The Inherited Mind
A Story of Family, Hope, and the Genetics of Mental Illness
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4.5 • 15 Ratings
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
A compelling memoir by ABC News correspondent James Longman in which he discusses mental illness and trauma in families, what the latest genetic science is telling us, and how to not only persevere but thrive.James Longman was a preteen in boarding school when his dad, who was diagnosed with depression and schizophrenia, died by suicide. As he got older, James's own bouts of depression spurred him to examine how his father's mental health might have affected his own. He engaged with experts to uncover the science behind what is inherited, how much environmental factors can impact genetic traits, and how one can overcome a familial history of mental illness and trauma.In The Inherited Mind, James Longman invites readers to reflect on their own stories as he shares his quest to better understand himself and his family. Through speaking to mental health experts, to those who have had similar familial experiences, and about his own life stories, James shows us, with heart and humor, how much our bodies can empower and inform us about our own personal mental health histories.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
This groundbreaking investigation merges memoir and medical journalism to ponder whether mental illnesses like depression and bipolar disorder may be inherited from our families. In The Inherited Mind, journalist James Longman investigates the links between our genes and mental health, using his own father’s tragic suicide after battling schizophrenia as a focus for the story. Longman artfully weaves together psychological expertise with personal trauma—like his depression that led to a tragically strained relationship with his own mother—to craft a phenomenally informative page-turner. And despite the subject matter, The Inherited Mind is an animated read, recounting Longman’s intrepid reporting life, from covering war in Syria to digging up sensationalized media coverage of his father’s death. For anyone who’s ever faced down debilitating mental illness, either personally or via friends or family, The Inherited Mind is an essential and enlightening read.
Customer Reviews
A great combination of views
In this search to know and understand his father the author intertwines scientific view points on the mental illness his dad had. It’s this mental illness that causeD him to search as an adult to better know his dad.