by Maricela Estrada-Moreno

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook copy of Escape From Myself, and a link to purchase it from Amazon.

Escape From Myself: A Manic-Depressive’s Journey to Nowhere, eloquently written by Tom Roberts, is an inspirational memoir of a man’s battle with manic depression and the courage that leads him to a path of mental health recovery. This is an amazing book that demonstrates the true meaning of hope and recovery for those living with manic depression also known as Bipolar Disorder. This book takes the reader on a journey of his life growing up struggling with bipolar disorder highs, lows, and even suicidal ideation.

Tom’s symptoms of depression were triggered at age fourteen after his mother’s sudden death. He tried to find enjoyment in his life by acting in school plays and being awarded “Best Actor” awards and finding fulfillment in applause and standing ovations. He wanted to be an actor. However, he started showing symptoms of bipolar disorder, mania, and pressured speech. He managed to get passed it and succeed regardless of his struggles with support from teachers and his dedication to acting.

Tom married at age nineteen. However, he felt like he married his mother because she filled the void inside from his mother’s death. Tom felt that he was far from a Prince Charming. Suddenly, suicidal ideations began to linger in his mind, and he even began to develop plans to go through with committing suicide.

Tom had a career as a college professor, was married, and had two children. However his bipolar disorder symptoms were effecting every part of his life. His depression and rapid cycling triggered a relapse and psychiatric hospitalization. He suddenly became grandiose about a career as an actor in Hollywood, and left his life in Arkansas to seek his dream. He left everything he had: his wife, children, home, and career. His marriage eventually ended.

After all the financial struggles and emotional pain, he decided to call his father. Tom’s father comforted him and told him he should come back home. The anguish did not end as he faced the suicide of his brother and step-sister.

This book will take the reader on a rollercoaster ride with a happy ending. It is a page turner. I found myself wanting to read more and more. When I finished reading the book, I thought, “Wow, now that was a good book!” I most definitely give Tom Robert’s book five stars.

Tom Roberts now lives a more stable life on medication and is a public speaker. He remarried a kind hearted Egyptian woman who loves him just as he is. He is a grandfather now which has brought him great joy and purpose in his life. Having grandchildren has also brought his family closer together. Mental health recovery and a happy family ended his journey to a better place.

To enter to win an ebook copy of Escape From Myself, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “escape,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen August 12, 2017. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.

You can use this link to purchase the book on Amazon. If you have ad blocker on you may not see the link:

Check out KRL’s Mental Health section for more mental health related articles.

Maricela Estrada-Moreno is the author of Bipolar Girl: My Psychotic Self. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from California State University, Fullerton. She works for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health as a Medical Case Worker. She is also a public speaker and is dedicated on raising public awareness and decreasing the stigma associated with mental illness.