Chipmunka Anthology (Volume One), The

ISBN: 978-1-84747-165-9
Published: 2007
Pages: 172
Key Themes: post-natal depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), homosexuality, homophobia, film-script, recovery

Volume one of the Chipmunka Anthology contains four stories very different by equally inspiring stories of mental health empowerment. It includes:

'Hooter Magic' by Caroline Bett

Postnatal depression or what? Do I think I became depressed? Probably, yes. This book documents my experience of having a baby and afterwards. I was positive, keen and energetic but struggled and can easily tell you that I found being a new mother one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. It is so difficult to explain to others the enormity of the problems when seen from a new mother’s point of view. Only certain people will go through the whole gamut of nightmares, others none and some somewhere in between, so not every mother will appreciate that what they sailed through or did not experience can be a major difficulty for others. Dr. Caroline Bett
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'A Diary of OCD' by Mandy Kay

The saying goes that all the best things come in small packages and this is certainly true of this micro-book. Mandy Kay describes what it is like to suffer from OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), a condition that is much misunderstood. This short book is ideal for sufferers who would like to understand how others deal with this debilitating condition.
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'Dabda' by Mark Hoofe

Dabda is a short-film script based around the theories of Elizabeth Kubler-Ross regarding grieving and loss. It explores the effects of homophobia upon a person’s mental health and how this can affect them in later life. The film is based around Jason's dreaming, set in a stark atmosphere, in an empty room. The Narrator is a tall man dressed like a ringmaster in a circus, he is “Society”. The Voices are unseen, they embody “Thought” and are nasty, gossiping type voices. Jason’s sexuality becomes internalised and twisted. He internalises his own homophobia and his angry stance against society in general, which emerges in pointless, ruthless, aggressive sex. The dreamlike quality of the film echoes Jason's thoughts when he was younger, and although he is more settled and comfortable with his sexuality, he is haunted by the dreams of his earlier life.
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'Behind the Dark Clouds There is Sunshine' by Julia Hope

Behind the 'Dark Clouds...' describes Julia’s life and how she has coped with reactive depression, how others have helped and supported her and encouraged her to help and support others thus aiding her own recovery. It is an honest and straightforward account written in an informative manner. Underpinning this piece of work is the notion that coping on a daily basis and simply getting through life is often hard and sometimes we all need support with that. Julia’s illness has had a massive impact on her life and has influenced her to become the person that she is today, this book provides an insight into her journey to date.
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