Fear of Health Deceived by Illness

Written in the form of a novel, this book describes in detail the life of a dear friend with Munchausen Syndrome. This person had a wonderful, compassionate, sensitive personality which seemed to override any ill effects from the original condition of the mental illness. Toward the end of her life she also could turn this behavior on or off at will, claiming she was cured of this behavior, wanting to help others do the same. Tragically, she died prematurely because no medical organizations throughout the whole world would give her medical help when she really needed it because she got herself on an international blacklist -- except for one psychiatrist who took an interest and tried to help. By this time her actual illness took her life, but not before she wanted her story to be documented to help others. This is that true documentation, followed by a general description of mental illness and how once labeled, the mentally ill patient usually has major trouble with this stereotype long after the mental illness has been treated and conquered. Names have been changed to protect privacy, but all the facts happened and are absolutely true. This is a must-read for all who believe in compassion and second chances for people who have made mistakes in their lives. Mental illness or not, we all make mistakes.