. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Delano was introduced to the world of psychiatric medications, swallowing her first mind-altering pill shortly thereafter. This marked the beginning of a complex relationship with mental health treatment, one that would be fraught with challenges and setbacks.
The Struggles of Adulthood: A Cycle of Treatment
Despite her academic achievements, including attending Harvard and making a glamorous debut at the Plaza Hotel, Delano’s personal life spiraled into chaos. She struggled with self-harm, substance abuse, and a pervasive sense of emptiness. The contrast between her outward success and inner turmoil is striking, illustrating the often-hidden struggles faced by those battling mental illness. After college, Delano found herself trapped in a relentless cycle of psychiatric appointments, hospitalizations, and outpatient programs. Her experience reflects a broader trend in America, where millions are prescribed medications for mental health issues, often with little improvement in their overall well-being.
A List of Medications: The Pharmaceutical Landscape
Delano’s memoir provides a sobering inventory of the medications she was prescribed over the years: Depakote, Prozac, Ambien, Abilify, Klonopin, Lamictal, Provigil, and Lithium, among others. Each drug came with its own set of side effects and challenges, contributing to her growing sense of disillusionment with the psychiatric system. This extensive list serves as a reminder of the complexities and often overwhelming nature of mental health treatment, where the quest for stability can lead to a reliance on a cocktail of pharmaceuticals that may not address the root causes of distress.
The Turning Point: A Desperate Act
Delano’s story takes a harrowing turn when she reaches a breaking point. After years of feeling trapped in a system that seemed to offer no real solutions, she attempted to take her own life by swallowing three bottles of pills while hiding behind a boulder near the ocean in Maine. This moment of despair underscores the severity of her struggles and the urgent need for a more compassionate and effective approach to mental health care. Miraculously, her father found her in time, a turning point that would ultimately lead her to reevaluate her relationship with treatment and recovery.
A New Perspective: The Challenge of Recovery
In UNSHRUNK, Delano not only recounts her personal experiences but also critiques the broader mental health system. Her narrative resonates with themes of resistance against conventional psychiatric treatment, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach that considers the individual’s unique experiences and needs. Delano’s story is reminiscent of Girl, Interrupted, yet it speaks to a contemporary audience grappling with the realities of living in an age dominated by prescription medications.
The Importance of Personal Narrative in Mental Health
Delano’s memoir serves as a powerful testament to the importance of personal narrative in understanding mental health. By sharing her story, she sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of psychiatric treatment, including the emotional and psychological toll it can take on individuals. Her candid exploration of her struggles invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and the societal pressures that shape our understanding of mental illness.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
While UNSHRUNK does not provide easy answers, it raises critical questions about the efficacy of current mental health treatments and the need for a more compassionate, individualized approach. Delano’s journey is a reminder that recovery is not a linear path but rather a complex, often messy process that requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Through her powerful storytelling, Delano encourages readers to advocate for themselves and others in the pursuit of mental health and well-being.
