Pat D. (pat0814) reviewed January First: A Child's Descent into Madness and Her Father's Struggle to Save Her on + 379 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This heart-wrenching account of a father's attempt to come to terms with his daughter's mental illness defies summary. Michael Schofield gives us a glimpse into a world where Janni becomes increasingly delusional despite his early attempts to define her hallucinations as a product of her brilliant mind. When their second child is born, the Schofields have to defend him from Janni's attempt to physically harm him. The descriptions of sheltering him from his sister while incurring injuries to themselves from her attacks are among the worst images in this saga of their life with Janni. No one who hasn't endured the heartbreak of a child with a mental illness can fully understand their journey, but we can all appreciate the depth of their love. I applaud Michael Schofield for his candor in this frank portrayal of living with their daughter's mental illness. It is past time to give mental illness the same understanding and respect that we give to physical illness.
McGuffyAnn M. reviewed January First: A Child's Descent into Madness and Her Father's Struggle to Save Her on + 112 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is the true account of a child tormented by mental illness. It is written with the intensity and emotion that only a parent can feel.
From infancy, Janni had conflicts that other children did not seem to have. She was more connected to her imaginary friends than other children. She was absorbed in a world she called Calalini. As time went on, it became apparent that these were, in fact hallucinations.
Janni's parents, unable to help her, sought counsel and medical advice. Ultimately, they were forced to obtain psychiatric intervention. They needed help, but also answers and a direction to resolving Janni's problems.
January became a hazard to herself and her parents; she also became a serious hazard to her baby brother. They could not allow Janni near him for fear that his crying would send her into a rage. Her many problems were tearing the family apart. However, her parents would not give up on the family, or on January.
At the tender age of six, January was finally diagnosed with Schizophrenia. With this diagnosis, her parents were finally able to begin to understand Janni, and to help her.
This is a very emotionally charged account of mental illness and its effects on a very young child, as well as her family. Both heartbreaking and brave, it is a compelling read.
From infancy, Janni had conflicts that other children did not seem to have. She was more connected to her imaginary friends than other children. She was absorbed in a world she called Calalini. As time went on, it became apparent that these were, in fact hallucinations.
Janni's parents, unable to help her, sought counsel and medical advice. Ultimately, they were forced to obtain psychiatric intervention. They needed help, but also answers and a direction to resolving Janni's problems.
January became a hazard to herself and her parents; she also became a serious hazard to her baby brother. They could not allow Janni near him for fear that his crying would send her into a rage. Her many problems were tearing the family apart. However, her parents would not give up on the family, or on January.
At the tender age of six, January was finally diagnosed with Schizophrenia. With this diagnosis, her parents were finally able to begin to understand Janni, and to help her.
This is a very emotionally charged account of mental illness and its effects on a very young child, as well as her family. Both heartbreaking and brave, it is a compelling read.
