When The Brakes Fail by Cindy Wittstrom
Cindy Wittstrom has faced off against some of the deadliest mental and physical disorders known to modern medicine and lived to tell the story. When The Brakes Fail (Gatekeeper Press) is a well written account of one woman’s fight to survive postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, breast cancer, insomnia and a number of associated symptoms and syndromes. Readers will find both inspiration and points of practical guidance within these pages. Beyond the raw emotion of such experiences, Wittstrom is dedicated to increasing public understanding of these conditions in an effort to reverse the associated social stigmas. When The Brakes Fail is a moving and meaningful book for anyone facing a major medical crisis, or for those who want to support a loved one in a challenging time.
In the prologue, Wittstrom states a few very specific reasons that she wrote this book:
- The first is that I am searching for clarity and understanding, verifying the dates of events, reviewing my personal expressions via my journals and finally, learning the effects my illness has had on others, especially those close to me.
- Secondly, I hope to educate you, the public, on this illness through my life experiences.
When The Brakes Fail accomplishes both of these objectives and so much more. The primary focus of this book is what the author considers her most overwhelming and immense challenge: bipolar disorder. In addition to that diagnosis, this amazing woman has lived and overcome a number of other health problems that have claimed the lives of millions, including depression and breast cancer. Wittstrom shares this story with intimate detail, in a manner that feels deeply personal but also universal. The pain, frustration, sadness, grief that she and her family experience are emotions that anyone in this situation must face.
Pulling Back the Hospital Curtain
Wittstrom’s medical history is interwoven with other major milestones of her life in a way that generates a deep emotional connection with the reader. The first major episode of depression accompanies the birth of her first son; she faces the difficulties of being a new parent while also confronting a new threat to her own mental and physical well-being. Later in the story, we witness how her job, civic duties, family drama and even the simple act of travel can each throw off the stasis of her illness and lead to serious complications.
The author does a remarkable job of including an unprecedented level of clinical knowledge in a way that is easily understood for most readers. When The Brakes Fail explains the medical terminology and psychiatric protocols in a simple and straightforward manner. In some cases these explanations are included as dialogue with the various healthcare providers who help along the way; in other sections of the book, a paragraph or two of informational text is interspersed with the difficult conversations that Wittstrom has with her husband and other family members as she informs them on her conditions. In this effort, the author accomplishes her second goal of providing education to the reader in an efficient manner that never slows down the pace of her story.
Stigma and Shame
One aspect that is unique to this book is Wittstrom’s dedication to exploring how her illness has affected those around her. She provides brief interviews with neighbors, colleagues, her sister, children, and husband to shed light on what they understood (or misunderstood) throughout her life with bipolar disorder. A major focus of When The Brakes Fail is to demonstrate how the misconceptions around this illness can be just as detrimental as the disease itself. In one extremely insightful section, the author compares her mental health challenges with the breast cancer that she battled:
In comparison to postpartum depression and bipolar illness, cancer was easier to share with others — the diagnosis, the treatment, the aftercare. To me, there was little shame in having breast cancer. Through no fault of my own, it simply appeared. A protocol was in place to solve, or attempt to solve, the problem. If not this, then that. Mental illness is much more elusive.
Strength, Courage and Persistence in Dark Times
Another remarkable aspect of this memoir is a decidedly optimistic and positive message throughout the pages. The author dedicates space in these pages to recognize the outstanding care that she has received from various providers along her journey. On multiple occasions she reiterates what a blessing it was to find advocates in the psychiatric and medical fields who demonstrated a personal commitment to her recovery. This story focuses not only on the low moments, but also on the small miracles, the periods of stability and the happiness that Wittstrom has been able to find in spite of everything. She remains active in her church community and civic duties, her family life and personal pursuits. Wittstrom proves that a life with bipolar disorder, depression or other diseases can still be a very rewarding and meaningful one.
When The Brakes Fail helps to fight the misconceptions surrounding mental health. Cindy Wittstrom’s memoir also reminds readers of the role that we can each play in supporting others in times of need. This shining example of strength, courage and persistence in dark times has the power to give readers hope.
Cindy Wittstrom has been on a fast track most of her life. She has a wonderful family, supportive friends, a welcoming church community and has travelled extensively. Her heart is strongly connected to marginalized communities. As an advocate, she has made-and continues to make-a tremendous difference in the lives around her.Over the years she has participated in many organizations, working directly with children and clients. She has championed the causes of: Loaves and Fishes (a local food bank); CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for abused and neglected children); American Cancer Society; Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission; ECHO (homeless shelter and services) and many after-school programs. Cindy’s illnesses have, in a way, been positive because they have allowed her to speak for others. She has both insight and the heart to accomplish many changes in this confusing, runaway world.Learn more about Cindy at her website: CindyWittstrom.com.
