I Know This Much is True

I read this novel, I Know This Much is True, by Wally Lamb many moons ago. As I was looking at my Crave TV app for something new to watch, I discovered a series of the same name. So I thought, what the hell I will give it a shot. I tend to watch a lot of crime-related shows, historical pieces, and mental health-related content.

I will say that since I began watching this series, it is overwhelmingly a good representation of an individual with what appears to be a medication-resistant twin male, diagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia. The story is basically from the perspective of the twin brother who does not have this illness yet is affected tremendously his entire life as he cares for, worries about, and struggles with the system of mental health. I believe I am in the third episode of the series, and so far, I would recommend this series. I highly recommend the book.

I liked how the character Dominic, spoke about his brother before the illness. Dominic spoke about his relationship with his twin as if he ‘lost’ his brother, and in a sense, I understand that perspective.

I compare it to what a family member may feel when their loved one has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. They witness behaviors, comments, or interests that once made up the parts of their loved one peak out, only soon to watch the same person be lost in confusion, delusions, hallucinations, and lost memories.

I understand the feeling of hopelessness and frustration as a family member and within the role of a mental health support worker for 14 years.

I know this much is true – mental health stigma is alive and strong, even within professional environments that support and treat sufferers. The isolation, fear, and discrimination the ill person and their family experiences are heartbreaking. Advocacy within the system has a long way to go.

So far, this series on Crave TV has been able to communicate this message. I rate this series as a thumbs up so far.

Share this: