Buy Mind Gone Astray (2009) by Wayne Kallio here! Signed copy. Free shipping.

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Endorsed by the Schizophrenia Society of Canada and the Schizophrenia Society of Saskatchewan

Now only $17.95

Read any schizophrenia stories lately? Or bipolar stories? Or purchased any mental illness books? That is the focus of this website. And schizophrenia, mental illness, the mind incomprehensible - these are the focus of Mind Gone Astray. It's a gripping, true story focusing on the effect mental illnesses (whether its schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychotic depression, borderline personality disorder, or whatever) have on family members. It is a first-person account, from a spouse's point of view of the trauma  experienced with a wife's sudden, late-onset schizophrenia. This sets it apart from the more common biographical or autobiographical accounts of various psychoses told by or focusing mainly on the one living with the psychosis.  It is vital for a family member to embark on a journey of his or her own recovery, too! 

This true story depicting the savagery of schizophrenia is non-fiction yet it reads like fiction in that it has characters, plot, themes and motifs, etc. But that is just the way it happened. By reading this story you will vicariously learn much about the common symptoms and behaviors of this psychosis. You'll also learn a few things about your own behavior - what you should and should not do. You'll learn about medications, psychiatric wards and health care systems, all within the context of a gripping story. But more importantly, you'll enjoy a story of enduring love and hope that must never die. The articles below will give you some insight into the nature of the story. Please check out the endorsements page to see what others have said about the book.

One of my purposes in establishing this website is to help direct you to valuable reading by writing reviews of other books that I have read, and will continue to read, on schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. Reading stories is an enjoyable way to learn! And reading stories of personal experiences with mental health creates a wonderful therapeutic alliance, I have discovered, between writer and reader even though they never meet face to face. Click on any page on the left to read my reviews of schizophrenia stories, bipolar stories, personality disorder stories, schizoaffective disorder stories, depression stories, and a few schizophrenia reference books. Which stories are for you? Click on any page on the left to read my reviews of books and stories on various mental illnesses.

Check out the forum. It's interactive, so responsesare welcome. There is so much we can learn from one another, and empathy is so therapeutic in retaining one's own sanity in any traumatic situation. Every case, every story is unique because of our inherent individuality, yet much is also the same. It is therapeutic to share experiences.

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Presentation      February 5, 2010 

This past February Mr. Kallio did a book reading to staff at our acute health care facility, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.  The audience consisted of nursing students, mental health staff, emergency room nurses and family members of our patients that live with schizophrenia.  Many of us that have worked in the mental health field were visibly moved by his reading.  The greatest gift that Mr. Kallio possesses is the ability to make health care staff reflect on their practice without having us become defensive about our practice.  His book and presentation support the Patient and Family Centered Model of care that we strive to achieve and it certainly has helped me and many of my co-workers in our practice.  This is a must attend presentation and a must read novel for all health care providers as it will enhance your practice and understanding of those we serve.

Jennifer Turcotte RN, HBScN, CPMHN

Clinical Educator for Mental Health Services

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

980 Oliver Road

Thunder Bay, ON

P7B 6V4

Phone  (1-807) 684-6257  (1-807) 684-6257

Page  (1-807) 626-8924  (1-807) 626-8924

Fax (1-807) 684-5834

Swift Current Mayor’s Luncheon - General Public   May 4, 2010

Wayne Kallio spoke to people so they could understand what he was feeling. He truly got the message out to the 120 people who had come to our Mayors lunch in Swift Current on May 4, 2010.

People came to the luncheon with the understanding that they would be educated and to listen to someone who would understand the illness from a caregiver’s point of view. His point was given so all could understand and was relayed with sensitivity and humour. We would gladly have Wayne come and speak again.

I really enjoyed his book, Mind Gone Astray, and hope that he will find time to write another book. He speaks as well as he writes and I would encourage others to listen and learn from him as well.

Ruth Smith

Executive Director

Canadian Mental Health Association

Swift Current Branch Inc.