Books published by Chipmunka Publishing

Key Themes: Aspergers, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar, Personality Disorder and 'just an alcoholic'DescriptionThis story is true as far as memory allows and illustrates the difficulties one family contended with in a bid to live well with a mental health illness. Steven is an intelligent and unique boy who grows into an anxious teenager and a mentally distressed man. The many labels given to him - Aspergers, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar, Personality Disorder and 'just an alcoholic', illustrate the battle for consistent effective and holistic care. His story is written with candour and black humour. The suicide attempts, the hospital stay where he is handcuffed to the bed, the disappearances - he relates his descent into mental illness and alcoholism. He tells of his interactions with mental health professionals who couldn't seem to engage with him or earn his trust. Twice married, he finally returns to his parents for his last chance at a life without fear or alcohol. He tells of his love for his many friends and his passion for music making. In between, he describes the difficulties of living with a wife who was determined to suck him dry, emotionally and financially. His mother has taken up his story and 'filled in the gaps' that his disturbed mind either forgot or deemed unimportant. Finally, it is a Mother's story about grief, loss and wasted potential and the battle to find the best mental health care and support in an impoverished NHS. About the AuthorMy experience with mental health illness and distress is gathered from both personal and professional experience. I have spent more than 20 years working with distressed individuals as a private therapist using Bach Flower Remedies and Clinical Hypnotherapy. My breadth of experience comes from supporting my son Steven. From the age of 11, he suffered from mental distress and my knowledge was gained during the time my husband and I looked after him until his death at 31. The many labels applied to Steven provoked me into learning more about each named condition.

Reflections From Another Side: Mental Illness Survivors and Advocates Unite to Write is an anthology of collected works written by 15 mental illness survivors and 10 mental health advocates. Collaborated with, and directed by advocate, author, and speaker, Chris Nihmey, this collection of short stories, poems, letters, journals, and autobiographies takes a large bite out of the stigma of mental health. Reflections From Another Side, written for all, 14 and up, proves that with loving support, compassion, and acceptance, talents can flourish and healing does happen. This anthology demonstrates what one is capable of achieving when help is provided. Help builds hope, and with hope comes healing. It is then that anything is possible.

DescriptionIn this book, Carrie's writings embody this mystery of our lives as a living paradox. Her keen insight into what it is to be human holds the dialectic tension of this struggle in balance; just as you find yourself hurtling down a cul de sac of the impossible and a full stop, you realise that the full stop is actually a comma!About the AuthorAs a young person Cairns was treated in the NHS with electro-convulsive therapy (ECT), but since then has worked in the mental health sector of the NHS in a variety of roles, most recently as a consultant family psychotherapist with children and young people and their families. Writing from experience of both sides of the mental health fence, Cairns is easy to categorise as a vegetarian, tree-hugging pacifist of uncertain gender, or as a literary-minded, caring professional, but does not like labels of any kind and would prefer you to read some of these poems and come to your own conclusions.DescriptionIn this book, Carrie's writings embody this mystery of our lives as a living paradox. Her keen insight into what it is to be human holds the dialectic tension of this struggle in balance; just as you find yourself hurtling down a cul de sac of the impossible and a full stop, you realise that the full stop is actually a comma!About the AuthorAs a young person Cairns was treated in the NHS with electro-convulsive therapy (ECT), but since then has worked in the mental health sector of the NHS in a variety of roles, most recently as a consultant family psychotherapist with children and young people and their families. Writing from experience of both sides of the mental health fence, Cairns is easy to categorise as a vegetarian, tree-hugging pacifist of uncertain gender, or as a literary-minded, caring professional, but does not like labels of any kind and would prefer you to read some of these poems and come to your own conclusions.

DescriptionMy poetry contains all those feelings I felt in my childhood, throughout my teenage years and during my time in the Asylum. I write raw feelings in order to try and communicate the deepest issues of how it feels to be mentally ill. A lot of my poetry touches on subjects and feelings rarely discussed.My poetry has been well received on my Instagram account.

DescriptionMy book is a self-help book about how to draw and paint. It was done over a period of time in a studio. It goes into detail about the date and time, what might have happened on that day, what the artist did in the studio, and what artist drew. that day, what artist did in the studio, and what I drew. About the AuthorAmy Watson created cards for her family and was a regular Cappy Dick winner in the comics section of the newspaper in elementary school. In Junior High she was introduced to her first astrology book The Sun Sign Guide To People In Your Life by a family member and has collected many occult books since then. In her Senior year of High School she took an Interior Decorating and Art class. While at Holyoke Community College, MA, where she earned her Associate's degree in Art in 1997, she enrolled in several meditation classes to enhance her creativity as well as an Astrology class to learn how to create natal charts. She was born in Springfield, MA on April 25, 1974 at 3:32 p.m. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Art from Westfield State University, MA in 2011 after withdrawing in April 1994. She fulfilled the English minor requirement there in Spring 2013. This is Amy Watson's first book.

About the AuthorBenjamin De Silva is a writer and journalist who edited a national paper in Britain. He wrote this book to encourage mankind to develop an understanding of Socialism and further afield. His contribution to political philosophy, in it, is not only for the South Asian community, where he originated, but for the rest of the world also. He studied politics at London University for two years, passing both times, with his highest grades in International Politics and Sinhalese, the main or dominant language of Sri Lanka. He had to leave after a bout of schizophrenia, which he has investigated in person. About the BookThe evolutionary theory of psychology states that schizophrenia (hearing voices) are what the prophets had, which enabled them to speak with God. The author of this book, likewise, suffered or benefited from this so-called "illness" and used what he heard to help him guide what is written down. May this book go toward understanding schizophrenia further, so people can judge whether it stands as scripture or just dribble. Book ExtractThe limits of political philosophy!So, not so strong! Let's win. The You-Value guise is on, without horrid or trouble. Yes, Marx wanted a cooperative world, with less competitive in, which he said caused, the chase after money, all wars and colonialism as the peak. But should we peak it, or change it!? Yes, Buddhists say change is what we should focus on, not peaks and troughs, for better adaptability. But You-Valuism is a peak, the highest order of the polity, but we can change to it! So let's not grumble. One day, we will win!! But don't over trough, or get depressed, because it's not that far off. We already have one fifth of the world's population, or there abouts, in brown skin colour, in South Asia, taking the toll, like it did under Colonialism, to win its original tradition and history which the whites, now not so unruly, stole. Let's not quibble about vengeance. The whites and westerners are on a learning game also, and we should forgive, because suffering unleashed is suffering within, so we all know they are, one day, on their way to higher freedom and happy, if they comply. The day will come when all political philosophy is on a You-Value spirit, a selfless abode, where no one gripes anymore, and all is still, without needing to hide or wonder what the Earth was like, one day. Let's forgive. The westerners weren't all wrong, but they lost their way and can recover and have marvellous philosophy to warrant a higher education superior to much of the world, well maybe. Even Oxford wasn't all full of toffs when Marx was around, because the socialists wanted a fairer world order and a world military, which we proposed, is a need, not of the hour, but of the day at least!

DescriptionIn this, volume 2 of Dark cloud White cloud Dusk Sandstone, we encounter another epic length poem. Much inspired by Homer, Milton and Byron, this poem attempts to give the reader an experience of beauty through words. We often experience beauty from the canvas, or through nature, but this work attempts to send the reader into that state of the sublime through a carefully constructed poesis, or poetic contrivance. Building on themes from volume 1, this volume also seeks to give some support to those who are experiencing difficulty. About the AuthorPaul Fearne holds a PhD from LaTrobe University, and a masters degree from the University of Melbourne, both in Australia. His poetry has appeared widely, including in Westerly, Mascara Literary Review and Snorkel. Fearne has recently be re-diagnosed as having schizoaffective disorder, a close relation to that of schizophrenia. Fearne is now well, and has been now for a number of years. He has been on TV and radio a number of times, and has launched at some amazing places, including the Melbourne Writers Festival, North Melbourne Library and the Dax Centre. Book ExtractWhat is there Is not there And when we have finished There will be a long pause And then To be the gatherer of rose petals I have not seen the belief we have In some time But that is not a worry We have the chance to be And be in And here Where the fathomable Meets the sea There will be a small temperance That seeks itself in ardour Be the chance And you will have a gift

Key Themes: stress, managing stress, mental health, wellbeingFeel Great: How to Manage Stress and Enjoy Life is a self-help book and you will learn how you can manage your own stress at work and in everyday life. It will help with some practical information about stress, its causes, managing stress, and how to recognise signs of stress in yourself and in others. It can be read right through or picked up and used to help and support when needed. There are helpful tips and relaxation techniques and all the case studies are real life examples, but the names have been changed to protect their identity. This is an updated version of Stress Management for Carers and is now perfect for all to read. About the Author:Jessica Smyrl has had an interest in managing stress since 2006 when she studied for a Diploma in Stress Management which gave an insight into how to handle and deal with stress effectively. She is a qualified nurse and worked as a manager in the NHS and now runs a health and wellbeing training and consultancy with workplaces and individuals to help to reduce stress and be more resilient.

DescriptionBibby is a bib who has three best friends - Mr Kettle, Egg Cup and Toasty. They all live in Small Town of People Land.People Land has three main parts; Small Town, Big Town and the People Land Park. However, there are other places, such as Magic Land.There are thirty different short stories within this book whcih are sure to delight adults and children alike, so happy reading.

About this book. This book is aimed to help anyone that has had mental health experiences. It is a personal development and self help book designed to help people improve their mental health. The practical and common sense suggestions are given by someone who has been publishing mental health clients since 2001. Everything that Jason Pegler has learnt in improving his own mindset and life he has shared openly in the hope to help others. Whether you are interested on mental health coaching, empowerment for yourself or your clients this book will serve as a practical tool kit and guide from someone who is an expert in their field. Author Biography: Jason Pegler was born in 1975. He is the world leader in mental health empowerment. He has written many books and published over 1200 books. In 2001 he set up Chipmunkapublishing the mental health publisher to give a voice to people who have had mental health experiences around the world. He is passionate about helping people, personal development and making the world a better place.

DescriptionUnder the guidance of the master insect maker, follow Ruby's adventures in helping to create a new world that had been ravaged by a terrible ice-age. Along with many other makers they set about creating a world that will be full of the living breathing fauna and flora that we see all around us today. Meet the fish and bird makers, the frog and toad maker and many more makers with specific projects to carry out. It is a fun book with educational qualities. Why not join Ruby and lose yourself in a time long ago where fantasy and creativity along with mystical beauty fills the pages. Beautifully illustrated throughout.And join Ruby in her quest to find her true mother,About the AuthorPete was born in Birmingham in 1951. He did very well at school at infant and junior level then was unfortunate enough to attend an all boy's school run by a brutal Headmaster who had been an ex Borstal Governor. Pete gradually withdrew into himself and his education suffered. He eventually left school without taking any exams. For many years' he became an anti- educationalist.A Carpenter by trade he gradually lifted his stance against education and having taken the appropriate exams required to become an instructor he spent the last ten years of his working life teaching construction at an upper school near Leicester.Largely self-taught he developed a passion for reading, particularly poetry, and became a member of the Leicester Poetry Society. This children's book was inspired by his four Grandchildren. The Insect Makers is his first venture into the world of children's books.