“Nerdection Excellent Read”
Memoir of a Mangled Mind is a raw, powerful account by Steven Simmons Shelton about living with Dissociative Identity Disorder due to profound childhood trauma. He takes the readers on an unflinching journey into his struggles of deeply personal pain, survival, and healing. This is a memoir of stark honesty and courage that shows the effects of untreated mental illness, societal stigma, and the resilience of the human spirit. This book is both harrowing and hopeful, offering a vital perspective on DID and the importance of understanding mental health.
Spoiler-Free Summary
Above all, Memoir of a Mangled Mind is a deeply personal exploration of the life of Steven Shelton and his struggle to live with Dissociative Identity Disorder, formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder. The memoir starts with the troubled childhood of Steven, full of abuse and neglect, which gave birth to the dissociative coping mechanisms central to his disorder. With fragmented memories and raw storytelling, Steven recounts his experiences of “losing time,” treads through complex relationships, and confronts his alters, each reflection of parts of his trauma.
This is a story of resilience and self-discovery, as Steven constantly combats his past and the stigma associated with DID. He shares his experiences, from moments of despair to incremental steps toward healing and understanding his condition. Memoir of a Mangled Mind is an unforgettable account of courage and the human drive to reclaim identity and autonomy.
My Take on Memoir of a Mangled Mind
Memoir of a Mangled Mind by Shelton is a thrilling and empathetic look at life with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Pulled directly from the hip, brutal honesty about trauma confronts the reader, intermixed with resilient and human moments. The fragmented narrative echoes that of DID, immersing the reader in a disorientating yet compelling journey through Steven’s mind.
What makes this memoir stand out is its honesty and vulnerability. Shelton’s ability to express his pain and confusion from the disorder ranges from heartbreaking to enlightening. Sometimes, the story’s heavy details make the reading quite heavy, but these moments are important to understand in depth. To most people, it will serve both as an educational read about DID and as a testament to the strength required to live through and manage the disorder.
Though emotionally challenging, Memoir of a Mangled Mind ought to be an indispensable read for anyone in pursuit of understanding the complication factor of mental health disorders. The call for compassion and awareness makes it a vital contribution toward the continuous discourses related to mental illness and trauma.
Trigger Warnings
This memoir contains detailed discussions of childhood abuse, trauma, and PTSD. It addresses mental health struggles, particularly Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), as well as experiences of self-harm and suicidal ideation. The book includes vivid and graphic descriptions of emotional and physical pain, and reflections on the stigma surrounding mental illness. Readers should approach with care if these themes may be distressing.
About The Author Of Memoir of a Mangled Mind
Steven Simmons Shelton is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and has had dissociative identity disorder (DID) since childhood. He has a BA degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD (1983); an MA degree from Wayne State University in Detroit (completed 1990); and a JD from Wayne State University Law School (summa cum laude, 1993).
Memoir of a Mangled Mind is Steve’s debut. He also hosts The Mangled Mind Podcast where he discusses topics related to DID. Monday through Saturday, he moderates a free memoir writing and critique group on Zoom. Professional memberships include Alliance of Independent Authors, The Author’s Guild, Florida Writers Association, Space Coast Writer’s Guild, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI),
Born in Arkansas, Steve lives in Florida with his husband, Grant, and their clowder of cats.
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