She Smiles and Cries
Reflections 1
by
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You could have hit me upside my head, pulled out every single strand of hair on my head, lit me on fire and I would have been unaware of it all. My mind was detached from awareness leaving my body unable to function. I could not eat on my own, walk on my own and I was verbally unresponsive. I have no memories of this time, no memories of my own… only an “after” understanding. An understanding that I was sitting in the juvenile psych ward, the year was 1992 and there were multiple raised brows and deepening creases on the doctors’ foreheads that were reviewing my case. My condition was rare and as words of optimism easily flow from the doctor’s mouth to the parents, “She will be okay Mr. and Mrs. Aleem. We will bring your daughter back to you.” The unspoken reality was staring them all in their faces, the reality of me: listless, a shadow of an existence, a screaming whisper of the truth ringing louder and louder… no one really knew if I’d come and if I come back what kind of life I would have. I was a special case...
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About the Book
"She Smiles and Cries" is a memoir about Author Inshirah Aleem’s severe episode with Bipolar Disorder. The author parallels personal works of poetry with powerful writing to highlight the darkest times of her life. A period of time where she is afflicted with hallucinations, paranoia and a catatonic state that seizes her consciousness. Author Inshirah Aleem also provides a glimpse into challenges with family dynamics, medical treatment and her teenage peer group. If readers have dealt with a seemingly hopeless circumstance, they will easily relate to her story. Her memoir captures the possibility for us all to rise above pain… to smile after we cry.
About the Author
Inshirah Aleem was born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts. She currently resides in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Inshirah has been writing since childhood. Poetry and prose have carried her through dark times. At the age of 15, she was diagnosed with a severe form of Bipolar Disorder. She writes to educate, inspire and challenge the stigma attached to mental illness. She is a spokeswoman for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness),"In Our Own Voice", which is a program that provides a platform for individuals with mental illness to share their stories and educate people about mental illness. Nearly twenty years post-diagnosis, she has acquired a true appreciation for life and the humility to embrace her journey. She has been courageous in attaining high academic achievements and pursuing loving, stable family relationships.