by
Victoria (Viki) Caputo
Modern society has made great strides in making the discussion around mental illness more accessible for all. With so many people sharing their struggles with mental illness and addictions, we can only hope the progress continues. Unfortunately, as of now, there is still some stigma that surrounds the topic.
Victoria “Viki” Caputo writes a brief yet illuminating memoir detailing her struggles with mental illness. Since she was a young girl, she has dealt with various issues that have warped her view of the world. From bullying to bulimia to even Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Viki illustrates the hard truth that mental illness and its symptoms are invisible to many.
The truth is that anyone can suffer from a mental health issue. Unless you’re an expert, the signs and symptoms are easy to overlook. As hopeless as that may sound, the author’s book, “Trust Me: Through the Eyes of a Survivor,” is anything but futile. She touches on the message of hope and resilience through each chapter but does it in a way that doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of life. By sharing her experiences and poetry, she hopes to shed some light on others who may feel hopelessness and emptiness today.
“Trust Me: Through the Eyes of a Survivor” is a heartfelt work that anyone can benefit from. However, it’s also important to note that this work is not meant to replace therapy or professional advice. As someone who has survived a suicide attempt, the author clearly states that asking for help from an experienced therapist to change your life is possible no matter what.
Sometimes, the hard part isn’t the middle part of the journey but the first step.
By offering compassionate words without judgment, the author does an excellent job of creating an honest discussion with her reader. As a person who has been in that dark place and had a fair share of struggles despite treatment and medication, she hopes that anyone who relates to her tale will find their way out of the dark.
There is always time to seek help. Once you open your mind to hope and cling to it, you’ll find that you are more resilient than you think and more capable than ever imagined. You must keep going no matter how short and brief the steps may be.
If you’re reading this review or wondering if you should, it may be a sign to give this book a shot. You’ll find you’re not alone.
“Trust Me.”—Trust Me: Through the Eyes of a Survivor
– The Moving Words Review
Official Entry: The Most Moving Book Award, Jan. 3, 2024
