A Promise Of Hope
Unknown
By: Autumn Stringam
Some children inherit "the family nose." Autumn Stringam and her brother Joseph inherited the family bipolar disorder, a severe mental illness that led to their mother's and grandfather's suicides. Autumn, at 22, was psychotic and in in a psychiatric hospital on suicide watch; Joseph, at 15, was prone to violent episodes so terrifying the family feared for their lives. But after they began taking a nutritional supplement developed by their father and based, incredibly, on a formula given to aggressive hogs--Autumn's and Joseph's symptoms disappeared. Today they both lead normal, productive lives. A Promise of Hope is the personal story of Autumn Stringam's flight from madness to wellness, all due to the vitamin and mineral supplement that works on the premise that some forms of mental illness are caused by nutritional deficiencies. An honest book that exposes the hidden torment of bipolar disorder, it is the story of a daughter seeking to forgive her mother. A Promise of Hope is also an astonishing scientific account that moves from a kitchen table in Alberta to the treatment offices of a distinguished Harvard pshyciatrist and into the labs of a skeptical medial establishment. It climaxes in a bitter--but eventually triumphant--battles with Health Canada, in which the tiny supplement company is exonerated and praised for saving the lives of thousands of Canadians previously thought lost to mental illness. More than anything, A Promise of Hope is a powerful story and a call for a new understanding of the causes of mental illness and its treatments. 20% of Canadians will experience mental illness in their lifetimes Over 300,000 Canadians are affected by bipolar disorder (or manic depression) 15% of people with biploar disorder commit suicide EMPower Plus, the supplement that worked for Autumn, is being used and studied around the world, reflecting the growing awareness of the role of micronutrients in normal brain function.
AI Overview
Comprehensive Overview of "A Promise of Hope" by Autumn Stringam
Key Themes:
- Personal Journey with Bipolar Disorder: The book chronicles Autumn Stringam's personal struggle with bipolar disorder, highlighting the emotional turmoil and the impact on her family.
- Nutritional Deficiencies and Mental Illness: A central theme is the idea that some forms of mental illness, including bipolar disorder, can be caused by nutritional deficiencies. The book explores the role of micronutrients in brain function and recovery.
- Family Dynamics and Forgiveness: The story delves into the complex relationships within Autumn's family, particularly her relationship with her mother, who also suffered from bipolar disorder. The book is also a narrative of forgiveness and healing.
- Scientific and Medical Challenges: The book details Autumn's journey from a kitchen table in Alberta to the treatment offices of a distinguished Harvard psychiatrist, highlighting the scientific and medical challenges she faced.
Plot Summary:
- Autumn's Struggle: Autumn Stringam recounts her life with bipolar disorder, which began to manifest in her adulthood. Her mother's undiagnosed bipolar disorder and eventual suicide had a profound impact on Autumn.
- Family Inheritance: Autumn and her brother Joseph inherited bipolar disorder, leading to severe symptoms and hospitalizations. Their father, determined to help them, embarked on a quest to find a treatment.
- Discovery of EMPowerPlus: The father's search led to a meeting with an animal nutritionist, who suggested a nutritional supplement based on a formula used to calm aggressive hogs. This supplement, EMPowerPlus, became the key to their recovery.
- Miraculous Recovery: Over time, both Autumn and Joseph experienced a miraculous recovery, leading healthy and productive lives. The book details their journey from madness to wellness.
- Battle with Health Canada: The story culminates in a battle with Health Canada, where the tiny supplement company was exonerated and praised for saving the lives of thousands of Canadians previously thought lost to mental illness.
Critical Reception:
- Positive Reviews: The book has received positive reviews for its honest and compelling portrayal of living with bipolar disorder. Readers appreciate the detailed account of Autumn's journey and the scientific insights into the role of nutritional deficiencies in mental illness.
- Emotional Impact: Reviewers have noted the emotional depth of the book, particularly in its descriptions of childhood trauma and the struggle to forgive a mother who suffered from the same illness.
- Scientific Validation: The book has been praised for its scientific accuracy and the groundbreaking results of clinical trials that support the use of EMPowerPlus.
Quotes from Critics:
- Estelle Toby Goldstein, MD: "A rare and deeply true look at the patient’s side of…‘mental illness,’ complete with a road map for hope.”
- Charles Popper, M.D.: “A daring new approach to treating mental illness.”
Publication Details:
- Author: Autumn Stringam
- Publisher: HarperCollins Canada
- Publication Date: September 2007
- Pages: 304
Overall, "A Promise of Hope" is a powerful and personal account that not only shares Autumn Stringam's journey but also offers a scientific perspective on the treatment of mental illness, particularly bipolar disorder. The book has resonated with readers and critics alike for its honest portrayal and its call for a new understanding of the causes and treatments of mental illness.