The second and final part of Have You Taken Your Meds? brings the multifaceted story to a bittersweet but hopeful conclusion. Through the ongoing struggle with mental illness, we see many glimpses of what “mental health” might mean, what it might mean to endure both illness and loss. With candor and skill, Joyce ties together political commentary, personal insight, compassion for the people around him, and rage at the injustices he sees in the world. As he comes to understand his past and prepare for the future, the story comes to a close—a moving, intimate look at the trials and triumphs of a life passionately lived.
WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING ABOUT
HAVE YOU TAKEN YOUR MEDS?
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Multifaceted
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2024
The creator of this art piece gathers bits and pieces of his experiences and insights ranging over many years. Refreshing is that nothing is in chronological order, yet readers can form a picture of the progression of events. Sort of the way our minds range over our own memories. If you get the Kindle version you are treated to multimedia: videos, music, art montages, illustrations as well as the text itself. It is arranged in easily digestible pieces and includes original songs performed by the author and of course the many drawings/paintings which illustrate and enhance the stories that are told. The author deserves credit for working to destigmatize mental illness while at the same time delivering a sometimes scathing critique of the institutional approach to recovery. Alcoholics Anonymous, psychiatry and therapists, pharma and arranged housing all come under the microscope. Overall the work presents a fascinating drama about a world many seek to avoid but which anyone might be caught up in and which is really part of the fabric of our everyday lives, particularly the role family dynamics plays in shaping our emotional outlook and coping skills. This work represents a truly original approach to a deep and many-faceted subject and also stirs reflection about the symbiotic relationship of mental struggles and creativity itself.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Impactful
Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2024
I enjoy the art style, the messages, and the quick yet complex feeling I get when reading. If you or someone you know has ever been affected by the mental health system, I would recommend picking this up. It has several perspectives. Point of view of "client" and point of view of a loved one/family of a client or some diagnosed with a mental illness among other lines of thought. It's a stark, poignant, raw look at how we treat/have treated someone diagnosed with a mental illness. I speak as someone who has personal experience with the topics in the book. It's a fast read (which was refreshing) but it will make you think about the injustices and dehumanizing quality of mental health industry in the US. The bold, "messy", yet outlined art depicted is memorable. I'd recommend buying yourself or gifting to someone who you think could benefit from a unique and courageous stance on the dismal treatment of a vulnerable group of humans. Pictured is the day I took this book to the park and realized I know the local area being described, Brea. I laughed, cried a bit, and resonated at different points. Inspires to me to make my own art in relation to experiences inside the mental system.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reality of life
Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2024
Dan poured his heart and soul into this book. The illustrations represent a tormented man in his journey through the mental health system. It goes to show you that improvements need to happen to truly help people with mental illness to survive and cope with daily life. Dan has come a long way through his journey. We hope he finds inner peace.Full of meds
5.0 out of 5 stars
Relatable
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2024
This book is a window into the life of what is becoming a "normal person" more and more. Despite the normalcy of people needing and being medicated, yet we still consider getting help to be something "unnecessary" and still taboo to most. This book portrays views from the struggling patient as well as the uninformed masses who are either not afflicted or undiagnosed.
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