Call Me Crazy by May Seymour, Article Review Example

Mary Seymour explores mental illness in ‘Call Me Crazy.’ The story begins with the main character talking about “crazy” people. They go on to discuss the light-hearted manner in which society describes the mentally ill before admitting, “I’m one of the mentally ill.”

Taken by complete surprise, the reader is drawn into the central character’s life after the psychotic breakdown that occurred seven years prior. Although the road back to stability has been challenging, the protagonist has made much progress, thanks to self-determination and a bit of professional help.

One theme that is clear in Seymour’s story is that of mental illness as it relates to society. Although the main character spent several days and nights in the psychiatric ward shortly after suffering a complete breakdown, few people in the protagonist’s life are aware of the mental struggles that are still endured. Seymour’s account, then, presents the state of suffering from bipolar disorder or any other mental illness as a personal struggle.

While I agree that individuals who experience psychological difficulties often battle in silence, their fight is hardly individualized. Family members and friends of the mentally ill suffer alongside their loved ones, and are most impacted when psychological problems lead to personal injury. Seymour still, however, creates a story that presents the struggles and pains of the mentally ill, which is most important in a society that often does not understand the psychologically troubled.