Not currently in print
Hi. I have a Dissociative Disorder. I spent my life, up until 2002, living as a person with 7 distinct personalities. A therapist suggested that I write down how I was feeling in a notebook during my first mental hospital stay. And that was the beginning of Not Otherwise Specified. I compiled all my journals right after I was integrated and made them available online in case anyone could benefit from them. The journals have forwards by Dr. Steve Clancy and Heather Armstrong. Here are some paintings that go with the journals. For a cliff notes version of what’s in them, read my bio. Below is the official description:
Overcoming a mental illness begins with naming it. For Leah, the process of identification takes three decades and eleven doctors. Leah’s story is one that must be heard to aid those suffering with DID and DDNOS; to let them know they are not alone, to help them find their answers and finally to allow them to heal. Leah grows up, marries, starts a family and disrupts it all to conquer her affliction. Leah’s true life odyssey includes the dangerous pranks of Claire, a murder attempt by Predator and the resurfacing memories of Too, a six-year-old version of Leah.
Leah’s candid writing style and fantastic journey will appeal to both the non-fiction reader and the fiction fan. Those suffering with DID/DDNOS will be particularly interested in reading the account of a fellow survivor. Her detailed, gripping portrayal provides never before seen insight into the inner – and outer – life of an individual suffering with DID/DDNOS.
I’m currently reworking the journals, adding in missing years and creating what I believe is a more complete picture of me and my journey, including working on the Showtime series, United States of Tara, starring Toni Collette as a mother with DID. I hope to have a book in print in the near future.
I get a lot of emails from people that are or have suffered from a mental illness and/or depression or know someone who is or have read my journals and want to contact me. My heart goes out to you and PLEASE know that I appreciate your emails and I read every single one. I regret that there is no possible way for me to answer them all. Please understand that if you write me and I don’t answer, it’s not because I don’t care about you and your situation. The best advice I can give is Take Good Care of Yourself. Find a support group or contact a therapist. Look at your resources and see where you can find help that is close to you and preferably from someone that is licensed or has a degree, because I do not. I do want and wish the best for you in every way.
If you still want to, you can write me an email here. Sometimes I post the questions and answers on my blog. I can’t tell you what you should do. I won’t tell you what kind of medication to take. If you are in danger of hurting yourself or someone else, please call 911.
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