A Mind That Found Itself: An Autobiography

"A Mind That Found Itself: An Autobiography" by Clifford Whittingham Beers is a memoir from the early 1900s, telling the story of Beers' intense battle with mental illness and his path to recovery. Beers shares his childhood, noting his shyness and worries that suggested the challenges he would later face. He talks about important events in his life, especially his brother’s sickness, which led to his own mental breakdown, filled with fears and a failed attempt to take his own life. As he describes these tough times, he pulls readers into his mind, showing the isolation and sadness felt by those with mental health issues, while also giving a peek into the misunderstood world of mental institutions. This beginning sets the scene for a moving look at personal pain, strength, and the search for self in the middle of chaos.