Book Review: Surviving the Mental Health Tank

By Jessica Oravec

Millions of Americans suffer from bipolar disorder, yet it’s something we rarely discuss. In fact, Tamu Lewis, author of Surviving the Mental Health Tank, talks about how little most Americans understand about what it is like to suffer from this disorder and to be a family member of someone suffering from it.

As Lewis says in Surviving the Mental Health Tank, bipolar disorder is so stigmatized that people who are diagnosed with it often feel that they must hide their diagnosis from their family and friends. Her brother, Lee Thompson Young, was a brilliant young man with a bright future in Hollywood. But he suffered from this disorder, and he hid his suffering from his coworkers and friends. He died by suicide during a manic episode.

Surviving the Mental Health Tank seeks to destigmatize bipolar disorder and provide a path forward for families as well as those suffering from mental health challenges. Through personal stories and her own research, Lewis helps families learn how to thrive and cultivate emotional well-being, even when things around them are falling apart.

Lewis shares her love for her brother and her daughter while also giving the reader a glimpse into the mind of someone suffering from bipolar disorder, and how it affects the whole family. Additionally, she imparts information on how family members can maintain their own well-being while still supporting their loved one. Surviving the Mental Health Tank is a must read for us all, as it can help each of us have a greater understanding and compassion for those suffering from mental health challenges.