I Don't Want To Be Crazy
by Samantha Schutz
by Samantha Schutz
I DON'T WANT TO BE CRAZY by Samantha Schutz
Category: Non-Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grades 9+
Release Date: 7/07
Publisher: Scholastic
Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"
Rating: 5 Stars
Millions of people suffer from anxiety disorder (panic attacks) on a daily basis. Most suffer needlessly, either due to lack
of medical treatment, misdiagnosis, or ignorance of the condition. I DON’T WANT TO BE CRAZY is one woman’s
brave confession of her struggles with the debilitating disorder.
Samantha Schutz was first diagnosed with anxiety disorder at age seventeen, after years of suffering with the problem. She
uses this memoir to describe the devastating effects of the condition on her life and her relationships. The book chronicles
the ups and downs of Samantha’s life from age seventeen until she graduates from college and gets her first job in the
publishing industry.
Told in verse, the story reveals everything from the gripping terror of the attacks to the many therapists she consulted for
help. Samantha titles her entries with the current drugs (Klonopin, Serzone, Xanax, Paxil, etc.) and the dosages she was
prescribed to treat her condition. She also explains her attempts to stop the medications, and her belief that things would
get better, only to relapse with increasing frequency.
Samantha's honesty is evident throughout. She doesn't promise miracle cures, and she truly marvels at the support she
received from her family and most of her friends. This is an inspiring book for anyone living with or connected to someone
living with anxiety disorder.
Category: Non-Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grades 9+
Release Date: 7/07
Publisher: Scholastic
Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"
Rating: 5 Stars
Millions of people suffer from anxiety disorder (panic attacks) on a daily basis. Most suffer needlessly, either due to lack
of medical treatment, misdiagnosis, or ignorance of the condition. I DON’T WANT TO BE CRAZY is one woman’s
brave confession of her struggles with the debilitating disorder.
Samantha Schutz was first diagnosed with anxiety disorder at age seventeen, after years of suffering with the problem. She
uses this memoir to describe the devastating effects of the condition on her life and her relationships. The book chronicles
the ups and downs of Samantha’s life from age seventeen until she graduates from college and gets her first job in the
publishing industry.
Told in verse, the story reveals everything from the gripping terror of the attacks to the many therapists she consulted for
help. Samantha titles her entries with the current drugs (Klonopin, Serzone, Xanax, Paxil, etc.) and the dosages she was
prescribed to treat her condition. She also explains her attempts to stop the medications, and her belief that things would
get better, only to relapse with increasing frequency.
Samantha's honesty is evident throughout. She doesn't promise miracle cures, and she truly marvels at the support she
received from her family and most of her friends. This is an inspiring book for anyone living with or connected to someone
living with anxiety disorder.