Books published by Chipmunkapublishing

Description Angel Just-Rights tells of a plethora of mortifyingly unhealthy, demoralising, ritualistic and compelling behaviours that manifest deeply in a fragile life so touched by the world around her. This is an exclusive account, based on the remarkable and true story of Rebecca Parker (also known as Micci), the Protagonist and Author. Laugh! Shout! Cry, as we're finally invited to join this incredible quest for freedom.Delving into issues relating to everyday living such as dealing with strict family values, loyalty and devotion, the author intermittently riddles with her reader in efforts to gain the yearned-for rationality and reassurance she so desperately seeks. During chaotic deciphering, Parker encounters incongruence in evaluations as, how can implicitly pure intentions - living life selflessly protecting those you love - precipitate such devastating results? Parker gradually learns how coping in silence can cruelly fester, hastening devastating consequences: severe eating disorders (Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia), post-traumatic stresses and flash-backs, self-harm and suicidal desires, problems with extreme over-exercise and increasing obsessions, rituals, distorted beliefs leading to incredibly debilitating episodes of low self-esteem, depression, hospitalisations, sectioning under the Mental Health Act and associated inequitable treatments enforced.Triggers responsible for the evolution of the book - realisation into the debilitating extent at which broken down channels of communication, mixed with life experiences and ingrained individualistic personality traits, have been allowed in full strength and power to render one so weak - are explained by the author in her beginning Preface. The reader goes on to learn about the story of a child, whose voice is slowly lost to a world of secrets and confusion. The story swiftly unravels before the very eyes and ears of the reader. Perplexed at how her life is now, the author endeavours to perfect a sense of how it all went so terribly wrong and, defying all conceivable odds upon discharge from hospitals, this notoriously-resistant patient astonishes medical teams by managing to engender for herself a 'safety' within the four walls of an intense daily treatment programme she is required to attend. Parker adeptly juxtaposes this renewing trust - beginning in the routine world of 'Day Care' program - with the writing of her first volume of books. Conclusively, a powerful and surreal irony is brutally reinforced, thus bringing her first volume of books to a fulfilling and thought-provoking end.Informative, entertaining, bitterly heart-rendering to the general reader, a silent sufferer's solace, captivating and enlightening to friends, families and health professionals alike, a mindful motivator for all. This book is extremely vivid, striking, and exceptionally astute; a wholly enchanting and satisfying read, leaving you aching endearingly for more.

Description "Me? Depressed?", is an evocative, spiritual and honest chronicling of clinical depression, written from the perspective of a thirty-something, well-educated, Christian, professional, Jamaican woman, mother and wife. It follows her journey from being diagnosed, through disbelief and denial and then to discovery! "Me, Depressed?" is a welcomed addition into a conversation which must be had as clinical depression continues to affect millions of people's lives every day.About the AuthorBeth-Sarah Wright is originally from Jamaica, where she was born in 1973. She has traveled and studied extensively from Edinburgh, Scotland to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dr. Wright received her Bachelor's degree, with high honors from Princeton University in Sociology and African American Studies. She received her Masters in Social anthropology from Cambridge University and her PhD in Performance Studies from New York University (NYU). She is married to the Very Rev. Robert C. Wright and they currently live in Atlanta, GA with their five children.

About the AuthorDorothy was born in a small village in Yorkshire. Just before the Second World War. She remembers they were hard times. Air raid shelters. Sky above and over nearby towns and cities seemed to be full of enemy planes dropping their bombs. She remembers seeing fires in the distance some nights. Her dad worked as a signalman at the local railway station. He also kept chickens for the fresh eggs and an occasional Chicken dinner. He grew his own vegetables. A must, Dorothy remembers in those long gone days of doing with less. . Her mum cleaned in the nearby pub. Dorothy remembers her mum swapping ration book stamps with other mothers. It was a regular occurrence. Sometimes her mum would need extra clothing coupons; another mum wanted extra butter. So a swap took place. It was a time of make do and mend. In 1953 at the age of 16 Dorothy moved with her parents and brother and sister to Evesham in Worcestershire. At the age of 18 she got married to a local lad. Her first Son Andrew was born when Dorothy was 21. Her second Son was born when she was 27. At the age of 37 she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She has suffered many relapses during and since that time. At the age of 58 She was widowed. Her life then was at extremely low ebb. She remembers her boys did what they could. But by now they had families of their own. She was invited to the local Pentecostal church. Dorothy really enjoyed that first service. She met the Man who was to become her second husband. He had been widowed a year before Dorothy, and to cut a long story short, that was 17 years ago and much has happened to fulfill her life. During that time, Dorothy found she had a flare for writing. In the beginning, she wrote and had published many poems, Her poetry reached many countries, and she has a small publisher in America and quite a bit has been self published. Dorothy then moved on to novels and children's books.

Description "Poetry, for me, is so expressive. When I was struggling through my teens, not knowing what was wrong with me, not understanding the mental health system, poetry came naturally. Now, I'm in my twenties and my first collection is being published, and it still seems so surreal that this lifeline has become more than just my own personal release." - Laura MayIn turns haunting, tender, humorous and shocking, this compilation of work from Laura May, a young woman tackling Bipolar Disorder, is a genuine collection of thoughts expressed through poetryAbout the AuthorBorn in 1983, Laura May was always 'different'. In 2008, after ten years of being treated for depression, anxiety and suicidal tendencies, she was diagnosed with rapid cycling Bipolar Disorder. Over the past eleven years Laura May has experienced psychotic episodes, has attempted suicide and has had several bouts of extreme mania and depression, all of which she has tackled through her writing. Laura works full time, and possesses a degree in English Literature from the University of Hull. She lives in Essex with her wife and their 'babies', the many cats and dogs.

Description DNA Weaponry, Project Stealthblade is set about 10,000 years in the future where Earth has made contact with other civilizations in the neighbouring galaxies and magic is illegal. Zyi- the main character is a self employed agent doing under cover operations that earn him a living. He has the use of a remote operated butterfly with weapons. Things start to change for him when he becomes ill and Niara, a person from a far away planet had warned him, saying that he is infected with a weapon that was made by forces before his birth. Little does he know that he wasn't the only one targeted. There are many others also, targeted for deeds that were done in a past life. The weapon of torture becomes active once the rain falls from natural mineral dust in the atmosphere where the weapon has lain dormant for many thousands of years and has spread throughout the universe. This is a story of one man's illness and his struggle to understand why this is happening and how to stop it. As he is one of the chosen seven to put an end to the torture of millions.

Description This collection of poems epitomises the journey of a mind experiencing a nervous breakdown.Deeply felt and to the point, John addresses the specifics of his mental processes from the very start. Yet, particularly towards the end, there are hints of a slow recovery, a distinct sense of a single flame identifying the positive.About the AuthorSix years ago, one day changed John Ryan's life for ever. Just another day at work, it seemed, until he was approached from behind by a much younger man, who buggered him with such force that John suffered a complete mental breakdown, which has lasted to this day. This volume of poems is a detailed description of the journey of that breakdown. John, now 63, is determined to recover that he hopes to begin a Degree at University in September 2010, reading Anthropology and Sociology.This volume is dedicated to those who suffered with him during his three-time stay in a mental institution.

Description This compelling and poignant memoir tells about the journey through the disease of Anorexia, the recovery process, and all that comes with it-the hurt, hope and humor. After almost dying from the disease, and being neglected by the doctors, the author sought recovery and spent seven weeks at an inpatient facility. In her powerful story, she digs into the depths of Anorexia and describes how her simple diet and exercise program turned into a horrific eating disorder-one that controlled her life and forced her to go to the gym every day for four hours and reduce her diet to only fruit. After almost suffering from a heart attack and amazed that she was still alive, she knew she had to save herself and get treatment. Today, she is a survivor. By telling her story of the disease and recovery process, she not only educates the reader about eating disorders, but also shares with them a secret world unknown to many, and most importantly, that there is hope and recovery is possible.

Description We see the high walls, and the barred windows, the pictures of the long landings and wings. We see prison officers going into the building and visitors arriving to see their loved ones, but what is it really like inside a prison? What goes on in there? The stories in this book are about the everyday life of a female prison teacher in a male environment. They tell of lessons that have made a difference, of lessons that have been unsuccessful, of laughter and tears both from the students and the teachers. They tell of the different values held by the teachers and their students, of the loneliness, despair, violence and fear. Each story takes a different lesson or event, and relates what happened. Kate, the teacher is passionate about changing the prisoners' outlook, and helping them to become law-abiding citizens, but this is not always what her lessons achieve. By the end of the book, the reader will have experienced with Kate the frustrations, the joys, the tragedies and the triumphs within a huge, local, male prison.

Description A serious pro-survival, pro-recovery book, written because I have been the survivor of many suicide attempts, not to forget also the person left behind after actual suicides, and the victim of serious self-harm in myself and those I love. I haven't attempted suicide or self-harmed for 8 years and I don't plan to do so again, but I always have my plan to hand. Starting at the age of 11, I have attempted suicide 443 times (sometimes barely surviving, twice dying, only to be revived) and for fifteen years I was a person who self-harmed - cutting and bloodletting, sometimes as self-harm, sometimes as a suicide attempt. The two are definitely linked but not all self-harm is suicidal, not all suicide attempts are meant to kill, and sadly about one million people kill themselves every year, not all of them meaning to. As I have also been the victim left behind when someone I loved took their own life, I really can see the issue from all perspectives. Allow me to fill you in on my personal experience first of all, so you know you are 'talking¿ to someone who really has been there before herself. Pull up a chair, or sit back in bed, and we will talk.

Description 'The Journey' was written by a family struggling to cope as their eldest son (Dan) made the move from primary to secondary school. It describes how the transition process was by no means a smooth one due to added complications in Dan's life. Read how he copes with everything and see the impact it all has on his family.Writing this book was very therapeutic for all involved. What spurred us on to complete it was the hope that we could provide much needed ideas and support for other families, experiencing traumas with their children.At the start of writing we all wondered how we would ever get through this period of our lives. We are living proof that with determination and commitment you can survive anything. Hopefully by reading this, you too can see that it is possible to get through your troubles.

Description Altered Perception is an eighteen month daily journey from an acute psychiatric hospital admission prior to my 2009 acute psychiatric admission via HMP Holloway Women's Prison.This diary explores my lesbian sexuality, the parenting role of James, my young biological son in looked after foster care, and my support of a loved one with prostate cancer. In this diary I reveal that for me it is not so much whether mental illness can be cured, but what one does in life in between each acute psychiatric episode. A kind of walking between the raindrops, until you get wet experience.

Description This is a love story about two heterosexual lovers from different social backgrounds and depicts their struggles to find a love that is more than fulfillment of their physical needs. Itventures into their emotional, poetical and metaphysical dimensions.The story is set in Punjab and depicts the social conventions, cultures and life stylesof the land. A clash of values between rich and poor, between conventions and freedom.It is the lovers' quest for a personal meaning to their existence. A love that defies any compromise of their convictions, even unto death.

Description Fifteen years ago, Luci's mother committed suicide, leaving behind a legacy of lies that Luci is still struggling to uncover.Now, a year after Luci was left reeling by the twin revelations that she had bipolar affective disorder, and that the grandfather she had thought was dead was still alive, she finally feels ready to meet her grandfather for the first time - hoping that he will be able to shed light on the secrets of the past.But Walter's reaction to Luci's visit raises more questions than it answers - and it is only after his death that Luci is able to discover the tragic truth, which shocks her to the very core of her being. Legacy of Lies is a heart-rending story that stretches back over several generations, unveiling the deplorable state of psychiatric care in the early twentieth century, but which ultimately offers a message of hope for those suffering mental illness today, and their families.

Description The world is under threat from an alien race whose only goal is to extinguish all life capable of standing against them. Their methods are cruel and terrifying, their technology centuries ahead of those of Earth. But there is hope...Two government agents, a psychotic killer, a crime lord and Timothy Bruce, a paranoid neurotic living in constant fear of everyday life, are brought together by a centuries old secret society hidden deep within the Earth. These five strangers are given access to miraculous technologies and unlimited resources with which they can save the world and change it forever.But not everyone within the group is what he appears to be and before they can decide what to do with their new reality, they will need to overcome their own petty ambitions and root out the traitor within.About the AuthorDavid Roscoe was born in Carlisle, Cumbria, in 1970 and has worked hard to live a quiet, stress-free life ever since. He still has his own hair and teeth. In the late nineties he began writing for a radio industry publication and found it the ideal job, being blessed as he was with the perfect face for radio and the perfect voice for writing.He is currently keeping a low profile in Sussex where he works on Book 2 of his Enclave trilogy, further exploring the character of Timothy Bruce, an individual who lives in constant fear of everyday life. And there are aliens too. In the book, not in David Roscoe's life.Enclave is dedicated to the memory of David's parents.

Description 'Strip naked; pull back the foreskin; turn; bend forward; spread your buttocks.' In the hands of a perverted military establishment generations of German young men have always done what they were told. And, it has got worse with time: during the Nazi era at least male doctors performed the degrading military 'medicals'; thereafter, as a bizarre result of 'equal opportunities', zealous women have taken over. Mental anguish due to such humiliation is widespread in society, but nobody seems to care. Protection of young men is not a priority. It is true, economic woes (not calls for human rights) will soon end conscription. But, on a smaller scale the abuse will continue - now with 'volunteers' as victims. MEDICAL RAPE presents a shocking story that might look like fictitious sadomasochistic porno. However, it isn't: it is a true account of state-authorised sexual abuse. Therefore, in the name of millions of defenceless young victims, the author calls for an unconditional apology for what they were exposed to by their own country. He also demands an immediate stop to further ill-treatment.

Description My book written in 2008 is a collection of short stories, inspired by true events in my childhood and my battle with mental illness. One story in particular covers the true story of my father's experiences with being sectioned and his constant battle with Schizo effective disorder.Other stories such as the master of the cube which is my favorite, it is kind of based on myself and my relationship with my father as a young boy.Dealing with the hurtful bullying I experienced as a child was incredibly painful so writing this book of short stories helped me greatly.About the AuthorHe is a 36 year old schizophrenic writer; he was diagnosed with Schizophrenia at the age of 17.He finds his illness very upsetting, in a positive way he expresses himself in a creative way, through art, music and writing.His Father was also ill and he cared for him as a young adult for several years. He had a very traumatic childhood, his teen years were the darkest He felt incredibly alone and he lost all of his friends after his Diagnosis. He was bullied and abused at the age of 12, which had a devastating effect on his mental health.

Description Alistair McIntyre has written a beautifully simple moving account of the different elements that aided his recovery from schizophrenia. He starts of with a description of his illness, moves on to his medication, the roles he holds as a volunteer, student, as well as pursuing his hobby of sea angling. This book is one of real hope and a must read for all who have had there life touched by mental ill health.

DescriptionThis was Chipmunka Publishing's second book release, and one of the most important books on mental illness ever written. A book that in the words of the author, "started out a suicide note and ended up a celebration of life". Dolly's outstanding memoir is the gripping tale of a woman's fight to come to terms with abuse, family pressures, prejudice and severe mental ill health. Sen describes the horrible reality of being diagnosed with both manic depression and schizophrenia and the prejudice she faced. Add to this a series of horrific experiences in her life, and it is remarkable how she has the strength to come through such events, writing with such vigour, optimism and warmness.About the AuthorBorn in 1970, she had her first psychotic experience aged 14 which lead her to leave school. After years of mental illness, probably bought on by an abusive childhood, Dolly decided she should write about her experiences. She was inspired to write her own story after reading Jason Pegler's autobiography 'A Can of Madness'. She has since written five books, become a successful performance poet who has toured throughout Europe and has set up two charities.

Description This is a collection of poetry and studies which have there origins and nature in my love of writing and ideas. This devolution to writing and reading are essential to my being and, ironically, contributed to my entry into the psychiatric system n 1974 just before my 14 birthday but have sustained throughout. Books and ideas were both an early love and haven in a troubled family. Aged 12 I met an English teacher who introduced me to new poetry and then a radical lecturer and some of his students, we debated many concepts and writing generally; the relationship between writing and ideas. The increasing involvement with the crowd at the university made the fault lines at home particularly sharp. I lived in a bubble of revolutionaries, a few writers, a couple of artists and many people who had simply renounced a conventional way of life; it suited me. I went to live in an avant-garde squat in London and was introduced to 'experimental art' such as 'happenings'. Poetry, radical ideas and everyday life simply merged into a dream. Within a year began a period of involvement with psychiatry which has continued to the present. I will never stopped reading, writing and discussing books and ideas with people.

Description Reflective Reflections is the quintessential up-to-date book on ALL eating disorders, written from the perspective of a recovered sufferer, therefore especially about anorexia and bulimia, but not forgetting about other eating disorders out there. Written from personal experience and extensive research, and for the first time tackling the dangers of the Internet.This book considers the factors that might predispose someone to an eating disorder, what are the many and main causes of different eating disorders, and the factors that trap people within these horrific illnesses that trick your mind. Eating disorders bring disarray to both the life of the sufferer and to those people around who love them. Eating disorders are nasty, they fight dirty, but they can be beaten, and I, the author am proof of that after 15 years of anorexia and bulimia myself. But never forget, eating disorders kill. They kill young people. Indiscriminately. Killing without warning, and quickly. I have lost a few friends to eating disorders, I close my eyes and my heart misses a beat because they were so young, so deserving of life, as deserving of life as me and yet here I am and they are gone. I see friends still living within its grasp year after year and I feel sad for them - and an ill part of me feels jealous. I see others who have partly recovered, and some who are back to "normal." This book will answer all your questions on eating disorders in a comprehensive but friendly manner, and I hope it helps you be you a sufferer, carer, or medical professional.

Description Here are some poems from the heart, some are about prison and some are about pain, but hey you can't cry forever....so some are about life, love and laughter. Remember truth is love.About the Author Since writing this book I have become a counselor I did my diplomas at Lambeth College I have gained a level 1 and 2 CPCAB status of qualification and am now in my 3rd year, I believe that poetry is a form of counseling, It can heal the mind and bring peace to our lives, I also work with the homeless, ex offenders, mentally ill, the elderly and with people that have learning problems, I offer advice, friendship and counseling, I help them and in doing so, this helps me.

Description Some 218,000 men and women with severe psychiatric disorders are incarcerated in an American prison or county jail. Most committed violent crimes -- sometimes murder -- while propelled by a crazed mind untreated with medications and therapeutic care. Cherry Blossoms & Barren Plains: A woman's journey from mental illness to a prison cell, is such a story. My work explores the life of Rebecca Bivens, who beat her five-year-old stepdaughter to death. In 1998, a jury found Rebecca guilty but mentally ill, and sentenced her to life in prison. Together, Rebecca and I began a story that became larger than her own. It grew into a narrative of Rebecca's mental illness with all of its ramifications: from the lack of society's understanding of a disease that plagues millions of people each day, to the strain on our national budget; and the residual effects on family and friends ill equipped to handle the demands of someone who suffers from a severe mental illness. About the Author Larry L. Franklin is 66 years old and resides in Makanda, Illinois. Franklin holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music, and performed in the U.S. Navy Band, located in Washington, D. C., from 1976 to 1971. From 1972 through 1975, Larry taught music at Southern Illinois University. In 1976, he completed requirements for a Certified Financial Planner designation and maintained a successful investment business until 2007, when he retired to devote his energies to writing. In 2003, Larry received an MFA in Creative Non-Fiction from Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland. Each professional pursuit left Franklin with an unsatisfying emptiness that pushed him into marathon running, where he pounded the country roads longing for an answer just around the bend. Then, in 1998, and without warning, repressed memories broke through his subconscious mind like a runaway train, and left him afraid to leave his home. He was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with dissociative features. What followed were years of psychotherapy where he explored a physically and sexually abusive childhood. Now his problems have been reduced to a persistent mild depression which is controlled by medication and talk therapy. The therapeutic process unleashed his creative side, a new-found ability to write, and an unquenchable curiosity about the human mind. Larry now devotes his time writing about the mentally ill and victims of injustice who yearn for a voice to tell their story.