Unshrunk: A Story of Psychiatric Treatment Resistance by Laura Delano
As I delved into Laura Delano’s poignant memoir, Unshrunk: A Story of Psychiatric Treatment Resistance, the haunting lyrics of James Taylor echoed in my mind: “Suzanne, the plans they made put an end to you.” It felt eerily fitting, for Delano’s journey through mental illness and the mental health industry unveils a harsh reality that nearly ended her life. Yet, what I discovered was not merely a tragedy but a story of survival—one that radiates hope and resilience amidst despair.
Delano’s narrative unfurls like a delicate tapestry, woven with the complexities of privilege, societal expectations, and identity crises. From the very first pages, when she expresses a heartfelt yearning to escape to Maine, the vivid descriptions transport readers into her world. The warmth of woodsmoke mingled with salty sea air almost enlivens the words, amplifying a sense of nostalgia for simpler times. Yet, her parents’ ambitions for her felt like a gilded cage, a path laid out by societal norms of Greenwich, Connecticut: elite education, athletic prowess, and the facade of perfection.
One of the most striking elements of Delano’s writing is her unflinching honesty about her internal struggles. The depiction of her mental unraveling at just thirteen is harrowing yet relatable. As she grapples with feelings of rage, emptiness, and isolation, I felt an urgent connection to her plight. Like many who traverse the tumultuous teenage years, her crisis transformed into a debilitating cycle, exacerbated by the very systems meant to provide healing. Her reflection—“Is anything I’ve accomplished actually what I wanted?”—resonated deeply, stirring questions many of us have pondered.
Her experience with mental health professionals reads like a bewildering cocktail of diagnoses and medications, underscoring how ineffective treatment can often be. At times, I found myself clenching the book in disbelief, feeling the frustration of a system that failed her. Delano masterfully captures the chaos of her mental landscape, presenting a narrative ripe with both despair and dark humor, inviting readers to empathize rather than judge.
Most gripping is her raw account of a suicide attempt, portrayed in haunting yet beautiful prose that somehow captures the paradox of despair and longing. Lines like, “Oh, no, no, no: I’m alive….Why. Why. Why, why, why, whyyyyyy?” are gut-wrenching, compelling me to reflect on the fragility of life and the complexities of survival. I couldn’t help but think of Sylvia Plath’s own struggles, further illustrating how literature often allows us to find solace in shared pain.
The memoir’s turning point arrives as Delano gradually seizes control of her narrative, distancing herself from the turbulent waters of psychiatric treatment. Here, the theme of autonomy emerges, suggesting that true healing may not stem from prescriptions, but rather from embracing one’s identity and making empowered choices. Her transformation into a mother, surrounded by love and understanding, lends a bright counterpoint to the darkness of her earlier years.
Unshrunk is a significant read for anyone—those navigating their own mental health challenges, providing support to loved ones, or simply striving for a deeper understanding of the human psyche. Delano’s story is one of fierce vulnerability, offering a beacon of hope that even in the grip of despair, we can reclaim our paths and emerge stronger.
In sharing her truth, Laura Delano not only invites readers into her journey but also encourages us all to reflect on our own paths of healing. As I closed the book, I felt a mix of gratitude and inspiration—her courage left me pondering my own resilience and the transformative power of storytelling.
Discover more about Unshrunk: A Story of Psychiatric Treatment Resistance on GoodReads >>