Swallowed Whole by My Emotions: A Wordsmith's Tale Depicting Her Own Experience with Mental Illness and Mood (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781977281913)

Swallowed Whole by My Emotions is an authentic, raw, and personal experience-filled adult tale, pulled to the surface, and then illustrated through poetry. It is a compilation of 49 poems, depicting one woman's journey through learning to cope with and manage her symptoms of Chronic Depression and Anxiety, from both Borderline Personality and Bipolar disorders. The poetry included is organized into 7 themed sections: Despair, Anger, Judgment, Unlearning, Shadow Work, Growth, and Inspiration. These themes are in order of the phases J.L. Meicht went through and still spirals back upon, quite often. The Expand Your Mind Journaling page, found at the end of every section, has a set of queries related to that theme. This page is helpful if you want to delve deeper into your thought processes surrounding that theme.

This Mental Health Awareness-centered poetry book doubles as a self-help journal by promoting thought in the form of a letter to your younger self. Showcasing relatable literary art, this book aims to inspire others to seek growth. All while featuring beautiful photography of Central and Western New York locations, by a group of local women, including J.L. Meicht herself. URLs with more information about the popular places to sightsee in that part of the captivating state are listed at the back of the book.

Starting from an early age, J.L. Meicht wrestled with self-image challenges and continuously struggled in all of her personal relationships. She often attached herself to one friend or a small group of friends due to trouble balancing commitments. Matching people's energy, she often tried to fit the mold they provided at that time. Although she started treatment for depression and anxiety at an early age, being diagnosed with her disorders later in life helped point her in the direction of formulating a plan and begin regulating her emotions. J.L. Meicht actively learns to combat her symptoms with Dialectical Behavior Therapy or DBT, medication, and regular counseling sessions with a qualified clinician. A few URLs to DBT skill websites that may prove useful when dealing with overflowing emotions are also listed at the back of the book.

After developing many relationships with counselors over the years, and continuing to set and meet goals regularly, J.L. Meicht decided to share her perspective with others, hoping those who may resonate with her succession of growth are Swallowed Whole by her story! The author, who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, recounts her journey from adolescence to adulthood and continues to share her experiences with mental illness today. Despite her challenges and obstacles, this is her story of her growth from an emotional, impulsive, and fixated teen to a centered, calculating, and free-thinking member of society.

While Swallowed Whole by My Emotions may be therapeutic, it does not replace regularly meeting with your medical professionals. These poems are intended to help readers who struggle with mental illness understand they are not alone, but they may trigger you. Please read with appropriate caution. ALWAYS contact a medical professional if you feel that you may harm yourself or someone around you. Strength is in Sharing!

Relate, Dive Deep, and Aspire to Inspire!!!