Elyn R. Saks QUOTES

8 " The humanity we all share is more important than the mental illnesses we may not "

― Elyn R. Saks , The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness

10 " If you are walking on a path thick with brambles and rocks, a path that abruptly twists and turns, it's easy to get lost, or tired, or discouraged. You might be tempted to give up entirely. But if a kind and patient person comes along and takes your hand, saying, "I see you're having a hard time- here, follow me, I'll help you find your way," the path becomes manageable, the journey less frightening. "

― Elyn R. Saks , The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness

12 " Don’t focus on it,” she said. “Don’t define yourself in terms of something which even many highly trained and gifted professionals do not fully understand. "

― Elyn R. Saks , The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness

14 " But explaining what I’ve come to call “disorganization” is a different challenge altogether. Consciousness gradually loses its coherence. One’s center gives way. The center cannot hold. The “me” becomes a haze, and the solid center from which one experiences reality breaks up like a bad radio signal. "

― Elyn R. Saks , The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness

16 " So the grades I earned were the only objective signal I ever received about how I was doing in the world. The task of setting and achieving academic goals operated as a sort of adhesive; I needed it to hold myself together. Failing (or, at least in this case, failing my own expectations) tore that adhesive off and further splintered my fragile sense of self. "

― Elyn R. Saks , The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness

18 " There are forces of nature and circumstance that are beyond our control, let alone our understanding, and to insist on victory in the face of this, to accept nothing less, is just asking for a soul-pummeling. The simple truth is, not every fight can be won. "

― Elyn R. Saks